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

Winners of the New Zealand Book Awards

Alex Rider is Back!

Book Review: Never Say Die, by Anthony Horowitz by booksellersnz Available in bookshops nationwide. After reading the first few chapters of Never Say Die I got the distinct impression that Alex Rider is a bit of a young adult version of Ian Fleming’s James Bond – tied to MI6, frequenting exotic places, going up against formidable enemies, the odds being seemingly unfavorable, but of course eventually saving the day. However, the similarities end there between James Bond and Alex Rider. Despite being an asset in some capacity to MI6, Alex Rider is just 15 years old, making the novels just a bit more younger-person friendly. There is an element of unrealism because of the main character’s lack of years, but it was still a really enjoyable story. As the latest addition to the Alex Rider series, Never Say Die sets the scene with an elaborate crime in Sullfolk, England, with seemingly no real motive or explanation, and the main character thousands of miles away in San Francisco. In the following chapter the crime is then suddenly pushed aside and focuses on Alex Rider, who is struggling to recover from experiences in the novel previous. Those traumatic events are progressively given more detail as Alex takes steps to reconcile the past and solve the mystery that still remains, all the while crossing paths with dangerous criminals not only seeking revenge but also plotting an act of terrorism. Never Say Die includes plenty of action that go along with a typical spy novel but there are also more complicated elements within to back up the plausibility of the situation. It was at times a bit young but it was understandable given the audience the Alex Rider series is aimed at. That being said it could have easily been a lot more corny but Anthony Horowitz is successful as a whole in the balance he has maintained for such a series – innocent enough to be a young adults novel, but still exciting to actually be worthwhile reading; in my opinion any age group will enjoy Never Say Die. Reviewed by Sarah Hayward

Review: Daughter of the Wolf

Daughter of the Wolf by Victoria Whitworth
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The best thing about this book was its cover which just proves the saying that you shouldn't judge a book by it. A slow meandering story completely predictable and unexciting. The heroine was so useless that I agreed with her grandmother - sending her to a nunnery would be a good idea.

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Review: Highly Illogical Behavior

Highly Illogical Behavior by John Corey Whaley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great book, the story flows well , it is believable and upbeat. Sol is a very likeable character with awesome parents and a kick-ass grandma. I liked it so much I am going to give it as a prize at the end of the year.

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Review: Into the Water

Into the Water by Paula Hawkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great story. Paula Hawkins has matched Girl on the Train with another intriguing thriller which keeps you guessing as new secrets come to light in each chapter. Not just a good 'who done it' but also fascinating for revealing how little we can really know about the people we think are closest to us. Highly recommended.

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