Review: Rivers of London

Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great book I want to read all the other books in the series NOW. Intriguing plot, humorous writing, great characters. Lock yourself away and read it uninterrupted.

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Review: The Creeping Shadow

The Creeping Shadow by Jonathan Stroud
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fabulous to catch up with Lockwood and Co again who are being drawn into the conspiracy surrounding "the problem" (the appearance of ghosts over the last fifty years) while they do battle with the Ealing Cannibal , an eyeless girl and other lurking shades.

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Review: Running Girl

Running Girl by Simon Mason
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A good murder mystery which kept the reveal of the killer until the last few pages. Looking forward to moving on to the next mystery for Garvie to solve - Kid got shot.

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Review: The Handmaid's Tale

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Inspired by the promotion of the new television series I read this book over the holidays. It is a dystopian tale and disturbing not for what happens but for how easily you can believe it might happen, here or in other western countries. I recommend reading it as a warning for what could happen - the price of liberty is eternal vigilance.

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Review: Tower of Dawn

Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a refreshing break in the series. I was suffering from an Aelin overload and moving away from her story and focusing on another character (Chaol) was interesting whilst still moving the general storyline along with a few new discoveries leading us back to the main storyline. It renewed my interest and I am looking forward to the next book.

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Review: These Shallow Graves

These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Good story I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The plot was a little predictable but I felt it made some good points on the limits on women's choices at the turn of the century and how societies expectations also influence men's choices. On a less serious note it is a entertaining read.

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Better in New Zealand...

Here is an interesting comparison made by The Sapling newsletter taking popular international books and pairing them with a similar kiwi authored book. We have them all in the library so come and try them out.

So here we go, a list with a difference. I have matched several Kiwi YA authors with international YA authors that write in a similar genre - with thanks to School Librarian from Mountain View High School, Julie James, for her help. Hopefully it will inspire you, or your teen, to try our locals.

If you liked

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven then try Pieces of You by Eileen Merriman

Are you a fan of the Divergent series by Veronica Roth? Then you will love the Spark series by Rachael Craw

If John Green's Looking for Alaska is your favourite try Smashed by Mandy Hager

More than this by Patrick Ness try When we wake by Karen Healey

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas read Bugs by Whiti Hereaka

Tomorrow When the War Began by John Marsden try out The Bridge by Jane Higgins

Finished the Cherub series by Robert Muchamore then start reading Recon Team Angel by Brian Falkner