Lisa's Books

2012-02-01T13:27:00.002Z

GoodPeople

ByEwart Hutton

A strong new voice incrime fiction Ewart Hutton has written numerous plays and has created in D.S.Glyn Capaldi an unforgettable detective that readers are sure to warm to. GoodPeople is set in the quiet heart of rural

Wales

in a community whichdistrusts outsiders and protects its own. The writing is witty and the tale isa dark and disturbing one. This book will appeal to those who have been wolfingdown the current crop of dark Nordic thrillers and anyone who appreciates a smartsharp mystery with a sting in the tail. Capaldi has been sent to thecountryside after a stupid mistake has almost cost him his job, now he has hissecond chance but as a half-Italian city cop he will always be an outsider tothe community where he works. When a group of rugby fans steal a mini- bus andhead off into the woods the local cops are quick to dismiss it as youthfulhi-jinks but Capladi is suspicious and as he peels away the layers it seemsthat even a village of good people can have a dark and deadly underside. (Harper Collins)

2012-02-01T12:57:00.000Z

TheSnow Child

ByEowyn Ivey

The Snow Child is a powerful and poignant debut froman extraordinary new talent. The story is based on a Russian fairytale of achild formed from snow by an old couple who cannot have any children. EowynIvey transplants the tale to the Alaskan frontier of the 1920s. The book tellsthe tale of a lonely couple attempting to survive and farm in harsh and coldconditions. The setting of the novel is as real and alive as the characters; apulsating presence which takes form in the snow child which Jack and Mabelcreate together. The book is filled with magic and yet it never shies fromdramatising the harsh cruelty of frontier life. As I read it I shivered withcold and felt the snow on my skin as the Alaskan wilderness came alive before my eyes. Eowyn Ivey is an astonishingly powerful writer who deserves to winprizes. (Headline Review €16.50)

2012-02-01T12:32:00.001Z

Tabooby Casey Hill

Taboo is a thrilling crime novel written as acollaboration between bestselling author Melissa Hill and her husband Kevin.This is the first outing for Reilly Steel a forensic investigator trained in Quantico but now relocated to Dublin to lend her expertise to the Irishcrime lab and to watch over her father who has returned to his homeland but isslowing killing himself with drink. Reilly is a fantastic creation anintriguing personality; focused and calculating when she needs to be butwithout appearing cold. Reilly is plagued by memories of a family tragedy andshe finds redemption in her duty and attention to detail. Also on hand to helpReilly with investigating a brutal killer is Dublin detective Chris Delaney a workaholicwith personal troubles of his own. The plot is tightly woven and there is not aword out of place as the authors take readers on a thrill ride through thestreets of Dublinand the mind of a serial killer. I look forward to many more cases for ReillySteel and I imagine fans of Kathy Reichs will be just as eager as I am to readmore. (Simon & Schuster €8.99)

2012-02-01T12:04:00.004Z

Yesterday’sSun

ByAmanda Brooke

Holly and her husband Tom move to the countryside tobegin a new life. Holly explores the house and garden and settles to her workas a sculptor but left alone while journalist Tom is sent to work abroad she discoversthe moondial in the garden which gives her a glimpse into the future; a futurewhich doesn’t include her. As Tom travels more often Holly’s secret visits tothe moondial become more frequent and more heart-breaking as she discovers thechild she will have but knowing that her daughter will grow up without herHolly is left with a desperate choice to have a baby and sacrifice herself orsave her own life and give up the baby she has already come to love. This is aheart wrenching and gorgeous debut novel. The characters will stay with youlong after you finish this book and you won’t want it to end. (Harper Collins€9.99)

2012-02-01T12:03:00.000Z

TheArt of the Hobbit

ByWayne G Hammond &Christina Scull

This fantastic and informative book has been publishedto coincide with the 75^th anniversary of the publication of TheHobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien and of course the release of the film later this year.Tolkien created The Hobbit as a story for his own young children beginningaround 1930. Over the next few years he put the manuscript together and addedmaps and his own numerous illustrations. Tolkien was an accomplished amateur artist and his own illustrationswere included in the book when it first appeared in 1937. In this beautifulslip case gift edition the authors have collected together all known artworkswhich were created by Tolkien for The Hobbit some of which are now appearing inprint for the first time. This book is a must for fans of Tolkien and anyonewith an interest in Art or Children’s Books and would make a lovely gift(Harper Collins €29.99)

2012-02-01T12:01:00.003Z

The Big Break Detectives Casebook

By Alan Nolan

Alan Nolan has now written a number of graphic novelsfor children including the mysteries Death by Chocolate and Six Million Ways toDie and this latest is ideal for kids aged 7 and upwards. Alan has a greatcomic book drawing style and the story is told through the eyes of Little Tomwho loves disguises and sweets. The detectives in question are Tom, his bigsister Kate and their friend Danny. They solve mysteries in their lunch breakwhich means they have only half an hour to catch the bad guys which they alwaysdo and get back to school in time for class. They have a secret hide out in theform of a disused storeroom in the school basement and they receive help from Per-Cee the robot who is usually in a badmood. This book is perfect for reluctant readers but would also appeal to fansof The Wimpy Kid books as it is great fun. (O’Brien Press €7.99)

2012-01-09T13:49:00.000Z

Watch Over Me byDaniela Sacerdoti

I adoredthis beautiful, haunting and romantic tale set in the Scottish highlands.Eilidh is heartbroken after losing a baby and ending her marriage and findssolace in the quiet village where she had spent time with her grandmother as achild. Reconnecting with the slower pace of village life and with old friendsincluding single Dad Jamie, Eilidh begins to heal. I loved the idea of thespirit of Jamie’s mother Elizabethmatch-making from beyond the grave; it is a unique idea which encapsulates thespirit of the novel that there is a reason for everything and that destinyprevails. Daniela is a smart and talented writer who has carefully crafted theworld of her story, all of the characters even the minor ones are fully roundedand the sense of place in the novel is incredibly vivid. This is a gorgeous andethereal debut which will have wide appeal. I hope to see much more from thisauthor. (Black and White Publishing)

The Fearsome Beastie by Giles Paley-Phillips

2012-01-09T13:36:00.000Z

With echoesof Grimm’s Fairy Tales this a picture book with a monster intent on eating thechildren that he tricks into coming out to play. The illustrations are aperfect accompaniment to this fantastic rhyming story. My five year old son adoredthis book and particularly enjoyed the gruesome ending as clever granny savesthe day. Great fun for youngsters aged 5 + (Maverick Publishers)

Red Sky at Night by Jane Struthers

2012-01-09T13:18:00.000Z

Jane Struthers has in this book collected together a vast array ofuseful information including how to brew your own ale, navigate by the starsand predict the weather. This book will also teach you what to plant in yourgarden and when and how to recognise different birds and tell the phases of themoon. The author also includes superstitions and old wives tales and explainstheir origins and there are sections on recipes, games and traditionsthroughout the year. This book is filled with the kind of knowledge which ourgrandparents would have taken for granted but which through our reliance ontelevision and our indoor lifestyles has gradually been forgotten. So if youhave resolved this New Year to get out and explore more then this book is theperfect companion.

€12.50 (Ebury Press)

1798 Tomorrow the Barrow we’ll Cross By Joe Murphy

2012-01-09T13:16:00.000Z

This is an enthralling and page turning novel from authorJoe Murphy which will both entertain and inform. Brilliantly researched andmovingly written it is the story of two Wexford brothers; Dan and Tom Banvillewho despite their different political views become involved with the UnitedIrishmen and the rebellion of 1798. The book shines with historically accuratedescription and authentic dialogue but the real strength of the novel is in thecareful crafting of a gut wrenching and page turning story filled withcharacters that you will come to love. The story is told from a number ofviewpoints; the idealistic Dan, the realistic Tom and the courageous Elizabeth and it alsoexamines the impact of the rebellion on all levels of society. At 423 pages itis not a light read but it is unputdownable, whether you have an interest inhistory or simply enjoy a good tale well told.

€13.99 (Liberties Press)

2012-01-09T12:57:00.000Z

Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver

Lauren Oliver departs from the Teenage dystopia she has become known forin this short but beautiful book. Liesl & Po is brought to life by theillustrations of Kei Acedera. The story is set in an alternativeVictorian-style world and revolves around Liesl, locked in an attic by hercruel stepmother and grieving for her father. She makes friends with ghostly visitors Poand Bundle who have come through from the other side. Together they planLiesl’s escape from the attic so that she can bring her father’s ashes to hisfavourite place by the willow tree. On the way they meet Will a magician’sassistant who is also running away. Lauren Oliver wrote the book after thesudden death of her best friend and the story deals with grief, love and lossin a poignant and powerful way without ever being too melancholy or morbid forthe target 9-12 year old audience. A wonderfully told story with greatcharacters; good and bad.

€12.50 (Hodder & Stoughton)

Earth Angels are Everywhere Are You One? By Dolores Keaveney Reviewed by Lisa Redmond

2011-11-10T21:26:00.001Z

Earth Angels are Everywhere Are You One? is a beautiful little book which is so hard to categorise. It is a picture book for both adults and children and would make an ideal Christmas gift. The book features illustrations, poems and quotations which celebrate the people all around us in our everyday lives who through their work, their actions and their kindness become earth angels. With different poems and illustrations for the various different earth angels such as teachers, nurses, doctors, carers, parents, counsellors and many more. This gift book celebrates all those who bring joy into our lives through small acts of kindness. The message is a simple one; that we can be angels here on earth by just putting more thought into our everyday acts. The book is deeply spiritual but it speaks to people of all different faiths celebrating our humanity not highlighting difference. Dolores has illustrated the book herself and the subtle watercolour paintings in various soft and pastel shades are undoubtedly influenced by her training as a healer with each angel in a different shade representing a different energy. I would recommend this book to young and old and it would make a lovely gift for a teacher, caregiver or any earth angel in you life.

If Only You Knew By Claire Allan Reviewed by Lisa Redmond

2011-11-10T13:37:00.001Z

Claire Allan’s fifth novel proves she has both the storytelling gifts of Cathy Kelly and the wit and warm humour of Marian Keyes. If Only You Knew is the story of cousins Ava Campbell; the sensible married teacher and Hope Scott; the flighty single journalist who are thrown together when, at the reading of their aunt’s will they discover her request that they visit her house in the South of France to pack up her belongings. The girls are bemused at first but they decide to go, for the chance of a holiday if nothing else. Through a series of letters left in various parts of the house in France Aunt Betty’s story is revealed and her reasons for asking her nieces to visit the house and raise a glass to her and to each other become clear. Through the discoveries they make both women learn to move their lives forward and to reconcile the past especially when they discover some of the shocking truths about Aunt Betty’s life and the reason why she ran away to France. Claire Allan’s story is a hilarious and life affirming tale of families, secrets and love which you won’t be able to put down.

Spirit of the Titanic By Nicola Pierce Reviewed By Lisa Redmond

2011-11-10T13:06:00.001Z

There are many books about the Titanic but this book is unique in that it takes as it’s starting point not 14^th April 1912 but 20^th April 1910 because that was when Titanic claimed it’s first victim Samuel Joseph Scott a fifteen year old boy who worked on the ship at the Harland and Wolff shipyard. Samuel roams the ship as a ghost, witness to the glamour of first class and the hard work below decks. The book features a cast of both real and imagined characters including Frederick Fleet; the young lookout who spotted the iceberg, Harold Bride; the radio operator, the brave band leader and of course Captain Edward John Smith. I admit I approached this book with trepidation, I have had a lifelong fascination with Titanic and reading anything about those that perished makes me weep. I even cry reading the wiki entry. I wondered how on earth a writer would be able to create a novel which deals with such a tragic event and make it not only suitable but an enjoyable read for the 10+ age group. In this her first novel for children Nicola Pierce has done just that and her tale is compelling, even though we all know the ending the narrative is utterly engrossing. I admit I laughed I cried and I stayed up way past my usual bedtime in order to finish this poignant and beautifully written book. This is one not to be missed.

5 stars *****

Titanic by Martin Jenkins and Brian Sanders Reviewed by Lisa Doyle-Redmond

2011-11-10T13:04:00.002Z

The Titanic is an eternally fascinating topic for young and old alike and this book is a brilliant way to explore the famous ocean liner and its tragic first and only journey.

The book includes a host of information about the ship, those who travelled on it, how it was built and designed and a wealth of detail about the running of the great ocean liner. There is information about some of the passengers and crew, a replica ticket for the maiden voyage and a replica of one the first news stories about the tragedy from the New York Times. Other interesting additions include a restaurant menu and plans of each deck.

However the best thing about this book is the 75cm long pop up model of the Titanic which will provide hours of fun. This book is ideal for anyone with an interest in the Titanic from 7 to 97. It is currently out of print but due to be reprinted in time for the anniversary next April.

Penguin Teen Titles for 2012 with opening extracts

2011-11-08T23:29:00.001Z

http://www.scribd.com/doc/65650544/Spring-2012-Penguin-Teen-Titles

Ash Mistry and the Savage Fortress

2011-10-20T23:06:00.000+01:00

Ash Mistry and the Savage Fortress

By Sarwat Chadda

Reviewed by Lisa Doyle-Redmond

Ash Mistry and the Savage Fortress is a fantastic action packed read for teens. If you have enjoyed Percy Jackson, Darren Shan and Skulduggery Pleasant then this book is for you. Sarwat Chadda’s new book is steeped in Indian legend with a hero torn between the high tech London of his everyday life and the ancient land of snake charmers, gurus and demon legends of his ancestors. In case you didn’t know Demons are in and there are no darker demons then those of Indian mythology. Ash is an unlikely hero; plump, nerdy and a little bit lazy but when his family are endangered he has to step up and learn how to fight and when he discovers an ancient Indian artefact he realises that he his stronger then he thought. I really enjoyed this and hopefully it will be the first in a series. It’s bound to excite the interest of readers aged 10+ especially as Asian mythology has rarely if ever been featured in books for this age group before and it offers an exciting new area for the author to explore. I am a huge fan of mythology and I knew nothing about Indian mythology before I picked this up so it's been a great introduction. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Winter Flowers by Carol Coffey

2011-10-17T13:21:00.001+01:00

Winter Flowers is Carol Coffey’s third novel and I believe it is her best to date. It is the story of two sisters who have both been wounded by life. Iris has always taken care of her younger sister and Hazel has always let her, but they must both learn to heal the wounds of the past just as they must confront the dangers of the present. Hazel also has two young sons caught up in a dysfunctional lifestyle and the two sisters realise that is time to stop the cycle of damaged childhood.

When Hazel discovers some of her mother’s letters in the attic some long held family secrets are revealed. Gradually the story of the past and the present unfold and the sister’s stories are given alternate chapters.

Carol Coffey has often been compared to Jodi Picoult and I can understand why; like Jodi Picoult Carol deals with “issues” such as alcoholism, depression and violence. However what Carol excels at, is in creating utterly believable characters that the reader cannot help but care about and in detailing the nuances of character and family relationships with faultless writing. In that I believe Carol Coffey deserves comparison with the Queen of Women’s Fiction; Maeve Binchy.

Earwig and the Witch By Diana Wynne Jones

2011-10-17T13:19:00.003+01:00

Earwig and the Witch
By Diana Wynne Jones
Reviewed By Lisa Doyle Redmond

Earwig and the Witch is the final book by Diana Wynne Jones who after a long and prolific career lost her battle with cancer in March this year. Diana was one of the worlds best loved Children’s authors creator of such classic tales as Howl’s Moving Castle and Charmed Life. She has been a huge influence on the current generation of Fantasy writers and will undoubtedly continue to enthral and inspire for generations to come.

Earwig and the Witch is aimed at younger readers and will hold six and seven year olds spellbound. Boys and girls will delight in the unexpected storyline and entrancing illustrations by Marion Lindsay which match the tale superbly. It is most likely to appeal to fans of Horrid Henry or Clarice Bean as Earwig is a cheeky, bossy but utterly lovable heroine who manages to charm all around her even demons and witches.

Ruby Redfort: Look Into My Eyes By Lauren Child

2011-10-03T13:01:00.000+01:00

Ruby Redfort will already be familiar to Lauren Child fans as she is the fictional heroine of a series of books beloved of Clarice Bean, star of Lauren’s wonderful series for younger readers. Now Lauren has given Ruby her own series and aimed the books at the 9-12 age group who having adored Clarice will undoubtedly take Ruby to their hearts also. Ruby like many of Lauren Child’s characters is larger than life yet utterly believable. She is a genius code cracker with a nose for mysteries making her the perfect candidate to be recruited as a spy. Together with her close friend Clancy and her ever present butler or should that be “household manager” Ruby manages to solve the puzzles and save the day. Lauren consulted with a maths professor to create unique puzzles to challenge readers and hopefully instil and encourage an appreciation for maths. The book is a fast paced thrill ride with a retro feel reminiscent of Nancy Drew of the Hardy Boys but bursting with Lauren Child’s trademark wit.

Trailer for New Wuthering Heights Movie out in November

2011-09-29T21:29:00.002+01:00

The Penance Room by Carol Coffey

2011-08-31T17:20:00.002+01:00

The Penance Room is set in the small mining town of Broken Hill in Australia. It follows the story of Christopher, a deaf young boy who feels a special connection to the hurt and damaged souls of the residents in the nursing home which his parents run. There are the eccentric English sisters, the lonely German man and the inseparable Hungarian couple. When a young man arrives to document the lives of those who came seeking a better life in Australia for his sociology thesis, Christopher follows their stories as each character reveals their hurt, heartache and regret so that each one can find redemption and peace. Most of all though this is Christopher's journey. Carol Coffey is a very talented author who tells heartbreaking stories that are still filled with hope. She is a must for fans of Jodi Picoult.
Reviewed by Lisa Doyle-Redmond

2011-08-30T16:12:00.001+01:00

The Name of the Star

By Maureen Johnson

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson represents a change of direction for the author who is venturing for the first time into paranormal fiction for teens. Thankfully she avoids the usual clichés of the genre; i.e. vampires and angels. Instead Maureen has brought Jack the Ripper back from the dead.

The book is witty and well-written and offers some genuinely frightening moments.

The main character; American teenager Rory is a gorgeous creation fizzing with intelligence and energy but feeling lonely and isolated in a new country and at a new school, she attempts to form friendships with wise cracking and the author gives her some sparkling dialogue. The villain remains a constant threatening presence however and the menace grows throughout. I was delighted to discover that this title is only the first in a series and look forward to more in the near future.

Reviewed by Lisa Doyle-Redmond

2011-08-30T16:09:00.001+01:00

The Carrier of the Mark

By Leigh Fallon

I eagerly anticipated The Carrier of the Mark as I was longing to read a paranormal romance with an Irish setting. I was not disappointed the author’s own Irish roots were evident as the language and landscape were pitch-perfect. Leigh made clever use of Irish mythology and history while at the same time giving the background detail of the story a unique edge that is all her own.

The novel tells the tale of Megan; newly arrived in Ireland who is instantly drawn to Adam de Ris and his family who seem to have strange magical abilities. Soon Megan discovers a magical heritage all of her own. I was glad to see that the author had avoided the vampires and angels which are currently saturating the market in favour of a more unique story.

The characters are well drawn and the writing style is confident and assured. As the book ends before all of Megan’s powers are explored I assume that there will be a sequel. I look forward to more from this author and the world that she has created for her characters.

Reviewed by Lisa Doyle-Redmond

The Homecoming of Samuel Lake

2011-07-08T17:47:00.002+01:00

Review of The Homecoming of Samuel Lake

By Jenny Wingfield

The Homecoming of Samuel Lake is an outstanding debut which swept me away to 1950s Arkansas. At times gut wrenching and heart rending it is an ultimately uplifting tale of faith and hope. Wingfield introduces a cast of such memorable characters that they will live in your head long after the last page.

The writing is pitch perfect, capturing the voices, thoughts and dreams of young Swan as clearly as those of her extended clan and the blackened heart of the villain Ras Ballenger. This story will enchant you but it will also make you angry as it builds to a terrifying climax. Jenny Wingfield is a powerful storyteller and I find it hard to compare this book with anything other than “To Kill a Mockingbird”. I only hope that Jenny Wingfield unlike Harper Lee will follow this debut with another book that breaks my heart once again. This is a book not to be missed.

By Lisa Doyle-Redmond

The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown

2011-07-08T17:46:00.002+01:00

Review of The Weird Sisters

By Eleanor Brown

Eleanor Brown’s debut is a wonderfully rich and poignant story of the three Andreas sisters; named by their father; an authority on Shakespeare for some of the bard’s more memorable characters. Rose for Rosalind, Bean for Bianca and Cordy for Cordelia.

The sisters are not weird in the modern sense but wyrd as Shakespeare would have known it, meaning fated. Each seems to carry the traits of their namesake and a feeling that they cannot escape their destinies, in fact they feel like failures. Rose the sensible homebody fears adventure and the unknown; Bean is caught stealing to maintain her dream Manhattan lifestyle and Cordy the bohemian drifter knows it’s time to settle down when she finds herself single and pregnant.

When their mother falls ill the girls return home and discover that they must create their own futures.

The narrative device of the third person narrator unites the sisters, though each has a distinctive voice in the book; it’s a device which works well. The writing is fluid and poignant. The Shakespeare quotes are dotted throughout but are never heavy handed. This is an accomplished and well written debut. Eleanor Brown knows her Shakespeare but she wears her learning lightly. The book is an ideal summer read with a similar feel to Rebecca Miller or Alice Hoffman. I recommend it to mothers, daughters and sisters everywhere and it is ideal for book clubs.

By Lisa Doyle-Redmond

Daughter of Fire and Ice by Marie-Louise Jensen

2011-07-08T17:42:00.003+01:00

I absolutely adored this book. Once again Marie-Louise has recreated history in a way which transports the reader. This is the kind of book which you will be unable to put down. The inclusion of shape-shifters and psychic abilities fits perfectly with the pagan setting and the characters are so entirely believable, not perfect but easy to empathize with and absolutely of their era. If you have enjoyed her books before you won't be disappointed, if not start now. This book will appeal to any reader aged 10 and upwards who enjoys historical drama and romance. Try this if you like Mary Hooper, Celia Rees, Mary Hoffman, Meg Rosoff or Eva Ibbotson.

Firebrand By Gillian Philip

2011-07-08T17:41:00.001+01:00

This is the first Gillian Philip book I have read and I know it won't be the last because I thoroughly enjoyed it.

It is set in sixteenth century Scotland and tells the story of Seth and his brother Conal who are sons of a Sithe nobleman, they live behind the veil in the land of the Sithe where their world has been at peace for many hundreds of years but all that is about to change when the brothers are banished into the mortal world.

What makes this book so special is that the characters are so alive, so real, you will feel their pain as though you are inside them. Unlike many other books about fairies, pixies, vampires etc., aimed at teenagers these characters despite being magical and otherworldly feel like real flesh and blood.

I also adore the Scottish accented speech and the banter between the brothers and I couldn't help being reminded of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander books.

This is a fantastic novel which anyone of any age could enjoy and it may appeal especially to fans of Patrick Ness's Chaos Walking trilogy.

It is the first in a trilogy which is great because yey! more to come but annoying because boo! I have to wait.

Outstanding read it!

A Place of Secrets by Rachel Hore

2011-07-08T17:40:00.002+01:00

This is Rachel Hore's fourth novel. It recounts the story of auctioneer Jude who is bereft after the loss of her husband and travels to her home county of Norfolk to value a collection of books and scientific instruments at Starborough Hall. Through Jude's research we learn the story of astronomer Anthony Wickham and his adopted daughter Esther and we also see Jude try to heal the rifts in her family and discover more about her own ancestors and their connection to the wonderful Starborough and it's atmospheric woods and folly.

This is a fantastically written book with wonderful insight into the characters. It has the page-turning quality of a thriller but yet it is a romantic tale of family and relationships. Mystery and the idea of fate and destiny pervade the story. The motif of the star is a comforting constant and I felt the loving but at times bickering and jealous relationship between the sisters was particularly well drawn. The sense of place was inherent to the story and just as Rachel has previously captured the beauty and wild atmosphere of Cornwall in "The Memory Garden" here she has described the beauty of the North Norfolk countryside vividly.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys good quality contemporary women's fiction with the an emphasis on mystery, secrets and the past, especially if you are a fan of Kate Morton, Barbara Erskine, Diana Gabaldon, Joanne Harris, Audrey Niffenegger or Kate Mosse.

Between Two Seas by Marie-Louise Jensen

2011-07-08T17:36:00.002+01:00

Between Two Seas

By Marie-Louise Jensen

Reviewed by Lisa Doyle-Redmond

***** 5 stars

Between Two Seas is the first novel from author Marie-Louise Jensen. The novel takes place mostly in Denmark in the late 19^th Century and Jensen’s lyrical writing style will sweep readers away into a different time and place from the first paragraph. The novel tells the story of Marianne Shaw who has been brought up almost penniless in the North of England by her mother. She has been bullied and stigmatised because of her illegitimacy so when her mother dies she has no-where to turn. She has made a promise to her mother that she will seek out her father and a better life and so she sets off for Denmark to find the fisherman her mother had fallen in love with when she was just a young girl. The journey is long and difficult and for a young woman travelling alone it is not without peril. At last she arrives in the fishing community of Skagen and she determines to make a new life for herself in this strange but beautiful place.

The novel was nominated for the Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize 2008. It will appeal to readers aged ten or over especially those who enjoy historical fiction.

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

2011-07-08T17:33:00.004+01:00

A Great and Terrible Beauty

By Libba Bray

Reviewed by Lisa Doyle-Redmond

A Great and Terrible Beauty is the first book in a fantastic trilogy by Libba Bray. The books are an intriguing mix of history, fantasy and magic. The story begins in India in 1895 when a horrific event changes the course of 16-year-old Gemma Doyle’s life and she is sent to the very prim and proper Spence Academy in England. She must learn to become a young lady just as her world has been shattered and she has developed a strange and uncontrollable ability to glimpse visions of past and future. She must navigate the rigid social hierarchy of Victorian England as well as discovering her own destiny. Why is she being followed by a handsome young Indian man? How will she ever make friends with the cold and unwelcoming young ladies of Spence? How is her mother connected to an ancient magical group called the Order? Featuring a witty and feisty heroine and a magical spellbinding plot which unfolds through all three books this is a tale for those who like to curl up and enter a fantasy realm that is dark thrilling and gothic.

5 stars

2011-06-14T11:06:00.001+01:00

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2011-06-14T11:05:00.002+01:00

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2011-06-14T11:02:00.003+01:00

Review of A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

2011-06-13T13:52:00.000+01:00

I loved this book and I can't believe that I will have to wait a whole year for the next one. Imagine if Diana Gabaldon, Kate Mosse and Philip Pullman got together and said lets re-write twilight but for adults and make it more like Anne Rice, this book would be the result. Highly recommended.

Review of Blood Red Road by Moira Young

2011-06-13T13:48:00.000+01:00

I loved this book. It is utterly unputdownable. Saba is a fantastic main character heroic yet flawed and the world in which she lives is frightening but completely believable. This book will appeal to fans of Patrick Ness but I urge everyone young and old who enjoys a cracking read with fantastic characters to just read it.

Review of One Day by David Nicholls

2011-06-13T13:43:00.001+01:00

I was looking forward to reading this book as so many people had recommended it me. However I was disappointed with some of the character development and with the ending. Despite that I think the writing was good and I really wanted to know what happened next. I can't help thinking that this book got the praise it did because it was written by a man, if it had been written by Alison Pearson or Marian Keyes it would have been dismissed as "chick-lit". I think Nicholls is neither more literary nor more talented than either of those popular authors and while the book is a light hearted and a romantic read it's not essential or life enhancing. It will undoubtedly make a good rom-com and I look forward to watching it. It doesn't make me want to rush out and buy more of this author's work and I don't imagine it will be on a school curriculum in the near future. If you enjoyed The time Traveller's Wife or Bridget Jones you may enjoy this.

Review of Faery Tale by Signe Pike

2011-06-13T13:34:00.004+01:00

I loved this book. Signe Pike is a really talented writer and her search for fairies and enchantment had me hooked from the beginning.

Review of The Dead Summer by Helen Moorhouse

2011-06-13T13:16:00.002+01:00

'The Dead Summer' by Helen Moorhouse.

Martha Armstrong is starting over after a bitter divorce. She moves to the Norfolk countryside with her baby daughter and there she hopes to find peace and enough time to write the children’s book which has been in her head for years. Instead Martha finds a mystery and a chilling ghostly presence.

Helen Moorhouse’s first novel is a spine-tingling and haunting story which will entrance readers. The book romps along at breakneck speed for almost three hundred and fifty pages and the pace never lets up throughout. The sense of menace builds to a cracking climax and a heart-breaking secret.

This is a book which I would recommend to anyone who enjoys gothic, ghostly and atmospheric stories. It has a similar feel to that of The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters, The Place of Secrets by Rachel Hore and House of Echoes by Barbara Erskine

I look forward to more from this author and more of this type of book from Poolbeg.

Also Reading

2011-06-13T10:27:00.000+01:00

2011-06-13T10:25:00.001+01:00

Now Reading

2011-06-09T09:42:00.001+01:00

Reading Now

2011-06-03T19:54:00.000+01:00

Hey so as you can see from my previous post I have joined BookChickCity in the quest to read 100 books this year it should be do-able, I hope. I will try to post reviews here as I progress and I will of course be including everything I've read so far this year. So recently I've read The Help, Blood Red Road, The Distant Hours. I am up to 35 books so far, but some books I just couldn't finish, e.g. The Slap one of the most horrendous books I have ever encountered.

2011-06-03T16:22:00.001+01:00

2009-05-26T16:14:00.000+01:00

Incantation by Alice Hoffman
Reviewed by Lisa Doyle-Redmond

Incantation is Alice Hoffman’s sixth novel for young adults and it is an enchantingly written and haunting tale of a young girl’s experiences of friendship, love and betrayal aimed at readers aged twelve and upwards.
Incantation tells the story of Estrella de Madrigal who is fifteen and her best friend Catalina. The girls are inseparable until a strange and dangerous time begins, the burning time. For Estrella and Catalina live in Spain in the sixteenth century and the country is being cleansed of the hated Jews. As the story unfolds Estrella falls in love with Andres but he is promised to Catalina and jealousy causes a rift in their friendship. Estrella also begins to understand the secrets of her family and her heritage and as Catalina seeks her revenge, the de Madrigal family pay a terrible price.
This is a powerful book highlighting the evil effects of intolerance and hate. It is also a beautiful story of a young girl’s journey to self knowledge, wisdom and adulthood. It was chosen by Publisher’s Weekly as one of the top ten teen books of the year for 2006 and it is one not to be missed.

2009-05-26T16:12:00.000+01:00

Diary of a Wimpy Kid
By Jeff Kinney
Reviewed by Lisa Doyle-Redmond

Diary of a Wimpy Kid has already been a huge success in America and across the world. Originally published as a series of cartoons, it is now available in book format complete with illustrations and at least two more books are due to follow. The book introduces us to Greg Heffley, Greg is stuck in the middle wherever he goes, as he is trapped between an annoying younger brother and a sneaky older one and has also just started middle school, where he is not quite part of the popular set but not a complete loser. Greg’s trials and mishaps at middle school are hilariously recounted and are guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. This book will hold the attention of even the most reluctant reader as you will be racing ahead to find out what Greg gets up to next as he battles bullies, brothers, parents and teachers and attempts to become one of the popular kids even cashing in on his hapless best friend’s rising star. I would recommend this book to anyone male or female from 8 upwards, it’s a hoot.

5 stars

2009-05-26T16:10:00.000+01:00

A Great and Terrible Beauty
By Libba Bray
Reviewed by Lisa Doyle-Redmond

A Great and Terrible Beauty is the first book in a fantastic trilogy by Libba Bray. The books are an intriguing mix of history, fantasy and magic. The story begins in India in 1895 when a horrific event changes the course of 16-year-old Gemma Doyle’s life and she is sent to the very prim and proper Spence Academy in England. She must learn to become a young lady just as her world has been shattered and she has developed a strange and uncontrollable ability to glimpse visions of past and future. She must navigate the rigid social hierarchy of Victorian England as well as discovering her own destiny. Why is she being followed by a handsome young Indian man? How will she ever make friends with the cold and unwelcoming young ladies of Spence? How is her mother connected to an ancient magical group called the Order? Featuring a witty and feisty heroine and a magical spellbinding plot which unfolds through all three books this is a tale for those who like to curl up and enter a fantasy realm that is dark thrilling and gothic.

5 stars

2009-05-26T16:04:00.001+01:00

Reading is so much more fun than cleaning

2009-05-24T23:37:00.000+01:00

So is The Kite Runner the best book ever it certainly sooms to be a book that everyone loves even people who can agree on nothing else.