A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Reviewed by Te Paerewa King

This novel originated from an idea by Siohban Dowd who passed away from Cancer.
Picture a hybrid between Black Swan, My Sisters Keeper, and Bridge to Terabitha and your only half way there.
A monster calls is written beautifully by Patrick Ness and created from a mind now passed, award winning, writer Sioban Dowd comes a story of Connor O'Mally who is tormented by a monster who says he only wants the truth. But is this the monster in his nightmares or is something more sinister out there waiting to consume him.
This novel by far is the best book I've read. I finished in one reading and came out of the book completely astounded and speechless. It questions everything you know and thought you knew by telling you, through the main character, who you are and how we as humans work. Wonderfully paced, over boiling plot, heart breaking and enlightening, this lyrical, powerful tale will have you dwelling in the world of Connor O'Mally long after you've finished, haunting you in the night.
A truly phenomenal book. Transcendent but beautiful in all ways. I wish I had written it. Amazing.

Skullduggery Pleasant Playing with Fire by Derek Landy

Reviewed by Conor Head-McCarthy
Playing with Fire is the second book in the series. Skullduggery Pleasant and Valkyrie Cain embark on a new adventure and encounter a new enemy.
It seems a really evil guy, Baron Vengeous, has escaped from jail. Skullduggery and Valkyrie set off to stop him, with help from Tanith Low a sorcerer. It appears Baron Vengeous wants to bring back some Gods and has the help of a Vampire called Dusk and Billy-Ray Sanguine a guy who travels through walls. The trio foil the Baron's plans with the baron and Dusk been killed but Billy-Ray escapes. Billy-Ray's survival has a bit of a mystery attached it it, who was he really working for?
The book ends in a mystery, a perfect lead up to the next book Skullduggery Pleasant the Faceless Ones.
This is an excellent book. It is well written, has enough action and pace to keep you interested. The way the characters are portrayed is excellent and you can visualise very character and scene.
I would advise anyone who likes fantasy, action, magic or even horror books to read it.
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When I was Joe by Keren David

Ty is a fourteen year boy who witnessed a fight, where a boy is stabbed to death. Ty does the right thing and reports it to the Police who question him to make sure he was not involved. What Ty and his mum Nicki don't know, was their lives where about to change forever.
The Police tell Ty that the criminals involved in the stabbing are very dangerous and his life maybe in danger.
After a petrol bomb attack on their flat Ty and his mum are put into Witness Protection.
They are given new identities and must remain isolated from their family and friends.
Ty now becomes Joe. He not only has to get use to his new name, change his look and not contact his friends but he also has to enroll in a new school.
Ty/Joe is a very strong likable character, who is popular at his new school, but rebels against his new identity and his new life, which leads himself and his mum into danger.
This story would be enjoyed by boys and girls with plenty of suspense and action.
When I was Joe has a sequel which has just arrived in the library called "Almost True".

Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer

This book is the first in a new series called 'The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod'.
Thirteen year old Vladmir Tod struggles at school, he copes with bullying, rejection from the girl he likes and he holds a secret. Vladimir is half vampire but has no idea what his powers are or how to use them, he just gets these cravings for blood.
Vladimir becomes worried when a teacher starts asking questions. Is this his only problem or is he been hunted?
This series is hugely popular with the boys.

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

This book is set in 1941 Lithuania in. Stalin is in power and anyone considered anti-Soviet was either killed, imprisoned or enslaved in Siberia.
This is the story of Lina, her brother Jonas and their mother. Lina is a normal happy 15 year girl who loves art and is looking forward to the summer holidays but Lena's life is about to change forever.
One night the Soviet Secret Police arrive and arrest Lina and her family for been anti-Soviet. The family are transported in cattle trucks and trains from Lithuania to Siberia. The journey is long and dangerous and they are forced to endure horrific conditions. Many people die of starvation, illness or are shot.
When they arrive in Siberia they are enslaved and imprisoned.
This is a stunning story of survival, strength of spirit and Lena's desire to return home. This book had be captivated from the first page to the last.