Chicklish

REVIEW: Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin

Review by Daria.

"The only thing Avery Hood can remember about the night her parents died is that she saw silver—deadly silver, moving inhumanly fast. As much as she wants to remember who killed them, she can't, and there's nothing left to do but try to piece her life back together. Then Avery meets the new boy in school—Ben, mysterious and beautiful, with whom she feels a connection like nothing she's ever experienced. When Ben reveals he's a werewolf, Avery still trusts him—at first. Then she sees that sometimes his eyes flash inhuman silver. And she learns that she's not the only one who can't remember the night her parents died."

I thought this book was absolutely amazing. It had just the right mix of paranormal romance and mystery to keep me on my toes. I loved how the mystery side of the book always pointed the finger at one or two characters, but at the very end it all changed! The last few pages shocked me the most because what happened was completely, totally and utterly surprising! I liked that the name and front cover linked well with the storyline because in a lot of books the front cover is completely irrelevant to what's inside. Also, I thought it was smart that throughout the novel, the word moon was written in read, making it stand out.

I found Ben very mysterious, strange and well, we all know that he IS very different. I liked how he made Avery feel special, which she really needed since her parents were brutally murdered and she saw it, but didn't remember anything. I thought the connection between Avery and Ben, was a little weird, but I think its what made their love stronger.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes a mixture of paranormal, romance and mystery.

Review by Daria, aged 14

REVIEW: Half Brother by Kenneth Oppel

Review by Mel.

Ben Tomlin has been an only child for thirteen years. So when his research-scientist parents bring home a baby chimp to raise as a human child, Ben's life is turned upside-down. Teaching a baby chimp how to understand language is not his idea of fun, especially when he's trying to settle in at his new school.

But it isn't long before Zan's infectious personality endears him to everyone and he becomes a real member of the family. But just what will happen when he grows up and the experiment comes to an end? Ben must take dramatic steps, and the repercussions ricochet through home and community with devastating results.

I was nervous about reading Half Brother. Not because I thought it would be a poor read, but because I knew it would be an emotional experience. I wasn't wrong. The book is narrated by 13-year-old Ben who becomes a 'half-brother' to a baby chimp, Zan, when his research scientist parents decide to embark on a cutting-edge experiment in a new town. They want to teach Zan to communicate via sign-language.  At first, Ben is jealous of Zan, but they quickly develop a close and loving bond.  Then things start to go wrong.  The funding reduces,  Zan grows up and Ben begins to realise that his future with Zan is in jeopardy.

It could have got schmaltzy at this point, but the author manages to veer the tone away from sentimentalism by presenting a balanced picture of human/animal interaction.  Ben is intelligent enough to realise that chimps can't be shoehorned into a human lifestyle, but what's the alternative? This is where the novel becomes darker as Oppel explores the other options open to a tame adult chimp - including medical research.

This isn't an easy novel to read, but it's not completely serious either.  Ben has plenty of other human issues to contend with too - including Project Jennifer, his own semi-successful experiment which leads to plenty of laughs and cringeworthy moments.  I found him to be an likeable character - average at school, but with a big heart and open to new ideas.  Zan is totally believable too - the author manages to give him personality without making him a caricature.  The one aspect of Half Brother that slightly annoyed me was the 1970s setting. I can understand that the author had to do this because of the subject matter, but I found it slightly awkward at times.  Even so, this was a minor niggle.  Half Brother is a heart-warming, yet challenging book that will stay with you long after you've closed the pages.

Review by Mel.

NEWS: Trailer launch for My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece by Annabel Pitcher

My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece is a debut novel by Annabel Pitcher, to be published on 1st March 2011. Here's more about it:

"Ten-year-old Jamie Matthews has just moved to the Lake District with his Dad and his teenage sister, Jasmine for a 'Fresh New Start'. Five years ago his sister's twin, Rose, was blown up by a terrorist bomb. His parents are wrecked by their grief, Jasmine turns to piercing, pink hair and stops eating. The family falls apart. But Jamie hasn't cried in all that time. To him Rose is just a distant memory. Jamie is far more interested in his cat, Roger, his birthday Spiderman T-shirt, and in keeping his new friend Sunya a secret from his dad. And in his deep longing and unshakeable belief that his Mum will come back to the family she walked out on months ago. When he sees a TV advert for a talent show, he feels certain that this will change everything and bring them all back together once and for all."

Annabel Pitcher has recorded this exclusive message, personalised for readers of this site!

And here's the premiere of the trailer for My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece, launching today...

GIVEAWAY: signed copy of Running in Heels by Helen Bailey (now closed)

**This giveaway is now closed and the winner, H.M., has been contacted. Thank you for entering, everyone!**

Running in Heels is the latest novel by Helen Bailey, author of the popular Electra Brown series. Here's more about it:

Daisy Davenport has it all – stunning looks, spectacular house, seriously gorgeous boyfriend.

But when her father is sent to jail for corruption, Daisy’s life is shattered. Cramped into rooms above a kebab shop, she and her family have to readjust – fast.

And if life isn’t hard enough already, Daisy’s new school is a world away from her old one. And the school bully is going to make sure she remembers it...

Read an extract of Running in Heels.

Read our review.

**This giveaway is now closed and the winner, H.M., has been contacted. Thank you for entering, everyone!**

REVIEW: Running in Heels by Helen Bailey

Review by Luisa.

14-year-old Daisy Davenport is the girl who has everything - an expensive education, designer clothes, a luxurious house, in-group friends and Ollie the rugby-playing boyfriend. The only thing she's lacking is confidence. She just can't seem to say no to the most unreasonable requests from her high-maintenance friends, and she only wishes she had the courage to buy the self-help book she's been secretly reading in WHSmith for ages.

Then Daisy's father is arrested for fraud. Soon, the Davenports are bankrupt and Daisy's life changes drastically. She has to leave her private school and start going to 'Chavarama High', as she and her friends call it. But these so-called friends start falling away, and even Ollie cools off. Meanwhile, everyone at the new school seems to hate her. How will the meek Daisy cope when her perfect world comes crashing down around her?

I loved Helen Bailey's Electra Brown series so I've been really looking forward to Running in Heels, and it certainly didn't disappoint. Fans of Life at the Shallow End and its sequels will find all their favourite ingredients in this book: wonderfully observed school scenes, a witty and self-deprecating heroine and a cast of quirky and interesting characters - including a gorgeous and kind boy. This story is less about romance, though, and more about Daisy's character growth when faced with her worst nightmare.

While there is lots of humour and a light-hearted tone, the story doesn't hold back in showing the ordeal Daisy goes through. The bullying she experiences is relentless and there are times when it's hard to see a way out for her, especially when the adults in Daisy's life let her down as much as her peers. While the novel makes gentle fun of Daisy's bible - Assertiveness NOW! From Wimp to Wonderful by Wanda-May Rubin, which advocates mantras such as "I can become President of the United States!" - it also shows how the answer to Daisy's situation lies within herself. Daisy might not be the most instantly likeable character, but I was definitely rooting for her and willing her to gain the confidence she needed.

A lot of the characters in this book are the kind that readers will love to hate, and especially brilliant in this capacity are Daisy's laid-back brother Aston and her rebel sister Portia. I love the little details of Davenport lifestyle that are dropped into the story, and I really enjoyed seeing poor Daisy channeling her inner Cheryl Cole as a survival technique at her new school.

Highly recommended to fans of funny riches-to-rags stories, or anyone who likes to read about overcoming adversities and becoming the person you want to be.

Review by Luisa.

Helen Bailey's website.

Read an extract of Running in Heels.

Enter to win a signed copy of Running in Heels - UK only, closing 3rd Feb 2011.

REVIEW: Artichoke Hearts by Sita Brahmachari

Review by Amber.

"What kind of someone could I let in to the mixed-up mind-maze that is me?

Mira Levenson's family is always chaotic - with a little brother and baby sister, busy parents and her artistic, outspoken grandma. She loves them all, but sometimes it feels like nothing is private. And the thing is... Mira does have secrets - her beloved Nana Josie is dying, she's drifting away from her best friend, and she can't stop thinking about mysterious, confident Jide Jackson, who is definitely keeping some secrets of his own."

This novel is about a girl called Mira Levenson - a shy, quiet girl with only one friend. She's very superstitious and she loves one person in the world more than anything - her Nana Josie. Nana Josie is an artist. She has lots of inspiring sayings, and she's so artistic I think she's my favourite character.  You get to know Nana Josie really well - I nearly cried at certain points!

The cover is absolutely gorgeous. The colours work together so well and the charm on the front hanging from the word 'Hearts' is gorgeous.

There are lots of added twists in this novel. It isn't just some book about some old grandma! The whole thing where Mira started getting a crush on classmate Jide, Jide's mysterious past, growing up... it's all so good. And all of the emotions carried across really well; they seemed to jump right off the page.

There were only a couple of parts where I wanted to skip because it started to get boring, but then it got fun and exciting and interesting again. Other than that, this was a FABULOUS book! It was really interesting as well, it really inspired me.

I've never read anything by Brahmachari (I think this might even be her first book), but if she writes any more books, I'll definitely be reading them!

ABSOLUTELY LOVE. 5/5! :)

Review by Amber, aged 12

Read more of Amber's reviews at The Mile Long Bookshelf

REVIEW: The 13 Secrets by Michelle Harrison

Review by Rachel.

"Red is now living at Elvesden Manor under her real name, Rowan, and trying to put her past behind her. But staying on the straight and narrow isn't as easy as she had hoped... Hounded by fairy messengers who are trying to convince her to participate once more in the changeling trade, Rowan is haunted by dreams of the Hedgewitch's cottage and the chained-up Eldritch, who threatens revenge against her. Her past is about to catch up with her - can Tanya and Fabian prevent it consuming her altogether?"

The 13 Secrets is the last book in the thrilling trilogy by Michelle Harrison.

I found it a thrilling read, a gripping page-turner which I was reluctant to put down. The characters were very realistic and likeable, well developed and each had their own unique personalities. My favourite characters are Sparrow and Tanya. Sparrow is an old friend of Rowan's that she can always turn to in difficult times. Tanya is also in my favour because she is brave, trustworthy and caring.

Please give this book a go!

Review by Rachel.

Read more reviews by Rachel at Booktastic Reviews

Watch the trailer below.

REVIEW: Tyme’s End by B.R.Collins

Review by Chris G. 

This is a complex book. It’s different in that its complexity is not so much in the scenes you read but comes through the unfolding stories of the characters.

It involves Bibi, who spends all her time at Tyme’s End, an abandoned house that gives her refuge from her rocky home-life. Tyme’s End is her hideaway, it’s the former house of a renowned writer. The problem is that after ten years, the heir to the property, Oliver has arrived. 

The stories shared by Bibi and Oliver tell the tale of the book which goes through different stages of emotions and shows that Tyme’s End is a house with a lot of history.

This is an interesting book with some well-drawn characters, will suit keen readers as it requires some concentration and is a challenging read.

Review by Chris G.

REVIEW: Conspiracy 365 (December) by Gabrielle Lord

Review by Kate.
 
“On New Year's Eve, Cal is chased down the street by a crazed man with a deadly warning: They killed your father. They'll kill you. You must survive the next 365 days!
 
Forced into a life on the run, Cal finds himself hunted by ruthless criminals and the police. Somehow he must uncover the truth about his father's mysterious death and solve the Ormond Singularity, a secret from the past, before the year is up. But who can he turn to when the whole world seems to want him dead? The clock is ticking. Any second could be his last. Callum Ormond has been warned. He has 365 days. The countdown has begun.”
 
It’s been almost a year since I started reading this series, almost a year that I have been eagerly anticipating the big ending to this amazing series. In all this time I’ve been hoping that the ending rounds off the story, explains all the mysteries and keeps me hooked right until the last page. “December” certainly lived up to my expectations in this amazing conclusion.

With just one month left to solve the mystery, Callum and the gang head to Ireland, where Callum’s dad had previously tried to solve the mystery. Following in his footsteps is emotional at points for Callum, however the clues all start to fall into place as he starts to adapt to his father’s thinking.

Trouble has not been left behind in Australia however. All Callum’s enemies have upped their game to make sure that he does not survive to see the New Year. Lord has done well to make sure that a sense of urgency is maintained throughout this final instalment, Callum has no time left to hang around.

The ending to Callum’s journey kept me on edge until the very last page, I found the ending very satisfying and well written, although I wish that there had been more clues for the reader to pick up on in regards to certain plot points. I think sometimes they were hidden a little too well!

Overall, I found this to be a gripping conclusion to an amazing book series, I can’t wait to see what Gabrielle Lord brings out next.

Review by Kate.

Huge thanks to Kate for reviewing a whole year's worth of Conspiracy 365 books. Click on an image below to read her reviews of the previous instalments.

NEWS: Online author chat at Once Upon a Bookcase, and other news

Once Upon a Bookcase will soon be featuring an exciting online chat with paranormal romance authors Lauren Kate, Karen Mahoney and Amy Meredith. Here's more about it:

On 4th February at 5.00pm GMT for one hour, with the help of Chatroll, you will get the chance to have a live chat event with the authors of Fallen, The Iron Witch, and Shadows about writing YA paranormal romance - their writing, their influences, their reading, etc!

Other news...

The Beaucoup Review is still running a giveaway of many books and other items. Enter here before 30th January (UK only).

The Book Slooth is giving away a copy of Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr on her site. It's open internationally and you can enter here, or click on the cover image. (Closing 6th February.)

Find more book giveaways open to UK entrants at UK Giveaways.

The Mile Long Bookshelf and Booktastic Reviews are hosting a great new meme called "Weekly Wanted: Wishlist Wonders". Find out more at The Mile Long Bookshelf or Booktastic Reviews.

Some new-ish UK and Ireland based teen fiction blogs to check out and follow: Booktastic Reviews, Bookster Reviews, Bookhi, Welcome To My Life, Books for Company, The Reader Room.

Lastly, you can download a totally free iPhone app for Burns Night on 25th January, featuring the poems of Robert Burns. (More information on Robert Burns, his life and poetry at Scotland.org.)