Michelle

I'd recommend The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa - my review is here: http://bcfreviews.wordpress.com/2012/06/22/the-immortal-rules-by-julie-kagawa/

I gave in and bought it, so I can report back soon. It just seemed such a cool idea, and looked so attractive too!

This book looks and sounds rather excellent, published Sept 27th, but seems to be available now. I think I'm off to buy it.. anyone else? Link at Book Depository

I'm on book 4 at the moment (taking a little break) - would you advise The Wind Through The Keyhole next, or at the end of the series?

I think I class The Shining as my favourite King novel, so I was rather surprised to learn today that there will be a sequel next year. Publication date is 24th Sept 2013 - it seems a long wait, but I'll definitely be watching out for it.

Well it seems I can't count, and I've only read 47 books so far! Anyway, I think I'e caught up with the ones I want to review, which is always good. I've started a couple of books, but I think my reading will go like this now: Book - Shadows on the Moon by Zoe Marriott Kindle - Blackwood by Gwenda Bond Audio - Ash by James Herbert

I still prefer LibraryThing - I just want a place to record my reading, and it works well for me. I've tried going back to GoodReads, but I keep forgetting to update it.

Is that the last Dark Tower book? Isn't it annoying when two books are published around the same time with the same title?! The Julianna Baggot one has gotten lots of good reviews, but both Chaliepud and myself were undecided. Personally, I don't think there was enough world building and explanation at the beginning.

Scott Taylor is a pretty average teenage, who one evening decides to hang out in the park with the popular kids. He’s persuaded to climb a pylon, and finds himself falling. The next thing he knows, he’s lying by the fence, and has apparently not tried to climb it at all. He soon finds out that he is a Shifter – someone who has the ability to change their past decisions, and therefore ‘shift’. Immediately as a reader you start imagining what it would be like with this ability.. every time you make a bad decision in life, you could go back and make a different one. Almost as if expecting this reaction, the author shows us early on what affect this can have, as Scott makes a shift with devastating consequences. We’re also introduced to an agency which wishes to teach and regulate shifters, and an organisation fighting against this regulation. Scott is a brilliant main character, typical of an average teen thrust into a strange world. Instead of simply accepting it, and becoming a hero, he often questions the decisions and actions of others, and has a realistic response to events. Even with this though, you can see him grow and change. There’s also a good cast of supporting characters, from the other shifters Scott meets, through the adults involved, right up to the rather gruesome baddie! I loved the idea of shifting, and there is so much potential. It’s story in itself, but there is room for more. I believe there are two more books to come, watch out for my interview with the author to confirm this. This is a book for older teens – there is a sprinkling of swear words, but they really don’t feel out of place, and some of the content when the baddie is involved is probably not for younger readers. The male viewpoint is refreshing, and completely accessible to both genders. It’s action-packed, it makes you think, and it also has a touch of humour. I actually miss Scott now I’ve finished the book, and I still kinda wish shifting was possible!

The YA is rapidly growing, and there are more than a few Fantasy YA. It’s difficult to come up with a fantasy world which is fresh and different, but with The Assassin’s Curse, Cassandra seems to have done just that. It’s a difficult world to jump straight into, so give yourself some time to adjust as you start. Ananna of the Tanarau is a pirate, and her parents plan to marry her off to another clan, but she soon realises this is definitely not what she wants, so she runs away. This second clan does not like being scorned, and so an assassin is sent after her. When she faces him down, she actually manages to save his life using magic, and by doing so, activates a curse binding them together. Assassins are nothing new in the fantasy realm, but this is the first time I’ve read about pirate clans, and the world ranges from the sea to the dessert. Added to this is the aspect of magic, the magic of the water used by the pirates, and the darker magic of blood, used by the assassins. There’s a clever twist to the two main characters – Ananna is what you expect from a pirate, she’s been brought up to get what she wants, and she’s quite outgoing. At the same time however, she shows her age, and needs to grow up as the book progresses. Naji, the assassin she finds herself bound to, is the opposite, being calm and controlled, and quiet. He also changes during the book, gradually opening up more. The Assassin’s Curse is a combination of fantasy and adventure, and is well paced. There are a couple of things to be aware of though. Sometimes the language is a reflection of how Ananna would speak, such as the opening sentence: “I ain’t never been on to trust beautiful people, and Tarrin of the Hariri was the most beautiful man I ever saw.” It’s not overdone, and it didn’t bother me, but it may some. Also, this is the is to be followed by a sequel next year. Ananna’s and Naji’s story is not yet completely told, but it does end at a natural pausing point. If you’re looking for something a little different, this combination of fantasy and adventure, blending pirates, assassins and magic, may just be for you!

I really enjoyed the 1st two episodes, but this one did nothing for me.

I only posted my review in my thread, so I'll add it here:

We've just read this one for the YA book group I go to, and it was universally loved. We agreed that the illustrations add to the whole experience, without taking anything away from your imagination. We also felt that everyone could get something from the story, regards of age, life experience etc. I've said elsewhere that I have never cried when reading book, but I did with this one. It's beautiful.

It seems to be that it isn't a mistake - rather annoying if you need to pay more for the hardback or audio version.

Just popping in - my mojo has been all over the place, and many books have been picked up and put down again quite quickly. Despite that, I've still managed 48 books so far, and have almost finished number 49. So no worries reaching 50 this year. It looks as if about half of my books have been YA this year - it's a rapidly expanding genre, with so much to offer.For those of you who also enjoy YA, I'd recommend www.strangechemistry.com - they're a new imprint, and are focusing on fantasy and sci-fi.. I have been impressed with every book so far! A few more reviews to come over the weekend.

Including the new book from James Herbert.... http://www.thebookseller.com/news/herberts-ash-sold-20p.html

I made the mistake of watching whilst also playing on the computer, and I kinda lost track of the plot! It did look quite impressive though, and it was great to see the old faces.

There's an 'interesting' article here... http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/booker-prize/9537028/Booker-Prize-shortlist-turns-its-back-on-readability.html Including the following: I'm too tired to sort out what he's really saying, so I thought I'd bring it in here for discussion.

To be honest, I think Doctor Who has gotten to the point where so much is expected, and there's always someone who doesn't like it. The last series was so heavy on the overall story arc, and some people complained about that - now we have more separate stories, and there are still people unhappy. From what I've read, the idea of him popping in and out of the Pond's life is deliberate, and it's something Moffat wanted to explore - he said companions usually suddenly go, and he wanted to look at what else can happen. This will only be for these 5 episodes, and then we should be back to the idea of a constant companion again. Claire, I do agree that Matt's Doctor seems a little different to what I expected. As a HUGE Tennant fan, I spent Matt's first series really disliking him.. then he won me over.. but now I'm not so sure again. I've learnt to just go with it though. And, as much as I like Rory, Amy annoys me often, so I don't think I'll be too upset when she's gone. All said though, it's still the highlight of my Sat!

Is no-one watching? Or just nothing to say?! I have to say, as sad as it sounds, I was READY for a new series, it had been too long, and I was missing it! Anyway, so far so good. I've found both episodes to have some good humour, in with some darker themes. It was very interesting to see the Doctor send a man to his death at the end of the 2nd episode, plus he keeps looking at the Ponds as if he knows what's coming. I also know quite a few people moaned that we had daleks again in the 1st episode, but I happen to like it, and I thought it was a clever twist on it all. So... anyone else?

The shortlist has been announced today. Have you read any of these, and if not, are you more or less likely to now? Tan Twan Eng - The Garden of Evening Mists Deborah Levy - Swimming Home Hilary Mantel - Bring up the Bodies Alison Moore - The Lighthouse Will Self - Umbrella Jeet Thayil - Narcopolis

Why do we have to wait so long after the US!? That ones looks interesting.

You'll have to tell us a little more, including your reason for asking.

Yep - I'm waiting for that one. I may get my youngest a tablet for a joint Christmas and birthday pressie, but I'd prefer an Apple one, as we already have so many apps.

Here's the latest info for the UK Kindle's... Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0083PWAWU/ref=amb_link_1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=gateway-center-column&pf_rd_r=0R0023ZYPQF4G4FHG7N9&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=324600507&pf_rd_i=468294 Waterstones: http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/pages/preorder-kindle-waterstones/200001795/ Although I've struggled with my old Kindle, I'm quite taken by the new £69 one - it looks a good size, and I prefer the darker casing. I don't think I'd go for the Fire - I think I'd prefer a Nexus 7 inch tablet.