Michelle

I really hope you enjoy it. I'm starting to get some review copies of books due out early next year - I've just finished Instructions from a Heatwave by Maggie O'Farrell, which was great, I love the way she writes. I've now moved onto The Man Who Rained by Ali Shaw, which is published in paperback soon. I also looked at a sample of Nicholas St North and the Battle of the Nightmare, which is one of the Guardian books Noll mentioned. It looked and read great, so I've bought it.

I've been lucky enough to read Instructions for a Heatwave, and I loved it. Review to come later.

I've just looked up the original books, and they look gorgeous!

The advertising is placed there by me, as the site achieves a small amount of any sale made through it.

Pantomime by Laura Lam... Pantomime is published by Strange Chemistry, a YA imprint, but I would definitely class it as ‘cross-over’, as there’s plenty for all ages. In fact, this is a book which is generally hard to place within a genre, although I would imagine the sci fi element may become more prominent in subsequent books. It’s set in a world which is not our own, but very similar. It has a Victorian feel to it, but also gives the impression of being set in a future somewhere. The main setting is a travelling circus, complete with trapeze artists, clowns, and a freak show. Most importantly this book is about the characters. Iphigenia – or Gene, as she prefers, is the daughter of a noble family, who’s much happier being a tomboy. She also has a secret which threatens to ruin her future. Micah is a runaway who joins the circus as a way to escape. Both are going through a journey, trying to understand just who they are, and find acceptance. The surrounding characters are also fascinating and well written, with secrets of their own. These people all find their way into your mind and heart, and stay with you long after the book is finished. I’ve read some excellent YA books this year, but this one may just my favoutite. It’s hard to believe that it’s a debut book – I savoured every moment, and am impatient for the next book, to discover what else is awaiting in this rich world. Add it to your wish list!

I can't see it making much difference - as far as I'm concerned, we need a complete change of attitude, especially in our young people. It's seen as so 'cool' to get completely drunk, and they don't see themselves as making fools of themselves.

On the subject of eye strain - I can't look at a computer screen for long before my eyes feel affected, but I have no problems with my tablet. The kindle app gives you even more control over the brightness, and with it nice and low, I find it really comfortable to read with.

Janet, you may well be surprised with the muppets one, do give it a try.

Claudia’s Story is a retelling of Interview with the Vampire, from the viewpoint of Claudia, and presented in a gorgeous graphic novel. For those not familiar with the books, Claudia is just a child when turned into a vampire. She’s looked after by Lestat and Louis, two very different vampires. As she grows in mind, but not in body, she comes to love one and hate the other, whilst questioning her life, her kind, and her future. I would imagine that most people interested in this book will be existing fans of the series, but I came to it with a different perspective, as someone with no real knowledge. The artwork in the book is wonderful. It has a general sepia tone to it, but with splashes of colour when blood and fire are involved, which stand out in a stunning way. There is great detail within the drawings, along with the manga feel, a great combination. I’m fairly new to graphic novels, and I’m always concerned whether they can portray a story in enough detail, but this one has me converted. Although this is Claudia’s story, I also felt Lestat and Louis were richly portrayed. Not only does the horror come across well, thanks to the rich graphics and use of colour, but there’s a sensuality to it as well. This really should appeal to many people. For existing readers of the series, it offers a new viewpoint, and for those curious about it, it’s a great introduction. Readers of graphic novels should find plenty to love, and those unsure about the format may just find themselves converted. Stunning, rich in detail, horrific and sensual.

Thank you Claire - I have a feeling it's on my kindle somewhere, so I will try to get back to it one day.

I've read James Herbert in the past, and liked them. This one was just annoying. It had lots of bad reviews on amazon the last time I looked.

56 books now read, list updated, will be back with any reviews I get written. I've also added some of the books I've abandoned or put on hold in the 2nd post of the thread. I'll copy it here in case anyone has any thoughts.

I've been trying to find out a little more about this, and haven't gotten very far. Some people seem to think that it's maybe because it's in colour and/or has certain graphics which will only work on tablets.

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Signature Rules We appreciate that members have different uses for their signatures, and we've recently changed our guidelines concerning them, to try to make things a little clearer. ~ Signatures shouldn't be more than 4 lines. You may change the text colour, but please do not bold or increase the text size. Graphics are not allowed, including smilies. ~ With regards to links in your signature, the general rule is one link only. The exception is that you can also add 1 or 2 links to places within the forum, such as your reading thread/log. Links should generally be to personal sites only - commercial sites are not allowed (including affiliate links), but charities/good causes are. ~ Authors - after 30 posts, you may include a link to your author site or blog. Please do not link to a commercial site such as amazon or smashwords. If you are unsure, we recommend contacting us first. The mod team may alter or remove a signature they do not feel appropriate.

Have you tried contacting the publishers?