Michelle

Review for Ghost Knight (read 2012): To start with the practical aspects, the book is just over 300 pages, but the text is quite large. The chapters average at around 10 pages, and there are line drawings at various places throughout. There is some threat from the ghosts, but it's not particularly scary or gory. I would expect this to be a good transition book, for those moving from illustrated children's books, to longer, more grown up books. It has enough to appeal to some older readers, but it does have a more childish feel to it than some others I've read. The story is about Jon, who's sent off to boarding school, something he blames on his mum's boyfriend. Once there, he immediately starts to have problems with ghosts who wish him harm, and that turns out to be because of his family history. Jon meets Ella, a fellow pupil, who has a good knowledge of the area and of the ghosts, and with the help of her gran, she starts to help him. The history aspects are good, and I like the implication that ghosts aren't always cute floaty characters, but can actually cause harm. It certainly has it's place, but for me, it didn't quite work as well as it should, and I do prefer Cornelia's Funke's writing for older ages.

I finished The Phenomenals, which I really enjoyed - it's the start of a new fantasy series for 9+, but there's plenty to enjoy for us oldies as well. It's hard to describe, but reminded me in a way of the The Edge Chronicles. I'll be looking out for the next one.

Here's the link.. http://bcfreviews.wordpress.com/2013/01/05/the-mammoth-book-of-best-new-horror-23-edited-by-stephen-jones/

Aww, I'm jealous - he comes across so well in the book, I'd love to meet them both.

My mojo has been terrible at the start of the year, none of my books are appealing to me, and the ones I'm trying aren't going that well. I do fear that it's feeling pressured by the review books, so I need to relax a bit about them. I've been sent a couple of kids books, one of which Amy is going to look at for me. I'm going to take a look at The Phenomenals myself, as it might be a good place to start!

The trailer for Life of Pi certainly look good. As for Les Mis, I am dying to see it, but fear I may sing too loudly, and cry too much!

I've recently tried to catch up with the Saw films.. read on Wiki about 2-4, then watched V-VII. They became ridiculously gory, but there were some twists, and I do like the way they continue on from one another, and have twists.

I'll let you off

I think Odd Thomas is one of his good ones.

I most certainly do, I have quite a big TBR pile, but the contents change regularly! I did start that book, but it got lost in a pile somewhere, and I admit I forgot about it. I shall try again, but when my mojo is being nicer to me.

Not a problem - I started this one after yours.

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I just added my kindle reads, because I'd forgotten about them! lol Among Others seems a little slow, but that's probably my mojo's fault - I'll let you know when I've finished it.

Maybe I'll wait to see if you think later books make it worth it.

I made a start on this one a while ago, but didn't get very far. Do you think it's worth another try at some point?

Most of the time I choose which books I'd like to review. However, sometimes they do look much better than they actually are. Sometimes I get sent books I haven't requested, but I don't mind not reading these if they don't appeal.

I really liked Reackless - is there a follow up to that at all? I still haven't reviewed Ghost Knight - it was ok, but definitely written for a younger audience. Added: ooh, there is - I'll add that one to my wish list.

I ended 2012 with a dodgy mojo, so I have quite a few books started. I intend to focus on the following, but who knows! Audio: Dark Tower VI by Stephen King and The Man Who Rained by Ali Shaw Treebook: Among Others by Jo Walton and How To Save a Life by Sara Zarr Kindle: Nicholas St North and the Battle of the Nightmare King by William Joyce and Quicksilver by RJ Anderson

New month, new year. Tell us your book activity throughout the month - what have you bought, what are you reading?

I listened to the BBC dramatised audio version, which was great fun.

I'm also thinking of making my reading more relaxing, in that I'm not going to accept so many review books - I have lots on my shelf I still need to read.

I'm leaving that one until the end, as I believe it's more about Roland's past. I wasn't keen when 4 went back in time, as I wanted more of the ka-tet's journey. I enjoyed it after I got into it though.

I'm so glad you enjoyed Hollow Pike - and James is a great guy.

I second Jonathan Stroud Added: And not just the Bartimaeus books - I loved Heroes of the Valley.