Eve & Adam

Eve & Adam by Michael Grant, Katherine Applegate

Evening Wakes To A New World!

Evening has just witnessed her own death. Watched as her arm was crushed, her leg severed, and the blood, so much blood accompanied by a horrific screaming that she realises is coming from herself. She doesn't think she will survive this, is sure no one could survive this. Then after what they say was fourteen hours of surgery, Evening wakes up clean, bandaged and with less and less pain. Her severed leg reattached and healing at a remarkable rate, Evening is no longer in hospital but is recuperating under her mothers care in a facility that is more used to lab rats than human patients.

Adam has just witnessed his own creation, watched as a girl put him together piece by piece. Once born he is given many facts but there is only one true thought that is his own. Evening, he loves Evening.

Solo has just witnessed one unscrupulous horror to many. Over the years he has come to despise Terra Spiker and her facility, has plotted how to expose her amoral, unethical and illegal practices to the world. The day is coming when he will have all the evidence he needs to bring her down. Then that day arrives and he has more then enough to prove Spiker Biotech should be shut down, there is only one problem, Evening. He never expected to develop feelings for the bosses daughter, never thought he would have to chose between covering up a crime or protecting the girl he loves.

Eve and Adam is a creation story that begins with an apple and ends with a boy, created and brought to life by a girl. Only there is more to creation then pushing a few buttons, and sometimes perfect isn't at all what we are looking for. This is a story that goes beyond themes of friendships, loss, gang violence and identity. A story that strays into the realm of human experimentation, genetic modifications and corporate cover-ups. Alongside the philosophical, scientific and even artistic implications of life and creation is a dangerous, bloody and romantic story that you just can't resist.

Michael Grant Webpage

Michael Grant, Katherine Applegate @ Hardie Grant Egmont

On sale: 01 October 2012
Price (AU): $22.95
ISBN: 9781405265263
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Eve
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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Point 4 #2

POINT 4:
1.4 (One.Four) by Mike Lancaster

Reminded!

The Straker Tapes were recorded nearly a thousand years ago and although the record has survived, although there are those who believe in these events with increasing numbers, the sad truth is that this is nothing more then a hoax, a dream with no scientific proof to back up these claims. This is what Peter Vincent believes because it is what his father has taught him to believe. But what if everything he believed was a lie?

The Link has existed for as long as anyone can remember. It connects us all to each other with little more then a thought, it stores our memories, records our thoughts, contains our history, it defines who we are and the world we live in. But the Link is not limitless, not infallible, and not unable to be hacked. Memories can be altered, thoughts can be stolen and history can be rewritten. When who we are can change in an instant, all we can do is tell our story and hope we are remembered.

1.4 is an upgrade from the Straker Tapes to the Vincent Files. Although set in the future where the people are different, the story is essentially the same. The frightening truth behind our very existence, behind the evolution of humans and the next stage to come is as thought provoking and compelling to learn as it was the first time around. An exceptional science fiction story every bit as extraordinary as 0.4.

Mike Lancaster Webpage

Mike Lancaster @ Hardie Grant Egmont

On sale: 01 June 2012
Price (AU): $16.95
ISBN: 9781405258180
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Strakerites
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Shift

Shift by Em Bailey

A Friendship You'll Die To Have!
 

Ever since the incident, and since her father left, Olive has looked at the world differently and has not liked what she saw, especially about herself. Cutting herself off from her former friends, from Alison, and throwing out everything about her old self, her old life, she has replaced it all. From new friends to a new wardrobe and a bedroom makeover, she has finally found a new version of herself that she is happy with. Unfortunately so has someone else.

When she first discovered the shapeshifter she feared no one would believe her until it was too late. But when her life was shattered and her perceptions changed she realised that believing in shapshifters was something only a crazy girl would do, and she was not crazy, at least not anymore. So when the so called 'shapeshifter' befriends her she no longer holds the crazy fear of losing her identity or her life. However she may be crazy not to fear.

Shift mingles together all aspects of friendship from loyalty, acceptance and encouragement to misunderstandings, manipulation and malaise. Not all friendships are healthy, and while some are only fleeting and created out of need, others can be down right dangerous. However it is a true friend who will stand by you when you need them most. A genuinely engaging story that surprises and leaves you wondering.

Em Bailey Webpage

Em Bailey @ Hardie Grant Egmont

On sale: 01 September 2011
Price (AU): $22.95
ISBN: 9781921564390
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Shifters
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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Forgotten

Forgotten by Cat Patrick

'I Remember Forwards, And Forget Backwards'

She had no warning for the day ahead and she should have, it should have been in her notes. He should have been in her notes. Instead she was blind sighted by a new boy she has no memories of ever meeting, and since she can only remember the future she has to assume he is not a part of her future.

Reading through her notes she realises she had seen this boy before, both yesterday and the day before. It is evident that she will most likely see him again tomorrow, but for some reason he does not appear in her memories. However the presence of a new memory, one dark and foreshadowing death is about to turn her life upside down.

Forgotten is a past scribbled on notes and a future remembered before it is lived. While her mother is not around, her father is not in her life and her best friend is not speaking to her, the one person there for her is the one person she can't remember. A simple yet touching story of a girl who, although having no past, can see the future bright and clear. However despite her uniqueness she is just an ordinary girl falling in love and finding hope for the future.

Cat Patrick Webpage

Cat Patrick @ Hardie Grant Egmont

On sale: 01 June 2011
Price (AU): $22.95
ISBN: 9781921690624
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Forgotten
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: three out of five
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Ondine #2

ONDINE:
The Autumn Palace by Ebony McKenna

There's Magic In The Air!

Ondine and Hamish have had the whole summer to find each other and fall in love. Now autumn has arrived and Hamish is called away to begin his employment with the Duke as Shambles, his ferret alter ego, to perform duties as a spy. Ondine, although forbidden by her parents to leave home, has decided to follow her heart and Hamish to the Dukes palace the Autumn Palechia. Ondine's parents will not be happy about this at all. However the greater problem will be, if after travelling all the way to the other side of the country, if she is permitted to stay.

Being in love Ondine and Hamish want only to be together, however it is Shambles who is more often then not making an appearance much to Ondine's dismay. However with the very real threat to the Dukes life Ondine can hardly blame Hamish for being preoccupied with his job. As Ondine, Hamish/Shambles and her aunt Colette are set the task of finding this would be assassin, a task that is proving extremely formidable in a palace as there is no shortage of secrets and backstabbing, they find time is running short.

The Autumn Palace is a place filled with hard-working, demanding, spoilt, misunderstood and generally crazy people. There is a feeling to the palace that has people acting in ways they wouldn't normally and Ondine is no exception. Ashamed at her behaviour having spied, lied, cheated and betrayed while all the while holding down three jobs as well as keeping up, or failing at, school work, Ondine still manages to redeem herself. A love story wrapped in a mystery, Ondine may at times be ruled by her emotions but she is by no means incompetent, being quite ingenious and clever. A sweet and intriguing story that will leave you gushing and guessing to the last page.

Ebony McKenna Webpage

Ebony McKenna @ Hardie Grant Egmont

On sale: 01 March 2011
Price (AU): $14.95
ISBN: 9781405256384
Recommended age: 12+
In a word: Spies
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: yes
Star rating: three out of five
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Point 4 #1

POINT 4:
0.4 (Zero.Four) by Mike Lancaster

Remember!

If true this record will change not only the way we think about ourselves and the world around us, but it will change our history, our future and what it means to be human.

Two years ago tapes were discovered; an ancient technology that carried a story of the past, of events so shocking that if true would change everything. Known as the Kyle Straker tapes these were transcribed into an equally out of date information storage device known as books, the reason for this becomes clear as you learn this tale.

The only reason Kyle put his hand up was to allow his friend to save face as all alone on stage in front of the whole village Danny waited for volunteers. It was a bit embarrassing but what was the worse that could happen, it wasn't as if Danny had any really ability to succeed. But as Kyle and the three other volunteers on stage opened their eyes it was to the most disturbing sight they had ever seen. The world had changed, no, not the world, just everyone in it.

0.4 percent of people in the small village of Millgrove have remained unaffected, 0.4 percent of people in the world are unchanged, or so they thought, but what if there were a more sinister meaning to the label 0.4?  Part mystery and part thriller, this is science fiction at its very best. Both thought provoking and provocative, it is a story that will challenge all that you believe and leave you haunted with the possibilities. I literally could not put it down, an extraordinary read.

Mike Lancaster Webpage

Mike Lancaster @ Hardie Grant Egmont

On sale: 01 February 2011
Price (AU): $16.95
ISBN: 9781405253048
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Upgrade
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Zelah Green

Zelah Green by Vanessa Curtis

Alert, Alert, Alert!

Zelah's name was given to her by the place of her conception as she was told by her mother; her mother told her a great many romantic and happy stories surrounding her birth and upbringing. But Zelah learnt all too soon that these stories were just stories and that the reality of things was much different. But when that reality became too hard to cope with and Zelah's whole world shattered, Zelah began her rituals.

With so much that has happened to her, so much that has gone wrong, Zelah controls her life in the only way can, her rituals. Zelah has a number of odd rituals that she must perform daily or her day just doesn't go right. There is a proper term for what she has, what she does, but she prefers to call herself a cleanaholic then be labelled with any formal terms.

Zelah Green is a girl who through her rituals has found a way to cope with the tragedy in her life. But now her rituals are running her life and Zelah's not so sure she want a life without them, or if she can live without them. Her rituals of washing and cleaning everything around her, of not touching anything without a tissue, of not eating anything without her own cutlery or completing her day without her jumping might leave others thinking that Zelah is crazy but when it comes right down to it aren't we all a little crazy. An insightful and endearing read.

Vanessa Curtis @ Hardie Grant Egmont

On sale: 04 January 2011
Price (AU): $16.95
ISBN: 9781405255059
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: OCD
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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The Little Prince

The Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupery

'Matters Of Consequence!'

When a man's plane falls out of the sky to land in the Sahara Desert, the last thing he expected to find was a boy who had fallen from the stars. Like all children the Little Prince asks lots of questions and sees with his imagination. He is curious and charming and wise beyond his years, but he is also lonely and misses his home. Over a week the man and the Little Prince share stories and their lives as they form a friendship that, although only short lived, would last the rest of their lives. And neither will look at a star the in same way again.

The Little Prince is a beautiful story that will touch your heart. Imagination, something that seems to fade over time as many adults do not seem to appreciate it, here is cherished and encouraged. As is the importance of the little things in life, as many of us become more easily distracted from those oh so important things in life the older we get, such as tending a flower or a friendship. This is a book that asks you to not only to believe in a Little Prince from the stars but ask why not believe in a Little Prince from the stars.

Antoine De Saint-Exupery @ Hardie Grant Egmont

On sale: 02 October 1998
Price (AU): $14.95
ISBN: 9780749707231
Recommended age: 8+
In a word: Stars
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Outside In

Outside In by Chrissie Keighery

Its What's On the Inside That Counts!

From the shadows she watches them from the outside looking in. She watches without being watched, they are popular and good looking and to them she is invisible. From this view, from the outside looking in they all seem perfect, their lives are perfect.

From the inside the view is different. On the inside everyone is dealing with their own personal problems and while some are more serious then others everyone suffers the same. Everyone is hiding on the inside, afraid of being hurt, afraid of being alone. But even on the outside cracks are starting to show.

Outside In introduces an ensemble cast sharing their experiences in a way that is both illuminating and affectionate. A powerful story that compels an emotional investment into the lives of a group of people whom little is known about. That is apart from the perspectives of others looking in from the outside, and the glimpses revealed from the inside out. Definitely a must read.

Chrissie Keighery Webpage

Chrissie Keighery @ Hardie Grant Egmont

On sale: 01 September 2010
Price (AU): $16.95
ISBN: 9781921502361
Recommended age: 13+
In a word: Inside Out
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Ondine #1

ONDINE:
The Summer Of Shambles by Ebony McKenna

A Witch Did This!

In the small country of Brugel a girl is spending her summer holidays at Psychic Summercamp, a very real summer school that is not at all as fun as you might believe. Ondine having slept through an exam has had enough and has decided to run away to home, but she doesn't leave alone. A ferret, Shambles, has decided to leave with her.

On the journey home Ondine is shocked to discover that Shambles, the ferret, can talk. More then that he was in the past a real boy. By the time she arrives home she has learnt the how and why this is possible, however there is little time to ponder this now as things at home are hectic.

As the youngest of three daughters, Ondine along with her sisters face their greatest challenge in their overprotective father. This is despite the murderous plots, crippling gossip and thieves in the night. But there are some good things to look forward to too; a recovered treasure, a handsome duke and a new romance.

Ondine is a very simple but charming story of magic, mystery and love. As the first in a series this book offers a little of everything, including some very quirky little footnotes. Although not the story of water nymphs I had imagined it to be, those of you who know the mythology behind the name Ondine will know what I'm talking about, it is non the less an ideal read for any young girl looking for a pinch of mystery, a dash of enchantment, and a stirring of romance.

Ebony McKenna Webpage

Ebony McKenna @ Hardie Grant Egmont

On sale: 01 April 2010
Price (AU): $14.95
ISBN: 9781405253420
Recommended age: 12+
In a word: Shambles
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: probably
Star rating: three out of five
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An ABC Of Pirates

An ABC Of Pirates by Caroline Stills

illustrated by Heath McKenzie

Where Going On A Treasure Hunt!

A Pirates life is an exciting life that is full of Adventure, Mutiny and Treasure. It is a messy and unpredictable life on the seas that at any moment can erupt in a sword fight, be responsible for a kidnapping, or see one mutinied on a deserted island.

However things are not always as they seem when you sail with a Pirates, for there is a lot that is strange and unelectable, for example the astronaut on the anchor, the fairy in the netting, and the vacuum cleaner in the bathtub. Or possibly that's only just the start of what you'll find when you sail through these fulfilled pages.

An ABC Of Pirates is a whimsical and funny story full of surprises and hidden treasures. Offering hours of fun in a Where's Wally style hunt for items of the alphabet. A charming book to introduce your little Pirate or Landlubber to the alphabet.

 

Caroline Stills Webpage

(illustrator) Heath McKenzie Webpage

Caroline Stills @ Little Hare Books Hardie Grant Publishing

On sale: 01 March 2010
Price (AU): $24.99
ISBN: 9781921272776
Recommended age: 3+
In a word: Pirates
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: to children
Star rating: five out of five
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Little Blue

Little Blue by Gaye Chapman

'Little Blue Was Lost'

Little Blue had been lost for a very long time. Alone in the forest Little Blue was one day discovered by Will, a boy out walking in the forest.

Little Blue's home had steps to the mountains; Will's home has a path to the hills. Little Blue's home had blue trees; Will's home has green trees. Little Blue's home had Father and bluebirds; Will's home has Grandmother and hens.

Little Blue and Will searched all over but still could not find Little Blue's home. But as Little Blue followed Will to his home they made an unexpected and pleasant surprise.

Little Blue is a simple yet delicate and touching story that is absolutely beautifully presented. A charming book to treasure and share with those you love.

 

Gaye Chapman Webpage

Gaye Chapman @ Little Hare Books Hardie Grant Publishing

 

On sale: 01 December 2009
Price (AU): $19.99
ISBN: 9781921541209
Recommended age: 3+
In a word: Lost
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: to children
Star rating: five out of five
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Hush, Hush

Hush, Hush! by Margaret Wild

illustrated by Bridget Strevens-Marzo

A Walk Through The Reeds To Create A Sleepy Hush!

Baby Hippo couldn't sleep; he was too awake and too full of energy for sleep. Baby Hippo played and rolled about, he wriggled and moved, and still he was too full of energy for sleep. Baby Hippo turned upside down and stood on his head, he waggled his legs and moved them about in the air, and still he was too full of energy for sleep.

It was time for Baby Hippo to sleep; his mum was calling him to sleep. But Baby Hippo was not sleepy, so he decided to take a walk instead. He trotted through reeds, mud, rocks, grass and trees. Along the way Baby Hippo meet with all kinds of baby animals, all with their mums, being called to sleep. Baby Hippo wanted his mum, he wanted to go to sleep.

Hush, Hush! is enchanting and warm. Baby Hippo's walk is highlighted by gorgeous and delightful illustrations that compliment its light and musical narrative. It's a lovely story of mothers and their babies, for mothers and their babies. A story both whimsical and sincere that will be well loved.

(illustrator) Bridget Stevens Webpage

(illustrator) Bridget Marzo Webpage

Margaret Wild @ Little Hare Books Hardie Grant Publishing

On sale: 01 November 2009
Price (AU): $24.99
ISBN: 9781921272868
Recommended age: 3+
In a word: Hush
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: to children
Star rating: four out of five
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Me and You

Me and You by Janet A. Holmes

illustrated by Judith Rossell

What I Like Best...!

Little rabbit is one happy bunny. There are many things little rabbit loves about being a rabbit, many things he can do that make him happy. Little rabbit can hop, skip and jump, swim like a fish, run with a kite and climb up a tree.

Everyday little rabbit does many different things that make him happy and everyday when he hop, skips and plays little rabbit plays with a friend by his side. Although little rabbit loves to play, nothing makes him happier than doing those things with his best friend, little mouse, by his side.

Me and You is a tender tale of friendship and fun. Little rabbit and little mouse are the best of friend doing everything together as they demonstrate just how important friendship is. Beautifully engaging with charming and bright illustrations, Me and You is a story best enjoyed with little friend.

 

(illustrator) Judith Russell Webpage

Janet A. Holmes @ Little Hare Books Hardie Grant Publishing

 

On sale: 01 November 2008
Price (AU): $24.99
ISBN: 9781921272547
Recommended age: 3+
In a word: Friendship
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: to children
Star rating: four out of five
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I could be a Superhero!

I Could Be A Superhero! by Chris Hornsey

illustrated by Gwyn Perkins

When I Grow Up...!

Murphy is a little dog with big ideas; he has many dreams of the future and imagines himself as all sorts of wonderful things, from a teacher, a pop star, and a magician, to a dinosaur hunter, a superhero and many more.

What little boy or girl doesn't have BiG dreams for when they grow up. Murphy embodies all the ideas and possibilities that children dream up about their future and the possibilities available to them through their imaginations.

Ultimately Murphy learns he could be marvellous just being himself, just as children learn that they too can be great just by being themselves. A charming and creative book that sparks the imagination, children will be delighted with the possibilities presented within these pages.

 

Chris Hornsey @ Little Hare Books

 

On sale: 01 September 2009
Price (AU): $14.99
ISBN: 9781921541186
Recommended age: 3+
In a word: Imagine
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: to children
Star rating: four out of five
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Duck

Duck by Janet A. Holmes

illustrated by Jonathan Bentley

'Duck Is Where The Heart Is...'

A little boy introduces us to Duck. Duck is yellow and raggedy, smells like a blanket, feels soft and woolly, and can do nothing without the little boy. The little boy is Duck's hero.

One day the little boy discovers Duck is missing. The little boy looks everywhere for Duck, he asks all over town, even asking the dog next door, but still Duck could not be found. The little boy is so upset he is no longer able to do anything, not eat his dinner or splash in the bath.

Later as the little boy curled up in the corner between the cushions, he makes a discovery, Duck is hidden deep beneath the cushions. The little boy is so happy, he missed Duck so much and now that Duck is back he can do anything again. Duck is the little boy's hero.

Duck is a simple yet heartfelt story of friendship and love. It demonstrates that sometimes we don't appreciate what we have until it's gone, or just how much we care about someone till they are no longer there. Duck shows us that we need others as much as they need us, and that its no fun doing things on your own. A truly beautiful story to share with those you love.

  

(illustrator) Jonathan Bentley Webpage

Janet A. Holmes @ Little Hare Books Hardie Grant Publishing

On sale: 01 April 2009
Price (AU): $24.99
ISBN: 9781921272875
Recommended age: 3+
In a word: Duck
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: to children
Star rating: five out of five
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Little Horrors - Book 2

LITTLE HORRORS:
Mal the Mischievous Mermaid by Tiffany Mandrake

illustrated by Martin Chatterton

Being Mischievous Can Be Merry!

Mermaids are not the beautiful, peaceful creatures of the deep we have been taught to believe. True mermaids are, well, not so pretty, and are born to be bad. Mal the mermaid is not so good at being bad. Although she will tell you stories of bad deeds.

When one day Mal is forced to take action she surprises herself, but no one is willing to believe her. Not after all her stories. But someone has been watching, someone who sees potential in Mal.

A critter-fae, a gull, is sent to Mal with an invitation to earn a Badge of Badness from the Head Hags of Hags' Abademy of Badness. Mal is over the moon, finally everyone will have to believe that she is bad.

Mal is determined to earn a Badge of Badness, despite a cranky kraken, an elusive eel, a silly sailor and a mischievous plan. But things don't seem to be working out. Can being good be the way to earn a Badge of Badness?

Mal the Mischievous Mermaid is a merry and messy tale that is very entertaining; children will love it.

 

(illustrator) Martin Chatterton Webpage

Tiffany Mandrake @ Little Hare Books Hardie Grant Publishing

On sale: 01 February 2009
Price (AU): $10.99
ISBN: 9781921272714
Recommended age: 7-10
In a word: Mischievous
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: to children
Star rating: three out of five
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Little Horrors - Book 1

LITTLE HORRORS:

Flax the Feral Fairy by Tiffany Mandrake

illustrated by Martin Chatterton

Being Feral Can Be Fun!

Gone are the days of mischievous fairies who would 'borrow' items without asking, turn milk sour and lead folk to a water death in the swamps and lakes. Now fairies are good and sweet and do all they can to be helpful. But not all fairies are happy about this.

Two water hags, Maggie Nabbie and Auld Anni, are discussing the old days when fairies were tricky and bad. Lamenting that there are no more bad fairies, and blaming Miss Kisses' Academy of Sweetness for Little Fairies for it. But all is not lost.

A critter-fae happens upon the hags with news, Kristy Breeks, a hag and cleaner at Miss Kisses' Academy of Sweetness for Little Fairies has found a bad fairy. But they must get to her quickly before Miss Kisses turns her into another good fairy like all the others.

Flax is a student at Miss Kisses' Academy of Sweetness for Little Fairies, but she's not a very good student. While all the other fairies are busy going about performing sweet deeds for humans in an effort to earn a Seal of Sweetness, Flax is not. Flax would rather be bad. And one night she gets her chance.

Flax is awoken in the middle of the night by a tiny dog with wings, a critter-fae, with an invitation to earn a Badge of Badness from the newly formed Head Hags of Hags' Abademy of Badness. Flax cannot believe her luck.

Excited, Flax creates a plan that will gain her a Badge of Badness, but things don't seem to work out as planed. Despite kidnappers and mouldering mansion and banshees and an ogre. Will Flax be able to earn her Badge of Badness or have things gotten so bad, good, that she will instead be offered a Seal of Sweetness.

Flax the Feral Fairy is a fun and naughty tale that is very entertaining; children will love it.

 

(illustrator) Martin Chatterton Webpage

Tiffany Mandrake @ Little Hare Books Hardie Grant Publishing

On sale: 01 February 2009
Price (AU): $10.99
ISBN: 9781921272707
Recommended age: 7-10
In a word: Feral
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: to children
Star rating: three out of five
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