Vulture's Gate

Vulture's Gate by Kirsty Murray

Its The End Of The World,

And Its Just The Beginning!

For Callum, a colony boy, Vulture's Gate represents hope. After being stolen from his home in the outback by savage Outstationers and sold on as an attraction in a freak show, forced to perform in a circus for cruel masters, Callum escapes and returns to his outback home only to find his fathers gone, and his home destroyed. The only message left for him, his fathers are waiting for him in Vulture's Gate.

Bo is a girl living alone in the outback. She has been alone for the last six months, hunting, foraging and surviving. When one day she rescues a boy on the outskirts of her lands, she finds her once isolated home now set upon by dangerous Outstationers. With her home destroyed and all her family gone she feels lost, but with this boy she finds a friendship and something worth holding on to.

As Callum and Bo travel together across a harsh and desolate land, they are learning that the world they grew up in, and everything they were taught to believe, is not the world that exists before them. Callum always believed girls were extinct; he had been brought up sheltered from the ugliness that exists in the world. Bo, although taught to read, hunt and put together technology, is naive to the world beyond her lands; ignorant to what it is to be a girl.

But it is at Vulture's Gate that Callum and Bo discover the harsh truth of what has happened to the world. There, their dreams are crushed and their futures are left uncurtain, as each comes face to face with the horrors of what it means to live and survive in Vulture's Gate. But once inside are they able to escape?

Vulture's Gate is a provocative and well written story that raises questions of gender and society. In Callum and Bo the male and female perspectives are given, and in the story each sex blames the existence of the other all the ills that have befallen them and the world around them. Society is ruled by dictators with their drones and test-tube babies. Beyond that are the anarchists, religious extremists and Festers with their gambolling, bombs and human trafficking. But underlying all that is the theme of hope presented in the fairytales told by Bo.

 

Kirsty Murray Webpage

Kirsty Murray @ Allen & Unwin

On sale: 01 August 2009
Price (AU): $15.99
ISBN: 9781741757101
Recommended age: 12-18
In a word: Future
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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After

After by Sue Lawson

It's What Happens After That Counts!

In one moment your whole life can change. For Callum, a moment of thoughtlessness has turned his world upside-down.

Before, Callum was popular, cool; a city kid active with friends and in sport, and everyone had known him as Cj. After, no one wanted him around. Callum had been shipped away to the country, dumped on his grandparents whom he had never met before.

Callum was feeling isolated and alone, but most of all he was feeling angry. Angry at his mother for forcing him to leave, angry at his grandparents for not understanding, angry at the bully at his new school for picking on him and the weak kids. But mostly Callum was angry at himself.

Callum had still not dealt with the tragedy that had instigated his move to the country. His mother had hoped that the move would help him to heal; instead Callum retreated further inside himself, pushing away anyone who tried to get close, pushing back the grief and guilt that was building inside him.

Luke 'Benny', a boy in Callum's class who has suffered a brain injury, befriends Callum, much to Callum's dismay. Before, Callum would have treated Luke just as the bullies at his new school do. After, now, Callum finds himself sticking up for Luke. Callum finds that his friendship is able to help Luke heal, what he didn't expect was how much Luke's friendship would help him heal.

After is a poignant and thought provoking novel that steps between the before and after of a life changing event in such a way as to create a dramatic and intriguing story that from the opening pages draws you in, suspended, till its conclusion.

Its relatable characters shape Callum's experiences and feelings, impacting on his relationships with those around him, his own feelings of self worth and his ability to cope with what has happened in his life. It is a story about relevant issues faced by teenagers; friendship, family, feelings of belong and abandonment, anger, low self-esteem, change, grief and loss.

Sue Lawson Webpage

Sue Lawson @ Black Dog Books Walker Books

On sale: 03 August 2009
Price (AU): $18.99
ISBN: 9781742031125
Recommended age: 13+
In a word: After
Re-read it: possibly
Recommend: yes
Star rating: three out of five
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Nemesis - Book 1

NEMESIS:
Nemesis and the Fairy of Pure Heart

by Ashley Du Toit

A Treasure Hunt For The Pure Hearted!

Humans have long lived in a world surrounded by magic, though they do not know it. An enchanted magical world surrounds the human mortal world, it is a world divided into twelve distinct realms, and it is home to all immortal and magical beings.

Bella, the Fairy of Pure Heart has wandered into the mortal world, she has made friends with the human Prince Arthur, and she has led him into the immortal world of magic. All of which is forbidden. Nemesis, the dragon who rules all twelve realms of the immortal realm, has stolen the Prince Arthur as punishment for this action.

Bella, Fairy of Pure Heart, is heart broken. Nemesis is strong and powerful and rescuing Prince Arthur from Nemesis will not be easy. But despite her fear, and the difficulty involved, Bella has to try.

An impossible task has been set before Bella. The Great Dragon's Hunt must be undertaken, a treasure hunt for five tokens. These tokens are a representation of the trials and dangers Bella must overcome to prove her worth. Bella must display friendship, trust, assistance, bravery, truth, and of cause a pure heart in order to win back her prince. But will it be enough?

With the help of her friend Teague the butterfly, Bella travels through the twelve realms of the immortal realm to hunt down the tokens need. Along the way meeting, trolls, pixies, witches, werewolves, elfins, water spirits, goblins, leprechauns and nuffins. But her greatest challenge will be in her meeting Nemesis the dragon himself.

It is a fun story of friendship and bravery that will entertain and delight many children. The adventure continues in book two, Nemesis and the Troll King, which will be available from March 2010.

Ashley Du Toit Webpage

On sale: 01 June 2009
Price (AU): $19.95
ISBN: 9780980611205
Recommended age: 5-11
In a word: Treasure Hunt
Re-read it: possibly
Recommend: to children
Star rating: three out of five
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Sevenwaters Forest - Book 4

SEVENWATERS FOREST:
Heir to Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier

Do My Eyes Deceive Me!

Many things are about to change at Sevenwaters. For years now Lord Sean, chieftain of Sevenwaters has held the peace between the tribes to the north and south of his lands. There has been a strong bond of friendship between the family of Sevenwaters and the Fair Folk that dwell within the protected forests of Sevenwaters. But all this peace is about to be undone, and Clodagh, daughter of Lord Sean, is to see her life turned upside down.

When a series of events brings tragedy after tragedy down upon Clodagh's family no one is above suspicion, setting sister against sister, father against daughter, uncle against nephew, and ultimately father against son. As the dust begins to settle all fingers point to a warrior, once welcomed into the home of Sevenwaters now finding himself on the run. But there are other forces at work set to tear Clodagh's family apart.

Is Clodagh losing her wits as her father would have her believe, and the unrest in her home is all the work of the strange and questionable warrior? Or is she the only one at Sevenwaters able to see the truth in what has happened, and that the answer to all their troubles lies with the Fair Folk? Despite their goodwill in the past, Clodagh cannot be dissuaded from her belief of the Fair Folk's involvement, but can not think of what has changed to set them against her family?

All of a sudden Clodagh finds herself a stranger in her own home, someone with whom her family can no longer trust, and like it or not her only ally is the warrior who she neither trusts nor likes. Against her family, but also out of a sense of duty and love to them, Clodagh travels to the Otherworld to seek the truth that her family refuse to see. But what starts out as a quest of duty to her family develops into a fight for life and survival. Her only weapons, her great capacity for compassion, a talisman, some unlikely friends, and a selfless act of love.

A story that draws you in from the first and holds you captive till its very end. Its history, detail and characters are all vividly and beautifully brought to life in this tale of adventure, danger and love. I have spent the past few days wrapped up in this book and I have loved every minute of it. A must read for any lover of fantasy and fiction.

Britain & Ireland - map

Juliet Marillier Webpage

Juliet Marillier @ Pan Macmillan

On sale: 01 August 2009
Price (AU): $24.99
ISBN: 9780330425131
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Quest
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Wings #1

WINGS:

Wings by Aprilynne Pike

'Hell Of A First Zit'

Laurel is just your average teenage girl; ok, so she has the looks of a model, the grace of a bird, is up with the sun and has weird (healthy) eating habits, but she's still normal. Right?

One morning Laurel wakes to find a zit, her first zit, right in the middle of her back. Although a bit disgusted she's also a little relieved, it was normal for teenagers to get zits. But as the days go by the zit does not disappear, instead it is growing bigger. At some stage Laurel has to admit that this is no normal zit, its something else. At first Laurel is convinced it is a tumour; she has cancer. But as the thing gets bigger and finally reveals itself, Laurel now knows it is not a tumour. But she is not so sure that this is any better.

With the help of her friend David, Laurel is about to learn a lot more about herself then she ever knew before. Laurel is not human, she is a fairy. And she is not the only one. There is a whole other world that Laurel is about to learn about, a world of magic and beauty, but also of danger and old enemies. Laurel must learn to live between two worlds, the world of humans and the world of fairies. This is highlighted by her feeling of being torn between her two friends, a human David and a fairy Tamani; the two boys for whom Laurel has feelings for.

Wings is a story of fairies as you've never seen them before, full of charm, mystery, adventure and excitement. An entertaining book that stirs the imagination and leaves you with a sense of wonder. This is the first of four books to be published in this new series. I loved this story and not just because it's about fairies. It is a beautiful and warm story that manages to remain innocent despite its violence. A highly recommended read and a stunning debut novel.

 

Aprilynne Pike Webpage
Aprilynne Pike @ Harper Collins

 

On sale: 01 August 2009

Price (AU): $19.99
ISBN: 9780007319732
Recommended age: 10+
In a word: Wings
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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The Nature Of ice

The Nature Of ice by Robyn Mundy

Hearts In ice!

Freya Jorgensen is on her way to Antarctica. She has obtained a grant to produce a photographic expedition of Antarctica, incorporating not only her own pictures that she will take while there, but also the pictures taken by her 'hero' Frank Hurley, a photographer on one of the first expeditions to Antarctica.

But this story is not Freya's alone, as Freya is forced to share her time and her experiences in Antarctica with Chad McGonigal. And it is their story together that allows Freya to explore the intriguing and mysterious landscape of Antarctica while exploring her own nature. Out on the ice, in a harsh and revealing land, Freya is forced to see herself as she truly is, a side of her that has been hidden deep within her.

This story also mixes history with the present. Freya is not the only one to find a true understanding her own nature, and the importance of love reflected in the ice. Douglas Mawson, who explored the Antarctic about a hundred years before Freya steps foot there, also learns the revealing and raw nature of ice.

The story of Douglas and his men, including the photographer Frank Hurly, and his relationship with them and those he has left back home, his fiance Paquita, is interwoven throughout Freya's story highlighting the impact the Antarctic has had on the human spirit and undying belief in love.

The Nature Of ice is a story well worth reading. As it chops and changes from the past to the present, it offers an interesting and touching perspective on friendship, hope and love, and the nature of ice which is as strong and fragile as the enduring nature of the human spirit. Although slow to get into, due to the constant chopping and changing from the past to the present and between present characters, it would not be as deep a story without the connection with the past. However, I think it would have been a bit better had it focused more on the single present character of Freya.

 

Robyn Mundy @ Allen & Unwin

 

On sale: 01 September 2009

Price (AU): $26.99
ISBN: 9781741755763
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Ice
Re-read it: possibly
Recommend: possibly
Star rating: three out of five
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Sookie Stackhouse #6

SOOKIE STACKHOUSE:
Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris

It's All In The Blood!

Sookie is once again called away from her little home town of Bon Temps on account of a vampire. Only this time it is to the city of New Orleans, and the vampire is her cousin, Hadley. Actually I should say 'was', for as we found out in the short story One Word Answer, Hadley had been killed, and Sookie is off to New Orleans to clean out Hadley's apartment and close out her estate.

But before Sookie can leave Bon Temps there is plenty to keep her occupied. Her ability is called upon to help a co-worker, and there are new people in Sookie's life. One is a new co-worker that Sookie is suspicious off, one is a new worker at Fangtasia, a vampire, who Sookie takes a liking too, and one is a man that Sookie takes a real liking too.

Once Sookie arives in New Orleans, things don't go as smoothly as Sookie hopes. There are surprises awaiting Sookie in Hadley's apartment. There are friends, and enemies, new and old. Kings and Queens, killers and kidnappers. There are obligations, revelations, allegations, confrontations, confessions, broken hearts, broken bodies and fancy dresses.

Sookie is shown New Orleans in all its forms, from the bright lights of the city, to the grand old Garden District, to the dark and damp swamps and bayous, whether she wanted to see it or not.

Sookie is learning more and more about the supernatural community everyday, and so too are we. Every moment brings new excitement and new challenges, this book will keep you on your toes and keep you guessing. I recommend reading the short story One Word Answer by Charlaine Harris, found in the book Bite, before reading this book as it provides a lot of background for this story, although I should say it is not entirely necessary.

 

Charlaine Harris Webpage

 

On sale: 01 April 2007
Price (US): $7.99
ISBN: 9780441014910
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Heart
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: to those reading the series
Star rating: four out of five
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Coraline

Coraline (Film tie-in edition) by Neil Gaiman
illustrated by Dave McKean

Enter If You Dare!

Coraline is a girl, small for her age, alone with no siblings, and surrounded by adults too busy to play with her. But there is one person desperate for Coraline to play to with them forever, and ever, and ever...

When Coraline and her parents move into a new home, Coraline decides to explore. Coraline loves to explore and what she finds is a door, in a wall, that leads to nowhere. That's because it's bricked up. Disappointed, Coraline decides to explore the garden. But as the rain settles in she is forced once again indoors.

Strange noises and shadows in the night cause Coraline to become curious. Obscure and ominous warnings are given to Coraline, but still her curiosity gets the better of her. Once again she is drawn to the door, in the wall. Only this time the bricks are gone. Eager to explore Coraline enters.

What Coarline finds is a world not unlike her own, with a few differences. The home is almost identical to her own and there are parents here too who are almost exactly the same as her real parents, only with one small difference. Their eyes. The 'other' mother and 'other' father have no eyes, only shiny black buttons where theirs should be.

Scared, Coraline tries to return home, but home is not the same anymore. The 'other' mother of this strange world has decided she wants to keep Coaline, and never let her go. She's decided Coraline should have shiny black buttons where her eyes should be. Is Coraline brave enough to find a way to save herself and find a way back home, or will she be trapped, with black buttoned eyes, with her 'other' mother forever?

What a great story. Neil Gaiman is an excellent writer and has delivered yet another fascinating and eerie tale, with dark humour and an intriguing plot. Coraline is such a likable character and she is surrounded with such a quirky and strange cast of characters that you can't help but enjoy this book.

I know it's a children's book but I enjoy a good book no matter the target age. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down.

 

Neil Gaiman Webpage

Neil Gaiman - Mouse Circus

Dave McKean Webpage
Neil Gaiman @ Allen & Unwin

 

On sale: 01 July 2009
Price (AU): $15.95
ISBN: 9780747597308
Recommended age: 10-18
In a word: Button
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: three out of five
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Sookie Stackhouse - Tacky

SOOKIE STACKHOUSE: 
Tacky by Charlaine Harris

Everybody Loves A Wedding!

Tacky is a short story in the Sookie Stackhouse universe that has been published in the book My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding. A book of short stories about supernatural weddings from a number of different authors.

Sookie Stackhouse does not feature in this story.
Here we are introduced to Dahlia, Dahlia's best friend Taffy is getting married. To a Werewolf. No one seems to be pleased about this union except Taffy and her future husband, the Werewolf packmaster Don. Despite her feelings, Dahlia is going to do all she can as bridesmaid to make sure the wedding is a success. Oh, did I mention that Dahlia and Taffy are vampires.

Even before the big day there are problems, attempted murders. And it's not just the supernatural community that feels that this wedding is unnatural. Should a wedding between a vampire and a Werewolf be permitted? Will it go on without a hitch? Or will the body count mount up?

It's a quirky little, short story with a feel good, fairytale, 'happily ever after' ending. As long as you have read the first Sookie Stackhouse novel you will have a basic understanding of the background to this story.

 

Charlaine Harris Webpage

 

On sale: 03 October 2006
ISBN: 9780312343606
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Weddings
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: to those reading the series
Star rating: three out of five
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Sookie Stackhouse - One Word Answer

SOOKIE STACKHOUSE:
One Word Answer by Charlaine Harris

In A Word, Yes!

One Word Answer is a short story in the Sookie Stackhouse universe that has been published in the book Bite. A book of short stories about dark seduction and vampires from a number of different authors.

Sookie is at home raking up her yard, at midnight, with the vampire Bubba. Just your ordinary night. When something unordinary happened. A limousine turned into Sookie's drive. A limousine would not turn up at Sookie's unless it was deliberate, no one turned up unless it was deliberate, that's how far out of the way Sookie's house was.

As a large gentleman emerged from the limousine, Sookie is left alone to face him, and from what she can 'hear' he isn't human. What could he possibly want from her, and what has all this to do with her long estranged cousin Hadley?

The large gentleman has not come alone; he has come with vampires in tow. Just as things start to look ominous for Sookie help arrives. But is it enough to save her from the task that has been bestowed upon her? Has she just made a powerful enemy? and will she survive another attack on her life?

A great little story offering an intriguing extra insight into the world of Sookie Stackhouse and its character. I strongly recommend reading the first five Sookie Stackhouse novels before you read this. This short story sets the background for what is to come in book six, Definitely Dead.

 

Charlaine Harris Webpage

 

On sale: 01 January 2005
ISBN: 9780515139709
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: 'Yes'
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: to those reading the series
Star rating: three out of five
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