Category Archives: Fiction

Review: Julie Anne Peters – She Loves You, She Loves You Not…

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She Loves You, She Loves You Not…
Julie Anne Peters

Alyssa has just moved back in with her birth mother. Abandoned by her father, but still keeping in touch with her half-brother and step-mother, she tries to make do in the back of beyond. She’s falling for Finn, but will she be able to hold down a job or will she just repeat the mistakes of the past.

9415955The plotline of this novel is relatively complex, because everything is revealed slowly. Too much of a synopsis would ruin the story. So go on, just go read it. I’ve included mainly my criticisms in this review. Really, the story is compelling, Alyssa is convincing, what more can I say?
This novel is another breathtaking fiction by Peters that fits in perfectly with her other books. I find it amazing how Peters can get inside the head of her protagonist even as an older writer. This novel is slightly longer than the nine others I own, and I did stay up past my bed time to finish reading it!
I found much of the text to be heartrending, and it left me on the edge of my seat, desperately reading on to find out what was going to happen next. I have to say it left me feeling somewhat unsettled, because I connected with Alyssa so much.
The flashbacks are very interesting, because they are written in 2nd person (you said, she said). It distances Alyssa from her memories, and initially confused me as to what they were about. They add depth to her character though, and I got used to them as the novel progressed.
The only other part of the novel that stood out to me as not really fitting in were the circumstances surrounding Jason. I also did notice an apparent typo on one of the pages, which I didn’t note down at the time, but will likely notice again on a second read.
It is a little Americanised by the geography that Alyssa encounters, and I certainly struggled with where things were. I ended up treating it as I would a fantasy novel, and just remembering things by where they were via driving/walking distance rather than their actual location. Another thing that reminded me of this was the fact that Alyssa can drive even though she is only 17. This gives her freedom that Australian teens don’t have (and given the problems Alyssa has with it, it’s probably a good thing!).
There is a set of discussion questions at the back – I’m curious to know whether Peters writes these herself, or they are something the publisher came up with. Nevertheless, it’s worth looking at them, as it can spark some interesting ideas. I’d love it if these books were taught as fiction in highschools, but while homophobia still exists, it’s an unlikely dream.
I’d recommend this book for ANY teenager, not just queer identifying ones. Everyone should be able to relate to the heartbreak and feelings of betrayal that Alyssa suffers. Queer teens will particularly enjoy the book.

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Review: Diana Wynne Jones – Dark Lord of Derkholm

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Dark Lord of Derkholm
Diana Wynne Jones
The Oracles have been consulted to find out how to get rid of Mr Chesney’s tours. They’ve been ripping up the countryside, destroying everyone’s way of life, and now finally the magic of the world is being stripped away. Derk and his unconventional family have been charged with changing things – but is that really possible with some carnivorous sheep and a grouchy dragon in tow?
47587Derk just wants to be left alone with his animals and created children, but instead he is have to organize hordes of pilgrims who tour the countryside. Everyone expects the Dark Lord to attack with his armies, but first the armies actually have to get to the battlefields. Kit and Blade are the most important characters, particularly Blade, who focalizes the novel. Blade is young, but he has great wizarding powers. he lacks a teacher though, and appears to be translocating in zig-zags.
The story twists and turns satisfactorily, and although the reader might feel like they know what is happening, half the time they really don’t! The lady wizards are up to something, because the male ones are too exhausted going around with the pilgrim parties and keeping them all hidden from each other. When the magic starts to go wrong for everyone, there are big problems!
It is a little reminiscent of the Chrestomanci series in that the evil comes from another world. But yay! This book has dragons! Indeed, one of them almost destroys the plans to be rid of Mr Chesney before they even start.
The ending is good. It may be a happy ending after everything that has happened, but it’s a believable happy ending, which is nice. The novel does have a moral – you need to help yourself before you can expect outside help. Jones often includes a subtle moral plug, as she has in both the Chrestomanci and Castle series which I have previously reviewed (hit the hyperlinks for those). I will have to read more of her novels (like that is a hardship!!!) to be able to tell you whether it’s present in all her books. It doesn’t detract from your reading pleasure, and I think that this is a mark of a true author.
I’d recommend this novel for children (although it is a little bloody) and teenagers. If you’re an adult like me but still enjoy some simple reading, this is as good a book as any to read. You’ll still be guessing with the rest of the authors, even if the teenage shenanigans don’t do anything for your reading pleasure.
Fortunately for me, although the next book of this pairing is on my ‘can’t have’ shelf, this is my 40th review! Go me! I’m totally going to have the next one from my shelf! Standby for a review!

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Review: Cheryl Rainfield – Scars

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Scars
Cheryl Rainfield
Heart-rending. Kendra is in therapy, trying to come to terms with abuse that she suffered as a young child. At the tender age of 15, those painful memories are surfacing. Just as she seems to be getting closer to the roots of her problems, her life is being ripped apart again by parents who don’t seem to understand her.
7531478This book is compelling. In 42 short chapters it ripped Kendra apart, and slowly put her back together again. For that matter, it ripped me apart as well. I identified with so many things in this book, and it was painful to read. Kendra is a believable, well-realised character that is so much more than the events that have shaped her. She has her art (and cutting) as an outlet, and I only wish I could create things like she does.
I hesitate to file this under angst, because really, it’s so much more than that. Sexual abuse and physical abuse are nothing to be laughed at, particularly as they have such long lasting effects on their victims. People like Kendra don’t want to be victims, they want to stand up for themselves, but it is so hard facing what has been done to them.
Just to top off an already awesome, amazing book, this has queer elements in it. Lesbians, gays – and the accompanying homophobia that sadly does still accompany it. Also the assumption that being gay is a choice. Although the ending is satifying, I kind of long for a sequel, to know how things turn out for them both.
This is a book that you will find yourself thinking about long after you have finished reading it. The real issues it raises, the multitude of questions it tries to answer, everything. It was everything I hoped for in reading it.
This book is perhaps not one you’d be comfortable reading in public. The cover art is very provocative. It’s also relatively triggering for those who have survived abuse or have self-harmed at some point (recovering or current).
I’d recommend this book for older teens, and adults. Yes, it’s a YA fiction, but it’s a great insight into how a teen’s mind can work under stress. Please, put this on your to-read immediatly shelf. It is worth reading. This is my 60th review reward book, and I’m so glad I chose this book. It’s a well-spent $8, even if it’s reading time for me was just under 2 hours. Yes, it’s not going to be to everyone’s taste, but please, make an effort. It could just open your own eyes so that you can save others, or perhaps realise that you aren’t alone. My recent rediscovery of Goodreads helped me find this book. I’m glad I did.

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Review: Eoin Colfer – Artemis Fowl: The Time Paradox

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Artemis Fowl: The Time Paradox
Eoin Colfer
Artemis has been saving the fairy world for a long while. But now, the fairy world needs to save him. His mother has come down with some sort of magical sickness, and Artemis may be infected too. They will try and jump back in time – but will things have changed too drastically?
4308348Artemis continues to grow as a character, and show real remorse for things he has done in the past. Now that he has a chance to change that, will he still do what is best, or will he turn his friends against him in his quest to save his mother?
This book is yet another fascinating plot by Colfer. The twists, the turns, every book has something entirely new to offer. I think that the plot is just as compelling as the previous books in the series, and it doesn’t interfere in any way as some other series later books seem to. It provides more back story, while also pushing Artemis forward.
The concept of time comes up again and again in the books. In the first book, a time stop makes it possible for Artemis to escape a blue bio bomb. In the book before this one, Artemis misses 3 whole years of his life. I feel like this is something Colfer is pushing – make the most of the time you have, particularly with your family before it is too late.
Also evident in these books is a love of the environment, and sadness at having destroyed it. Artemis tries to right the wrongs of the past, but things can never go right for him completely. The kraken adds a hint of humour to the book, but really, it is very sad that species are going extinct. The Extinctionists are a disgusting touch that really crown the concept in this book.
What I felt was missing was more development between Minerva and Artemis. Suddenly there seems to be something between Artemis and Holly! That can’t be right surely it’s just a working relationship? I guess you’ll have to read the book to find out.
I’d recommend this book to teenagers and children alike. It’s not all that different in the type of content, so if you liked the first books, this one will just continue the enjoyment for you.
As you can see from this review, and the last one I posted, the covers to these books are different to the first four in my set. This makes me a little sad, especially considering the books now have yet another cover. A friend in the industry tells me that changing the cover is a marketing ploy to get new readers to pick up the books – but it just annoys people like me who are trying to collect a whole set.

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Review: Eoin Colfer – Artemis Fowl: The Lost Colony

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Artemis Fowl: The Lost Colony
Eoin Colfer
Artemis Fowl is on the hunt for fairy creatures once more, but this time he’s not the only one looking. On a island out of time, the demons are massing for an attack on the human world – but Number One doesn’t feel like he belongs. How are the two going to intercollide? The demon’s world is falling apart, and once again, Artemis is the only one who can save them.

Artemis has developed into such a likeable character. He’s good friends with Holly and Mulch, sure, he doens’t have much contact with Foaly, but it’s all good natured bickering. Suddenly though, there is another child genius on the scene, one who isn’t as sympathetic to fairies.

It’s a little predictable that the other child genius is a girl named Minerva. Artemis is noticeably older and his hormones are interfering. Minerva seems to give up just a little bit too easily for my liking, and I’d love to see a bit more cracking of Artemis’ shell. Maybe in the next book?
The plot of this novel is enjoyable. The introduction of a 8th fairy colony is subtle, and doesn’t interfere with any of the storylines in the past. It’s great how Colfer has still stuck to the idea of Artemis helping out, but making the ending different. I’m really not explaining myself well – just read it!
The ending of this novel is a real cliffhanger! Noone, even Artemis, knows where they are going to end up. Maybe this time Artemis can’t get out of it. He’s still sneaky though, a bit of magic never did anyone any harm right?
I’d recommend this book for teenagers and children. There are some more interesting quirks in the book, but nothing a bit of brain power can’t sort out. An enjoyable read for sure, and an easy one. It’s compelling – I didn’t get any work done today in order to read it! Taking a break between the books in the series was the right decision.

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Review: Eoin Colfer – Artemis Fowl: The Opal Deception

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Artemis Fowl: The Opal Deception
Eoin Colfer

Artemis has been mind wiped, and left with no fairy memories. It’s ironic that now he is the one being hunted instead, and he can’t even remember it! Opal has been lying in wait to get her revenge. Can Artemis and Holly escape?

114954Artemis has reverted back to the calculating individual he was before his contact with Holly. This doesn’t really let him fit in with his newly reunited family. He’s on the hunt for a particular fairy artwork, but doesn’t know why he’s attracted to it, and where those strange memories are coming from.

Meanwhile, Holly is shooting Commander Root, and Foaly is seeing his friends all killed off one by one. But who is behind this deception? Is it little Belinda, or someone else?

The Opal Deception is well crafted. It is plot driven, which is a good thing as the main characters seem to be being killed off very quickly. Colfer skillfully references things in other novels, yet still keeps a freshness in the interesting gadgets. He must have a very inventive mind to keep thinking of things for Foaly to design…

Another thing that hit me about its structure, and those of the other book in the series was that they all seem to open in a different way. This one has an excerpt from a new diary that Artemis has begun to keep. Others have a psychologist’s analysis and fake scientific expose type addresses.

I remember lining up to get this book, pouncing on its release date. Imagine my dismay when I discovered that the front cover is very different to the first three – it actually has holes in it! The story inside lived up to my expectations however.

I think I’m going to take a break from reading these now (there are 3 more on my shelf waiting to be read) and read something with more depth. I found that as I was about to launch into this one, I felt a strange sense of being tired of reading them. It’s likely just having read all of the same author for a while, I feel like a change. It is the same thing I felt when rereading the Alex Rider series.

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Review: Eoin Colfer – Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Code

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Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Code
Eoin Colfer

‘The Eternity Code’ is the third book in the Artemis Fowl series. Artemis is getting out of the criminal world now that his father is recovering, but he just can’t resist one last deal. He has Butler with him – what could go wrong? Hit the jump for more…

948460Artemis has come a long way from the exploitative boy we saw in the first Artemis Fowl novel. He has developed a distinct personality shift, but is still willing to use fairy knowledge to get what he wants. His last deal could spell the end of fairy life as we know it.

It’s pot luck that Artemis gets Holly when he puts in a call for help. And then it’s just sheer luck that it’s Mulch who is sent as a hitman. But really, with Artemis’ planning skills, it’s hard to believe that anything takes place because of fate.

Artemis has lost his Butler and must settle for another. It’s really quite sad, and you find yourself feeling very sorry for both of them. They are still friends, but it’s not the same relationship you saw before. Juliet isn’t a bad replacement, but it’s just not the same.

Plot driven, racey, and totally rereadable. I think this book is the equal of the first two books, which is a nice surprise, as most series tend to peter off after the first book and its sequel. If you liked the first two, you’ll like this one!

A little bit more bloody than the first books, but still suitable for children. Things are remarkably bloodless – Colfer skimps on the details of bloodshed, preferring to use up his words in describing the various consciousnesses of his characters. It adds depth, and it’s fascinating to see what plan Artemis can come up with next! It leaves me wondering how long it took Colfer to work out what everyone would do.

The ending is to be expected, but is somewhat frustrating! Artemis has to get around everything, he must, he must! But there are no guarantees. Naturally there are more books in the series, so you know that Artemis must continue in some sort of capacity, but has he been mind-wiped too far?

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Review: Julie Anne Peters – Define ‘Normal’

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Define ‘Normal’
Julie Anne Peters

Antonia has signed up for additional peer counselling sessions – but she’s the normal one! Her peer, Jazz, seems to be anything but normal – piercings, weird clothes and tattoos. Somehow they have to begin to get along and work through the complex problems both bring to the conference table.

222525Antonia is a believable character. She’s unique in her own way, and not similar to any of Peter’s other characters. She has been managing virtually by herself with her two younger brothers for a long time, and yet she has to worry about getting into college and now trying to get a peer counselling session going with Jazz who doesn’t seem to be even vaguely interested in the idea.

Jazz seems a little overblown as a character – but then again, that is the type of person she is. I presumed she was the same age as Antonia, and so I find it hard to believe a 14 year old has tattoos or so much freedom. Maybe the rules are different in the USA where this book is written? Don’t let it put you off though – whether you’ve been the ‘punk’ that Jazz is, or you’ve noticed one in your classes, you’ll be able to relate.

Define ‘Normal’ doesn’t set out to define normal! But the characters certainly go through looking for normal, and finding the conventional descriptions of it lacking. It’s great to have a book that talks about problems, namely depression, that are usually pushed under the carpet.

The opening to this book is great, it will grab you, but not for the usual reasons. There are some twists in this book that you may or may not see coming. Every word counts, every word adds meaning to the story. I don’t think there are any throw away lines in the whole book. There are no extra descriptions, just pure good reading.

This book is a very quick read, I probably read it in less than 2 hours. That’s not to say it is an easy read in content terms – you will find it heart rending and probably uncomfortable to read in sections. There is no conclusive happily ever after, or even a traditional climax in my opinion, but it’s such good writing I didn’t care! And it certainly made the storyline ring true.

I’d recommend this book for teenagers and children. It raises some great discussion questions, and some important issues, such as adult depression and how children cope. As with all Peter’s other books, it contains a set of questions at the back for school English classes.

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Review: Eoin Colfer – Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident

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Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident
Eoin Colfer

Artemus has done it again! The young criminal mastermind is always in trouble. This time he must rescue his father while also fishing the LEP out of trouble. His bright mind might be working overtime to make up plans, but will it be enough? Hit the jump for more…

114955With his mother now completely recovered from her depression, Artemis is feeling some constraints on his plotting. Suddenly however he gets a message about his father. His father has been kidnapped, and for some reason it has taken 2 years for the threats and wanted money to come through! Artemis however is split – his fairy ‘friends’ are in trouble too.

Again, this is a plot driven book. It’s fast-paced, and there is never a dull moment. Even though I’ve read it many times before, I couldn’t stop thinking about the action taking place inside the pages. I didn’t stay up past my bedtime, but that’s only because I started reading early.

Artemis is really the focus of the novel, and his character development is slowly taking shape. He’s 13, and his mind is that of a wizened, crabby old man! He softens though, and the thought of getting his father back is a scary but longed for one.

The other characters, such as Root, Holly, Butler and Mulch lack the same character development. They are a little flat, but they play their supportive roles well. They always behave as expected. I wouldn’t say that was a bad thing – I personally love Mulch and his, well, toilet humour.

Colfer has crafted this book as a series book again nicely, fitting things in that allude to other books in the series. That being said, this book is an enjoyable nugget all on its own. I wouldn’t have said you needed to read the first book before this one, but why shouldn’t you, when Artemis is so fascinating to watch?

If your young reader isn’t into reading books with lots of words, this novel has been made into a graphic novel. I haven’t read it myself, but if it is anything like this book, it’s well worth reading and might just sucker them into reading the rest of the books in the series! I’ve tagged this book for children and teenagers. There is some blood, but most of the book is just suspenseful!

Please excuse the blurry photograph. Like the first book, it just didn’t want to come out clearly! It’s very shiny. Shiny…. You get the idea. This is an original book, so I’m pretty sure you won’t be able to buy this cover anymore 🙁 I’m willing to trade it for a new copy though, as I’d love for all my books to match!

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Review: Eoin Colfer – Artemis Fowl

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Artemis Fowl
Eoin Colfer
Artemis is a criminal mastermind – and he’s only 12. Set to restore the family fortune by crook, he is prepared to separate fairies from their gold to do it. Guarded only by Butler and Juliet, he needs to outwit a troll and the rest in order to get his gold. And in the end, will he be able to escape death?

249747Artemis is rather a flat character, in which the reader knows little about him except that after being left to his own devices after his father’s disappearance he is determined to not lose the family home despite his mother’s disabilities. You know that there must be something deeper going on in his mind, because he can’t be a bad guy all the way through, right?

This is a plot driven novel, with little attention given to landscape details and the like. You will find yourself liking the characters though, and Colfer guides the reader through different perspectives nicely through use of a detached faux scientific journal. There is an ‘introduction’ which introduces you to Artemis, but it don’t pay nearly enough homage to his brilliance (and Colfer’s by extension).

There are constant references to things that will occur in the future, and will be detailed in other books, which I think is a good way of putting a hook in for the reader. Younger readers are sure to enjoy it, male or female. Adults are unlikely to appreciate Artemis in the same way, but oh well, it’s not intended for them!

I hesitated to file this book under ‘action’, but it was the closest I could get under my current labeling scheme. I’ve also labelled it fantasy, due to the fairy aspect, but perhaps it is more like urban fantasy. I struggle with the definitions, I either like a book or I don’t!

I can still remember bringing my copy of this book to high school with me in maybe grade 7 or 8, and reading it with a close friend of the time. We both had copies, but we found it sociable to read the same copy! I always remember being jealous of his copy, because it was in so much better condition than mine. My copy is pictured above – the cover is really shiny and hard to photograph! I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t find the same cover anymore anyway, as the design changed after the first 3 books.

This is one of the first books I ever remember reading that I really enjoyed, and have kept reading over again and enjoying each time. Totally worth it to buy the rest of the books in the series (that I am going to read + review next), although I feel that the last couple of books don’t pack the same zing.

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