Michelle

The Territory by Sarah Govett At this time of the year, there are many young people revising for, and taking exams, and we all know there’s a lot of pressure on them. However, imagine if a failure could mean being sent to your death… Noa lives in a near-future where climate change and flooding have drastically reduced the amount of liveable land, now known as The Territory. To be allowed to stay, children at 15 must achieve a high pass on their exams. The rest are sent to the Wetlands, where conditions mean a life of misery, and often death. If that isn’t difficult enough, the richest children have been equipped with a ‘node’, which allows them to download the information needed for their exams – exams which are based more on fact recall than application… Sarah has managed to achieve a lot with this book. On one level it’s a compelling dystopian story, and her world building is so well done that this future world feels very real, and scarily close! The flooding which led to the Territory formation is explained, as is the technology available for the rich. Running through the story however, are also thought-provoking issues, which will make you think a little more about our education system, rich and poor, politics, the climate etc. Then added to this, is a very real day to day story of a teenager, as she deals with issues of friendship and relationships, school and study. Despite all this going on, it’s a fast paced story, which kept me turning those pages to find out what would happen next. It has a satisfying conclusion, but is all set up for the rest of the trilogy, which I’m waiting impatiently for.

The Glass Demon by Helen Grant: The first death Seventeen-year-old Lin Fox finds a body in an orchard. As she backs away in horror, she steps on broken glass. The second death Then blood appears on her doorstep – blood, and broken glass. The third death Something terrible is found in the cemetery. Shards of broken glass lie by a grave. Who will be next? As the attacks become more sinister, Lin doesn’t know who to trust. She’s getting closer to the truth behind these chilling discoveries, but with each move the danger deepens. Because someone wants Lin gone – and won’t give up until he’s got rid of her and her family. Forever. After a discussion about YA thrillers and horror, Helen kindly arranged for her publisher to send me out a copy of The Glass Demon to try. Helen seems to be classed as a YA writer, but this particular book would definitely appeal to all age groups (as do many YA books, of course). It’s actually a difficult book to classify, as it’s unclear for most of the story whether this is a straightforward thriller, or if there’s a supernatural element. I felt this added just the right level of uneasiness, and I won’t spoil the story for anyone by revealing which it is. The story revolves around a mysterious set of stained glass windows – most people deem them to no longer exist, and yet there are some who believe they are hidden away. Lin’s father is a historian, and the Allerheiligen Glass is his latest obsession. The Glass is also meant to be haunted by a demon, who can kill anyone who looks at him. As people start to die around Lin, and strange things occur, she realises that her and her family are in danger, but she doesn’t know who from. Add to this that she’s been taken by her father to Germany, and she’s trying to fit into a new school, and cope with the attention of their nearest neighbour, Michael! As I said, there’s a really good level of threat and unease about this book – there’s lots of tension, which keeps you reading, there is danger, and yet it’s not too disturbing. I think this is the key to the wide range of audience.. I would recommend this to both teen readers, and older (like myself!). Oh, and I’ve added all of Helen’s books to my wishlist! Recommended!

Beth has 16 exams in total, thankfully fairly well spread out. She seems to be constantly revising - but she's looking forward to the long summer after it's all over!

Someone on twitter posted about this, and it's bugging me because I have a vague recollection of something similar, but can't think what it is. Although in mine, I think the ride goes to a different world rather than space? If anyone can help with either option.?

At this time of the year, there are many young people revising for, and taking exams, and we all know there’s a lot of pressure on them. However, imagine if a failure could mean being sent to your death… Noa lives in a near-future where climate change and flooding have drastically reduced the amount of liveable land, now known as The Territory. To be allowed to stay, children at 15 must achieve a high pass on their exams. The rest are sent to the Wetlands, where conditions mean a life of misery, and often death. If that isn’t difficult enough, the richest children have been equipped with a ‘node’, which allows them to download the information needed for their exams – exams which are based more on fact recall than application… Sarah has managed to achieve a lot with this book. On one level it’s a compelling dystopian story, and her world building is so well done that this future world feels very real, and scarily close! The flooding which led to the Territory formation is explained, as is the technology available for the rich. Running through the story however, are also thought-provoking issues, which will make you think a little more about our education system, rich and poor, politics, the climate etc. Then added to this, is a very real day to day story of a teenager, as she deals with issues of friendship and relationships, school and study. Despite all this going on, it’s a fast paced story, which kept me turning those pages to find out what would happen next. It has a satisfying conclusion, but is all set up for the rest of the trilogy, which I’m waiting impatiently for. Firefly Press kindly sent me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and is my first experience of this new publisher. I will certainly checking out more of their books, and have already bought Lost On Mars.

Sorry!

Occasionally I’ll be offered a book to review which I know nothing about, which is what happened with A Robot in the Garden. Within it, I found the story of Ben, but most importantly, Tang. There is a lot to love about this book, but I have to admit that I fell in love with Tang, the said Robot which turns up in Ben’s garden. He has the voice and ways of a cheeky child, and yet there is an adorable depth to him too. Deborah kindly agreed to answer some interview questions, but you have to excuse us, as we let Ben and Tang get involved too…. Let’s start at the beginning – how would you describe your book to a new reader? DI: ooh this is always a tricky one! But my best elevator pitch I think is: broken man finds broken robot in back garden, and on voyage of discovery both are fixed. Warning: may contain radioactive sausage dogs. What aspect came to you first, was it Tang, or was it Ben’s story? DI: it was very much Tang and his name that came first. My husband made an off the cuff remark about the smell of newborn nappies and I said ‘Acrid Tang, that sounds like a robot from east Asia’…why it did, I will never know! That was late one evening, and by morning I knew what Tang looked like, that his best friend was called Ben and that they would go on a round-the-world trip. What started out as practical elements to the story, eg giving Ben money so there’d be no question as to how he could afford the trip, for example, and having Amy leave him so he’d have no ties to keep him from making the journey, turned out to be really important elements to both plot and character, and also some of the most interesting bits to explore whilst writing. Tang is just adorable.. where did you get your ideas and inspiration for his character – films, books, people? DI: thank you! All of the above really. I grew up with R2-D2 being my favourite Star Wars character so I think I probably carried through to the book, but I get inspiration from absolutely everywhere. I was balling socks yesterday and thought of a funny section I could do about it. I reckon as long as I keep my eyes and ears open the ideas will find their own way, although that sounds a bit more mysterious than I actually am! I’d never base a character on a particular person, it’s just too intrusive and unfair. Odd conversations, foibles and traits though perhaps. And my son. My son is definitely like Tang sometimes! This is your debut, are you working on anything else at the moment? DI: I am, yes. Several things including another comedy, this time with time travel taking the place of robots – i.e. time travel is just something that happens, rather than being a big deal in itself. And where ARITG looked at friendships and relationships this one will look at work and careers, office frustrations that sort of thing. With time travel. Surely Tang has more stories to tell.. are there any plans for more from him? DI: Oh, I’m sure if… Tang: I HAS PET…I TELLS YOU ABOUT PET DI: shhh, Tang, please. To answer your question – yes I’m sure there’s more we can hear from the pair of them! What do you like to read yourself, and what’s on your bedside table right now? DI: I like comedy books, unsurprisingly, my faves being Nick Hornby and Alexander McCall Smith. They’re both so brilliant in they way they observe people and make ordinary things extraordinary. I also love Jane Austen, actually for the same reasons. But on my bedside cabinet at the moment is Ned Beauman’s The Teleportation Accident, which I’m reading for research but enjoying all the same. Also I’m revisiting Terry Pratchett so I have Guards! Guards! there too. On my Kindle is Sara Pinborough’s The Death House which I’m loving and reminds me of Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go, which I also loved. I was wondering if I could have a word with Ben and Tang please…. DI: sure, go ahead! Be nice, chaps…. Ben, you managed to have quite a trip with Tang, which was your favourite part? BC: I did, didn’t I. Never expected to be halfway round the world, certainly. My favourite bit…I think probably driving in the Dodge. I’ve never been a car man as such but it was quite cool to drive a muscle car. And I guess it’s when I first started to how special Ta… Tang: CAR! DI: Tang, please don’t interrupt Ben…and leave your gaffer tape alone. Is travelling something you wish you’d done earlier in life? BC: I never thought so, but since going on the trip I now wish I had done more of it. Travelling and holidays and stuff was always just something that happened to me that somebody else wanted to do, but I get the point now, I get why people enjoy it. I thought Tokyo especially was great. Tang, how about you, what were your favourite parts of your trip with Ben? Tang: FISH FISH FISHES FISHINGS. FISH! And car. BC: you did like the boat, didn’t you? I was proud of finding that. We had a really good time on the boat. Tang: yes. What’s your favourite way to travel? Tang: I like fly. But big plane. Big seat. Not small rattle plane. Scared. But big plane, big seat. Game screen. Wheee! Ooh also bul-let. Bul-let train. BC: I’d go with that. Do you have any plans set for further trips or holidays? BC: well Bryony’s got our folks’ holiday house in Tuscany and I’d like to go there again sometime. But we might have to wait until Bonnie’s a bit older. I’d like to take Tang to some places round the UK, too, he’s not seen a great deal of it. Maybe Legoland. Tang: Leg…what? BC: don’t worry, Tang, you’ll know what I mean when you see it. How are your cooking skills developing, have you been shown how to make a proper sandwich? Tang: Ben, what is means ‘proper sandwich’? BC: erm…let’s leave sandwiches aside for a moment. How do you think you’re getting on with cooking? Tang: is easier with box. I has taller. Can reach. I makes…what does I makes last day? BC: you helped me make a cake for Bryony yesterday didn’t you, because it was her birthday. Tang: yes. I stirs. Stirring. No…mixings. Did not oven though. BC: no I had to put it in the oven, because it wouldn’t have done you a lot of good. You don’t get on very well with heat, do you? Tang: no. Ben.. do you have anything to add about Tang’s cooking…? BC: he’s actually doing ok. I mean, it’s like teaching a child to cook and his concentration’s all over the place but, you know, I’m used to it. He really enjoys it which is the main thing. Tang, are you enjoying your bedroom.. is your Witch cupboard big enough? Tang: yes I loves bed room! I has room of things are mine. Mine! I think cupboard maybe bit bigger. Does not quite fit. Ben I can has big cupboard? BC: if you like. And finally Tang, how does it feel to have your own twitter account, and to have fans?! Tang: I love fans! Ben what is twitters? BC: Tang, we’ve been through this…you know perfectly well what twitter is, you’re just being deliberately obtuse. Tang: what is ‘obtuse’? I think we’ll leave them there! Thank you everyone. You can follow Deborah on Twitter @TheRobotLady andyou also find Ben and Tang@BenandTang

To be honest, I'd rather not talk about the banned person, as he actually caused a LOT of upset.. twice. I also miss Charm, she stopped contact with me quite abruptly too.

Erm.. I'm about half way now, and it is a little more drama-y, but until that point there were some tense, creepy moments, which actually scared me a little just before bed. It could go in a few different directions from here, I'll let you know. It's part of this interesting range.. http://www.littletiger.co.uk/red-eye- Frozen Charlotte looks very good, and is high on my wish list!

Thanks - Noll, I have considered getting book plates or something, but there's just something special about a directly signed book. But of course, lugging a pile of books on the train is easier than lugging them from Ireland! I've already found a pretty good read - Sleepless by Lou Morgan. It actually managed to make me feel a bit scared last night!

I already love this thread!

So amazingly, we've managed to keep going through 10 years - 10 glorious years of chatting about books, authors, films, music, cooking, and anything else you can think of! Can you remember how you first came across BCF, and why you joined? Do you have any particular memories? And have you managed to meet any of the other members?

25 books by the end of April - I'm happy with that! I'm now hitting a YA phase - I have the list of authors going to YALC (Young Adult Literature Convention) in July, so I have new books to get read, so I can take them with me for signing. (Which also means buying some new ones.. shhhh!)

I feel better now, after thinking I was buying and you weren't!

That's what I'm doing Noll - but that's not helping my finances much!

I've just posted the 2nd announcement of authors. I was trying to combine the two together in an alphabetical list, but it's not going well on my chromebook!

I don't use my kindle much - but I have just sent the sample through to try.

well that got my attention! Has gone on the wish-list!

Ok, I have a tough one for you - as we're 10 years old in July, I want to know your Top 10 books... of all time! To make it easier, you don't have to give them any order, you can include a series as one selection, and it's up to you what criteria you use. So the challenge is set - tell us your Top 10 books!

Lucy Hounsom is the author of Starborn, which has just been published. It's one of my favourite books so far this year, and I'm grateful to Lucy who gave up some time to talk to me about her debut: Can you start off by telling us a little about Starborn? It’s a traditional fantasy in the vein of Trudi Canavan and David Eddings with airships, a subterranean citadel, truths not quite buried and lots of magic. After a disastrous Inheritance Ceremony, seventeen year old Kyndra finds herself fleeing her home in the company of two strangers, who turn her life upside down. I love the aspect of the Wielders using energy from the sun and moon, what was your inspiration for this? I’m not sure where the idea came from originally: it’s been around as long as the story has. I guess I liked the idea of drawing power from sources that are already present in the world, something of a natural order. I envision it as a way of life for the Wielders, an ability that defines them, rather than presenting it as a gift or curse as magic is often dubbed. The power inherent in the stars is different in that it exacts a price for its use, as all great power ought to. Kyndra is a strong main character, but so are your supporting characters - which story was in your mind first? Kyndra's, the Wielders’, or the general outline? A cross between the general outline and Kyndra’s character. This is going to sound strange, but I’m pleased to see that more than one reviewer has said they found it hard to connect with Kyndra. Without giving away spoilers, it means I’ve done my job right. From the outset, I wanted to create a character whose very humanity is in question. Certainly it makes Kyndra hard to empathise with, but then that is the point of the story and it’s a hit I have to take. The price of great power should not be cheap. I have tried to balance it out with perspectives from other characters. As for the general outline, the ending (and therefore the overall thrust) of Starborn has always been with me – I just had no idea how to reach it until I began writing. Is Starborn the beginning of a trilogy, or a long series? Do you have the full journey already planned? At the moment it’s a trilogy. I am entertaining the idea of a prequel, but I guess I have to wait to see how the series does. I don’t have the whole journey planned out – I’m a bit of a gardener; I plant the seeds and tend to invent as I go along. Have you always enjoyed writing, and have you always written fantasy? I’ve always written things – it used to be little poems and stories when I was younger. I wrote my first serious short story when I was fourteen as a school project and, to my later shame, it’s a huge rip-off of Alan Garner. That was about the time I started reading fantasy. I began with Tolkien and J K Rowling and moved onto Pratchett and Terry Brooks and David Eddings – the list is a long one. I’ve never written anything that doesn’t have an element of fantasy in it somewhere. For me, writing and fantasy are inextricably linked and I can’t imagine myself writing anything else. How long did it take to write Starborn, and can you tell us a little about your journey to publication? The first draft took 13 months without working to deadline and then I redrafted it four times before I ended up finding an agent. I received my fair share of rejections, which do get you down when they begin to pile up. Luckily an intern discovered Starborn on the slush pile and brought it to my agent’s attention – thank you Danielle! I’d been approaching agencies for over a year and was beyond elated to find someone to champion my book. I worked with my agent for another month polishing the novel before it went out on submission. Luckily it wasn’t long before my editor at Tor offered for it and made my dreams come true. I can’t think of a better job than being paid to tell stories! I understand you work as a bookseller, has this affected your publishing journey, do you feel it's given you a better insight? I’ve written quite a bit about the relationship between writing and bookselling and how they complement each other. On seeing new books come into the store, you do get a feel for what’s popular and what’s selling. That’s the commercial side of writing. I’d never dream of telling an author to jump on the bandwagon, but it doesn’t hurt to be aware of trends if your aim is to be published. You also get a chance to chat to readers, to find out what they enjoy – they’re the people you write for and if they like a book, they might pass it on to friends. Every time I shelved books in the sci-fi and fantasy section, it spurred me on to finish my own novel – like a constant call to arms. Some skills you pick up as a bookseller serve a writer too like reviewing and handselling and spotting trends. How does it feel to finally see your own book sitting alongside all the others you work with? Frankly…amazing. It’s been quite the journey, ever since I decided I wanted to write fantasy for a living. That was nearly 15 years ago and though I’ve learned a lot about writing, there’s still a great deal I’ve yet to learn. It’s going to take a while before I’m used to seeing my book sitting up there alongside those authors who inspired me as a teenager, but the feeling of wonder and gratitude will never go away. What about your own reading - do you read fantasy, or something completely different? What's your current read? Oh I read fantasy, a lot of fantasy. That’ll never change. From time to time I dip into something different, but I always come back to fantasy – it’s like a magnet that’s part of me. Unusually, I have two current reads: Peter Newman’s The Vagrant, which was published the same day as Starborn, and Naomi Novik’s Temeraire, which a friend leant to me. They’re vastly different, but both excellent so far. As a bookseller and writer, do you feel the need to spend a little bit of time away from books? Books are so much a part of who I am that I rarely tire of them and spend far more time reading than I do watching TV. I take a break now and again to slay some undead in Skyrim. (Skyrim also goes some way to fulfilling a deep desire to ride a dragon and rain down fiery death upon my enemies). What else do you like to do? When I can’t write anymore, I play the piano. I started learning when I was 8, so I’ve played it most of my life and it exercises the brain in a wholly different way. I don’t have lessons anymore, but play for enjoyment instead. I’m currently learning an arrangement of Howl’s Moving Castle. www.lucyhounsom.com @silvanhistorian

If you pop to the first post in this thread, there are links to my lists on here - I started in 2007

I tried exporting once before, but so many didn't transfer, and I got completely lost. This time I'm working back year by year and adding. It's quite interesting - I'm coming across books I don't even remember reading!

Skin has been put aside for a while, as I started Temeraire, and I love it! I'm also slowly moving all the records from LibraryThing to Goodreads.

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the nice words.