Book Trailer:Elizabeth Wein - Code Name Verity

                                                 
Paperback: 288 pages

• Publisher: Electric Monkey (6 Feb 2012)
• Age - 11+
• ISBN-10: 1405258217
• ISBN-13: 978-1405258210

              
Two young women become unlikely best friends during WWII, until one is captured by the Gestapo. Only in wartime could a stalwart lass from Manchester rub shoulders with a Scottish aristocrat, one a pilot, the other a special operations executive. Yet whenever their paths cross, they complement each other perfectly and before long become devoted to each other. But then a vital mission goes wrong, and one of the friends has to bail out of a faulty plane over France. She is captured by the Gestapo and becomes a prisoner of war. The story begins in "Verity's" own words, as she writes her account for her captors. Truth or lies? Honour or betrayal? Everything they've ever believed in is put to the test...

Alex Keller - Haywired - Book Review

It has been some time since I have had the opportunity to read a book published by Mogzilla, so it was great to be able to read this one. Especially as I had had my eye on this book for a little while. The book cover that has been illustrated/designed by Rachel is absolutely fabulous; it starts a guessing game as to what the story is going to be about. The central image is quite bizarre but very intriguing - it certainly catches the eye. In the quiet village of Little Wainesford, Ludwig Von Guggenstein is about to have his unusual existence turned inside out. When he and his father are blamed for a fatal accident during the harvest, a monstrous family secret is revealed. Soon Ludwig will begin to uncover diabolical plans that span countries and generations while ghoulish machines hunt him down. He must fight for survival, in a world gone haywire. Once you start reading this book you immediately find yourself immersed in a steampunk bubble. I personally, love the steampunk genre, so it had a hard act to follow and yet in someways it actually exceeded the precedence already set. The characters in the book are extremely well developed - the author's imaginative creativity really brings them to life. The monstrous creatures, known as HELOT's in this book, are a fine example as to what the future may bring. These machines were invented for war and therefore crush any enemy that gets in their way; making some great murderous and memorable encounters.They have you quaking in your boots.  The book has lots of great twists and turns - the story is cranked up to various levels but threads beautifully together. The fight for survival brings out the darker side of the story, which keeps you on the edge of your robotic pants. Themes of science and superstition run throughout the story adding yet another layer to the story, which worked really well for me. As the book came to an explosive end I was wanting more, in fact it could have done with a little more detail in some places and perhaps a period setting - this may help in appealing to a wider readership as at the moment I feel it is perhaps limiting itself. This is a great start to this adventure series, the next instalment is entitled Rewired. I will be looking forward to it next spring when it it is due to be published. Suggested age range is 11+ Published by http://www.mogzilla.co.uk -  1 September 2010

Jim Eldridge - Jungle Kill (Black Ops Series) - Book Review

This will have you running for cover............
The author, a former member of the HM coastguard, gives a thrilling taste of action through his new series Black Ops. Already he has many war-conflict books to his name but this has a slightly different edge to it. I was looking for an easy read, within my ever increasing pile of waiting-to-be-read books, when I eventually came across this book. A quick read of the synopsis left me interested in the story and so I quickly settled down to read it from cover to cover.

This book is a high action-packed military romp through the jungle. To be honest there's nothing new about the subject matter - it's a straight forward read from start to finish. But the great aspect in reading this book is that you don't need to think - the story takes over. Quickly your heart and soul are soon following six men on a mission to free a West African freedom fighter, who has been kidnapped by a ruthless group of bandits. 

The book is very well written - the dialogue between the characters is both realistic and infectious. The main character Mitch has to gain the trust of his new covert team and that doesn't come easily.

The other great thing about this book involves the detailed knowledge of weaponry and tactical details being deployed throughout, which develops into an appealing and informative read. This book has a subtle violent undertone, which is developed at all levels. It makes a great read for all those who like action combat adventure themes.

Will this be a series to look back on? Well, we'll just have to wait and see, but not for too long as book two is due out in August 2010. It is entitled 'Death in the Desert' and looks to be another maxed-out adrenalin adventure for us to get our teeth into. Can't wait . . . . . can you?

Jungle Kill is published by Egmont Books out 4 June 2010