Tag Archives: 4-stars

Review: William Nicholson – The Wind Singer

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The Wind Singer
William Nicholson
Bowman and Kestrel are close twins. Within the city of Amaranth, everything is controled by tests and family ranking. Each of the districts has its own colour, and no one is allowed to swap – unless their family ranking moves up and down. Kestrel doesn’t like the tests. When their baby sister fails her tests it doesn’t impress the officials, and it doesn’t make Kestrel feel any happier.
295181Mumpo irritates me as much as he irritates Kestrel! Nose dribble, ugh. At the same time, he’s representing so many things that kids take for granted. Being a slow/dumb kid means that you don’t have friends. I think the ending for Mumpo is particularly suitable, although a little predictable.
This book is really quite harrowing in a way. The Zars are killing machines, and they literally kill everything and are happy about it! Not that this is presented in a positive light, the Zars are really quite terrifying. It’s a race to see who can survive, and it’s cut very fine.
Yes, the plot of this book is simple, somewhat predictable, and there is no character development to speak of. But it’s a children’s book! I think that the ideas presented in it are clear enough to children, and that’s what is important – not what a 20 something year old thinks of it.
I can understand why this book was a ‘Gold Award Winner’. The themes and values expressed in it are so poignant. The values of family, and friends, and also not judging people all on the same basis. The character of Mumpo is for pitying, but at the same time, he surely must be good at something.
This book reminds me of the Seventh Tower series by Garth Nix in a way. The castle with its different layers of people, each class not wanting to talk to the one below it. An emperor who is powerless or unhelpful. Of the two, I think I prefer the Seventh Tower, just because the character from that has a little more depth. As I’ve said before though, The Wind Singer is still enjoyable.
This book actually brings to mind the Naplan tests that are currently sweeping over Australia. Kids in grade 3 are expected to answer all kinds of questions, and then their schools are ranked according to the answers. It’s based on literacy and numercy – which are both important, but some kids’ minds just don’t work like that. I read the other day about kids in kindy being prepped for these big tests. There just is something wrong with ranking kids and schools like that, and then giving teachers rewards based on performance.
This is the first book in a trilogy. I read all of these books when I was much younger (when they are actually age appropriate!). I picked this one up at the opshop, because I prefer the old covers. Amazon’s offering for this one is a trilogy set only that I could find – but if you like the first one, you’re probably going to like all three.

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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: 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: Brent Runyon – Surface Tension

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Surface Tension
Brent Runyon
This is a novel of 4 summers, describing Luke’s life from 14 to 16 years, just in the summers he spends at his parents beach house. Runyon shows great control and understanding of the teenage mind, and it is as if you are stepping literally between the summers.
4418262I won’t waste your time with a synopsis, I’m sure you can find plenty of better ones on the internet. Basically, Luke spends every summer with his parents by a lake. Their neighbours come and go, but there are always some of the same feelings for Luke. Luke must change with his surroundings or be changed by them.
The thing that stood out most for me was not the growing attraction of Luke towards girls (which is there, and in some places kind of explicitly described), but how he seems to always hurt himself. It is striking that in the last summer of this book, he is able to save someone else, and this marks the turning point of his character. Finally he is growing up, and will get to be a respectable adult. 16 years seems a little late for this to me, when I think of my partner, but then I remember the maturity levels of my highschool years and I think that the males encapsulated in this book are remarkably well described.
The pace is fast, and this makes me feel that this is an ideal book for teens, particularly males. Runyon again produces a novel that makes you feel close to the protagonist. It’s amazing how he can get inside Luke’s mind. If I didn’t know better, I would have said he was writing each section from a diary of his own thoughts! The progression of the character is amazing.
While the novel is somewhat disappointing if you were looking for the depth of feeling that is present in Runyon’s semi-autobiography ‘The Burn Journals’, it’s perfectly acceptable as a novel in its own right. It is an easy read. It doesn’t really feel complete, and I feel myself longing to know more, but I know that that is unlikely to happen.
Runyon is a great author for boys who might be afraid of romancy type books. That’s not to say it isn’t suitable for teenage girls, but they are less likely to sympathize with Luke. Luke is about as typical teenage male as you can get. I have recommended it to mothers who have sons that hate fantasy. It’s angsty, but not too confronting.

Please note that on the image I have included there is a giant white blob. But that’s not there on the book’s cover in real life. It’s a nice simple cover, which I really thought suited the book, and it fits in with the rest of his books, which I will get to reviewing soon!

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Review: Mercedes Lackey – Foundation

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Foundation
Mercedes Lackey
Mags is a miner – a horribly mistreated, hungry teenager forgotten by the rest of the world. Imagine his horror when he is Chosen by a Companion. He is whisked away into a world he thought only existed in holy books, and naturally he feels distrustful. It seems the Mags is always going to be a source of contention. Hit the jump for more.
16688313If you’ve read others of the Lackey books, and aren’t reading them in chronological order, the start of ‘Foundation’ may seem very similar to others, such as ‘Take a Thief’. Mags is the downtrodden, mistreated main character who is of course elevated to Herald-trainee status. It’s not a complaint from me, just an observation. I enjoyed the new settings, and I love a character who doesn’t give up, even when it seems like the situation will never end.
It’s great that there is more than one person saved, and that Mags is able to make a difference. It’s not just ‘pluck one person out and make him a Herald’, the other kiddies in the mine get a chance too. Not that they will become Heralds, but they get a second chance at life, not like the rest of the people in downtown near the Collegium.
Bear seems to collect with him the underdogs from the other Collegia. Although he stays reclusive, he still manages to make friend by mistake. The first half of the book seems to just be Mags settling in, with very little ‘action’. It’s nice to get to know the character intimately in this way.
I’d recommend this novel for adults, although teens would also probably enjoy it. It’s not overly sexual or violent, it’s quite subtle once you are past the pages on the mine. A great book, which I think on its own is equal to many of the other Lackey novels.
To be honest with you all, I didn’t actually finish rereading this book. I had reread it quite recently as it was, and the story was still fresh in my mind. I did go back over it to look at the specific content and character development though. I really wanted to get onto the new book in the trilogy ‘Changes’, because I’d just borrowed it from the library.

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Review: Julia Gray – The Dark Moon

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The Dark Moon
Julia Gray

The prophesy says that the Guardian will be born when the four moons of the Empire align. Yet when that fateful night comes, there are twins born – Jax, fat and healthy, and Terrell, with strange eyes and deformed limbs. Naturally Terrell is sent away – but is it the right choice? How will they find the Guardian in time?

Initially the reader knows very little about Terrell – because he knows very little about himself. The use of a third person narrator allows the reader to see and experience, but not to feel too much. Eventually the reader begins to sympathise with him, because who could resist a withered wraith who has lost all his friend? I appreciate that Gray introduced Terrell first instead of Jax. It makes Jax appear shallow and conniving, which is of course what his mother has made him.

There are a series of deaths suggesting corruption in the capital. A gradual revelation of the powers Jax and Terrell have doesn’t help with the confusion. However, it seems like Terrell got all the good qualities of personality, and all the bad ones of appearance. He makes the most of it however, and that is what makes him the more likable character for me.

The writing style of this novel is a lot heavier than most teenage fictions, leading me to classify it as an adult fantasy novel. However, if you enjoy fantasy, and are a strong reader, a teenager is likely to enjoy it. Certainly there are some adult themes (sex, death, rape) but Gray treats these with beautiful delicacy.

If Juliet Marillier is a 9/10, and Mercedes Lackey is normally a 10/10, this novel would be an 8/10. It’s good, but it seems to be lacking something in the first half of the novel. Perhaps the emptiness I’m feeling comes from the fact that it is the first book in a series, and little seems to be happening except the setup of the plot for the other two novels. However it does eventually reach quite a satisfying, if somewhat predictable, conclusion. I’m looking forward to the next book for sure! I picked up three books for a bargain $15 at my local opshop, so I’m not complaining.

Edited to add – I won’t be reading and reviewing the other two novels I own of this series at the moment, because the fifth book is out of print, and not available at my local library. This is very disappointing for me, I really wanted to read the whole set. If anyone had a copy, and wanted to sell/give it to me, I would be very grateful.

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Review: Anthony Horowitz – Ark Angel

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Ark Angel
Anthony Horowitz

Alex Rider just can’t keep out of trouble. Recovering from a chest wound in hospital is never easy when you need to save your mate next door. Another gripping tale from Horowitz. Hit the jump for more…

94319Alex has been sniper shot when leaving MI6. He vows to himself that he will go home, rest and recover. He makes a friend in the hospital though, and when he seems threatened, Alex finds himself in action. Once again Alex must try make a case against a powerful man who has the potential to destroy the world.

Alex doesn’t seem to have many gadgets this time, although he ends up working with the CIA, it is his favourite pal at MI6 that brings him the gadgets he can use. For once there is another agent undercover with him who is able to save his skin when he gets into trouble!

Horowitz makes the book end on a cliffhanger – totally predictable to the canny reader by now. But he does make an effort to change up the plot, bringing in different spy elements. Alex is again likable, but I didn’t see that much change in his character from Scorpia. Sure, Alex wants to go home and is longing for the easy life – but this is Alex, he never does things the easy way.

I’d recommend this book for teenagers. If they have read the rest of this series, the conclusion won’t be much of a surprise, but it will leave them hankering after the next book in the series.

I have to wait now until I get my hands on the final three books… I didn’t order them in my last 10% off offer I took advantage of, and now I have to wait!

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