GREYLANDS

by Isobelle Carmody

After recently hearing Isobelle speaking at a conference, I couldn't help but purchase her re-release of this book (originally published in 1996). 
The story is told by Jack who is dealing with the recent death of his mother, along with his father and little sister Ellen. Jack's father has withdrawn from them both and is struggling after the death of his wife. Jack wants to reach out to him but doesn't know how.
One night Jack looks through a mirror and is surprisingly transported into another world, which is void of colour and is quite scary for him. He travels from the real world to the 'Greylands' and through his journey, he must face his fears and deal with his grief. He confides with his little sister how at times he doesn't know if he is dreaming or if this is real. He soon learns he can will himself back and forwards through the mirrors and gradually discovers why he has been going through this unbelievable experience. An interesting story.

THE FITZOSBORNE'S AT WAR

 by Michelle Cooper


What a fabulously captivating historical fiction, which is the last in a trilogy by Michelle Cooper. In this book Sophie and the rest of her family, the royal family of Montmaray, escape their remote island home when the Nazis attack, and flee to England, where they think they will be safe.


Written as Sophie's personal journal, the writer takes you on a ride of emotions as Sophie shares her very private secrets, her heartbreaks and fears during the six years of World War II, and what it was like living through this terrible time as a young adult. Losing family and friends, coping with the bombings and destruction in London, the rationing of food, and even the political events that were all part of this horrid time. There are so many historical facts written into this story yet it flows beautifully. I really connected with Sophie and felt her frustration and loss.


Even though I've read this trilogy out of order I think I'll seek out the other two and complete the journey.

SHADOW OF THE MOON

by Zoe Marriott

I must admit the beautiful cover is what drew me into picking up this book and deciding to read it.This was a very unusual book and completely different to what I had expected, but I loved it.

This story was like a Japanese Cinderella story. On her 14th birthday, Suzanne is in her garden with her friend, when soldiers come to kill her father, accusing him of treason. She had never seen soldiers before and didn't know how to be frightened, but when they search her and her friend out to kill them they hide. This is when she discovers she is a shadow-weaver and can create a mantle of darkness and light to change her appearance and be anything she wants to be.