I've come down with one of those annoying winter colds - you know, the kind that leaves you tired and exhausted, feeling flat and a bit off-colour, but not bad enough to justify a day off work.As a result, my reading brain is also a little flat & off-colour. I haven't been able to settle to anything heavy and I certainly haven't been able to tackle any sparkling reviews.
So I've decided to knock off a few quickies, twitter-style.
Reviews in 140 characters or less - I just hope my brain is up to the challenge!
First up is a Hot Key Book, Circus of the Unseen.
Russian fairytale meets modern day gothic in this creepy undead circus. A threshold world between life and death. Which world would you choose?
The Door that Led to Where by Sally Gardner was thoroughly enjoyable.
Dysfunctional families, teen angst, some convenient plot twists with a
key, a door, secrets & 1830's London. Contemporary Dickens for
teens.
Promised by Caragh O'Brien is the final book in her Birthmarked trilogy (Prized being the second book).
Sadly this trilogy didn't take off in Australia, and the final book was never released here. Which was a shame because I loved the Nick Stearn covers and the books (click on review links above).
Dystopian romance in a world of walls, enclaves & strong women. A
baby shortage, a water crisis & genetic disorders. Nature/nurture at odds.
The Princess in Black by Shannon and Dean Hale is a great early reader guaranteed to get the most reluctant reader off to a flying start.
The 1945 Newbury Honour book, The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes has become a modern classic and a favourite of teachers the world over.
Prim & proper princesses like pink & tiaras; they also like
black & ninja moves. Will the curious goatherd suss out her secret
identity?
The 1945 Newbury Honour book, The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes has become a modern classic and a favourite of teachers the world over.
Does Wanda really have a 100 dresses? How do you fit in when difference
is all they see? A classic tale of friendship, bullying & belonging.
Sorry to hear you've been under the weather. I hope you feel better soon. I haven't heard of the Birthmarked series, but it really caught my attention. Does it focus on one character or several women? My kids love the Princess in Black series and I was lucky to snag an arc of the next book, so I can tell you that it's just as fun as the first book.
ReplyDeleteOhh I'm glad to hear about the fun ahead for the next Princess in Black - I have high hopes for the goatherd!
ReplyDeleteThe Birthmarked series is for older teens. Strong female protagonist, but lots of interesting side characters too. Midwifery and birthing are big themes throughout the books, so miscarriages, abortions and IVF treatments are discussed. The romance is also a big part of the story (I believe O'Brien writes some adult romances as well). It was all age appropriate and quite sweet & as an adult a bit too unrealistic, but my 15 yr old self would have lapped it all up :-)
Yes, sorry to hear that you've been poorly, I hope you're on the mend now. Great post though. So many interesting books. 100 dresses has been on my radar for some time, but I still haven't read it. I'm starting to see Sally Gardner everywhere- I'm of course very interested in her French Revolution stories. I just checked and my library has heaps of her stuff. Now to find the time... I've never heard of the Birthmarked series before- it sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteI'm a big fan of Sally Gardner & have thoroughly enjoyed her others (that I've read so far that is). I also have her French Revolution books to read one day soon!
DeleteThat's good to know, but that TBR never gets any shorter does it? Despite our best efforts.
DeleteLove how much you can get into 140 - it really does entice one in! I hope you're feeling better too.
ReplyDeleteI thought about challenging all commenters to leave 140 character replies, but I would have failed my own rule miserably!!
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