Teen fantasy books I have read recently

Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder I enjoyed this book, particularly the glass making scenes which were accurately and enthusiastically detailed (makes you want to take up glass blowing!). It reminded me of Tamora Pierce's books Cold Fire and Shatterglass in The Circle Opens series.

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What was less exciting was the way the author skipped description and segued to the future (and sometimes the past) breaking the mood and causing momentary confusion. Still, the story of a young woman skilled in making glass endowed with magic who must aid the Storm Dancers who have failed to draw the power of this season's killing storms, placing all in danger is intriguing enough to persevere.

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***1/2

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The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer, is an Eclipse novella.

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It tells the story of Victoria's (Bella's vampire nemesis) creation of a coven to destroy Edward's mate (Bella) in retaliation for the death of her own mate.

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The tale is told through the eyes of Bree and gives an unsentimental and sometimes brutal insight into newly 'made' vampires. As the title suggests, Bree is eventually executed. Although she surrenders during the battle against the Cullen coven, the Volturi condemn her to death. The most interesting thing about this novella is the insight the reader gains into Jasper, the newest member of the Cullen coven.

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It is also interesting that Stephenie Meyer seems to be taking the same pathway that J. K. Rowling took once her famous series had finished.

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***1/2

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Necropolis by Anthony Horowitz is the fourth book in The Power of Five series.

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The main action takes place in Hong Kong and are there moments when the old Horowitz magic writing speeds you through page after page but too oftne you may find your attention wandering as the author relies on some serious cliches and sterotypes.

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Still, if you have read the other three books, you'll definitely want to keep abreast of what happens (and what will happen, presumably in a final fifth book) when Scarlet - the fifth member of this powerful group is identified, rescued, then lost, then rescued again and finally reveals her awesome gift.

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****

Adult Fiction books read during the Term 2 break

'The Executor' by Jesse Kellerman - I found this a fascinating read. Set in Harvard, the story features a selfish young PHD Philosophy student who stumbles onto an advantageous job opportunity and eventual inheritance. The plot develops as the (rather pompous and opiniated) young man learns avariciousness and subterfuge and a multitude of behaviours that are (supposedly) foreign to his 'principles' and arguably to his nature. An intriguing read for those who are interested in human behaviour. ****1/2

'The Bricklayer' by Noah Boyd - This novel (made available by Rita Eremin) was a true page turner. The main character Steve Vail is a (forcibly) retired FBI agent who refuses to suffer fools gladly. He is tracked down by the current FBI deputy assistent director who surmises Vail's 'maverick' approach is exactly what is needed to deal with the spate of ingenious murders designed to embarrass and implicate the FBI. The 'traps' set to kill any agent foolhardy enough to attempt to unmask the murderers makes for thrilling reading with Vail's narrow escapes and psychological profiling of the murderers. ****1/2

'61 Hours' by Lee Child - Set in snowstorm where a bus carrying elderly tourists crashes unexpectedly and with potentially life-threatening consequences, Jack Reacher, who had earlier joined the tour in a random attempt to 'keep moving', manages to rescue the situation. Owning nothing and dependent completely on a credit card, he creates suspicion in the local police who come to realise that Reacher has a mysterious and possibly sinister past. He proves to be the town's saviour, however, as the community becomes threatened by outside forces determined to destroy anyone and anything which stands in their way. ****

Fiction books read in the holidays

'The Prince of Mist' by Carlos Ruiz Zafon - This was an excellent read in a timeless, fairytale style rather like Cornelia Funke's 'Inkheart', the Lemony Snicket series 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' or 'The Lamplighter' series by David Cornish. ****

'Song of the Lioness' quartet by Tamora Pierce - Another brilliant read although I enjoyed 'The Immortals' quartet a fraction more but this is largely a matter of personal taste. I have now read pretty much everything Tamora Pierce has written and remain very impressed with her work. ****1/2

'Sasha' by Joel Shepherd - I found it very difficult to get involved with either the plot or the characters in this book. I can't really put my finger on what failed to thrill but I really could not be bothered completing it which is a rareoccurrence for me. *1/2

'The Devouring' by Simon Holt - This book became a tad predictable towards the end but aside from this was a very enjoyable read. Some eeirie moments of horror that I wish could have been sustained for longer. ***1/2

'Wings' by Apilynne Pike - If you can set aside the grotesqueness of visualising a girl who has grown an enormous flower (an image that I personally find rather silly) you will enjoy this book with its sensual and romantic overtones. ***1/2

'Shiver' by Maggie Stiefvater - I actually found the writing and plotline a great deal more rivetting than 'Twilight'. Although Stephenie meyer praises Aprilynne Pike for her 'remarkable debut' on the cover of 'Wings', Maggie Stiefvater better deserves the compliment. The insights into Wolf behaviour reminded me of Alison Croggon's second book 'The Riddle' in the Pelinor series. An excellent read. ****1/2