The Cruel Prince

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

One terrible morning, Jude and her sisters see their parents murdered in front of them. The fearsome assassin abducts all three girls and brings them to the world of Faerie, where Jude is installed into the royal court. Mocked and tormented for being merely mortal, Jude soon realises that to survive in this treacherous, dangerous, new world, she needs to be a smart, cunning and deceitful as the Fey themselves.
This is the first book in the series 'The Folk of the Air'.
The second book 'The Wicked King' is also available.

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist Reviewed by Meche` Phillips

This book is really quick to read and very funny. The characters Nick and Norah are unique, believable and easy to relate to.

The authors have used an interesting and unique humour that most teenagers would relate to. If you like, or want to read a great story about bands and musicians this is the book to read.
I highly recommend this book.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars Reviewed by Holly Formosa

Sixteen year old Hazel has terminal cancer. Hazel belongs to a cancer support group where she meets Gus.
Gus understands Hazel and a they form a close relationship.

I thought this book was great and I couldn't stop reading it.
Girls would love this book but boys would also enjoy reading it.

A Long Way Gone by Ismael Beah

A Long Way Gone Reviewed by Meche` Phillips

This is a very inspiring and heart-breaking recount of a boy soldier's life.
The events described in this book and the experiences Ishmael faced showed what a strong person he was.
He had to overcome all of the challenges and the terrifying events a boy soldier goes through.
I would definitely recommend this book.

I am not Esther by Fleur Beale

I am not Esther  Reviewed by Meche` Phillips

I enjoyed reading this novel about a young, Auckland girl who is forced to live in a religious sect with her Uncle and his family after her mother abandons her.
Through out the novel, Kirby has to decide which girl she wants to be. She is given a new name, new clothes and a new set of rules to live by.
She notices she is changing as she becomes influenced by the religious sect and struggles to come to terms with the way her mother left her.
I liked the way the book is written from Kirby's perspective and to understand her point of view as she struggles to piece together her mother's secret.
I would recommend this book to both boys and girls from year 9 to 13.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

The Help Reviewed by Meche` Phillips

I really enjoyed reading this book. The writing style took me a little while to get use to but as the story progressed it was like you could hear the words, it was as if they were speaking directly to me. The characters are easy to  relate to and are likable.
The story is about African-American maids working in white households in Jackson, Mississppi, during the early 1960s. The three main voices belong to Eugene "Skeeter" Phelan, Minny Jackson and Aibileen Clark. The chapters are separated by character, each giving a unique point of view.
The help is one of my favourite books and well worth reading.

Throne of Glass by Sarah Maas

Throne of Glass Reviewed by Ilja G. Nielsen

This book is really well written and pulls the reader in.
The plot is thought provoking, but still leaves room for you to develop your own theories and ideas. It leaves you wanting more with every chapter, and definitely makes you feel and identify with the characters.
It has the perfect mix of fantasy, romance, drama and mystery which keeps the book believable but still set in another world.
I couldn't put this book down and would recommend it to all readers. It is a great book to relax with and to be transported into another world.