Children's Book of the Year 2010 nominations

To celebrate Book Week, the ISC has purchased several copies of the following twelve Children's Book of the Year finalists.









If you'd like the chance to win a book, read one (or more if you like) of these twelve books and then do one of the following:











1. Choose a favourite quote from one of these twelve books and explain why it is your favourite.

2. Choose a favourite character from one of these twelve books and explain why it is your favourite.


3. Choose a favourite incident from one of these twelve books and explain why it is your favourite.

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Write your comments in the comment box at the bottom of this blog. To be in the running, you must include the following information:

1. Your name and pastoral group.

2. The book's title on which you are commenting.

3. Your comment, including a page number if there's a quote involved - make certain you explain WHY the character/quote/incident is your favourite.

You might also want to take part in our bridges competition. We have pinned up 16 photos of bridges from around the world in the ISC. Try and guess all 16 names of the bridges and the places where they have been built and you'll go into the running for fabulous prizes.

Come to the ISC for more details.

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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****

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

Books Reviews

Over the weekend, I read the following two books: 'The Pain Merchants' by Janice Hardy and 'The Sunlight Slayings' by Kevin Emerson. Both books are part of two different series, The Healing Wars and Oliver Nocturne.

I enjoyed both and would recommend the Oliver Nocturne series for those who are interested in the supernatural (i.e. vampires, zombies etc...) but prefer action to romance.

Oliver is a teen with extraordinary powers (as yet unrevealed) who has been chosen for a great purpose. His best friends - Dean, who has recently returned as a zombie and the troubled but powerful Emalie assist Oliver while his family, Bane, the bullying older brother and his cool, adoptive parents, Phlox and Sebastian seem to be hiding a dark secret. Meanwhile vampire children are being mysteriously murdered by sunlight!

If you are looking for something to read after the Twilight series, then look elsewhere.

If you are interested in adventure, mystery and gaining an insight into the life of a teenaged vampire, then this book is definitely worth looking at.

****

'The Pain Merchants' puts me in mind of Tamora Pierce. The land of Geveg that Janice Hardy creates is not quite as detailed as Tamora Pierce's efforts but as this is Hardy's first book, we can no doubt look forward to further developments.

The main character Nya is feisty and resourceful. Forced to fend for herself on the streets of Geveg whilst her gifted sister Tali has been lucky enough to have been accepted by the Healer's League, Nya also has great gifts which must be kept hidden. Nya can draw pain from one sufferer and transfer it into another. This gift and others that are disclosed towards the end will lead her to make heart-breaking decisions as she fights back against both the League and the pain merchants.

A real page turner, 'The Page Merchants' creates an unusual concept of pain as power that I have not struck in many years of dedicated young adult fantasy writing. I feel strongly that Janice Hardy is an author to watch.

****1/2