Review of I hunt killers by @barrylyga : 5 out of 5 for this great murder-mystery YA novel

I hunt killers
By Barry Lyga
Jasper Dent Book 1
(ISBN13: 9780316125840)

I posted the trailer for this book a few weeks back and having finally managed to get my hands on a copy have read it and here is my review. I was not disappointed with this book at all!
Jazz is the son of the world’s worst serial killer. He cannot escape his heritage and even though his father is locked away in prison, his town is not safe. Bodies have started piling up again and Jazz is determined to get to the bottom of it. He may however, be more involved than realises. There are so many things in this book which kept me hooked. Jazz continually has internal conversations with both himself and his father. Sometimes the “conversations” are quite brutal and you have to wonder just how cruel humans can be. The past keeps coming back in flashes that both haunt and confuse Jazz. There are moments when you think you know who is committing the murders and moments when you are as confused as Jazz. The pace is perfect and the language and tone are also just right. The author has obviously done his research and facts are thrown in from time to time about real serial killers. At times it is a little graphic for sensitive young adult readers but it is a book I highly recommend for a great thriller, murder-mystery and just a 5 out of 5 great read. I will certainly look forward to book 2 as the twist at the end leaves you hanging out for more!

Just a reminder that the book trailer can be found here on this blog.

Troubletwisters bk3 : The mystery of the golden card by Garth Nix & Sean Williams @AllenAndUnwin

The troubletwisters
By Garth Nix and Sean Williams

Jaide and Jack Shield are twins, who after a series of strange events are sent to live with Grandma X. Grandma X is strange enough on her own but throw in talking cats and wild weather and you have a mix of fantasy and mystery just ripe for readers age 10 upwards.
It isn’t long before the twins discover they have magical powers and they are suddenly forced to use their powers to fight evil and protect the world.

Evil continues to follow the twins and create havoc but this time they must search Rourke Castle for the mysterious Golden Card of Translocation. Will they be able to defeat evil or will survival cost them everything.
Grab the first book in this series and start on this scary adventure.

The mystery of the Golden Card
Book 3 is out this month!
Allenandunwin

The monster
Book 2

Troubletwisters
Book 1

The unwanteds by Lisa McMann : Middle grade action-packed fantasy magic series @lisa_mcmann

The unwanteds
By Lisa McMann
New York : – Aladdin
ISBN 9781442407688

Read the blurb from the author’s site and I know you will want to grab this book from your local library. If you are in Christchurch you will have to wait in line after me as I have requested it and there is already a queue. I am sure it will be worth the wait!

“Every year in Quill, thirteen-year-olds are sorted into categories: the strong, intelligent Wanteds go to university, and the artistic Unwanteds are sent to their graves.
But when Alex and the other Unwanteds face the Eliminators, they discover an eccentric magician named Mr. Today and his hidden world that exists to save the condemned children. Artimé is a colorful place of talking statues, uncommon creatures, and artistic magic, where creativity is considered a gift… and a weapon.”
Twins Alex and Aaron are separated, Alex is unwanted, while Aaron is wanted. How will they survive without each other? And what of the secrets of the hidden world? Magic, fantasy and a heap more to hook middle grade readers who want more out of their reading.

Island of silence
Book 2

Island of fire
Book 3 due for publication in September

The Program by Suzanne Young : the only cure for the suicide epidemic is the Program @suzanne_young

The Program
By Suzanne Young

Suicide has reached epidemic proportions and the only cure is The Program. The only trouble with that is once you enter, everything changes.
Everything you have ever done, and anyone you have ever loved is forgotten. You leave the Program as a clean slate with no memories of the past. Sloane knows that in order to stay out of the Program she has to stay strong, and she must never cry. Getting caught crying could seal her fate in the Program. The only person to help is her boyfriend who promises to keep her safe. But how long can they last, how long can they avoid the epidemic.
Everywhere they go they are being watched and the Program is just waiting for them.

Teen suicide is a very real issue and while I accept this book is not about curing depression nor is it making light of something so awful I do intend to look out for this book as soon as it reaches our shores as it just might get people talking. The Program offers a YA, almost science-fiction, dsytopian government conspiracy novel which is sure to get a lot of people talking. It may prove to be a controversial book but that is just another reason why I want to read this book.

Count down to The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani @SomanChainani @HarperChildrens

The school for good and evil
By Soman Chainani

I have to say this one of the best trailers out there. Very good quality and in fact one of those ones that actually make you want to go out and see the movie. But it is for the book and the book sounds just right for middle grade readers who love a bit of fantasy and believe in fairy tales or at least the magic of story.

Sophie and Agatha are best friends at the School of Good and Evil. Sophie is aiming to be the best she can, following in the ranks of top students like Cinderella, or Rapunzel. Agatha on the other hand seems more destined to follow the trends of evil. But the girls find themselves in opposite quarters and maybe there is a reason. Just maybe it will the first clue to discovering who they truly are!

Check out the book’s very cool website
The colours on the web page and cover of the book are beautiful. All blues and purples and just gorgeous. I know the US release is only days away and I am not sure when or maybe even if this will get to New Zealand but it is one to watch out for.

W.A.R.P. Book 1: The reluctant assassin by Eoin Colfer @PuffinBooks

W.A.R.P. Book 1
The reluctant assassin
By Eoin Colfer

“It all began with the F.B.I and W.A.R.P (Witness Anonymous Relocation Programme) Hiding witnessess in the past to protect the future – until now…”

What a cool concept. Riley is from Victorian London apprenticed to the assassin, Albert Garrick
A wormhole monitored by the FBI provides an escape route for their latest victim but also for Riley and they end up in the 21st century in present-day London.
But Garrick is not far behind.
Enter Chevie Savano, the FBI’s youngest and most impulsive special agent. The chase begins but just who is chasing who and can Riley and Chevie stop Garrick from returning to the past with the knowledge and power and therefore the ability to change the world forever.
I have this book in front of me have been distracted from writing this post as I just want to get stuck in. The title of chapter one is “The killing chamber” so you know you just want to find a good place to curl up and start reading. Do look for it in your library or local bookshop. It is out there waiting for you!

Far far away by Tom McNeal : Another great ghost story coming soon @randomhousekids

Far far away
By Tom McNeal

“The strange and fateful tale of a boy, a girl, and a ghost.”
Those who read this blog will know that I love a good ghost story. This book to be published in June has me already excited. Not only is there a ghost but it is the ghost of Jacob Grimm one of the greatest writers of fairy tales. What a combination this is going to be.

Jeremy Johnson Johsnon, yes – that’s his name, hears the voice of the ghost of Jacob Grimm. Unfortunately his admission of this fact has meant the people of Never Better have pretty much treated him as an outside ever since. Life isn’t easy for Jeremy. His mother has left, his father is very much a recluse and the only thing keeping Jeremy going is Jacob. Jacob watches over him protecting him from an evil force. And then there is Ginger Boultinghouse, a local girl who takes an interest in Jeremy. What happens next is a grim chain of events which may or may not have a happy ending.
I am very keen to read this book when it comes out. Ghosts, fairy tales, and a bit of paranormal fantasy. So excited.

The great lollipop caper by Dan Krall. Quirky new tale for young readers

The great lollipop caper
By Dan Krall

“The ultimate showdown of salty versus sweet”

Mr Caper knows that adults love his salty taste but it isn’t enough. Children everywhere love the sweet tasting Lollipop. Oh how he longs to be loved as much as Lollipop.

So he hatches a plan but it is a disaster. How can he make things right?
This link was sent to me today and I love it. I love the almost 60′s feel of the music and the cartoon but with more style. This is quirky and sure to be a hit. Will be hunting out for this one for sure. Great for young primary school readers in their first real independent reading. Not too long at just 48 pages and humour, as we all know, works brilliantly on new readers.

Never fall down : a powerful, brutal story of a young boy caught up in the regime of the Khmer Rouge

Never fall down
By Patricia McCormick

Arn Chorn was 11 years when the soldiers came. That moment changed his life forever.
In Never fall down Arn recounts his life living under the regime of the Khmer Rouge.
This book is brutal, honest and raw. McCormick captures Arn’s own voice, his fears, his growing anger and his struggle to survive. For years he endures the most horrific experiences.
We get to know Arn and all his flaws and we feel his pain.It is raw and real! This is an incredibly powerful yet moving book. Some of the brutalities did bring me to tears but I am so glad I read this. I feel privileged to have read of Arn’s life and his willingness to share something so intimate and so special.

“Over and over I tell myself one thing: never fall down.”

This is not for young readers. Its graphic recount is a harrowing read for some but if you do take a chance it will not only move you but leave you feeling hopeful. It is a story that needed to be told.

This short clip is an interview with the author and Arn himself.

Stunning shadow play an amazing beautiful story captures the hearts of everyone

On this blog I focus on trailers and reviews and anything book related. The heart of every post is the story. This clip is a story of love and heartache. It is beautifully told in shadow dance. I can not imagine the hours that it took to create this work of art. It was performed by the group Attraction from Hungary for a recent episode of Britain’s got talent and wow – this group has talent.
Right from the opening scene at Stonehenge I was caught up in the lives of these characters and moved to tears at the end. Do take the time to watch this.
Not all good stories come in print. Some just have to be performed, much like the traditional storytelling of the past and this one is simply amazing and such stories should be shared.

Boy nobody by Allen Zadoff : Fast-paced action thriller coming soon @allenzadoff

Boy nobody
By Allen Zadoff
LittleBrown Books

I was sent this link today and I really should wait until at least the end of May to showcase this trailer but I just know this is going to be a great book. The very well produced trailer hooks you in straight away. You can download an excerpt and get stuck in but then unfortunately you and I will have to wait until June to buy the book.
Allen Zadoff’s website is also very cool and so is the book’s Facebook page.

Boy Nobody is always the new kid in school showing up out of almost nowhere in a new town.
He never stays long enough to make true friends but the friends he does make always end up with someone in the family dying of “natural causes.”
“Mission accomplished, Boy Nobody disappears, and moves on to the next target”.
A new assignment attached to the mayor of New York City starts him questioning things. Past memories begin to surface. Somewhere under all the memories is a boy that just wants a normal life. But what is the cost?

Rump : the true story of Rumpelstiltskin by @LieslShurtliff Delightful retelling for MG readers

Rump : the true story of Rumpelstiltskin
By Liesl Shurtliff

I am not sure if this book is going to be available in New Zealand yet but I sure do hope so. It has the most delightfully funny trailer and the story is sure to please middle grade readers (and one or two adult ones here as well).
For years we have known about Rumpelstiltskin but do we know the real story?

Rump is 12 years old and seems to be an easy target for all manner of taunts and jokes. The discovery of an old spinning wheel and a new special ability offers him a change of luck. But magic comes at a cost and before long he is on a dangerous journey. He has to fight pixies and trolls and of course a wicked queen with evil intentions.
This is just right for those children who love a bit of fantasy, fairytale and adventure all rolled up with a bit of humour. I will certainly be looking out for this one.

Beneath a meth moon by Jacqueline Woodson – gritty honest writing for young adults @JackieWoodson

Beneath a meth moon
By Jacqueline Woodson

I love Jacqueline Woodson’s writing. I absolutely loved her verse novel Locomotion written for a younger reader than this book is intended. Her writing is honest and raw.

Beneath a meth moon tells the story of Laurel Daneau who lost everything in hurricane Katrina; her mother, grandmother and her home. A new town offers her new friends and even a place on the cheerleading squad. And then there is T-Boom, the new boyfriend. However, he also introduces her to meth and it is not long before Laurel is hooked. While the story may be gritty Jacqueline Woodson says that the book is also about hope and we all need that.

The Diary of Dorkius Maximus : funny new read for MG boys who love a bit of history @survivalguide

The diary of Dorkius Maximus
By Tim Collins

Sadly I could not find a book trailer for this book but take it from me the 8 – 10 year old boys will love this new series.

I read this book in one sitting – not hard to do. Told in diary format, the author has thrown facts in amongst the humour. Poor young Dorkius is not as tall or strong as his older brother. Yet all Dorkius wants is to be a good Roman hero. In fact he wants to go down in history as the greatest hero. However, he needs a lot of work.
This is very easy to read, clean white pages, with very funny cartoon illustrations which will capture the boys attention. I can also see it being a hit for older boys who struggle to read. One of the best things is the font used which is far better for dyslexic children. The letters are just as the children would write them themselves.

“Dorkius Maximus is a young boy growing up in ancient Rome. This hilarious diary recounts his exploits as, desperate to become a great Roman hero, Dorkius enlists the help of his father’s friend, Stoutus, to teach him the noble art of fighting. But heroism doesn’t come naturally to Dorkius. Plus, his dad doesn’t listen to him, his friends pick on him, and his mum is more interested in her sacred chickens. Dorkius knows there’s a mighty warrior inside him, just waiting to get out … isn’t there?”

One snippet of truth which will delight the boys is that in order for the adults to eat more food at a party, feathers were used to tickle the throat to make oneself sick. The accompanying illustrations by Andrew Pinder demonstrate this particularly gross fact, brilliantly.

Looking forward to reading The Diary of Dorkius Maximus in Egypt when it is published later this year

Coming soon : The 5th Wave by @RickYancey Great fast-paced gripping sci fi for YA

The 5th wave
By Rick Yancey
Penguin Young Readers

“They are coming for us. All of us”.

“After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.”

You can download and start reading the first few pages here. I have and it is very exciting. Can’t wait until May!
And here, not one but two trailers to promote this book.