REVIEW: FRESHMAN YEAR & OTHER UNNATURAL DISASTERS

Author: Meredith Zeitlin
Series: No, standalone
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Release date: March 1st 2012
Genre: Contemporary YA
Kindly given by the publisher for an honest review

Kelsey Finklestein is fourteen years old and starting freshman year. This is the year for Kelsey to make an impact and assert herself in the school's social pecking order. But Kelsey attracts disaster, like honey attracts bees. This year will certainly make Kelsey stand out, but maybe not the way she wanted.

Review: First off Kelsey was hilarious. I absolutely adored her, and wished she was real so that I could be her friend. She would easily be the kind of girl everyone loves hanging around with because she's funny, although not always intentionally, and witty and just herself. Whilst Kelsey tried to get noticed in football and drama, she ended up being the centre of attention for the most embarrassing reasons with all the evidence spread across the school newspaper. Despite this she always came out on top, and this was down to her fab and strong personality, and sense of humility and humour. I warn you now that you will fall under Kelsey's spell, quite literally. I pretty much embarrassed myself on the bus whilst rolling around in fits of laughter!

Although Kelsey and her friends were only 14 years, they did seem older in some ways (either that or I was a very slow bloomer!) as Freshman Year gently touched on issues of friendship, first kisses, sexuality, bullying and figuring out who you are. This stage in everyone's life can be turbulent and stressful, yet Zeitlin managed to touch on these issues without making a big fuss and turning the story into a lecture on being yourself. For younger girls, Kelsey would be a great example and role-model of how to deal with difficult situations by picking yourself and carrying on with a laugh and a lot of determination.

Not to be overshadowed by Kelsey, the secondary characters are also really interesting and each with their distinct personalities. I loved Em, who is reliable and caring. And there is Kelsey's mum, overprotective and thinking she knows best (which includes picking out some hideous items of clothing for poor Kelsey). A typical mother, trying to do her best but struggling to let go of her 'baby', she does the exact opposite of what Kelsey would like, but it certainly added in some humorous mother-daughter exchanges that add element of reality and cringing.

Freshman Year & Other Unnatural Disasters is a fast, fab and hilariously funny read with real insight into the pressures teenage girls face today. I think every teenage girl should read this, along with their parents to help them remember what its like to be a teenager when every little thing is a big drama and life is full of discovery, uncertainty and excitement.

Rating: 4*

IN MY MAILBOX

In My Mailbox was started by the lovely Kristi over at Story Siren - check out her blog for more information on this meme.

I don't do IMMs often, because I'm either saving my money or don't have many books to show. This weeks is really a 2 or 3 weeker IMM, as I've been collecting up a few books over the past few weeks. I am excited to read them all as they look so fab! Any of these take your fancy or do you have something different on your wishlist?

 

 

 

 

Fateful by Claudia Gray (kindly given by HarperCollins)

Partials by Dan Wells (kindly given by HarperCollins)

Burn Mark by Laura Powell (kindly given by Bloomsbury)

Dead Time by Anne Cassidy (kindly given by Bloomsbury)

Shooting Stars by Allison Rushby (kindly given by author)

Everneath by Brodi Ashton (bought)
A Witch in Winter by Ruth Warbuton (bought)
Exiled by RaShelle Workman (bought)

Ink by Isabelle Rowan (via NetGalley)

Replication by Jill Williamson (via NetGalley)

Innocent Darkness by Suzanne Lazear (via NetGalley)

Jane Vows Vengeance by Michael Thomas Ford (via NetGalley)

ON MY WISHLIST (5)

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where you can list all the books you desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming.
My choices this week are both ones that come out this month.

A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink
To be published 20th March 2012 (US Release) by Dial Books

When her parents are murdered before her eyes, sixteen-year-old Helen Cartwright finds herself launched into an underground London where a mysterious organization called the Dictata controls the balance of good and evil. Helen learns that she is one of three remaining angelic descendants charged with protecting the world’s past, present, and future. Unbeknownst to her, she has been trained her whole life to accept this responsibility. Now, as she finds herself torn between the angelic brothers protecting her and the devastatingly handsome childhood friend who wants to destroy her, she must prepare to be brave, to be hunted, and above all to be strong, because temptation will be hard to resist, even for an angel.

*******

Bewitching by Alex Flinn 
To be published 14th March 2012 by HarperTeen

Bewitching can be a beast. . . . Once, I put a curse on a beastly and arrogant high school boy. That one turned out all right. Others didn’t. I go to a new school now—one where no one knows that I should have graduated long ago. I’m not still here because I’m stupid; I just don’t age. You see, I’m immortal. And I pretty much know everything after hundreds of years—except for when to take my powers and butt out. I want to help, but things just go awry in ways I could never predict. Like when I tried to free some children from a gingerbread house and ended up being hanged. After I came back from the dead (immortal, remember?), I tried to play matchmaker for a French prince and ended up banished from France forever. And that little mermaid I found in the Titanic lifeboat? I don’t even want to think about it. Now a girl named Emma needs me. I probably shouldn’t get involved, but her gorgeous stepsister is conniving to the core. I think I have just the thing to fix that girl—and it isn’t an enchanted pumpkin. Although you never know what will happen when I start . . . bewitching.

What's on your wishlist?

REVIEW: THIS IS NOT FORGIVENESS

This is not forgiveness

Author: Celia Rees
Series: No, standalone
UK Publisher: Bloomsbury
UK Release date: 2nd February 2012
Genre: YA Contemporary
Kindly given by the publisher for an honest review

Brothers Rob and Jamie are nothing alike; Jamie is young and niaive, whilst Rob is still suffering from the traumas of being injured in the war against Afghanistan. But they do have one thing in common. The charismatic, elusive Caro. Jamie falls head over heels for her, despite warnings from his sister. And for good reason - Caro goes days without calling him, has a secret past and a dangerous taste for radical politics. Both boys will find themselves under Caro's spell and making decisions that will change things forever.

Review: The story started at the end, making it very intriguing as I wanted to know what happened to get to the end point. Told from each of the three characters perspective, each voice was presented in a different font and style, which was such a simple way to distinguish each of the characters. Having said this, Rees has written the characters so that each has their own distinct style and format, such as Rob's web pages and Caro's diary. Although Jamie primarily tells the story, I liked knowing what Rob and Caro were thinking and how they felt they could justify their behaviour.

I instantly liked Jamie. He was sweet and innocent, and far too nice for Caro. Despite being a manipulative, scheming and selfish girl, it's hard to deny that Caro was alluring and magnetic. She's the kind of girl that other girls would envy and boys would all idolise.

I did feel sorry for Rob. Yes, he seemed predisposed to enjoy violence and that's probably why he went into the Army in the first place, but after being injured he was mentally unstable with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and didn't seem to have enough support to cope with normal, civilian life. I didn't think he would have taken the path he did without manipulation and steering, and it seems such a shame that he was used for someone else's agenda.

This story touches on some serious issues such as mental trauma and post traumatic stress disorder, as well as political ideologies and radicalism. It's also very relevant to today's current political climate, with students and teenagers protesting and rioting. It will make you think though, about people that join the army, what it's like to live constantly under such duress, and the morals behind bold political statements and radical actions.

Having seen a few average reviews for this book, I figure you either have to be in the right mood for this book or its a bit like Marmite - you either get it or you don't. I really enjoyed it and read it really quickly. I thought the characters were interesting and the plot was like a rolling stone, gathering momentum.

This is not forgiveness is a compelling and compulsive read, with a thought provoking ending.

Rating: 5*

MEETING AUTHOR CELIA REES

This week I had the amazing opportunity to meet with author Celia Rees at Bloomsbury's gorgeous offices. It's always nice to learn where someone's ideas came from and what their individual writing style is, and in this case it was really interesting to hear about Celia's writing history as well as the development of her latest book This is not Forgiveness, a compelling and thought provoking contemporary YA book.

During the event Celia explained how when she started writing, she was writing contemporary fiction such as Every Step You Take. Being a teacher, Celia wanted to write that the young people she was working with would want to read - something gritty and real and thrilling, and about teenagers like them. But when she had the idea for Witch Child, a magic-based story set in the 1600s, that was when she started writing more historical YA stories. Having spent the past 10 years writing historical fiction, Celia came up with the idea for This is not Forgiveness when she watched the French film Jules and Jim and realised it could be updated to fit with current teenagers and issues. Although she admitted it was a challenge to fit the idea into a current situation, as soon as she decided the older Rob would be a soldier the whole story opened up for her.

I think it's fascinating to hear where a story developed from. But it's also lovely to meet other bloggers! Some the other lovely bloggers that were there included Sarah - Feeling Fictional, Sammee - I want to read that, Laura - Sister Spooky, Raimy - Readaraptor, Vivienne - Serendipity reviews, and Megan - The Book Addicted Girl.

My review for This is not Forgiveness will be posted tomorrow, however if you want a taster you can read an extract of This is Not Forgiveness here at the Bloomsbury website and here is the brilliant trailer:

REVIEW: SWORD OF LIGHT

Sword of Light (Pendragon Legend)
Author: Katherine Roberts
Series: Yes, #1
UK Publisher: Templar
UK Release date: February 2012
Genre: Historical MG
Kindly given by the publisher for an honest review

As the secret daughter of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere, Rhianna Pendragon has been kept hidden in the faery world of Avalon since her birth. But now that Arthur has been defeated by Mordred and his army of Saxon invaders, young Rhianna must come out of hiding to rescue Excalibur, the Sword of Light, and bring her father back to life to regain the throne. In a world of men, Rhianna will need to be brave and bold to find Excalibur before the Saxons or Mordred discover who she is.

Review: Sword of Light has given an old legend a new and interesting twist. Elements of Arthurian legend including the holy grail and excalibur have been incorporated into the four lights - weapons which give ultimate power to any man that holds them all. The story also explores what happens after Arthur's reign, taking the legend further than ever before.

In a time when men fought battles and ruled kingdoms and women were vulnerable damsels, Roberts has created a spirited young female lead. Rhianna is spontaneous, fearless and quick thinking but is often led into trouble with her reckless and adventurous nature. She does however show that not all battles have to be fought with swords, and its not just the men that can stand up, defiant and fight for what is right and good.

Suitable for a young girls and boys alike the story has great characters that would make good role models, particularly young Prince Elphin who is so sweet and always there to help Rhianna. The plot is interesting and captivating with plenty of opportunities for Rhianna to get into a spot of bother and need good friends and some courage to help her win her way out.

Sword of Light is a magical and delightful read that ventures into the medieval world of King Arthur and the legend of the knights of the round table.

Rating: 4*

THE FUTURE OF PARANORMAL PHENOMENA?

Psychic talents, those that can see the dead, reincarnation and time travel, scrying, witchcraft are common features of many YA and paranormal stories. But there are many paranormal phenomena and abilities that are less popular in YA and paranormal fiction. Maybe because they have older roots and aren't seen as 'modern' or perhaps because they aren't as interesting. But like I did with my Mythical Creatures post, I'm going to champion some less popular phenomenon and talents. Don't get me wrong, I'm not necessarily a firm believer in these phenomenon (I always like a little theory or proof - even in fiction), but I do like diversity and something different in a genre that be saturated with similar themes. So, could this be the future of paranormal fiction?

Crop circles

Despite its connotations with aliens, I'm always amazed at the crop patterns that are produced (no matter how they are done!). The earliest recorded image resembling a crop circle was depicted in a 17th century English woodcut called the Mowing-Devil. The image depicts the Devil with a scythe mowing a circular design in a field of oats. The pamphlet stated that the farmer, disgusted at the wage his mower was demanding for his work, insisted that he would rather have "the devil himself" perform the task.

*****
Bi-location

Bi-location is the ability to be in two places at the same time, in a physical rather than spiritual ability, making it different from astral projection. Bilocation is an ancient phenomenon, claimed to be practiced by mystics, ecstatics, saints, monks, holy persons, and magical adepts.

*****

Remote viewing

Remote viewing is the practice of seeking impressions about a distant or unseen target using paranormal means, in particular, extra-sensory perception. For example, a remote viewer might describe a location on the other side of the world which they have never visited; or an event that happened long ago.

*****

I-Ching

The I-Ching, or Book of Changes, is one of the oldest of the Chinese classic texts, and contains a numerological divination system. The I-ching incorporates even numbers as Yin, and odd numbers as Yang. In the hexagrams, Yin is represented by a broken line, Yang is represented by a whole line. To use the I-ching coins for divination, one side is designated as Yin, the other as Yang. Tossing the coins, and recording the results, forms the hexagram from the bottom line up. Once you have formed your hexagram, then it is time to turn to the Book of Changes for the meaning of that hexagram. There are sixty-four possibilities.

*****

Carromancy

Carromancy from the Greek carro, 'waxen', and manteia, 'divination', is a form of divination involving wax. One of the most common methods of carromancy is to heat wax until molten, then to pour it directly into cold water. The shapes and movements of the wax as it cools and solidifies can then allegedly be read to forecast auguries of the future.

Carromancy also has roots in ancient Celtic times. According to scraps of knowledge salvaged from around the period CE 500, it appears that the candle burned during a druid's vigil was poured into a bowl and then into a clear pool of cold water. The auguries for the future could then be read.

I actually tried this back when I was a teenager and watched The Craft far too often - my friends and I poured wax into water to see what the initial of our husbands' first name would be. I've no idea what the letter was, but at the time it was good fun.

REVIEW: THE 13TH HORSEMAN

The 13th Horseman
Author: Barry Hutchison
Series: No, standalone
UK Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
UK Release date: 1st March 2012
Genre: MG
Kindly given by the publisher for an honest review

When Drake Finn finds a mysterious shed in his back garden, little does he know that inside he will find the three horsemen of the apocolyspe. Or that he will be given the job as the fourth…well technically the 13th. But having just started a new school and facing problems of his own, Drake doesn’t want to take up the role of Death. As long as he can work off his notice period without anything happening he’ll be fine…or so he thinks!

Review: I couldn’t wait to read this one, because it just looked so fun. And I have to say it was fun, and funny and witty and… I’ll stop there, but you get the picture.

The three horsemen of the apocalypse, War, Famine and Pestilence, are brilliant characters. War is big and gruff, Famine can’t stop eating, and Pestilence is wracked with diseases and all manner of ailments. Their personalities are so unique and distinct, each funny in their own way. By the end I adored all of them, even Famine who at first I was a little sceptical of.

Hutchison’s writing style and natural humour and wit reminded me a lot of Terry Pratchett and Garth Nix. I was smiling throughout the story because the characters themselves are so well written and come out with some cracking lines.

The story itself was so absurd but in a fun and easy-to-grasp way that you possibly couldn’t guess what was coming next. But there is no way you could get bored reading the story either. It’s full of action and adventure and bizarre mishaps. OK, so it’s not grandly complex, but that doesn’t matter when you’re reading it. For me, Barry Hutchison has now become one of those authors that I always want to read more of, and when I get to read his books it will feel like a real luxury.

The 13th Horseman is action packed with larger than life characters and plenty of humour. Young boys and fans of Terry Pratchett alike will love this one! It's out on 1st March 2012, and I thoroughly recommend reading it.

Rating: 4*

ALL HAIL THE APOCALYPSE

Before I post up my review of this book tomorrow, I thought I would share the content of a very charming and witty email from HarperCollins Children's Books... it was too good to leave sat in my inbox:

The apocalypse is coming. There’s no way out of I’m afraid. Nope, not even through that sneaky door labelled “exit” – it’s fire and brimstone for us all.

But hey! Let’s not be downbeat about it! Why not laugh your way to the end of the world with some commentary from one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse himself? Ok so he might not be the most mysterious or powerful of the four, but he’s probably not the ugliest anyway. Pestilence has set up his very own blog to document the lead up to the end – which you can read at http://www.the13thhorseman.com/

Conveniently the countdown to the end of the world coincides with the publication of the hilarious new book from Barry Hutchison, The 13th Horseman on the 1st of March. Barry has created this innovative blog to feature all sorts of extra information on the lives of the horseman. You can now learn why exactly Toxie the Hellhound owes them one, where Pest got that nasty rash and watch Death descend into madness (well, waiting for an apocalypse for thousands of years can be pretty boring). The end of the world has never been so entertaining.

This additional content will really lead readers into the book, acting as a prequel to the text. If you enjoy reading it, do consider linking to it, tweeting about it, or just telling that person next to you on the bus they should read it.

Barry is available for comment and interview or can be followed on:

@barryhutchison
http://www.barryhutchison.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Barry-Hutchison/144602165575963

KAREN MAHONEY WEBCHAT LATER THIS WEEK

It seems that web-chatting is quickly becoming the next big thing in author-reader interactions, as the lovely Karen Mahoney will be taking part in a webchat on Thursday on the fiercebook page on facebook.

Karen is the author of The Iron Witch and the soon to be released The Wood Queen.

 

I met Karen at a writers event almost two years ago, and it was her talk that inspired me to set up My Book Journey. She is very lovely and personable, so start thinking of questions and log into facebook at 4.30pm to ask her your question. Make it a good one!

THE FUTURE OF MYTHICAL CREATURES?

Fantasy as well as paranormal writing has seen its fair share of mythical creatures come to life in their pages. Many of them are well know and have been written about on numerous occasions including vampires, shape shifters and werewolves, dragons, and even centaurs, kelpies and mermaids.

But there are still so many mythical creatures that are less well known and hardly used in stories, despite being so interesting. So I have decided to champion some of these lesser known creatures. Some you may recognise, some you might not. Hopefully we will see more of these lesser known mythical creatures featuring more heavily in fantasy and paranormal stories in the future. Move over vampires and werewolves....this is the future:

Cyclops

Greek mythology

Humanoid & Deadly

The Cyclops were single eyed Giants with their one eye in the middle of their forehead. They were extremely vicious, every thought and moved was filled with a mind of aggression. According the the writer Hesoid, the Cyclops were stubborn strong and 'abrupt of emotion'.

There were two generations of Cyclops inn greek myth. The first generation consisted of three Cyclopses called Brontes, Steropes and Arges and were once imprisoned in Tartarus by the Titans but were rescued by the Olympian gods who persuaded them to join them. The second generation of Cyclops were a band of lawless shepherds who lived in Sicily. They were not good at manipulating metals like their ancestors and so they spent their time farming.

*****

Direach Ghlinn Eitidh

Celtic mythology

Humanoid, Cave Dweller & Haunting

A human-like creature that has an extra leg and arm protruding from its chest. He has but one eye and tuft of hair on his head. He lurks in the valley of Glen of Eiti or Eitidh which is near Ballachulish.

*****

Hydra

Greek mythology

Serpent like water spirit

A serpent beast/dragon with nine or more heads.and poisonous breath so virulent even her tracks were deadly. The Hydra of Lerna was killed by Heracles as the second of his Twelve Labours. Its lair was the lake of Lerna in the Argolid. Beneath the waters was an entrance to the Underworld, and the Hydra was its guardian. Upon reaching the swamp near Lake Lerna, where the Hydra dwelt, Heracles covered his mouth and nose with a cloth to protect himself from the poisonous fumes. He fired flaming arrows into the Hydra's lair, the spring of Amymone, a deep cave that it only came out of to terrorize neighboring villages. He then confronted the Hydra, but upon cutting off each of its heads he found that two grew back. The weakness of the Hydra was that only one of its heads was immortal.

*****

Halcyon

Greek mythology

Flying

A bright blue bird with a long neck and purple and white markings across its body. It has the ability to calm the seas when it lays it eggs. The weather remains calm for seven days after the chicks have hatched.

This time is known as the ‘Halcyon Days’ and seamen use the tranquil weather to their advantage. The bird was originally a Greek woman who consulted Apollo. Zeus was offended by this and sent a storm to destroy her home city. When she returned she found her dead husband and tried to commit suicide by drowning but was turned into the Halcyon instead.

*****

Aughisky

Irish mythology

Water horse

The aughisky is the Irish Water-horse. They were supposed to come out of the sea, particularly in November, and gallop along the shore or through the fields. 

Anyone who could catch one and lead it away from the shore could use it as a splendid mount, if not the finest steed to be ever seen. But, if it came within sight or sound of the sea, it would gallop wildly into the depths and tear it's rider to pieces, and devour them eating all but the liver.. November seem the month most likely for the aughisky to be seen, and it is also said that they devoured mortal cattle. If ridden inland, it is safe unless it catches the slightest whiff of sea water, triggering the same lethal behavior as above. It is similar to the kelpie, but more dangerous.

ON MY WISHLIST (4)

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where you can list all the books you desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming.
My choices this week are ones that I've just stumbled upon in my wanderings of the internet. What do you think? Will they go on your wishlist?

Ghost Town by Phoebe Rivers
To be published May 2012 by Simon & Schuster

Sara Collins is a normal 12 year old girl with an abnormal secret: she is psychic. Sara has had her abilities for as long as she can remember, but she doesn't like to talk about them. She hopes that if she ignores them, they might go away. Sara wants nothing more than to have a normal life, and to her
"normal" doesn't include anything paranormal.

But Sara's abilities aren't going away... in fact, changes are happening in Sara's life that will make her abilities even more powerful. Her life is about to be turned upside down because she's moving across the country with her dad to an old shore town in New Jersey. A shore town with a lot of history... and
more than its fair share of ghosts.

Ghost Town places Sara in the fun setting of a shore town with a beach and a boardwalk. As Sara tries to settle into her new home, she discovers that not only is she surrounded by ghosts, but for the first time, the ghosts around her can communicate with her. One ghost in particular is intent on
communicating with Sara because he desperately needs something from her. Sara wants to help, but she's scared. Can Sara put her fear aside and help the spirit? Will doing so put her in jeopardy?
Meanwhile, Sara meets a great local girl named Lily Randazzo, and against all odds, really bonds with her. Sara has made a true friend for the first time in her life. Maybe New Jersey isn't so bad after all....

*******

Green Rider by Kristen Britain

Published April 2000 by DAW Books

On her long journey home from school after a fight which will surely lead to her expulsion, Karigan G'ladheon ponders her future as she trudges through the immense forest called Green Cloak. But her thoughts are interrupted by the clattering of hooves as a galloping horse bursts from the woods, the rider slumped over his mount's neck, impaled by two black-shafted arrows. As the young man lies dying on the road, he tells Karigan that he is a Green Rider, one of the legendary messengers of the king, and that he bears a "life and death" message for King Zachary. He begs Karigan to carry his message, warning her not to read it, and when she reluctantly agrees, he makes her swear on his sword to complete his mission "for love of country." As he bestows upon her the golden winged-horse brooch which is the symbol of his office, he whispers on his dying breath, "Beware the shadow man..."

Karigan's promise changes her life forever. Pursued by unknown assassins, following a path only her horse seems to know, and accompanied by the silent specter of the original messenger, she herself becomes a legendary Green Rider. Caught up in a world of deadly danger and complex magic, compelled by forces she cannot understand, Karigan is hounded by dark beings bent on seeing that the message, and its reluctant carrier, never reach their destination.

FYI: LAUREN KATE ONLINE TONIGHT

Lauren Kate will be chatting online tonight from 8.30-9.00pm (UK time) about her Fallen series and about the brand new and beautiful FALLEN IN LOVE.

Log into facebook and go to Random House's teen page, fiercebook to ask Lauren Kate a question!

REVIEW: RIVERS OF LONDON

Rivers of London
Author: Ben Aaronovitch
Series: Yes, #1
UK Publisher: Gollancz
UK Release date: January 2011
Genre: Contemporary paranormal

After 2 years in the police force as a probationary constable, Peter Grant is facing a future career of humdrum paperwork and filing; until he meets the sole witness to a brutal murder. It’s just a shame the witness is a ghost and he’s the only person that can see him. But as Grant discovers, the Metropolitan Police Service has a special ‘arrangement’ for paranormal activity within the capitol: namely Detective Chief Inspector Nightingale. Taking Grant under his wing as an apprentice wizard, he is led into a world of magic, mayhem and plenty of mischief. 

Review: Right from the start Aaronovitch’s distinctive writing style grabbed me; Grant’s narrative has been written with humour, wit, and a real sense of personality. Observations and commentary of human behaviour, such as how people behave on public transport, is something we all pay little attention to but notice more on a subconscious level. And by adding these observations into the narrative Aaronovitch makes the story feel real and very true to life.

Grant's narrative does try to maintain a delicate balance between magic and science, which should satisfy readers like myself that need a little 'proof' or theory behind paranormal activity and a bit of natural scepticism to make the magic feel a bit more realistic. The fact that the paranormal elements are also balanced with the crime element, adds more importance to Grant's role and puts him in lots of dangerous situations. Grant in himself is interesting, as well as his role within the police service. He doesn't stick to the rules, he's curious, inquisitive and makes things up as he goes along, which often gets him in trouble. Grant continuously tries to figure out where the magic comes from and how it works, experimenting with magic and sometimes trying things beyond his means. This curiosity and intrigue keeps the plot interesting and helps him get out of a few sticky situations.

With an action packed plot, Grant has a tumultuous start to his new job as apprentice wizard. Skipping easily through ‘quieter periods’ of his training and learning kept a steady pace to the story, leaving the rest full of action, mystery and intrigue. 

Rivers of London is richly woven with London’s past and geography, adding a real sense of place and history to the story. Magical elements are also linked into geography in an intriguing way, such as rivers being connected to living embodiments through some mysterious magical force. I did find myself confused at the ‘Punch and Judy’ historical link, but that may because the plot was purposefully filled with mystery and questions.

The characters ranged from normal, honest but likeable Lesley, who was steady and dedicated to her job, to Beverly Brooks, a London river in corporeal form. There was obviously chemistry between Grant and both of these very different women, and I'm intrigued to see where this little triangle goes. I also loved Toby the dog and how he ended up involved in the story and helping investigations. There’s something about a lovable, furry side-kick that I adore in any story.

Combining investigative crime-fighting with magical forces and a witty narrative, Rivers of London has potential to be a great series.

Rating: 4*

REVIEW: DESERT ANGEL

Desert Angel
Author: Charlie Price
Series: No, standalone
UK Publisher: Random House Children's Books
UK Release date: 2nd February 2012
Genre: YA Thriller
Kindly given by the publisher for an honest review

Fourteen year old Angel has been dragged across the country by a mother who cares about the no-good men she hooks up with more than she does for Angel. And the latest boyfriend is a real piece of work. He’s killed her mother, and now he’s coming after Angel. Can she outrun the hunter in the unforgiving desert, or can she learn to trust others?

Review: From the first page Desert Angel throws the reader straight into the conflict and danger of Angel’s life. The story was so gripping and tense that I didn’t want to put it down even when Scotty become hideously evil trying to kill Angel. Although the story was a thrilling cat and mouse chase, it also felt very real. I think because of Angel’s character and how well she was brought to life, the story felt human and personal, and I found Angel’s fears and thoughts were very tangible and easy to understand and sympathise with.

Right from the off I was rooting for Angel, even though she wasn't what you would naturally expect as a main protagonist. She was aloof and emotionally withdrawn, and prone to run at any conflict. Her mother had constantly neglected her and put her second to her latest boyfriend. She hadn’t had a good childhood, she didn’t get to make friends and play games, and you could see that the same was happening to little Norma, unless someone steps in. Just like Jessie was stepping in and being there for Angel, Angel was faced with the dilemma of whether she could do the same for Norma. And I have to say, I adored both Angel and Norma, especially when they were together – Norma’s thoughts and the way she described adult things was so funny and sweet, and you could see that underneath the grumpiness and hostility there was a lovely girl just waiting for someone to be there for her and love her.

It wasn’t just these two characters that I liked though; all of the people that helped Angel felt real, including their concerns of being discovered as illegal immigrants or fear of retaliation from Scotty. I think this is one reason why Jessie stands out as such a strong and positive character; ignoring all of the potential danger and taking Angel under her wing and acting more like a mother than her real mother had. Everyone should have someone like Jessie in their lives!

The harsh desert setting was interesting because it wasn’t something I had come across often in books. It felt stark and unforgiving and really added to Angel’s predicament. It also mirrored Scotty’s evil nature – both him and the desert were harsh, unrelenting and ruthless. At times, he felt like prey stalking its weak victim. I would have liked the story to continue for longer in the desert, as the start of the book felt more dramatic compared to when the setting changed to Angel living with others.

As a character, Angel goes through an emotional and rather reluctant development. For so long Angel had no one to rely on, no one to love her or look after her. But as she spends more and more time with Jessie and her family, and she finds people willing to protect her for no reason other than caring, Angel just doesn’t know how to deal with it. Her instinct is to run and hide; but for Angel that means being mercilessly hunted and tracked by Scotty.

A thrilling and emotional cat and mouse chase, Desert Angel is a ruthless hunt to the end.

Rating: 5*