PRISONERS IN THE PALACE

By Michaela MacColl

[Blurb] London 1838. Elizabeth Hastings knows about suffering. At seventeen, she has lost her family, her home and her future. In desperation, she takes a position at Kensington Palace working for the sixteen year old Princess Victoria. But nothing is as it seems at the palace. The heir to the throne is practically a prisoner. A mother schemes against her daughter. Sir John Conroy, a man with no power or connections, is playing for the ultimate prize. And the servants - they know everything of course!

Liza's journey will take her through the bowels of the Palace and to the deepest slums of London. She'll learn about the power of the press and the attractions of one particular newspaperman. How far will Liza have to go to restore her fortune and put the Princess Victoria on the throne? Will she find independence and romance or find herself a prisoner in the palace, too?

This was a fabulous YA fiction novel, but don't be fooled, it was entriguing and exciting and I really enjoyed it. The author Micaela MacColl has read the diaries of Queen Elizabeth and established the base of her story around her journalling. The historical facts are well researched and it makes for a fabulous read. I loved the character of Liza and her courage, to stand up for her friend, the queen in waiting, and her struggle to survive on her own in this harsh city of London, in the early 1800's. This is a great read of 'faction' (half fiction, half fact).

FRIDAY BROWN

by Vikki Wakefield

[Blurb: ‘I am Friday Brown. I buried my mother. My grandfather buried a swimming pool. A boy who can’t speak has adopted me. A girl kissed me. I broke and entered. Now I’m fantasising about a guy who’s a victim of crime and I am the criminal. I’m going nowhere and every minute I’m not moving, I’m being tail-gated by a curse that may or may not be real. They call me Friday. It has been foretold that on a Saturday I will drown…’]

This is a short listed book for older readers for CBCA awards this year so was eager to read it. I was blown away by it. The first chapter drew me in as I took in each word that was so craftily written. The descriptions were beautiful yet haunting, with each character  reeling me in.

I so loved the relationship and special kind of love she formed with Silence, her new friend, which was so special since her whole life she had only really known her mother, and travelled from town to town as a loner. When she meets Silence her world changes dramatically but life in the 'gang' doesn't sit well with her from the start. She is running from life, from herself, from memories, but along this new journey she eventually finds her inner self. She must make some hard decisions.

I have to admit that I cried through most of the last few chapters, which made me feel silly, as this was just a YA fiction, but I was totally hooked by then, and the story didn't quite turn out how I had expected. 

THE SEEING

by Diana Hendry

[Blurb: 1953. When wild, dangerous, break-all-the-rules Natalie arrives in the quiet town of Norton, thirteen-year-old Lizzie is drawn irresistibly to the new girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Desperate for Natalie's friendship and respect, Lizzie soon discovers a side of the town - and of herself - that she had never imagined.

As the girls grow closer, Natalie and her strange, eerie brother, Philip, reveal a shocking secret. For Philip has a second sight, and all around them he sees evil - 'left-over Nazis' lying in wait until the time is right for revenge. Natalie and Philip believe it's up to them to root these people out of Norton.

Lizzie is swept up in what starts as a thrilling game - but the consequences of Philip's 'gift' quickly spiral into disaster.

A chilling, powerful tale from Whitbread Award-winner Diana Hendry.]

This was a chilling tale! It was strange right from the start. Reading the first few pages (the Prologue) I had no idea what the setting was and when I finished the book I actually went back and read it again... now I knew what it all meant!

When Lizzie pals up with a very strange girl from school, Natalie, and her brother, Phillip, she will have no idea how her life will change. According to Natalie, Philip has an eerie secret... he sees things. Nazi's, who are sleepers in their village. To win Natalie's friendship Lizzie goes along with the secret mission to seek out all those Phillip points the finger at and they must try to run them out of town. 

Natalie and her brother live in the poor end of town and her mother is incapable of looking after them. Lizzie lives on the right side of town and has a very different home life to her two friends. 

This story is gripping, I couldn't put it down, and at the end quite disturbing. It certainly wasn't a 'feel good' read but it was very interesting.

ARENA ONE (The Survival Trilogy)

by Morgan Rice

Talk about fast paced book. If you enjoyed The Hunger Games then you'll love this great new series. Another Dystopia type YA fiction which I mostly enjoyed reading. Morgan Rice is a #1 best selling author who also wrote The Vampire Journals.

Seventeen year old Brook and her younger sister, Bree, are living in the wilderness trying to survive after a civil war has broken out in New York and everyone is living in a post-apocalyptic world, with few survivors. Those who still live in the city are Slaverunners, who roam the countryside trying to find survivors on the run, or crazies who are like zombies attacking those who venture out of the city walls. There are also the bio-chem guys who have been terribly burnt and disfigured from bombs during the war.

When Bree is kidnapped, Brook must risk her life to try to find  and rescue her sister from certain death. There are plenty of chases, shooting and danger, including a battle to the death in Arena One, much like Hunger Games.

I mostly liked this book however I did find a few annoying factors. Firstly I felt it was trying to be a little too much like Hunger Games and it fell terribly short. The writing was no where near as good, and at times Brook was doing things that were quite unrealistic, and in fact completely unbelievable. I didn't think it was necessary to include very young girls becoming sex slaves in a YA fiction. The ending didn't really excite me which was disappointing, however I would probably still read the next two in the trilogy.

KINGLAKE 350

by Adrian Hyland

When I picked this book to read over the holidays I had no idea I would be reading it during a heat wave and extreme weather conditions, similar to that day in February 2009, which was the worst bushfire disaster in Australia's history. Terrible fires are engulfing Tasmania and threatening Victoria and NSW as I read this account by Adrian Huland, who attempts to give an insight of the absolute terror that was forced on the Kinglake and surrounding districts during 'Black Saturday'. They weren't the only communities effected that day, as Bendigo and it's residents were also victims and suffered great loss.

This book focuses mainly on Sergeant Roger Wood's experience as he found himself in the middle of this unfolding disaster, not knowing if his own family were dead or alive. He, along with other Police and emergency services volunteers, helped to save many residents from death, in the most terrifying conditions known.  They were real heroes. Accounts of others caught in this horror are also included and testimonies of some amazing escapes and, of course, some terrible tragedies of those caught in the fire storm. Along with the horror of their mountain being on fire there were many fatal road accidents to contend with, as people were frantically trying to escape death.

I learned a lot from this book and how volatile Australia is to this happening again. Hyland shares how we have disregarded Indigenous wisdom in caring for the land and their respect of fire. We have made our country one of the most dangerous countries to live in, with regard to inefficient back burns and forestry care, which has created the ferocity of fires we have seen and will continue to see.

This book certainly shakes you to the bones and if nothing else it should urge you to not be complacent with fire safety. Being prepared and staying to fight in normal fire conditions would be OK but when a fire storm creates it's own weather, including wind, hail and rain, and can jump 35km in minutes, then you need to get out early, as there is nothing you can do to protect yourself. How anyone survived is just amazing, a miracle really. We know that 173 people were not so fortunate.

IN THAT FOREST

By Louis Nowra

This is a book with a difference. When I started reading the first page or two I thought I wasn't going to like it, but I was wrong. The story starts with a 76 year old named Hannah, who is retelling her devastating story of an incident when young, that changed her life forever. It is told in a broken English which was annoying me at first, but as I read on I realised why she spoke this way and I did eventually get used to it. 

Hannah and her family lived in the bush of Tasmania, during colonial times, when Tasmanian Tigers freely prowled the forests. It was a rugged life and she was an only child. When her neighbour and friend, Becky, comes to stay overnight because her father is away,Hannah was very excited. Her family, along with Becky, go on a nice little picnic, however, on their return a storm came in harsh and fast and capsized their little row boat, leaving Hannah and Becky to be stranded along in the wild and untamed Tasmanian forest. Not knowing if her parents where alive or dead, Hannah was petrified, being only six years of age, and Becky only a year older. Without giving too much away, they are startled as two Tasmanian Tigers approach. They are sure they will be killed until something startling happens. 

This story is heartbreaking, raw, and unforgettable story. The decisions they must make are unthinkable but what would I do to survive, lost, with no sign of help. This is a first YA novel for Louis Nowra, who was born in Melb, and is an author of many plays, non-fiction works, telemovies and film scripts.

TELL ME WHEN IT HURST

by Christine M. Whitehead

I really enjoyed this book even if it was a cheapie from Amazon I downloaded to my Kindle... an impulse buy.

We first meet Archer as a young educated women who falls in love with handsome Adam and they have a daughter, Annie. The love of her life. Everything is going along smoothly until one terrible night when on a school trip, Annie is raped and murdered. This terrible event will be the end of Archer's life as she knows it as the murderer goes free and she is left with a huge abyss in her life. The depression and struggle to live after such an event forces Archer and Adam to split up and Archer becomes a recluse living in the bush.
Living on the property next door, enter Connor. Hunk of a cowboy guy from Wyoming who is camping out on his newly inherited property. After some standoffish behaviour Archer and Connor are forced to interact which in turn leads to a wonderful love story... except Archer has secrets. She is a secret vigilante and a trained killer and is part of a group that 'makes justice happen' when the justice system let people down and destroys peoples lives.
I was engrossed in this story which peeled away layers of Archer., bit by bit, as she slowly came to terms with her daughter's terrible death and that she needed to continue to live to honour her daughter's memory. A moving story which had me in tears several times. I like it when I find a story out of the blue that really touches me like this book did.

TORN PAGES

by Sally Grindley


Orphaned, poor, living in Africa, and a grandmother that hates her, Lydia has the odds stacked against her as she must take on a mother's role and care for her sister and brother, trying just to survive.
This is a wonderful heart wrenching story, that is beautifully told by Sally Grindley. Things are very tough for these children as they try to come to terms with the recent death of their mother to AIDS. Lydia is forced to stay  home from school and work for her horrid grandmother, whose only desire is to cause pain to her grandchildren and take over their home. The every day chores they must undertake just to survive certainly made me realise how much we take for granted living in Australia.
I will certainly be reading more of Sally's lovely books.

EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE

by Jonathan Safron Foer


I must admit I knew nothing about this book and found it rather deep and very unusual. At the time of reading (or letting my Kindle read it to me) I wasn't well so maybe I didn't bond with the story as I usually do. I now know the movie will be released soon so I will watch that to see if it gives me a greater love for the characters, from what I've seen on the trailer I think it will be good.


Oskar is a nine year old boy, who suffers from Autism, and who's father is killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He was let out of school early that day and has a secret he hasn't told anyone. He was the first to come home and hear his father leave 5 phone messages to his family as he was trapped in one of the towers, still alive. They were the last words he said.


Oskar, while going through his father's things, discovers a key in an envelope with the word 'Black' written on it. He believes this is a clue and he decides to look up and track down every person named 'Black' in the phone book. This seems like an unbelievable and unrealistic task but he is determined to do it. Without giving it away too much, he meets several people along the way and he connects with. As I said... I think I'll enjoy the movie more!

A BEAUTIFUL LIE

by Irfan Master 


This story is set in India during 1947, before partition, when India was divided. Bilal is a young boy forced to care for his dying father who hates the idea of India being torn apart and longs for the traditions of India. Because of the strong love for his father, Bilal, decides to lie to his father and hide him from any information reaching him of the riots and killings going on in his town. This is not an easy thing to hide so he must ask his friends to help him and stop visitors to his father who may tell him the terrible troubles that are surrounding them.


I loved the idea Bilal had of taking 'memory photos' of life around him to remember his life. Snapshots like a camera would take. Bilal also found that once he had lied he had to keep telling lies to cover up the original lie, and he also found that lies became easier the more you told.


I didn't find this book particularly gripping but it did give an insight into life in India during this time and  the tension that existed during the lead up to partition and the loss of friendships once people were dispersed to other parts of India to survive.

PRIVATE PEACEFUL

By Michael Morpurgo

A lovely easy to read book about a young boy named Tommy Peaceful. Tommy tells his story over a 24hr period, each chapter brings you closer from past to present tense. He recounts his life growing up, the death of his father, dealing with the cruelness dealt to his retarded brother, the struggle of his mother providing for the family with little money, and falling in love with his best friend. The relationship with his brother is so strong as he is the one always looking out for Tommy.

He enlists, although underage, as he doesn't wasnt to appear to be a coward, and is now serving alongside his brother as they look out for each other's safety. As he looks over his life he knows death is eminant.  The real sense of fear is felt as he describes the situation he is in and the absolute horror of war and loss of lives and how sensless it all seems. The touching end comes with a twist that will leave you in tears.

Although it's aimed as a YA audience, I think anyone would enjoy reading this book.

LOLA'S SECRET

LOLA'S SECRET   by Monica McInerney

Another lovely story by Monica. Her books are so easy to read and as always wonderful characters to draw you into her fictional story. This book carries on from 'The ABC Sisters' five years after Anna has died and life has gone on, as it must, but family have dealt with her death differently and continue to deal with the loss of a mother, daughter and grand daughter. 

Lola's up to her old tricks matchmaking and this time planning a secret Christmas party at the Motel in the Clare Valley, while her family have all gone on their own holiday.  She has invited guests from far and wide for a free holiday and Christmas dinner and is excited about her secret, if she can carry it out on her own. However, circumstances change in everyone's life to threaten her gathering and rearrange plans for them all. 

There is never a dull moment in Lola's life, a lively 80+ yr old, who is constantly having to sort out problems between family members. She is witty and charming and a lot of fun. This book is full of drama within relationships and family and thought provoking at the same time. It's good fun!

P.S.  I really love the beautiful covers on all of Monica's books

THE BOOK THIEF

THE BOOK THIEF   by Markus Zusak  

- Australian Writer  (YA fiction)

WATCH THIS INTERVIEW WITH MARKUS TO SEE WHAT INSPIRED HIM TO WRITE THIS BOOK...

I so loved this unforgettable book. I was taken on an incredible journey from the very first page and by the time I got to the final chapters, I was ‘sobbing’ all the way to the end.  With ‘death’ as the narrator, you may think this would be gruesome, but on the contrary, it is told in such a sensitive way it astonished me. Death explains at the start that he can be cheerful, agreeable, amiable and fair. He refers to himself as the 'soul carrier'.  It was like no other book I have ever read… it touched my soul.

I actually forgot it was ‘fiction’ the descriptions were so real. It truly mesmerized me and I found myself re-reading descriptions and sentences over and over. It was wonderful reading it on my Kindle as I highlighted many of the precious thoughts and sentences I wanted to revisit.  I also loved the way it flowed, previewing what was going to happen in each chapter was really different, along with many facts.

THE DEAD I KNOW

THE DEAD I KNOW by Scot Gardner     (LWH)

I really enjoyed this book.  A young boy named Aaron Rowe leaves school and gets a job at the local undertaker where he discovers that he feels OK about death and preparing bodies ready for funerals. Although Aaron  is shy and doesn't let anyone into his life, he warms to his new boss who seems to understand him. His new job seems to suit him well but he has troubles that no one knows about. He sleep walks and constantly wakes up in unusual places, which he has no memory of. Dealing with this along with caring for his guardian who has lost her memory and the difficulties this provides, lends to a fascinating read. I really felt for this young boy who was trying to get his life together and care for the one person in his life that means so much to him. As his story unravells the truth about his past is revealed to him. It is a very touching book that I just couldn't put down.

Read more about Scot and his other books