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

Grk and the Pelotti Gang

Grk and the Pelotti Gang by Joshua Doder

Third book in the Grk series.

I liked this book but didn't love it. It was about a dog called Grk, two boys called Timothy and Max and a girl called Natasha. (In the first book Grk was found by Tim and then they rescued Max and Natascha from a prison cell. Natascha is Max's sister.) They all find out that a gang of criminals have made it out of jail. The kids decides to go to Rio de Janeiro with Grk and catch the Pelottis. They find out that Tim's parents know where they went and quickly follow them. They are soon found by the police and they stay for a few days. Tim then goes out to have a walk but gets lost. He is then mugged and kidnapped by two street rats who are younger than he is but one has a gun. I liked this book because I like the characters and the plot but I have read better books and the first and second Grk books were better than this one. I am giving it 6 out of 10.

MB

I Enjoyed this book. This is the third one I have read and I must admit it follows a fairly similar formula. Tim and Grk end up on an adventure and stumble across the pelotti gang in Brazil. They go to Brazil because Max and Natascha's father helped capture the gang in the past and it is a matter of family honour to them. Tim helps his adopted brother and sister and Grk just goes along for the ride. It is entertaining and a light read and can easily be consumed in a few hours. I recommedn this book for younger readers as it is exciting and keeps a good pace throughout with some interesting twists and turns.

I give this book 5 out of 10

A total of 5 and a half out of 10

JB

By Royal Command

By Royal Command by Charlie Higson

Fifth in the 'Young Bond' series

This book is not the best from the series but it still kept you on your toes. (Set just before WWII.)After his last adventure in Mexico, James is back at Eton. He then goes on a skiing trip saving his own life and another pupil. When he gets back from Switzerland he meets his old friends and falls in love with a maid. They have a picnic together and she introduces her brother. This brother seems to be nice but is he? He then tries to kill James and the King with one bomb but James gets out of it and stops the bomb and the brother. But now the Police want James' love, and he will not let that happen. They leave the country taikng money and a passport from a friend. They quickly get into Switzerland where they were ambushed by Soviet Union troops. They lock him up in a castle where he finds out that the maid is with the Russians and he has been led into a trap. He escapes, only to get caught in a battle between red Russians, white Russians and The British Secret Service. He survives but is not allowed back to Eton. he has to go to another school where one of is old friends are. I am giving this book 7/10 because it isn't the best Young Bond book I have read.

MB

I enjoyed this book and again like the one before it delivered a pacey and exciting story. James is once again in difficulty and having to deal with not only growing up but also relationships and friendships. The premis for the story is as described above by Matt however Charlie Higson manages to pull together the historical events that were occuring and weave them with the pure fanatasy of the James Bond story. You get a sense of how the James Bond we know from the many books and films became the spy and secret agent. There is lost youth and the grown up world all mixed into one. This is an excellent book for kids and adults who want a bit of escapism. I highly recommend this book and give it an 8 out of 10

Overall score of 7.5 out of 10

JB

Deeper

Tunnels by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams.


This is the first book in an exciting new series. We previously reviewed this book for the King's School Dads and Lads reading competition and our review can be seen at.http://www.kingschoollib.blogspot.com/

Deeper by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams. (Second book in series.)

I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed Tunnels. After being reunited with his best friend, Will thinks everything will be alright. It isn't though. Further under ground Will, Chester and Cal meet new friends and watch others die. They face new fears and conquer others.But Will's mission is to be reunited with his dad who is also underground after being thrown down there by the Styx. I give this book 9/10 as I enjoyed it a lot and I can't wait for the next book to come out!

MB

Like Matt I enjoyed this book. It follows the story of Will Burrows and his friends as they get deeper into the earth on their quest to find Will's father the strange and reclusive Dr Burrows who is on an expedition. The story depicts two societies one on the surface (topsoilers) and those who live in the depths of the earth almost unknown to the people living on the surface. This is a secretive society who have ensured that their existence is unknown to the population who live normal lives like you and I on the surface. The main characters have to put up with a lot of hardship and there is high tension and emotion as friends are hurt or even die. The group of friends are getting deeper into the earths centre and it is interesting how this is depicted. There are also some interesting side stories occuring on the surface which are pulled together to the main thread of the story later on.

It is cleverly written and suitable for a range of age groups. You don't get bored and the story moves along at a fair pace ensuring that boredom does not set in. I was looking forward to this book having read the first story and it did not disappoint. I give this a 7 out of 10.

JB

Overall 8 out of 10

Matt'n'John's Reading Diary



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