Marcus Sedgwick - Midwinterblood - Book Review

• Pages -  224
• Date - 6 October 2011
• Published by Indigo
• Age 12+
• ISBN: 978 17806 2000 1                                

White Crow was the last book that I read by Marcus and I really loved it. Therefore, I was very intrigued to see what he would come up with next. In the past, I've not always connected with his stories and I've not always felt the passion within his writing. However, if he carries on writing books like these last two, then I feel he will certainly be creeping up my author rankings for sure.


Marcus has a certain flair for constructing a world that not only has you, but keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. Perhaps the best way that I can describe that particular feeling is that it's like dancing with the devil, only to find out that he is stalking you everywhere you go! 


The story is told through the differing perspectives of Eric and Merle, who are bound by their love for each other, but in different forms. These two people, drawn together through the seven parts of the story are both influenced by the moon. They travel from 2073 back in time to the days of the Vikings and the start of their first life together. I'm not sure that I grasped the full meaning of all the shorter stories that made up the one big story, but I felt the important aspect was how they all connected with each other. 


The shorter stories are written beautifully. The descriptive writing leaves a lasting impression as you follow the characters from life to life. The book has the writer's trademark gothic feel which is very powerful, but the ultimate drive is love and sacrifice - both of which leave many heart wrenching moments. 


Compelling to read, dripping with emotion and truly enjoyable. This book is a supernatural thriller which is well worth reading. It did not disappoint me in any way, another big thumbs up!


I followed you............ Mr Ripley's Book Cover Wars is on,your vote is much appreciated,if you leave a comment on the post as well you may get the chance to win Sarwat Chadda's new book proof which is out next year!

Cliff McNish - Hunting Ground - Book Review

                             

• Pages - 314
• Publisher - Orion Children's
• Date - 5 May 2011
• Age 13+

When Elliott and his brother, Ben, move into the old and crumbling Glebe House they don't expect to find themselves sharing it with ghosts. But soon sinister events are unfolding. An old diary reveals glimpses of the mansion's past - and of a terrible tragedy. A mysterious woman talks to the dead. And evil lurks in the East Wing - a hideous labyrinth of passageways devised by a truly twisted mind. Can Elliott and his family escape the clutches of Glebe House? Or will they be trapped in the maze of corridors, forever hunted by the dead?

I'm going to count to one hundred, I'm coming after you.........

I'm going to count to one hundred and I'm going to find you....

I'm going to count to one hundred and hunt you down..... 

Let the hunt commence......

In the long distant past, I have read a number of books by this author but unfortunately, I have not really had much to say about them. However, this book, although well written like all the other books really connected with me. The plot is written in the style of an old-fashioned ghost tale. The more you read, the more the author inflicts a dark and chilling sinister world that will leave you chilled to the bone.


The book is delivered in a direct and no nonsense approach. It's very intense - I felt myself being sucked into the vortex of the twisted past of Glebe House and its former owner, Vincent Cullayn. Vincent, is like no other conventional ghost. He is drawn to this world by his desire for the hunt and the final kill of his victims. He feeds off their fear as this enables him to take on a more solid-like appearance. He receives help from a young ghost called Eve, who is particularly scary, as she entices Ben and Elliott into the East Wing - a maze of corridors, scary paintings and a great aura of the past.


I really enjoyed this book. I loved how the author tied up the different elements of the story, and yet continued to lead you further into the twisted realms of the plot. Another aspect that worked really well for me, were the diary extracts, which were revealed in small sharp bursts from the perspective of Theo, who leads you through the mystery of the story. He also brings both the past and the present together.


Perhaps the only small gripe that I have, about the book, is the ending. I felt that this did not fit the complex story as it was too straight forward. Nevertheless, I found the book to be a very enjoyable and captivating read. I would definitely recommend it, especially if you like to be scared to death ..... Beware, you have been warned.

Stuart Webb - Lyme Hall - Book Review

Book Review 
Before I became an avid reader, I just collected books and very rarely read them. Instead they sat on dusty shelves, calling out to be loved and read, however they were rarely looked at.

Then I started reading an eclectic mix of articles in a publication called the "Book and Magazine Collector". Stuart, who is the author of this book, had a writing column which I really loved. He would on a monthly basis write about new 'up and coming' authors, as well as collectible books to look out for - I really miss reading his articles.

Anyway this is the second book that Stuart Webb has written, the first being "Aurora's Tears," which sold out as soon as it was published. The question has to be asked, did it fall into the hands of the book collectors or book readers, and will his second book follow likewise? On this occasion, I would like it to fall into the hands of the readers who will cherish it, due to its fantastic content and not monetary value.

I must admit, I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, and had no idea that I would end up enjoying it so much. The book has lots of charm and character that I instantly fell for, from the very first page to the last, as it is beautifully written with lots of great detail. It's a story that leaves you feeling it was well worth the journey that you take as a reader.

Rose is happy with her life: an expensive house in the city, loving parents and a best friend she can trust. She wants for nothing and lives life to the full. Then, without warning, her perfect world is torn in two. Forced to move to a country house she hates with a father she no longer understands, Rose is lost and alone. And when she begins to hear things that aren't there, see things that can't be real, her father doesn't want to know; all he cares about are the deer that are disappearing from the estate. Maybe, just maybe, if she can solve the mysteries herself, she can finally make him listen.

It's a classic ghost story with mystery that is wrapped up in Lyme Hall. Its past is both intriguing and captivating with notes of sadness, but when you get to the end it finishes on an upbeat tone. Stuart has drawn on lots of emotions including everyday issues such as bullying, bereavement - from the loss of a parent and difficult family circumstances, which gives depth to the story.

I love the part when William shows Rose around Lyme Hall, explaining the associated detailed history and folklore, as part of the tour around the great house. The unique characters are well written, they have roles which develop extensively through the story to create an interesting plot.


So the only thing I can really say is that this book needs to be read. I can highly recommend it, you will not be disappointed, so grab a copy (once it is published) but before they sell out. I have a feeling that this book may have a small print run and will disappear very speedily.

Book Published by Matador 1 March 2010 - For more details: http://www.troubador.co.uk

Book cover artwork by Chris Odgers - For more details: http://www.sawhorse.co.uk/