[Review] The Crowns of Croswald by D.E. Night

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Publication: 21/07/2017
Publisher: Stories Untold

Pages: 310 (ARC)

Source: For review

Genre: Middle Grade {Fantasy}

Violence | Sexual Content | Profanity

Book Tunes

♪ Taylor Swift - Enchanted ♪

My Rating

3.5/5

My thoughts

I want to preface this by expressing deep gratitude to D.E. Night for kindly sending me a physical ARC, in a special box of Croswald-related goodies, all the way across the ocean for me to read and review. The experience was positively lovely, but I must admit that The Crowns of Croswald did have me scratching my head in confusion at times.

The Crowns of Croswald follows 16-year-old scaldrony maid, Ivy Lovely, who resides at the Plum Castle by the Slurry fields, her only friend a dwarf. After an unfortunate accident at the kitchen she is thrown out of the castle and stripped of her position, left to wander the fields aimlessly with only a rejected scaldron (dragon) as company . . . until she is discovered: she harnesses great magic within her and has been invited to study at the prestigious boarding school for Royals and Sqwinches--The Halls of Ivy! Swept away from the only 'home' she has ever known, she learns more and more about magic, the world of Croswald, why strange things seem to happen to her, and most importantly who she really is.

[Review] The Ones That Disappeared by Zana Fraillon

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Publication (dd/mm/yyyy): 13/07/2017

Publisher: Hachette

Pages: 320

Source: Publisher

Genre: Middle Grade {Contemporary}

#LoveOzYA

Violence | Sexual Content | Profanity

Book Tunes

♪ Skylar Grey - Coming Home, Part II ♪
♪ B.O.B. - Airplanes (Feat. Hayley Williams; Cover) ♪
♪ The Civil Wars - Safe and Sound (feat. Taylor Swift) ♪

My Rating

4/5

My thoughts

The Ones That Disappeared is one of those books packed with the power to make a difference to the world. Fraillon has quickly been marked as an author to watch amongst readers when her debut novel The Bone Sparrow, a supposedly outstanding fictional account of young refugees, received much positive acclaim. I still have not read it, but it has been pushed to the top of my to-buy list if it's anything like The Ones That Disappeared! This time, Fraillon has placed a spotlight on human trafficking, and the very disturbing and realistic portrayal of its presence in our society spoke volumes to me and shook me to my core. 

[Review] Frogkisser by Garth Nix

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Publication (dd/mm/yyyy): 28/02/2017

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Pages: 336

Source: Bought

Genre: Middle Grade {Fantasy}

#LoveOzYA

Violence | Sexual Content | Profanity

Book Tunes

♪ Grace Potter - Something That I Want ♪

*Tangled credits song! Most Disney songs work here!

My Rating

3.5/5 stars

My thoughts

This is actually the first Garth Nix I've ever read and it is sure to be but only the first of many. Of course I had heard a lot about this prolific Aussie author in the past, most specifically in relation to his highly-esteemed fantasy series Abhorsen, starting with Sabriel. I actually went to a book event last year where I met the man himself, bought all the books in the series and henceforth got those books signed (along with my close friends), and listened to a delectable snippet of this adorable book, Frogkisser. From that point on, I knew that I would read it - as soon as it hit release date I frequented my local booksellers and grabbed my own beautiful yellow-paged copy.

This book has been compared to The Princess Bride, and I can understand where these comparisons have stemmed from. They are both fairytale-esque, and Nix's writing edges on a fine line between whimsical and ridiculous, which is exactly the kind of humour that runs deep in the aforementioned much-acclaimed novel and its film adaptation. It is quite magical and fun, and there were many moments that left me with a smile on my face. Yes, reading Frogkisser was definitely enjoyable!

[Review] Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver

Title: Liesl & Po {goodreads}

Authors: Lauren Oliver

Publication (dd/mm/yy): 11/10/11

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton (Hachette AU)
RRP: $22.99

Source: For review (thanks Hachette)
Age: MG+ Ghosts + death

Pages: 308

My Rating:

US edition:

Summary:

We meet Liesl the night after the day her young father has died. That same day she is visited by a ghost, Po, an eight year old boy who lives on the other side, the territory between life and death that runs parallel to the living world. Po has come to tell her that her father is stuck on the other side, and that she is the only one who can help him cross over. A couple of wooden boxes. Some ashes. Some magic dust. A ghost, its pet, and a boy who forgot to wear a hat in the cold. From these seemingly odd, random characters Oliver weaves the enchanting story of how, with the aid of Liesl, these elements come together over the course of one week to restore love and luster to a world gone grey and heartless.

My thoughts: 

Ever since Liesl's father died, Liesl has been locked up in the attic away from her stepmother and the rest of the world. But one day, she comes face to face with a real ghost, and its name is Po. On the Other Side, things such as gender become unsure... neither one or the other. Po can help her; and when he does, Liesl knows that she has to escape her prison in order to bring her father's soul to rest. She must take her father's ashes, kept in a box, and bury them where they belong. Meanwhile, her longtime admirer, Will - a grubby alchemist's apprentice - has been sent on a mission to deliver a box to a certain influential person. This story starts with a mistake...

First off, cover! I personally think that both this cover, and the US edition, bring justice to the book. While this one brings out the magic even more than the US, and I think the matching colours are pretty cool, the US edition is sure to look great on the shelf. I might even go ahead and purchase the US to match with the rest of my Lauren Oliver books!

LIESL & PO is Oliver's first MG title, and I can totally see the appeal. I would definitely recommend to any parent looking for a good MG read for their child, though I personally really enjoyed it too. There were many fun times, and I loved the lack of seriousness of it all. Mostly, just the presentation of the book is just so easy on the eyes. I shall forever be a sucker for illustrations in novels.

The writing, as expected, is nothing too complex or difficult to understand. It's mostly straight to the point, and reads quickly. Oliver takes advantage of the use of imagery in her writing for this book, and compares well to her YA titles.

What Oliver really excels at in this book is the character selections. They're memorable and each have their own quirks and individualisms. My personal favourite would be Bundle, or maybe even Mo, for anyone curious. The two kids, Liesl and Will, are precious in their innocence of the world and the perils they face ahead of them. Po acts like such a kid, I could swear it was someone I've known before. Just think of most any primary-lower high school *highlight for spoiler* boy, and that is pretty much Po.

LIESL & PO is a highly imaginative and enchanting story that is as heartfelt and sweet as it is witty and cleverly written. The characters are rich in personality; readers will delight in following Liesl as she, along with Will and Po and Bundle, breaks free from her suffocating prison of a home and returns to someplace she thought she would never return to. LIESL & PO is just brilliance.

Buy:

* cheapest Australian e-store price

AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS

Fishpond * | Readings | Dymocks | Angus & Robertson | Borders | The Nile

INTERNATIONAL READERS

Amazon | The Book Depository

All links from Booko, because I'm too lazy to search each individual store anymore.

I have received this review copy in return for an honest review.

Challenge: ---

[Review] Museum of Thieves (#1, The Keepers) by Lian Tanner

Title: Museum of Thieves {goodreads}
Series: #1, The Keepers

Author: Lian Tanner

Publication (dd/mm/yy): 27/06/11 (AU PB)

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Source: Publisher for review
Age: 12+ Moderate violence.

Pages: 340

My Rating:

Summary:

In the city of Jewel, impatience is a sin and boldness is a crime. Goldie Roth is impatient and bold. When she escapes the clutches of the Blessed Guardians to find haven at the Museum of Dunt, an unforgettable adventure begins that will unlock hidden mysteries, dark secrets and awaken dangerous enemies. The thrilling first book in The Keepers trilogy.

My thoughts: 

The presentation of this book is top-notch. The children on the cover look a BIT younger than I'd imagine twelve year olds to be, but the background and word placement - well, I couldn't have dreamed up anything better. It looks great. 'The Keepers' is embossed; 'Museum of Thieves' is shiny and neat; and the book as a whole has a nice feel to it. Inside, it gets better ...

MUSEUM OF THIEVES is the first book in a new MG fantasy series. In the city of Jewel, all children below the age of 16 are tethered to their parents and the Blessed Guardians at all times. That might suit some children just fine, but when the 1st annual Separation Ceremony (where children become no longer bound by silver chains) where the Separation age was promised to be lowered to 12 is stopped, Goldie Roth runs away in frustration. With nowhere else and no one else to turn to, Goldie is drawn to the museum as shadows lurk in the dark. As she learns the secrets of the museum, trouble is brewing in the city, and the museum is in danger.

From the moment this came in the mail I knew that I had to read it. I don't read a lot of MG fiction, but hey, Harry Potter was MG and look where that went? What I found within the covers of THIS book, was a thrilling and unreal story.

I loved that the museum assumed an entity all its own - its rooms shift, it sings, it breathes and reacts to its surroundings. Every room is different, and as Goldie discovers and explores, so too did I. The museum was never boring. It felt like I was there; Tanner does a great job creating vivid images and fantasy environments.

Goldie is such a great heroine - bold and impatient, smart and independent. Even when she gets into a seemingly hopeless situation, it doesn't take long before she snaps back into place and starts thinking of a way around it. With the four Keepers of the museum, I hope that there is more backstory in the next book. While we do get to see them a lot, we don't actually know an awful lot about any of them. Snippets of the past are indicated, but aren't fleshed out and are instead given a backseat while the action plays out.

Broo was a really interesting 'character' and I hope to see more information on his kind, as well as what happened to the rest of them and whether there are any more around. I really don't want to give any more away about him, but Tanner introduced him in a great way. I didn't see it coming!



The Blessed Guardians especially Guardian Hope, and the Fugleman really annoyed me. And if they didn't I would've been really concerned, because they were written to be despised for their constraints and ulterior motives. Again, I wanted to know more about them, and what their "normal" life would consist of - surely they would have some other attachments, you know, other than being pains in the butt?

The plot is fast-ish moving and the writing is simple and easy to read. I really enjoyed it and I can't wait to continue the series! The book ended at a good place - NOT MUCH OF A CLIFFHANGER, but something to go on by.

Vivacity in colour and action, MUSEUM OF THIEVES is a great start to a mysterious and curious new fantasy series. I could easily see the events in MUSEUM OF THIEVES unfold like a film when I was reading it. That's how a good book should be.

Quotes:

First lines

"Goldie Roth hated the punishment chains. She hated them more than anything - except perhaps for the Blessed Guardians. As the heavy brass cuffs snapped around her wrists, and the weight of the chains fell on her shoulders, she stared sullenly at the cobblestones.

Favourites

"'The people of Jewel,' said Olga Ciavolga, 'treat their children like delicate flowers. They think they will not survive without constant protection. But there are parts of the world where young boys and girls spend weeks at  a time with no company except a herd of goats. They chase away wolves. They take care of themselves, and they take care of the herd.... And so, when hard times come - as they always do in the end - those children are resourceful and brave.... They do not give up easily.... Of course, I am not saying that it is a good thing to give children such heavy responsibilities. They must also have a childhood. But they must be allowed to find their courage and their wisdom, and learn when to stand and when to run away. After all, if they are not permitted to climb trees, how will they ever see the great and wonderful world that lies before them?'

(pp. 200-201, ellipses provided to shorten quote)

"They wanted to be completely safe and happy at all times. The trouble is, the world just isn't like that. You can't have high mountains without deep valleys. You can't have great happiness without great sadness. The world is never still. It moves from one thing to another, back and forth, back and forth, like a butterfly opening and closing its wings.

(p. 215)

Trailer:

Buy:

Live in Australia?

Fishpond * | Readings | Dymocks | Angus & Robertson | Borders | The Nile

Live elsewhere?

Amazon | The Book Depository

Links:

Author Site

I have received this review copy in return for an honest review.

Challenge: ---

[Review] Radiance by Alyson Noël (#1)

Title: Radiance

Author: Alyson Noël

Publication: 1st August 2010 (AU)

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Source: PB, For Review (Thanks Pan Macmillan!)

Pages: 210

Series: Yes

My Rating:

Blurb:

From the author of the bestselling Evermore - a brilliant, moving and uplifting new series about one girl's adventures in the afterlife.

Riley Bloom died, aged twelve, in a car crash with her parents and her beloved dog Buttercup. Her sister Ever survived - but that's another story. Riley must let go of Ever and all the things that tied her to life - and discover what she's meant to be in the afterlife. Riley is a soul catcher. That means helping the unhappy lost souls who stick around in the human realm to move on - and find their own place, over the bridge, in the great hereafter. With her spirit guide, Bodhi, and Buttercup by her side, Riley embarks on an adventure that will take her around the world - sending ghosts back where they belong, until she can finally make it there herself.

My thoughts: 

Radiance is a short read, and was both cute and fun. It was exactly what I expected of it. Radiance is the kind of book that I would have loved to have read back in my primary school days. The main character, Riley, is straight-forward with her thoughts, just like a young child.

I have always struggled with writing reviews of MG books; this one is no exception. I have not read any of Alyson's previous novels, and it is possible that fans of her Immortals series may achieve more of a connection to Riley and her family. I felt as though I missed out on feeling much of anything for her family and herself. There was no real emotional connection with any of the characters, which is why I felt the book fell a little flat.

However, that said, I did like the concept, that there is a Here & Now, which is "Heaven". And that in the Here & Now, people who have died can manifest anything they so should desire. The storyline is straight-forward and thereby easy to follow. I was not flipping the pages quickly, but it still was a quick read.

I'm hoping that there will be more development in the second book. I will probably read it, Shimmer.

Trailer:

Quotes:

I pressed my lips together to keep them from quivering in an embarrassing, visible way. Crossing my arms tightly across a chest that, now, thanks to the fact that I was sent Here, would stay stubbornly flat for, well, for eternity as far as I could tell. And when my eyes started to sting, and my throat went all hot and tight, it just made it all seem that much worse. I mean, the one thing I ever really wanted was to be a teenager--and these people had yanked it right out from under me.
(pg 38)

Buy:

Live in Australia?

Fishpond | Readings | Dymocks | Angus & Robertson | Borders | The Nile

Live elsewhere?

Amazon | The Book Depository

I have received this review copy in return for an honest review.

Links:
Official Site

Learn more about Radiance and read more reviews at Goodreads! 

[Review] Big Nate Strikes Again by Lincoln Peirce (MG)

Title: Big Nate Strikes Again

Author: Lincoln Peirce

Publication: 1 November 2010

Publisher: HarperCollins

Review Copy: ARC, review copy (Thanks to HarperCollins US!)

Pages: 215

My Rating:

Blurb:  

Big Nate will surpass all others!

But it wont be easy. He's stuck with Gina, his all time enemy, who just might ruin everything!

Will Nate win or lose? Pass or fail? Or end up in detention . . . again?

My thoughts: 

Yes, this is a middle-grade book. I received it for review, and how could I say 'no' to something that looks like such fun?

My God was this such an enjoyable read! At 200 pages and adorned with comic strips and pictures, this only took me an hour to read through. But what an hour it was! Big Nate has been compared to Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and it apparently has its own comic strip in USA. That's pretty cool. Anyway, so this is Nate's second book, and while I haven't read the first book, I don't think it affected my reading of the book. It was so easy to get into and just read in one sitting. The characters were memorable, easy to remember, all had different personalities and APPEARANCES (very important for a comic) . . . Hilarious! The two main plots are: Nate has a major project to do with her archnemesis GINA as his partner, and Nate, captain, aims to win at Fluffball (indoors baseball).

What I absolutely love in a book is pictures, which I guess has the same effect as verse novels do. They're just prettier to look at and get through without having to THINK really hard. Which is what I definitely did not need to do when reading Big Nate Strikes Again. I recommend it to fans of the comic strip and of the first book, as well as little children (years 8-12, more boys than girls I'd say, but I enjoyed it anyway).

In its own genre (MG), it definitely deserves a 4.5/5.

Buy:
Live in Australia?
Fishpond | Readings | Dymocks | Angus & Robertson | Borders | The Nile

Live elsewhere?
Amazon | The Book Depository

I am in no way affiliated with the above sites, nor with Peirce or publisher. I do not receive any money for reviewing or linking.

Learn more about Big Nate Strikes Again and read more reviews at Goodreads!

[Review] Shug by Jenny Han

Title: Shug

Author: Jenny Han

Publication: 2006

Publisher:Simon & Schuster

Review Copy: Paperback (UK), bought

Pages: 248

My Rating:

Blurb:  

Annemarie 'Shug' Wilcox is beginning to think there's nothing worse than being twelve. Her friends are growing up all around her, and she's just not ready.
She's been best mates with Mark for as long as she can remember, and now, for no particular reason, she's fallen in love with him. But Mark's much more interested in gawping at Shug's curvaceous elder sister.

 My thoughts: Shug is charming, funny, unique yet familiar; and just all-round a worth-while read. Remember any worries you had when you were in that awkward stage: growing up and having to let go of your childhood, losing friends.

The characters, as a whole, are enjoyable to read about and follow through the story.  The 'love' story and arc are so so so adorable. It brought back memories to when I had to go through all those tribulations, myself. I found the end was satisfying, and left me on a good note. I kind of wish there was some sort of sequel, though...

Just, read it!


This is such a short review because, well, I've already expressed all I wanted to... and this isn't completely fresh on my mind as I type this review. (I've already read the next book, Girl Parts; you can read my review on Saturday!)


Similar reads: Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Amazon | The Book Depository | Borders

Learn more about Shug and read more reviews at Goodreads!

Shug is Jenny Han's debut novel.

[Review] Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Review - Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Title: Stargirl

Author: Jerry Spinelli
Genre: Realistic fiction

Ages: Middle-grade-YA 10+,clean

Blurb from Goodreads: 

Stargirl. From the day she arrives at quiet Mica High in a burst of color and sound, the hallways hum with the murmur of “Stargirl, Stargirl.” She captures Leo Borlock’s heart with just one smile. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with just one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted. At first. [continued]

Release Date: August 8, 2000

Thoughts: Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli is a story about a fantastically strange girl who wears unique clothes, plays the ukelele around school and just does not care what others think of her. It also follows, but does not focus on, a sad, innocent romance between her, Stargirl and the narrator, Leo, tainted by the corruption of peer pressure and high school.


The characters are well-developed and funny, and I really could connect to them on some level. I especially liked Archie and his cactus, Señor Saguaro- I found that they presented a form of escape and sanctuary, away from the judging eyes of the couple's peers, as well as this "mystical place" out in the desert. There was a good sense of balance in all areas, in that aspect.


The plot was quite simple, but very effective and emotional. I only wish that Leo had done more for Stargirl, because she is an eccentric and wonderful character, and even after finishing the last page and putting the book down she still remains imprinted in my mind. Would I recommend this book to others? Definitely. I think this book has the potential to appeal to many audiences, as perspectives from all kinds of people are represented, and themes/issues that appear in this book are universal-- high school, 'love', betrayal, friendship, peer pressure, etc. I definitely want to read the sequel, Love, Stargirl.

Rating:

3.5/5

You can buy "Starigirl" (PB) at Amazon. Alternatively, you can buy the box set (which includes both Stargirl and Love, Stargirl). It released in 2000! Hoorah. A decade of Stargirl. :)

Phew... tomorrow, I will post up a review of Holly Cupala's Tell Me a Secret, and The Sky is Everywhere (if I can finish it tomorrow). Thanks for reading! Have you read Stargirl, and what did you think of it? Also, sorry for the weird formatting. I just switched to the new editor, and it's acting up for some reason. :\