false 14 117 81 true 5705223 read 0 true 5224166 currently-reading 36 true 5224162 to-read 64 false 5292402 own http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78786388 Annabel Lee (Paperback) by Edgar Allan Poe
bookshelves: to-read
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78503617 to: Duck (Hardcover) by Janet Holmes
A little boy introduces us to Duck. Duck is yellow and raggedy, smells like a blanket, feels soft and woolly, and can do nothing without the little boy. The little boy is Duck's hero.

One day the little boy discovers Duck is missing. The little boy looks everywhere for Duck, he asks all over town, even asking the dog next door, but still Duck could not be found. The little boy is so upset he is no longer able to do anything, not eat his dinner or splash in the bath.

Later as the little boy curled up in the corner between the cushions, he makes a discovery, Duck is hidden deep beneath the cushions. The little boy is so happy, he missed Duck so much and now that Duck is back he can do anything again. Duck is the little boy's hero.

Duck is a simple yet heartfelt story of friendship and love. It demonstrates that sometimes we don't appreciate what we have until it's gone, or just how much we care about someone till they are no longer there. Duck shows us that we need others as much as they need us, and that its no fun doing things on your own. A truly beautiful story to share with those you love. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78503521 to: Zombie Blondes (Paperback) by Brian James
Hannah and her father have just arrived in a new town; it's a new start. Hannah is used to new towns and new starts, she has had to experience both numerous times, but she still does not like it.

On first impressions Maplecrest is just like any other small town you find anywhere, the same sparse shops in the main street, the same popular kids you find at every school. Hannah is sure she has this town figured out and, if she plays it right, this time she just may be in with the popular group.

However not all is as it seems, there are strange stories and warnings from Lukas, a nice but odd boy who developed a crush on Hannah, and then there is Diana, a wannabe that is interested in Hannah only if she succeeds in being popular. But will Hannah forget them both in her bid to become popular? and is it worth being popular if you wont live to enjoy it?

This is your typical story of adolescence with your everyday trials of acceptance and identity. The familiar story of the new kid at school is used to highlight the themes of friendship and belonging; and zombies... As a young adult book about adolescent themes it falls a little short. As a fictional book about zombies it doesn't quite make it for me. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78503440 to: Ultra-Violet Catastrophe! Or, the Unexpected Walk With Great-Uncle Magnus Pringle. (Unknown Binding) by Margaret Mahy
It all started with a visit to Aunt Anne Pringle's home, where for the first time Sally met her Great-Uncle Magnus Pringle. It was suggested that Sally and her Great-Uncle Magnus go for a walk. A walk seemed innocent enough; after all how much trouble can you get into on a walk...

Apparently a walk can be a very dangerous and adventurous thing. There are hedges and mud puddles, tree pirates and dams, and a large brown-and-white cow that chased them through a barbed-wire fence.

Sally and Great-Uncle Magnus ended up wet, muddy, stained and torn. But despite all they had a wonderful adventure that was simply 'Horrible Stumper' and 'Ultra-Violet Catastrophe'.

I love this book, it is delightful and engaging, and leaves you with a smile on your face. A warm hearted story that is beautifully illustrated and will always be cherished by young and old readers alike. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78135583 to: Fire (Paperback) by Kristin Cashore
bookshelves: own
Fire is a monster. Not because of who she is or what she's done, but because of what she is, and what her father was. Monsters are not uncommon in the Dells, all being bright and beautiful and unnaturally coloured, what is uncommon is a human monster; and Fire is the last.

However, not all monsters are distinguished by their bright vibrant rainbow of colours. Some are the most unassuming of people, others are greedy and hateful men, and others still are dark memories that refuse to rest. In a world on the edge of disaster, is Fire the one to fear as the bringer of destruction, or will she be the only chance of survival?

Fire must make a choice, between what she was born to be, and what she wants to be. There is a war coming, enemies at every turn and murder on everyone's mind. Everybody has a secret, and the past is fast catching up with the present. Not everyone will survive and those that do will have blood on their hands. But not all is lost, for one way or the other the war will end, and with that ending there will be a new beginning.

In Graceling we are introduced to stories and rumours of rainbow coloured monsters in the land beyond the seven kingdoms. In Fire we learn that these stories are true. Fire may have been born a monster, but she is more human then most. And as Fire discovers, some of the scariest monsters were born human.

Fire is a story that draws you in, taking you on a journey that is full of twist and turns and surprises. It is both intriguing and insightful as death, loss and heartache are experienced. But this fast paced and entertaining story also holds hope, love and new life. Fire is a strong and powerful character that has also the ability for vulnerability. Despite her monsterness and great beauty she is warm and relatable; a stunning heroine. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/77489855 to: Fairest of All: A Tale of the Wicked Queen (Hardcover) by Serena Valentino
bookshelves: own
We all know the story of Snow White; a beautiful princess, a wicked stepmother, a hunter and a poisoned apple. But what is the real story? Is Snow White really as innocent as all that, and is the Queen really that evil? Well yes, and yes. But what it not known is why...

Snow White's stepmother, the Wicked Queen, was not always wicked; she was once young, and beautiful, and loving. But something had changed, she had changed, she traded her grief for vanity and once she started there was no going back.

The Queen had suffered a lot during her life, and when she was at her lowest there he was, the man in the mirror. After that she was never the same again, and not even the gentle and beautiful stepdaughter could save her from herself, or the man in the magic mirror.

This story takes you beyond the fairytale to tell the real story of the Wicked Queen, and how she became capable of the unspeakable act of attempting to murder a stepdaughter that she had once loved as her own. It is a beautifully presented book with a dark yet fun story that is full of insights. If you like fairytales or dark fiction, then this book is for you. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/77241865 to: Where the Streets Had a Name (Paperback) by Randa Abdel-Fattah
bookshelves: own
Hayaat is not your average thirteen year old; she will break laws and risk her life, and all for her ill grandmother.

Hayaat has grown up in Bethlehem but it is not where she was born. She is a Muslin and also a Palestinian, but most importantly she is a girl, a child living under occupation in the West Bank. Her life is a mixture of good days; going to school or skipping it to spend time with her friend Samy, and bad days; being locked in her home during curfew with her family for days on end.

The past is a scary place for many, filled with loss and heartache, and Hayaat has not been spared from this; she carries the scares of the past with her. People cling to their memories and to each other to survive, but despite all there is love and life, shopping and gossip. Although for many the future seems bleak and devoid of hope, life goes on, and so does their dream for freedom.

This is a story that is not often told. It is about more then just survival, it's about hope, and courage, and the enduring human spirit. A simple yet beautifully written story that is incredibly moving and passionately honest. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/77141155 to: The Sweet Scent of Blood (Spellcrackers.com, #1) by Suzanne McLeod
bookshelves: own
In an alternate world, vampires have come out of the coffin to become the most sort-after of celebrities, but they're not the only ones out in the open, witches are a foot, goblins roam the streets, trolls wear the badges of law, and faeries take paid employment.

Genny is a fae living in London and working for the witch company Spellcrackers.com, it's a job she enjoys for she is good with magic, well with finding it anyway. But suddenly Genny has found herself to be in demand, and not just for her magical spell abilities. But as she keeps explaining to everyone, she is not a detective, and definitely not anyone's slave.

Many secrets from Genny's past emerge and are fast returning to haunt her, but Genny has many other secrets of her own that are placing her in danger; she has more then just fae blood running through her veins. There are also romantic complications at work, blackmail, murder, and confused identities.

In this fast paced, action packed, mystery we are given complex characters wrapped in a complicated and intriguing plot. The Sweet Scent Of Blood is imaginative, entertaining and full of surprises; Genny being one of the most original and unique characters around. I can not wait to read more... ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/76559373 to: The Tallest of Smalls (Hardcover) by Max Lucado
bookshelves: own
Ollie is a Too Small of Stiltsville. Only the special in Stiltsville are chosen to walk about on tall stilts, but Ollie was not special, or clever, or funny, or cool. So for a long time Ollie felt unwanted, unworthy and unhappy. One day, however, Ollie was chosen to own stilts, and it was the happiest day of his life. That is until he tried to walk on the silts. When he fell none of the other stilt walkers were there for him, but someone else was. Ollie learnt that it doesn't matter how tall you are, all that matters is being yourself.

The Tallest of Small is a charming children's story of acceptance and of belief in oneself. It is also a story of Jesus and faith, but no matter if you believe in several gods, or one god, or in no gods, the message in this story is one everyone can appreciate. The story is one that both girls and boys will enjoy and teaches that you are special because you are who you are.

The Tallest of Smalls is a parable from Max Lucado's novel Fearless . The rhyming story is captivating, creating a lovely flow to the story that children will enjoy. Equally enjoyable are the beautiful and bright illustrations that compliment this fun and poignant story. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/76404897 to: Sparkle Like a Flower Fairy (Flower Fairies) by Cicely Mary Barker
bookshelves: own
Fairies are known for their sparkle, but have you ever wondered what it is that makes them sparkle? Fairies sparkle with magic, fairies sparkle with love and fairies sparkle with kindness, but most of all fairies sparkle with happiness.

Being a fairy is about completing your chores and doing what needs to be done, only then can you claim your reward and your crown. Helping others in need is very important to fairies, and friendships are often cemented with bracelets.

Forgiveness is a very important lesson fairies learn, and often you can make others smile with a necklace made of flowers. A little magic is often present in all friendships, in the songs sung and the wands waved.

Parties are often planned to celebrate friends, and when you can love and laugh and believe in fairies you may just discover your own pair of wings, and sparkle like a Flower Fairy.

I love fairies, and in this beautiful book you will discover just why it is a Flower Fairy sparkles, and how to sparkle yourself. Cicely Mary Barker's stunning Flower Fairies guide you through a book full of lessons, discovering hidden treasures to take out and keep. An enchanting book for any fairy fan, and pages of fun for those wishing to be a fairy. ]]>