Revelation C J Sansom

Revelation by C J Sansom

I went straight into this having read the four Shardlake books back to back.  This by far is the best of them.  Our Hero Matthew Shardlake the Crookback Lawyer and his assistant Jack Barak become involved in the hunt for a serial killer after one of Shardlakes friends is killed by an assassin and his body placed in a fountain in Lincolns Inn.  There is again a huge amount of historical fact in this novel especially around the struggles for political power and the desire of the king to marry for a sixth time.  It is not clear who the perpetrator of the crimes is and I have to admit it was not until we got near the end that I was able to work out who and why.  There are also some interesting facts and issues raised about mental illness and how it was percieved and dealt with in this time.  I was enthralled as usual with the writting and the stylr of the prose.  I give this one a 10 out of 10.  Brilliant and I can't wait until the fifth book comes out this year.

JB

Dissolution C J Sansom

Dissolution by C. J. Sansom
First book in the Shardlake series.

This book by Sansom is set in Tudor Britain during the dissolution of monastries during Henry VIII reign. Matthew Shardlake, hunchback lawyer, and his assistant Mark are sent by Thomas Cromwell to uncover the murder of a fellow lawyer who was killed at a monastry in Scarnsea. Whilst there, Shardlake finds new friends and new enemies, even in people who are very close to him. After a week or two in Scarnsea, he finally works out who the murderer is but it is too late, many things have gone wrong and there have been more and more murders every day. I enjoyed this book as it was fiction based on fact which is the kind of book I like. It also shows what life is like in Tudor Britain for a hard working hunchback. I am giving it 8/10.

MB

This is the first of the books in the Shardlake series.  Our Hero is Matthew Shardlake a Lawyer who is appointed to be one of Cromwell's Commisioners in the reign of Henry VIII. Matthew Shardlake is a passionate reformer and is sent to the South Coast to a monastery where the  murder of one of Cromwell's commissioners has been committed.  This is an excellent story weaving the historical facts of the times with the fiction of the murder.  There are many twists to the tale and it is excellently written.  It is a classical who dunnit however at the same time you get a mixture of real historical fact and a feel for the time in which it is set.  I highly recommend this and give it a 9 out of 10
JB

Overall, 8.5/10

The Private Patient

The Private Patient - P D James

This is an example of PD James at her very best.  The private patient is another of the Adam Dalgleish Mysteries. Dalgleish and his team get involved in a murder which occurs at a private clinic in Dorset.  A patient has been murdered and as usual there is a list of characters who we can choose from who is the culprit.  It is gentle and beautifully written as one would expect.  I read this on holiday which is the best time as you can give the novel your full attention.  I recommend PD James to anyone who likes murder mystery stories.  The characters are beautifully crafted however they are from another time.  They do appear to be slightly dated in their construction and could have walked out of an Agatha Christy story.

I give this an 8 out of 10

JB

The Enemy

The Enemy by Charlie Higson

First book in a new series by the bestselling author of Young Bond.
This book has been written for teenagers about my age. I did enjoy this book but I was a bit unsure about the plot. The book was mainly about every adult over fourteen turning into a zombie that feeds on the human population that’s left. This means that only children are left and they are fighting for survival. Many groups of kids have joined up in supermarkets and buildings that have defence mechanisms built in already. The group we read about is living in a Waitrose that has automatic gates at the front of the store. They then get news that Buckingham palace has lots of children that are safe and are eating good and home grown food. They then set off across London to get to Buckingham Palace. On this journey they encounter many adults and lose a lot of small kids. I am giving it 6/10 as I don't personally like zombie stories.

MB

I was not sure about this book when I first picked it up. However Charlie Higson as always is a masterful story teller and tells a tale of horror and a post apocalyptic world where all of the adults have been infected by a virus or infection which turns them into thoughtless zombies who roam the streets eating anything they encounter. Children on the other hand are not infected and spend their time avoiding the adult zombies. This is not a new concept and a number of books and films have dealt with this type of story in the past. However Charlie is able to direct this effectively at the audience he is aiming for making it relevant and interesting. I did enjoy this story and was impressed with the detail. I am not sure that there is a main character in this story however that does not detract from the quality of the writing. I give this a 7 out of 10 and will be reading the next one when it comes out.
JB
Overall 6.5/10

All Quiet on the Western Front

All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque

This book came originally from school as I read it in class in my English lessons. It was a very good book as it explained what life was like in WWI. It told us how battles were won and lost, a lot about life in trenches and the kind of food a treatment they get from high ranking officers. I really enjoyed this book as it linked in with what I have been doing lately in my History lessons. The story was based on a German soldier called Paul Baumer who was on the Western front, fighting against British and French troops. It tells us about how he recruited along with his school mates at the age of seventeen and went straight to a training camp on the outskirts of his town. It then says how he goes up to the front line and sees terrible things: People being ripped to shredds by machine guns and mortars, gas bombs and people suffocating in them and horses being wounded in battle. Unfortunately he is wounded nearer the end and has to go to a hospital that is run by nuns. As soon as he gets out and back to the front line he finds out that most of his friends are dead. Suddenly his last friend dies and he is left alone to fight with other German soldiers he does not know. I really enjoyed this book as I thought that it spread light on what soldiers in the First World War had to put up with. I am giving it 9/10.

MB

I had never considered reading this book until Matthew told me about it. I was surprised at how easy it was to read, a reflection of the superb translation that was done. I was impressed by the graphic detail which did not hold back on the horror of the Great War and the impact that it had on a generation. At the time we were in Normandy and we visited a number of sites which had been attacked during the Second World War and it brought home to me the massive impact that war has not only physically but also psychologically on the troops and the local population where the battles took place. The style reminded me of the books by Sven Hassle which I had read as a teenager. This book is moving and though provoking and at this time of conflict (Afghanistan and Iraq) it is just as relevant today as it was then. No wonder the Third Reich banned it and revoked his citizenship. I give it a 10 out of 10.

JB

Overall 9.5/10

Brisingr

Brisingr by Christopher Paolini.

Third book in the Inheritance series.

This book by the Italien writer Christopher Paolini was a very amzing book. I liked the style, the story, and the way the characters behave and interacted with each other. I believe that the way the humans act towards the Kull is much like the way humans would in a real life situation. This was a very big book with over seven hundred pages and a few diiferent parts. They included Eragon rescuing his brother's beloved, going back to Farthern Dur to prompt the dwarves in making a decision on who should be their new king, the journey to Ellesmera where he gets more tuition and then an attack on a city controlled by The Empire. There is one more book in this series which I am really looking forward to reading and will sadly end the Inheritance series. I am giving this book 9/10.

MB

The story of the boy who found a dragons egg which hatched for him and turned him from a lowly farmboy to a famed Dragon Rider continues.  In this the third installment from this young writer who is able to weave three or four threads of the story together at the same time.  In this the story follows the Cousin of Eragon known as Stronghammer and his ascent as a leader of men.  As fanatasy stoires go this is a good example of the Genre with a well though out plot and a gripping story.  I am suprised that the story will now continue into a fourth book as I was under the impression that it ws going to be a trilogy.  I hope the author does not make the mistake of continuing into a fifth and sixth book as I feel that this would be a case of milking the success of this story.  I would like to see the author stretch his obvious talent in another direction. I give this an 8 out of 10

JB

Overall 8.5/10.

Bog Child

Bog Child by Siobhan Dowd

I enjoyed this book just as much as I had enjoyed Siobhan's other book, The London Eye Mystery. It was about an Irish family during Margaret Thatcher's time in office when the IRA were bombing England and the hunger strikes were happening in prisons all over Ireland. The main character, Fergus, is half way through taking his exams for his dream job, his brother is in prison taking part in the hunger strikes and his mum, dad and two younger sisters are all living in a small house in a village called Drumleash. Suddenly, Fergus finds a body buried, whilst peat digging with his Uncle Tally. Almost immediatley it is found out by forensics to be ancient, dating back to around Jesus' time. Now Fergus is on a mission to get his brother to stop the strike and to find out who and why the body is there. I read this book quite quickly even though before I had started it, I was hesitant as I wasn't so sure about the front cover and the blurb but it turned out all right in the end. I am giving it 7/10.

MB

I was looking forward to this as I had enjoyed another of her books.  The London Eye Mystery.  I was intrigued by this story which is aimed at older teans.  It revolves around the main character who is good Catholic boy who has a brother in prison two younger sisters and his parents.  he is 18 and is doing his A levels looking for a way out of the small town that he lives in in Northern Ireland.  The book is set at the time of the hunger strikes and the death of Bobby Sands.  I remember this period of history clearly as I was about the same age as this character at the time.  It deals with a lot of adult issues in a way that clarifies it for the younger reader.  There is love, betrayal, conflict of loyalties and death dealt with as a number of main issues.  I give this a 9/10.

JB

Northern Lights

Northern Lights by Philip Pullman.


First book in a trilogy.

Northern Lights is a well written book that has been made into a film called The Golden Compass. After watching this film, I was worried that I wasn't going to like the book as I didn't get the plot of the film and it was very confusing. Northern Lights is about a young girl called Lyra who lives at a college in Oxford with the proffessers. Her best friend is a boy who's mother and father are kitchen staff for the college. In this book, every human has a daemon which is a spirit that is part of the human, they follow the human everywhere and without them the person would die. Suddenly news breaks out that children are going missing up and down the country and people have come up with a name for the group that is kidnapping them. They are called the Snatchers. There aim is to capture children and take them to the North Pole where there daemon is severed from them and caged up. They then take the dieing child to the Northern Lights where a rift is opening. They let the child go up into the rift and they are never seen again. One day, Lyra's best friend goes missing and she goes on a quest to find him. On the way she finds out who her real mother and father are. This book was much better than the film and I enjoyed every bit of it. I am giving it 8/10.
MB


I started reading this book with some trepidation. I has seen the film on DVD and had not enjoyed it much as I had found it to be complex and I was not sure I understood what the story was about. When I started the book I did struggle a little however once I got going I found it to be a fascinating and yes a complex story interwoven with a number of stories. The heroine of the story is a girl who does not fully know her parentage. She is brought up in a college university by a group of scholars. The story revolves around Dust and the impact this magical substance has on the world. I do recommend this story and suggest that it is worthier of your interest than the movie. Interestingly I now understand what the movie was trying to tell me through the power of the written word. I give this a 7 out of 10
JB

Overall 7.5/10

Snakehead

Snakehead by Anthony Horowitz

Seventh book in the Alex Rider series.

After Alex's most challenging mission yet, he is picked up again, this time by the ASIS (the Australian Secret Service). He is working next to his godfather - the last person to see his parents alive. He moved to the ASIS after giving up with MI6. They are to target and infiltrate the great ruthless company of Snakehead and find out how they are smuggling illeagal immigrants into Austrailia. He meets MI6 and finds another plot much bigger than the one hes supposed to be searching. This leads to danger beyond belief. I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed the rest of the books by Anthony Horowitz. I managed to get through it three days. I am giving it 9/10.

MB

I did enjoy this story.  Again our young spy is caught in the middle of intrigue and double dealing.  The big issue in this story is how he is dealing with the loss of his parents and the story pulls a lot of the threads in other stories together.  Scorpia and the triads are heavily involved in this story.  Alex again is used and is manipulated into agreeing to participate in yet another dangerous mission.  It is interesting that again the child is manipulated by adults for their own ends with no consideration to the fact that Alex is a teenage boy.  The story follows the usual style of plot but the pace of the story is cracking and it moves along at a fair pace. It was an exciting read and I really enjoyed this story.  Is this the last Alex Rider story?  Not sure but it was nicely tidied up at the end.

I Give it an 8 out of 10

JB

Overall 8.5/10

There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom

There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom by Louis Sachar.

Bradley Chalkers is a troubled boy. He picks fights with girls and lies. One day a new councellor comes to his school. This is the start of a chain of events that changes Bradley into a nice, sweet boy rather than a boy that has serious behavoiur problems. By the end Bradley starts making friends rather than enemies and gets to go to a birthday party. This is all thanks to Carla, the councellor. Unfortunately Carla is moved to a nursery after other children's parents think she's a bad influence on their kids. I enjoyed this book even though it took me less than a day to read. The last book I read from Loius Saachar was Holes (has been blogged) which I read in class. Overall I give this book 8/10.

MB

I am very quickly becoming a fan of Louis Sacher.  The books that he writes are inspirational for kids and adults alike.  I know that this was written for a childrens audience however there is a lot you can learn from this as an adult.  The books strength lies in its ability to delve into the simplicity of childhood friendships and relationships.  How children make friends and why is the recurring theme through the book.  The relationship between the main character and the adults is very interesting and gives a clue into the child psychy.   I give this a 9/10

JB

I liked this book because it was about a normal school life and about how it can hurt you when people are mean to you. My favorite part of the story was when Jeff got a black eye. The bit I wasn't that keen on was Bradley's first meeting with Carla. I liked this book alot. I am giving it 8/10.

RB

Overall 8.5/10

Nemesis

Nemesis by Catherine MacPhail.

First book in the Nemesis series.

Ram wakes up in a council flat corridor with no memory of how he has got there or who he is. He moves down the corridor and to the lift. But when it opens there is a man lying there with blood all over him. He trys to say something to Ram but it is too late. The man is dead. Ram is now a murder suspect and he is on the run. He doesn't have anywhere to go and no-one to trust. He also needs to prove his innocence before the Police can arrest him but it will be hard. In the shadows, someone is watching. I read this book whilst I was on holiday in France. It took two days to read and I enjoyed every minute of it. I enjoyed the bit where he is hiding in the attic of a school and he scares three kids away that are around a year older than him by dressing up as a ghost. There are three more books in this series but I don't think I need to read them. I thought that this book was enough even if he does find out his identity in the next couple of books. Overall I am giving it 7/10.

MB

This was a very interesting read and a very interesting style of writting.  The narrative switches between the various characters.  The style also changes from first to second and even third person.  The story moves along at a cracking pace, with a lovely twist to the tail at the end.  Don't worry I wont spoil it for you.  I recomend this read as it is well scrpited and well thought out.  I agree that as a story it stands alone, however it has been developed into a series which continue the story of Ram and the discovery of who he is.  I give this an 8/10

JB

Overall 7.5/10

Ark Angel

Ark Angel by Anthony Horowitz

Sixth book in the Alex Rider series.

Alex Rider wakes up in hospital after being shot by Scorpia in his last adventure. This isn't any old NHS hospital though, this is a private one where millionaires go to be treated. The staff are kept quiet and the place has guards. Except for one night. This night is the night that four armed killers break into the hospital and attempt to kidnap the son of Drevin, a billionaire who is launching the first space hotel in a few wekks time. Alex steps in and gets kidnapped. They then attempt to murder him but he escapes. Drevin is pleased with him, he takes him on holiday to his mansion in England, then to his flat in Miami and then to Flamingo Bay where the launch is taking place. This is when it all starts to go wrong. The Alex Rider Books are brilliantluy written each time and i enjoyed this all the same. I liked how it continues off from the last book. In the last book he was shot which made you want to read the next book. Overall I am giving this a 8/10.

MB

I as usual enjoyed this romp through the experiences of a teenage secret agent.  Even for Alex Rider however this story does go a little bit OTT.  The style is comfortable and easy to read and keeps the reader fully emersed in the story.  Alex Rider again is a child who is underestimated by the adults he meets and as usual comes out on top.  I must admit that this series goes from strength to strength.  I also feel that the author is becomming even more comfortable with this character.  I wonder what he thinks now about the first book in the Alex rider series now and if he would write it any differently?  I am looking forward to the next installment which MB has already read and is by the side of my bed for me to read.

I give this an 8/10

JB

Overall 8/10

The Death of Grass

The Death of Grass by John Christopher

When a virus hits China killing crops causing mass starvation and rebellions. Britain and other countries send out supplies but they are too high in demand and are quickly terminated. Britain prepares for the worse as it is inevitable that they are going to get it. A family of four find out from a friend and escape London to where their uncle lives in a valley in Yorkshire. They manage to escape London with two other friends just as they stop letting people out of the city. As they get further up the country they get news of bombs being dropped on major cities to kill off the population to a lower amount. The only crop that is not effected by this virus is potatoes but they are already in short supply. eventual mass rebellion break out all over Britain and the Royal family and the Prime minister have been flown out of England. Some turn to cannibalism whilst others turn to killing for food. I liked this book as it showed in depth what could happen in Britain if something went wrong with the food supply. It also shows human nature and how when things are right, we will go to odd lengths to make it right for ourselves, even if it means killing. I am giving this book 9/10.

MB

I had heard about this book when I read a review which mentioned it in the paper. The book is a modern classic and is in the style of Day of the triffids. It reminds us how much we rely on grass for the food chain and if you remove that you not only loose cereal crops but the livestock that rely on it for their own sustenance.
The story is not long however it doesn't have to be to relay the whole horror that is experienced by the people involved. I think this is an excellent read and suggest this to anyone as a reminder of what we are doing to our environment. It was forward thinking for its time.
It is interesting to read this when at the moment there seems to be a resurgance in interest in the post apocalytic state.  With books like 'The Road' coming out which we will be reviewing soon it is interesting to read and see where the styles have changed.  By comparison this book is quite cold in its description and attitude with some of the books, films and television series which have come out since.  This does not detract from the impact of the story however and it is well worth giving this book a go.

I give it a 9/10

JB


Overall 9/10

Triskellion

Triskellion by Will Peterson

First book in the Triskellion trilogy.

This book was about to children, Rachel and Adam, who live with their mum in New York. They are sent for a fortnight holiday in England with their grandma so their mum can sort out her affairs. When they get to Triskellion they are greeted by no-one. They have to find their grandma's house which is on the edge of town. When they try to leave after a few days of weirdness, the train is cancelled after rocks fell on the track and the roads are blocked. But things are going to get much worse. I enjoyed this book and can't wait for the second book after reading the taster. I enjoyed this style of writing as it is very descriptive. i thought at first glance that it would be a horror book but it was actually really entertaining, even if there were some gory parts. I am giving it an 8/10.

MB

This book was an enjoyable romp in Cornwall. It reminded me a bit of the famous five to start with however it does get quite dark and forbidding as the story evolves. The supernatural features heavily in this tale with bees and their control one of the many strange occurences. The two children who are the main characters in this story are from America. They find their destiny however in a small Cornish village. I found the plot a little bit predictable at times and the outcome of the story (don't worry I won't spoil it) disappointing. I give this a 6 out of 10. I may try the next one to see if it improves.


JB

Overall 7/10

Scorpia by Anthony Horowitz


Fifth book in the Alex Rider series.


After the last book, where MI6 was proved wrong and Alex proved right, things are starting to turn right. Alex is turning back into a normal school boy and, unusually, MI6 are leaving him alone. Alex goes on a school trip to Venice with his best friend and his tutor. But Alex isn't there just to see the dull museums. He is there to search for Scorpia, the organisation his dad had worked for. When he finds them, they make him become one of them, a contract killer and a dangerous person. When he is sent to kill Mrs Jones he is captured bu MI6 and taken into custody. I like this book, not a much as the last but it is again a twist to the plot which makes it more exciting. Overall I am giving it 8/10.



MB

This is the latst installment of the Alex Rider series. I went straight from the last one into this. In the last book our hero is in peril and it look bleak and one wonders wether he will survive. In this the darkness in the story continues and again we are presented with an excellent story of intrigue and double dealing. Who is Alex Rider? Who was John Rider, his father. There are a lot of questions thrown back and forward about Alex's parents and their loyalties. This is an excellent story and again it seems the author is really now getting into his character and providing more depth to the story. I look forward to the next installment. I give this an 8/10

Overall 8/10

JB

Eagle Strike

Eagle Strike by Anthony Horowitz


Fourth in the Alex Rider series.

Alex is getting his first holiday in peace. Every thing is going well. Until his dad's assassin walks right under Alex's nose and he wants to know why. Later that day, his apartment with his best friend's dad inside is bombed and Alex is suspicious. For the first time, Alex is going to be a spy without MI6's help or permission. I enjoyed this book just as enjoyed the last of Anthony Horowitz's books. I like this one especially because it has a twist that set the plot up a bit. All of the other books have MI6 wanting Alex whereas now Alex wants MI6. I especially like the end and how he only just survives. Whilst reading this book, I noticed that the setting on the plane was a lot like the one in the Skeleton Key book. Overall I am giving this 8/10

MB

Alex Rider delivers the goods again. I have to admit I am really enjoying his series of books. Anthony Horowitz has out James Bonded James Bond. If that makes any sense. The character continues to grow in depth and as one gets through the stories it is clear that Alex is a deeply troubled child. In this story as described by Matthew the plot gets thicker and darker. I recommend these stories as they are enjoyable romps through the world in search of danger and spies. I give this story an 8/10

Overall 8/10

JB

Black Rabbit Summer

Black Rabbit Summer by Kevin Brooks

This book was about a sixteen year old boy who is quite shy and doesn't go out with is mates much. When he is invited to go to the fair that is in town with a couple of old mates he decides to go but only if Raymond, who every one thinks is an idiot, when they get to the fair there are disastrous consequences including Raymond being lost, alcohol and drugs. I think this shows modern day Britain and many other countries as quite a lot of teenagers are illegally getting drugs and alcohol and are using it. I think it is quite lifelike as well and that is what I like about a book that's trying to make a novel set in the modern day. I am giving it 8/10.

MB

This book surprised me greatly. I was not sure I would enjoy it. However I must admit once I got into it I found it was hard to put down. The story revolves around a group of friends and a hot summer before they all move on to different schools following their GCSEs. They have grown apart already but get together when the fair is in town to have a last party in their old den. However the subject matter gets quite dark and moody and there are a number of disappearances. The story deals with a lot of issues regarding teenage sexuality, drinking and drugs. There is also a wistfulness about moving from childhood into the adult world. I highly recommend this story and give it an 8 out of 10

JB

Overall 8/10

Holes

Holes by Louis Sacher

I read this book with school last year in English so it took us about two to three months to get through it. It is about this overweight boy called Stanley who is arrested for stealing after a pair of expensive shoes falls off a bridge and onto his head. He is put to work in Camp Green Lake where there is now a desert. He has to dig one hole five feet deep, five feet wide every day. When one of the other 'prisoners' runs away Stanley decides to go after him. This book in the long term makes everything fit in place from scenes to family trees. I am giving it 6/10.

MB

I have to admit I enjoyed this book. The story is a simple one which tells the tale of a lad sent to a correction facility for a crime he did not admit. However there are a number of links which are all pulled together by the end of the story. It is cleverly written and I think that a great deal of thought went into making this as interesting and relevant to children, which market this book is aimed at. The story is clear and well written and even though it is set in the USA it is relevant to children in the UK. It is clever and weaves the story together almost to the point that you are expecting the twists and turns and can relish them. I did enjoy this book and give it an 8 out of 10

JB

Overall 7 /10

War Horse

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo



This book was about a horse that lived on a farm in England. Suddenly World War One breaks out and Joey (the horse) is forced to join the war. He is looked after by many people before is put on a charge near the trenches. This unfortunately leads to him and his friend being captured by the Germans and used to carry injured back to the hospital. He eventually escapes and makes it back to the British side where he is looked after and finds his old master and friend Albert. I found this book hard to put down. I like Michael Morpurgo's books and I have read others of his such as: Kensukes Kingdom and Alone on a Wide Wide Sea. I am giving it 9/10.

MB

This is a very short book and can be digested in a matter of a few hours. I found it moving and extremely intelligently written. As described it is the story of a horse told by the horse of his experiences and how he ended up going to war. Sometimes it is in a very matter of fact style which you would expect from a person (or animal) who does not understand the enormity of the experience. It finishes with a mixed happy and sad ending (don't worry I will not spoil it for you) It was poignant that I was reading this at the time Harry Patch the last survivor of Passiondale was being buried. Makes one think.......I give this an 8 out of 10

JB

Overall 8.5/10

Fillets of Plaice

Fillets of Plaice by Gerald Durrell

This book is split up so it is like many books in one. The first section was set in Greece where Durrell took his mother on a boating holiday which had disastrous effects. The second section was set in London where he gets a job and finds two new friends. One unfortunately dies at the end of the section. The third section is set in a jungle where he has to help a friend socialise with his boss to get a promotion. The fourth section is also set in England and he obtains and injury and is forced into a nursing home for three weeks with occasional trips to the hospital. The fifth and final section is about him getting a weird girlfriend who gets married to another man in the end. I like Gerald's books although it took me quite a while to get in to them. This is another book that i read on holiday. I am giving it 7/10.

MB

I was given this book by my mother when I was Matthew's age and I enjoyed it greatly. I suggested to Matthew that he might enjoy it and I am glad that he has. This is typical Gerald Durrell and is gentle and most amusing. He has the ability to pick out and observe behaviour in others in a clever way. He is no literary giant ( His brother Lawrence was the novelist of the family however I am sure Gerald sold more books) His books are wistful and reminiscent of another time when the Empire was setting and the colonial days . It is as described by Matt a collection of short stories relating to earlier times in Gerald's life. I did enjoy the descriptions and you get a feel for the environment that he is in. I do recomend his other works especially 'Rosie is my relative'. I give this an 8 out of 10.

JB


Overall 7.5 /10

Eldest

Eldest by Christopher Paolini

Inheritance Book 2

This book is just as good as the last. This time Eragon has to travel to the Elves where he is trained to be a Rider. He is tutored by an older Rider, Oromis, whilst Saphira is taught by the Dragon. Eragon learns much and falls in olove with an elf who is over one hundred years older than him. he is turned down though and makes himself look like a bit of a fool. Him and Saphira then have to travel to Surda where they joined the Varden army to fight against the Empire. During all of this, his cousin, Roran, has to defend Carvahall from the Empire as well. At they end they flee to Surda and help Eragon with the battle. I enjoyed this book and like the last book, Eragon, it made me want to read on even though I couldn't. I am giving it 9/10.

MB

I Agree with MB. Having just finished this one I am ready to dive straight into book three which I know has been published. However as MB only just got it for his birthday I had better wait. This book is astounding in its detail and in the style especially considering the age of the author. It is well written and well thought out. I enjoy the style which is easy to follow and the ability of the author to keep two or three stories going at the same time. If you enjoy "Lord of the Rings" or CS lewis then this is the book for you.I give this one a 9 out of 10.

JB

Overall it is a 9/10.

Eragon, Inheritance Trilogy, Book One, Christopher Paolini

Eragon

Inheritance Book 1

I really enjoyed this book. It is fairly classic in its style following in a way the same pattern as the Lord of the Rings trilogy. If you enjoy stories of dragons, elves, dwarfs and monsters of all shapes and sizes mixed in with magic and mysticism then this is the story for you. This is the tale of our hero Eragon a boy without a family a boy with a destiny that he doesn't yet know about who finds a dragons egg and experiences the world unravelling around him. The story has highs and lows and the death and destruction that seems to follow our young hero is vast and terrible.

The writing style is good but nothing special. There are times that the story jumps and our hero has moved over vast sections of the map in a few pages however this does not detract too much from the story. I recommend this tale, in fact so much I am about to dive into book two, Eldest. I give this book an 8 out of 10.

JB

This book was about a boy called Eragon who lived in a small village called Carvahall. Suddenly he finds a Dragon egg and becomes a legendary Rider. Unfortunately his father is killed and he tries to avenge his death by chasing after the murderers with the town story teller, Brom. This plunges Carvahall and his brother into danger of an unusual kind. I enjoyed this book as it had adventure, epic escapes and thrilling battles along with imaginary creatures fighting to protect their land. I am giving it an 8/10.

MB

Overall it is an 8/10.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K Rowling.

The seventh and final book in the Harry Potter series.

I came to this book straight from the 6th volume. While I had enjoyed the 6th book (The Half Blood Prince) I had come away with a certain unsatisfied feeling. The 7th book however carries the story on almost straight from where the last left off. This book is very different with the threads sown in all of the other stories pulled together. It moves at a fairly cracking pace to begin with and then seems to slow with some jolts and quickening of the pace at times one does not expect. Potter fans will not be disappointed (although true potter fans will have already read this volume). Having read three of the books so close to each other I have really got into the story. I won't spoil it for you but the ending is dramatic and leaves it open for further stories? I will let you decide, however JK has made it clear that this is her last outing for the boy wizard now that he is an adult. Who knows but I am sure that there will be further tales (not all from China) of Harry Potter in the adult world. Now that is a scary thought..... I am giving it a 7/10.

JB

The seventh book in the Harry Potter series is around the longest and deepest book of them all. After being transported from Privit Drive to The Burrow by The Order of the Phoenix, Harry does not go back to Hogwarts. During Bill and Fleurs wedding Voldemort takes over the Ministry making Harry Ron and Hermione flee and go into hiding. But they can't stay in hiding for long. Harry has a mission to destroy the Horcruxes and defeat Voldemort. But another story has stepped out in front of them. The Deathly Hallows. I found this book really enjoying and though there were 600 odd pages in the book, I finished it in three days which was quite an accomplishment. (This was during our holiday in France where I managed to finish six books.) This book will also be made into two separate films unlike all the rest of the books that were just one film. This just proves how deep it is. I am giving it 9/10.

MB

Overall 8/10

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling

6th book in the Harry Potter series.

I have read this one before Matthew. The style as usual is comfortable and the story is a great yarn. For me the problem is that we expect more each time. I felt the story just went along with no excitement or surprises in it. This is a problem for authors who have to produce the goods with something more exciting and more enthralling each time. This is not to say this is a bad book as the style is good and the interest is maintained. It is not the best one that J K has written and in a way I feel that she was correct in deciding to limit the number of books that she writes about Harry Potter. The ending again was no surprise as again the publicity when the book first came out ensured that within days we all knew who died and when. This is good Harry Potter fair. We are witnessing the child becoming a man and the problems that adolescence brings with emotional pain and confusion. As an adult I remember the issues raised in the book and understand the confusion and the conflict within. I am sure kids of the same age as Harry will also understand and perhaps take comfort. I give this a 7 out of 10

JB

Harry Potter starts his sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizadary. This year many things happen including Snape finally getting the Defence Against the Dark Arts post at Hogwarts and Dumbledore taking a more active role in his education. Harry learns a lot more about Voldemort than he has in the last five years and also goes with Dumbledore on a secret mission that will help destory The Dark Lord. I like J.K Rowlings style of writing and how the characters and scenes are set. I give this book 8/10.

MB

Overall 7.5/10

Walking Blogg

We have added to our Blogging with the addition of a walking blog. Again let us know what you think and also please let us know if you have tried any of the walks.

http://mattnjohnswalkingdiary.blogspot.com/

Devil May Care - Sebastian Faulks

Devil May Care by Sebastian Faulks writing as Ian Fleming.

The first James Bond book written by Sebastian Faulks.

This is again one of my selections. I thought Matthew would enjoy this book as it follows a similar theme to the previous books. Secret agents seems to be a recurring theme in our reading. This was a much hyped return for James Bond with Sebastian Faulks writing in the style of Ian Flemming. I did get the sense of the era and the time it is set in. I did at times feel though as I imagined the pictures that I was watching a 1970's movie. The story was good and the plot also was believable (for a James Bond book) However it was nothing special and in some ways I felt disappointed. It was not the quality of the writing or the plot but somehow we had already been here before and there was nothing new, no new insight into this larger than life character. I give this a 7/10
JB

This book was quite interesting and it kept me wanting to read it even though I was unable to. It was about 007 who goes to a factory in Asia to find out if the British plane that was flying nearby is there and if they are the people who are stealing drugs into England and France. He has met this women called Scarlett and they set out to infiltrate the base but they are apprehended by a small army of men. They realise that it is the place of a secret plot is to plant drugs into England and France to make more money for themselves and throw the countries into mayhem. I enjoyed this book as i liked the style of writing but I would have much rather have read a Chronicles of Darkness book. I am giving it 7/10.
MB

Overall we give it 7/10.

Pendragon, Late of Prince Albert's Own

Pendragon, Late of Prince Albert's Own by Robert Trevelyan

First book in the Pendragon series.

Captain John Hawkedale Pendragon was injured in The Charge of the Light Brigade whilst in retreat after an attack on Russian guns. Retired and unable to stay in the army Pendragon comes back to London to stay with his Aunt Georgina. Suddenly the Queens secret agent is murdered and someone has to fill his place. This is a job for Captain Pendragon. The style of writing in this book was really good and I wanted to keep reading for as long as possible. I am giving it 8/10.

MB

I read this book when I was about Matthew's age and was introduced to this author by my Mother. This is a ripping yarn of intrigue and action set in Victorian times with our hero an officer in the army who was badly wounded during the 'Charge of the Light Brigade' in the Crimea. He is sent back to England with his career all but ended and is pensioned out of the Army due to his wounds.  His return is to his Aunt's house in London who is a spinster who has a dazzling social life amongst the great and the good.  He gets sucked into the intrigue and is recruited to be a secret agent and discover a plot against the country and the throne. The story is pure fiction and a joy to read as you get a flavour of the times in Victorian Britain. The style is easy and unpretentious. Pendragon is a hero's hero and as a secret agent a precursor of James Bond. There seems to be a theme to this running through our blog? I went on EBay and tried to source one of these books and was horrified to find they are out of print and good copies sell for over £100. We are not selling our copy!

I give this a 10/10

JB

Overall 9/10

Antidote

Antidote by Malorie Blackman

This book is about a boy called Elliot who wishes his mum had a more exciting job than a secretary. The next day two police men approach the house to inform Elliot that his mum is on the run after attempting to break into a research laboratory. Elliot has to find out if his mum really is a criminal and how to meet up with her in secret. I liked the style of writing as it was like a diary until about three quarters of the way through the book where it became the present time. I enjoyed this book and I am hoping to read more of Malorie Blackman's books. I am giving it a 9/10.

MB

Antidote is the name of the pressure group that Elliott's mother was working for. This story was well written and presented in a style that keeps the reader turning the pages. The story of the child who's mother is on the run from the police and the trials and tribulations he has to deal with while she is missing was quite compelling. I was however disappointed by the ending which I found to be an anticlimax. This however does not detract too much from the package as a whole. I recommend this story. It must be noted that I was reading this in the Hairdressers while Matthew had his hair styled and the stylist recommended this author.

I give this story a 7/10

JB

Total of 8/10

Wolf Brother

Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver

First book in the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness

This book is about a boy called Torak who's father gets killed by a demon bear before he can teach him what to do in the wild. Torak flees finding a wolf cub who's pack has been drowned by a flood. They become pack brothers and set forth towards the 'Mountain of the World Spirit' as this is the only way to kill the bear. But there are many dangers in the forest. Such as enemy clans and the bear itself. I like this style of writing and thought it was amazing how it kept you on your toes. It explained the characters really well. It made me feel like I was actually in the forest. I really liked this book and I am giving it 10/10! It was one of the best books I have ever read.

MB

I read this story whilst on Holiday in Scotland. I have to admit I really enjoyed it nd found the story to be both harrowing at times and uplifting in others. It follows the story of a boy whose father dies following a bear attack. They live on their own in the forest and have littl contact with the other clans of people who live in the region. He adopts a wolf cub who has lost his family in a flood and they find friendship and discover new enemies together. The boy has to grow up quickly and it is clear that he has a preordained destiny to fight the bear who is inhabited by a bad spirit. The story is well written and in a clear and distinct style. Like matthew I think this book is brilliant however I am nervous about reading any other in the series as they will have a lot to live up to. 10/10

Let us know what you thought of this book if you have read it. Overall we gave it a 10/10

JB

Skeleton Key

Skeleton Key by Anthony Horowitz

Third in the Alex Rider series.

Alex, the reluctant spy, has this time got to join up with two CIA adult officers who hate Alex and think he is a 'baby'. They have to go to an island called Skeleton Key which is a private island near Cuba. It is owned by a Russian General Sarov who is planning to rewrite history. Acting as if they were on holiday, Alex and the two CIA officers go to the island. I think that the character is not described as well in this book as in the last two and there were some parts that got a bit boring. I enjoyed this book and thought that it was better than the last Alex Rider book. I am giving 8/10.

MB

Alex rider is at it again. This time he is on the run from the Chinese Triads who want revenge following his involvement in an operation at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. He also meets a girl who befriends him with her family and invites him on holiday, who may or may not figure in later stories. To escape the triads Alex is loaned to the CIA who need a child to get some of their operatives onto an island in the Caribbean. Again we meet a villain straight out of a bad 1970's James Bond movie. There is a lot in this story and we are reminded again and again of Alex's lack of family and closeness with others. You get the impression that Alex is a very lonely child and this loneliness seeps out. He is offered an opportunity to be adopted but his morale strength rejects that option. I have to admit I feel that the character is growing and Mr Horowitz is more and more comfortable with this character. I give this story an 8 out of 10

JB

Overall 8/10

Grk: Operation Tortoise

Grk: Operation Tortoise by Joshua Doder

Fourth book in the Grk series

This book was about Tim and Grk who go on a holiday in the Seychelles. On Tim's first trip to the beach he finds a washed up man, half dead but still able to talk. Tim quickly alerts the police who finds two doctors on holiday. They rush to his aid but it is too late. Tim then goes on another small island with his parents to have a picnic. He then takes the boat to an island where he thinks the man has come from. I liked this book but not as much as the last Grks I have read. I am giving it 6/10.

MB

This is the fourth of the Grk tales that I have read. It is intersting that the authors style has changed considerably. He seems to spend less time explaining to the reader what subjects or issues are and it is less in the style of someone reading the story and more just a plain story. That aside I enjoyed the story and found the fantasy in the plot fun. As I think I have said before these stories are for younger readers however the plot is good and the evil enemy is as good as any thought up by Ian Flemming, Charlie Higgson or Anthony Horowitz for that matter. I give this book a 5 out of 10

JB

Overall 5.5/10

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

Fifth book in the Harry Potter series.

I enjoyed this book as much as have enjoyed all the rest of the Harry Potter books. Harry Potter just turned fifteen is now multitasking at school. Revising and doing homework before exams and mentally fighting his new defence against the dark arts teacher, 'Professor Umbridge,' who works for the Ministry of Magic. To top this all off, Dumbledore is ignoring him. Eventually 'Umbridge' becomes so powerful in the school that she and the Minister of Magic attempt to arrest Dumbledore. They fail miserably. Dumbledore flees leaving Hogwarts in the hands of Umbridge. Harry then goes to the Ministry of Magic to attempt to rescue his Godfather, Sirius Black. He then realises Voldermort has tricked him into getting caught in the Ministry of Magic. I found this book funny and kept me on the edge of my seat although the writing was very small and there were 766 pages. Overall, I give it 9/10.

MB


I did enjoy this story. J K Rowling is not known for her literary genius however the story she weaves leads you through so many mixed emotions. The books in the series continue to get thicker and thicker and this is a large book and quite daunting. Since reading the book I have seen the film which again was enjoyable. I have to admit though I do find the books far more satisfying and the descriptions are good and the emotion that comes across on the page gets you fully involved in the story. It is also interesting that JK manages to get the fact that Harry is growing up across and we have a more mature Harry battling he who must not be mentioned. I recommend this book and the series. I give this a 7/10

JB

Overall 8/10

Point Blanc

Point Blanc by Anthony Horowitz

Second book in the Alex Rider Series.

This book is one that keeps you on your toes. I wouldn't say that it was better than the last one but it was still good. It is about this spy Alex Rider who is sent on a mission to Point Blanc Acadamy up in the Alps. First though they have to make him look rich and misbehaving for them to take him in. Once in, he finds more things there than there are meant to be in an Acadamy and how do the bad boys become good over night? Alex has to find all this out and stay alive. I am giving this a 6/10.

MB

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. This is the second in the series by Anthony Horowitz. Alex Rider the tenage spy used by MI6 is again in hot water or should I say in a school high in the Alps. Again he is pitted against a villain straight out of the 1970's James Bond era who has a streak of insanity in him. This story also raises contemporary issues around the ethics of cloning and how it could be used with criminal intent. The story focuses around the beahviour of children who live spoilt lives and how this is used to the advantage of the villain. I recomend this book highly and I think that the writer has grown in confidence with the character and the plots. I thought it was a far better book than the first in the series which I know Matt diasagrees with. the plot and the story were more closely intertwinned and I felt it was a more complete story. It was interesting though that the last Charlie Higgson Young James Bond story also was based in the alps. Perhaps both authors are influencing each other. I give this an 8/10

JB

Overall 7/10

Three of Diamonds

Three of Diamonds by Anthony Horowitz - (Three Books in One)

This book stares the Diamond Brothers who are a private detective agency.

In the first book, The French confection, the Diamond Brothers are are crime solving on holiday after the steward that was on their train was murdered. They have to solve why and how he was murdered before they are. At one time they are captured and almost killed but they are let go onto the streets of Paris where they are found by Police and taken to the hospital. But do they know where they were captured and how to get back there? Only time will tell.

In the second book, The Blurred Man, the brothers are payed to work out how a man has not turned up to meet a multi-millionaire at the airport. They look into it and find out that he was run over by a steamroller with his friends the night before trying to cross the road. With the driver of the steamroller in a mental hospital and school nearing the Brothers have to find out everything that has happened without getting hurt themselves.

In the third book, I Know What You Did Last Wednesday, one of the brothers is invited to a school reunion on an island. They both go on a private boat sail over to the island. Everything seems good at first but then it makes a turn for the worst. A murderer is on the island and is killing of his friends one by one each in a more grusome way. They are close to being the last people on the island whene they are very close to being killed. They have to find the murderer before their luck runs out.

I enjoyed these books a lot and I am giving them an average of 7/10.

MB

I quite enjoyed these short stories which are quite punchy and move at a good pace. However I must admit I did find them to be predictable and aimed at a younger reader. I would not go out of my way to read any more of these stories. As described by Matt the three stories in this small compendium are interesting and deal with different situations. The relationship between the brothers creates some interest with the older one appearing to be a few sandwiches short of a picnic while the younger brother who narrates the stories is a bit too clever for his own good. I give these stories a 4 out of 10

Over all 5.5 out of 10

JB