The most poignant, moving and heart-warming tale you will read this year; a book to devour in one sitting and press urgently into the hands of your friends and family. A true wonder of a book.
WONDER is the funny, sweet and incredibly moving story of Auggie Pullman. Born with a terrible facial deformity, this shy, bright ten-year-old has been home-schooled by his parents for his whole life, in an attempt to protect him from the stares and cruelty of the outside world. Now, for the first time, Auggie is being sent to a real school - and he's dreading it. The thing is, Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, underneath it all?
Review:
I'm sure at some point in our lives we've all made judgements about people based purely on their appearance, even if not as an adult (although I find that very hard to believe!) then most certainly as a child. Too short, too tall, too fat, too thin, dumb blond, fiery tempered red head, bad hairstyle, poor skin - the list of things people criticise is endless! As much as we've all made snap judgements I'd also be willing to bet that we've all been on the receiving end to some degree or another too so really we should know what it feels like being judged for something you can't necessarily change about yourself.
Remember that pain of being teased for not quite fitting the "norm"? Now imagine you're a 10 year old child, one who was born with severe facial disfigurements due to a genetic disorder, one who has suffered through the pain of multiple operations but still comes nowhere near close to looking like everyone else. Imagine that you've spent your entire life being stared at every time you step out of the house having people pointing at you, whispering about you, some even screaming in terror and running away from you. Now you have an idea about how Auggie has felt every single day of his life, not nice is it? How do you think that would shape you as a person? Would it leave you feeling bitter? How about depressed, miserable or insecure? I think I'd probably be all of those things but that is where Auggie is a much better person than I am!
Despite the problems he faces Auggie is one of the most positive characters you'll ever come across. He is absolutely beautiful in every way that is important and I dare you to read his story and not fall in love with him. Auggie has been lucky enough to grow up with a supportive and loving family and that shows in his bright and bubbly personality. He has always been home schooled but his parents think it is time he faced the world and learnt to deal with people's reactions to him. Watching Auggie bravely go to school and cope with the stares and taunts he receives is heartbreaking but seeing him slowly find a place and getting to know his classmates is beautiful. Inside he is a normal little boy who loves doing all the things other children his age do and as people get to know him they start to see beyond his looks to the person he is underneath.
Wonder is a stunning book and one that will stay with me for a long time. It is written mainly from Auggie's point of view but we also get to see things through the eyes of his sister and a couple of his classmates and discover first hand the effect Auggie has had on their lives. From the minute I picked up this book I didn't want to put it down. I was on a real roller coaster of emotions from sad to angry to proud and right through to happy. I adored Auggie, his family and his new found friends. I hated the students at school who teased him but I really loathed some of the adults for their attitude. It was easier to forgive a young child for a cruel remark made without malice than an adult who should know better. I was outraged on Auggie's behalf and wanted to climb into the book to protect him.
Anyone who has ever been bullied for any reason will automatically be able to relate to Auggie but what I think is even more important is that it will make people think about the way they act towards others. It will make you appreciate what you have and it will make you want to be a better person. If you're going to read one book this year make it Wonder, I promise you won't regret it. Whatever R.J. Palacio writes next will be going straight to the top of my wish list.
Source: Received from RHCB in exchange for an honest review
Other reviews of this book: The Little Reader Library
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.
A couple of weeks ago I read R.J. Palacio's debut novel Wonder and was absolutely blown away by Auggie's story. I'll be posting my full review later today but trust me this is an incredibly emotional read and it's one of those books that will stay with me for a long time to come so if you haven't already got it on your to read pile you need to add it now!
The most poignant, moving and heart-warming tale you will read this year; a book to devour in one sitting and press urgently into the hands of your friends and family. A true wonder of a book.
WONDER is the funny, sweet and incredibly moving story of Auggie Pullman. Born with a terrible facial deformity, this shy, bright ten-year-old has been home-schooled by his parents for his whole life, in an attempt to protect him from the stares and cruelty of the outside world. Now, for the first time, Auggie is being sent to a real school - and he's dreading it. The thing is, Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, underneath it all?
Anyway, I stumbled across the book trailer and think it captures Auggie's first day at school perfectly so I wanted to share it with you here.
I also found this video of R.J. Palacio reading a chapter from the story that I thought you might enjoy:
So what do you think? Have you already read Wonder? If you have I'd love to know what you thought of it so make sure you leave me a link to your review & I'll come and check it out.
It's time for another news roundup post to share some of the news I've seen over the last week or so.
First I want to let you know about the launch event for the second instalment in Will Hill's Department 19 series - The Rising. I've been lucky enough to have already read The Rising and can tell you right now it was amazing! If you're a fan of Department 19 you want to get hold of this one ASAP trust me (watch out for my review which will be up later this week). If you want the chance to meet Will Hill check out the details below for the launch event that is being held at Waterstone's in Kensington on the 29th of March. Tickets are £3 each but I'm sure you won't be disappointed - I've been told that the event will be the same as a secret launch I got to go to last month (my write up will also be posted later this week) and if that's the case you may even get to meet a couple of D19 agents and see a T-Bone!
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Bloomsbury have recently launched their new Hooked on Books Facebook page that will feature all the latest information about their YA titles. Make sure you keep an eye on the Facebook page and their Twitter account for all the latest extracts, news and even some exclusive giveaways!
The first book they are talking about is Burn Mark by Laura Powell which is being published on the 7th of June. This sounds like it will be a fantastic start to Laura's new series and I can't wait to read it! You can find out more at Laura Powell's website, her Facebook page or follow her on Twitter. In the meantime here is the cover and blurb - what do you think?
'I'll win or I'll burn - whatever it takes'
Glory is destined to become a witch. When she does, she is going to make sure her East End coven is one to respect and fear again.
But a dangerous mix of conspiracy and betrayal raises the stakes. And then Lucas Stearne - rich, privileged and a potential Witchfinder - enters her life.
Now Glory and Lucas must put aside their differences to form an uneasy alliance.
And fight for their lives.
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If you want to find out more about R J Palacio's debut novel Wonder then make sure you check out the live Facebook chat on Monday at 6pm. You can join in the chat on the Wonder Facebook page. I've heard fantastic things about Wonder and will be reading it very soon so keep an eye out for my review.
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Last year I really enjoyed The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson (you can read my review here) so I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series The Madness Underneath. According to Amazon UK we have to wait until January 2013 before we'll be able to buy the book but Maureen did post the UK cover on her Tumblr account a couple of days ago so I thought I'd share it here. What do you think? I love the fact that it matches The Name of the Star cover so well but I think I like this one even more.
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I think that's all the book related news for this week but I couldn't resist including the latest Simon's Cat video for you. I love these videos :o)
Well the exciting news just keeps on coming so I think I'm just going to do a regular roundup with some of the press releases I get sent from various publishers. Some of this I'm sure you'll have already come across but hopefully there will be something new to catch your interest!
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If you're anything like me you'll have had a collection of the Ladybird Classics when you were a child (I'm pretty sure I've still got most of mine in a box in the loft somewhere!). I loved these books and read them over and over again, a particular favourite was Mick the Disobedient Puppy and there was another one about a carousel horse that came to life but I can't remember the title of it. Anyway, kids today don't have to settle for just the books, they can now have a fully interactive reading experience with the Ladybird Classic Me Books App. Here is the press release to give you all the details:
Sir David Jason joins Adam Buxton and Josie Lawrence for an exciting new update to the award-winning Ladybird Classic Me Books App
London, UK – 26th January 2012 - Due to popular demand Penguin Children’s Books is delighted to announce additional titles in its No1 hit, Ladybird Classic Me Books App, along with an exciting new SAVE feature! Me Books is an innovative picture book app that allows parents and children to interact with and personalize picture books in an entirely new way. The Ladybird Classic Me Books App is available from the App Store on iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch for £0.69.
Sir David Jason joins the voice talents of Adam Buxton and Josie Lawrence; the well-known personalities that made the initial launch so popular. New titles include Puss in Boots, Rumpelstiltskin, Cinderella ‘Well Loved Tales’, Tootles the Taxi and Nursery Rhymes. These tales will join the existing 13 titles that are available as In-App purchases through the App Store, at £0.69 each.
Sir David Jason explains:
"The first time I clapped eyes on Me Books I was blown away. I knew these beautiful little Ladybird books very well, as we all do, but this new technology really brings something special to the table. It's storytelling with super powers. I thoroughly enjoyed narrating these stories and was so impressed by Me Books I've just bought an iPad for my family."
The additional titles follow on from the critically acclaimed launch of the app in August. Accolades include:
- The Telegraph’s ‘Top 10 kid’s apps, 2011’
- Winner of the Lovie Award 2011
- Apps Magazine - Best Entertainment App 2011 Award
- Shortlisted for the FutureBook Awards – Best Children’s App
The app includes a range of innovative features that create unique and engaging reading experiences, including:
• READ. Me Books brings the picture book app experience back to reading and telling stories. We’ve added nothing to the books themselves, just a new way to bottle the creativity and imagination they inspire.
• LISTEN. Classic stories are brought to life with charming narration from well known voices along with enchanting sound effects. Simply touch the words and pictures to hear them.
• RECORD. We all know you tell the best stories and do the best voices so Me Books lets you do just that. Add your very own narration and sound effects by drawing audio ‘hotspots’ anywhere on the page.
• PLAY. Playing with books is a brilliant way for children to develop their creativity, language and literacy. Me Books allows them to express themselves which isn’t just important, it's a downright hoot.
• SAVE. You can now save up to three versions of each book making it possible to cherish your favourite stories time and time again.
Me Books comes with the beloved Ladybird Classics title “The Zoo” and is available for £0.69 from the App Store on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.
Eric Huang, Publishing Director Media & Entertainment Penguin Children’s Books, said: “When we launched the Me Books App in August it was an instant success, topping the UK iPad Book App charts in September. Parents who read the same story over and over again to their children naturally start to personalize the story – or focus on details in the illustrations that aren’t in the text. Me Books offer interactive tools to enhance this family reading experience.”
“The response to Me Books has been incredible and the enduring popularity of these classic Ladybird books has been at the heart of it. We're excited to be building on a great start with this update as well as lots more Me Books apps for 2012!" James Huggins, co-Founder of Me Books.
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I have been looking forward to reading Wonder by R.J. Palacio ever since I first heard about it, I think this is going to be one of those books that will make me cry my eyes out but hopefully it will leave me feeling good by the end. This book is being published for both the YA and the adult markets with two very different covers. I thought I'd share both covers here & see which one you all prefer. Personally I love the YA cover and am not a big fan of the adult one but do you agree?
YA Cover
Adult Cover
Just in case you've not heard of Wonder before here is the blurb:
The most poignant, moving and heart-warming tale you will read this year; a book to devour in one sitting and press urgently into the hands of your friends and family. A true wonder of a book.
WONDER is the funny, sweet and incredibly moving story of Auggie Pullman. Born with a terrible facial deformity, this shy, bright ten-year-old has been home-schooled by his parents for his whole life, in an attempt to protect him from the stares and cruelty of the outside world. Now, for the first time, Auggie is being sent to a real school - and he's dreading it. The thing is, Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, underneath it all?
The YA edition is being published in the UK on the 1st of March and the adult edition will be available on the 7th of June. You can visit the Wonder Facebook page for more information.
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I had an exciting email from Faber and Faber about their new project aimed at 13-16 year olds. Check out the press release below for more information:
FABER AND FABER LAUNCHES THE SPARK - A PLACE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO SHOWCASE THEIR CREATIVE SKILLS
Faber and Faber has launched THE SPARK www.facebook.com/thesparkpage, a place for 13 - 16 year olds who have an interest in creativity and reading. During 2012 THE SPARK, hosted on Facebook, will invite young people to take part in some exciting projects around acting, film-making, writing and music, each linked to and inspired by a Faber Young Adult title. Whilst students aren’t obliged to read the books to take part, we hope that they will not only be inspired to produce some creative work, but will also be encouraged to engage with the related books, and develop a greater interest in reading generally. Our aim is that THE SPARK will become a vibrant community where young people who love reading and creating can meet, talk and share. We have been extremely impressed by the entries for our recent project, run in association with the GUARDIAN, to find a talented young artist to create a new, iconic cover image for William Golding’s LORD OF THE FLIES and we hope that we can discover a similar level of creativity in each of the new projects to be launched this year.
Launch Project
ACTING – THE GLIMPSE by Claire Merle publishing June 2012
Launching in January 2012, we’re looking to find a young actor to play one of the characters in Claire Merle’s debut YA novel, THE GLIMPSE, in a series of web films. Entrants are invited to film themselves performing one of two audition scripts available at www.facebook.com/theglimpse and all entries will be showcased on THE GLIMPSE You Tube Channel.
The competition is open to anyone aged 13-18 years old (see terms and conditions) and the winner will be announced in March 2012
Coming soon…
Over the next few months we’ll be launching further projects for musicians/composers, film-makers and writers.
Music – THE CREWEL by Gennifer Albin publishing October 2012
We’re calling on musicans, band-members and singer-songwriters to produce an original music track inspired by Gennifer Albin’s novel CREWEL, to feature in the official book trailer. Launches February
2012
Writers – THE THINGS WE DID FOR LOVE by Natasha Farrant
To coincide with publication of Natasha Farrant’sTHE THINGS WE DID FOR LOVE, we are looking for aspiring writers to submit stories, poems or articles inspired by the themes of love or war. Launches March 2012
Filmmaking – THE FURY by Alexander Gordon Smith publishing April 2012
Alexander Gordon Smith's terrifying new book THE FURY is sure to keep readers awake at night. We’re looking for a young filmmaker to make a trailer for it. Launches April 2012
We hope THE SPARK will inspire creativity and conversation around books and plan to continue with further book-related creative projects in the future.
I'm a massive fan of Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor (you can read my review here) so I've been waiting to find out more about the next book in the series. I was very excited that Laini has announced the title of book 2 along with a teaser that you can read on her blog here. Obviously this isn't the finished cover but it is a nice way to announce the title:
So what do you think? I absolutely love it and Days of Blood and Starlight is at the top of my wish list! Have you read Daughter of Smoke and Bone yet? If you haven't you really should get to it ASAP because it's a fantastic read.
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I'm loving the trend of using modern technology to add extra features to books and think this is something we're just going to see more and more of now that smartphones are so popular. Have a look at this press release from RHCB to see what they have done with the cover for Lauren Kate's new book Fallen In Love.
RANDOM HOUSE CHILDREN’S BOOKS AND TRANSWORLD PUBLISHERS BRING LAUREN KATE AND SOPHIE KINSELLA BOOK JACKETS TO LIFE WITH AURASMA
Random House Children’s Books (RHCB) and Transworld Publishers (TWP) have teamed up with Aurasma, the world’s leading augmented reality platform, to bring bestselling authors Lauren Kate and Sophie Kinsella’s book jackets to life.
When fans download a free app on their Smartphone then hold their device over the front cover of the book, the jacket images will come to life. Special video messages from the author can also be viewed by ‘scanning’ the author photos on the book jackets. The app, which works on iPhone and Android Smartphones, as well as iPad 2 and iPod touch, uses Aurasma’s ‘virtual browser’ to recognise trigger images through the phone’s camera, which then generate video content directly onto the device’s screen.
Fans of Lauren Kate can download the FALLEN BOOKS app and bring the front cover of Fallen In Love to life. The SOPHIE KINSELLA app will activate Sophie Kinsella’s new novel I’ve Got Your Number.
Please click here to see the Aurasma-enabled Fallen In Love cover in action:
Gavin Hilzbrich, Head of Digital Marketing at RHCB and TWP comments: “Increasingly our readers are looking for new ways to interact with authors and we’re always looking for innovative ways to market and enhance our publications. Innovation and development is at the heart of what we do and this project is an example of how we can use cutting edge mobile technology to engage our readers. We’re delighted with the outcome and have had a very positive reaction from retailers and have already set the wheels in motion for incorporating AR into future publications.”
Martina King, Managing Director of Aurasma said; “We are delighted to be working with two of the biggest publishing houses, Random House and Transworld Publishers, in the world’s first use of Aurasma on a book. Both Lauren Kate and Sophie Kinsella have millions of loyal followers around the world who we know will love to use their mobile devices to get closer to the story and their favourite authors. Aurasma offers readers the best of both worlds, bringing together the joy of owning a new book with the excitement of watching it come to life with digital content.”
FALLEN IN LOVE, publishing 2nd February 2012 is a riveting collection of four intertwined love stories featuring the Fallen characters. Since the publication of the first book, Fallen, in December 2009, Kate’s series has become a bona fide smash hit with close to half a million copies sold in the UK alone. All bestsellers in the United States, the novels of the Fallen series: Fallen, Torment, and Passion, have become international sensations, hitting No.1 slots in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, rights have sold in 33 countries and counting. The final novel in the series, Rapture, will be released in the UK in June 2012 taking readers on a journey that will close the chapter on Luce & Daniel’s love forever. Hilzbrich comments ‘With almost 50% of teenagers in the UK owning a Smartphone (and an even greater number having access to an iPod touch) we knew that a large percentage of Lauren Kate’s fans would have one of these devices close at hand, and mobile phones play a very central role’
Random House Children’s books will also be creating augmented reality covers for two further titles this year; broadcaster Simon Mayo’s debut ITCH in March and Starters, a futuristic thriller by Lissa Price in April.
I’VE GOT YOUR NUMBER is published in hardback on 16th February (priced £18.99) and is the eagerly-awaited new standalone novel by Sophie Kinsella. It is the hilarious story of a young woman who loses her mobile phone and stumbles across another discarded phone. Through emails, text messages and mysterious phone calls, she becomes mixed up in the life of the owner in a way she could never have expected. With a mobile phone at the heart of the storyline, augmented reality is the perfect method to allow readers to connect with the author and the plot. Sophie Kinsella is the author of 11 number one bestselling novels including the fabulously popular Shopaholic series; her novels have sold over 6 million copies in the UK and Ireland.
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Last but not least if you're looking for a little pre-apocalypse fun make sure you check out the new 13th Horseman blog. I'm really looking forward to reading Barry Hutchison's next book - I'm sure it's going to be a really fun read! It releases in the UK on the 1st of March so look out for my review towards the end of February and in the meantime here is a bit more information about the book and the new website:
The apocalypse is coming. There’s no way out of I’m afraid. Nope, not even through that sneaky door labelled “exit” – it’s fire and brimstone for us all.
But hey! Let’s not be downbeat about it! Why not laugh your way to the end of the world with some commentary from one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse himself? Ok so he might not be the most mysterious or powerful of the four, but he’s probably not the ugliest anyway. Pestilence has set up his very own blog to document the lead up to the end – which you can read at http://www.the13thhorseman.com/
Conveniently the countdown to the end of the world coincides with the publication of the hilarious new book from Barry Hutchison, The 13th Horseman on the 1st of March. Barry has created this innovative blog to feature all sorts of extra information on the lives of the horseman. You can now learn why exactly Toxie the Hellhound owes them one, where Pest got that nasty rash and watch Death descend into madness (well, waiting for an apocalypse for thousands of years can be pretty boring). The end of the world has never been so entertaining.
You can find out more about Barry and his books here:
Drake is surprised to find three horsemen of the apocalypse playing snakes and ladders in his garden shed. He's even more surprised when they insist that he is one of them. They're missing a Horseman, having gone through several Deaths and they think that Drake is the boy for the job. At first he's reluctant to usher in Armageddon but does being in charge of Armageddon have to spell the end of the world?
An apocalyptic blend of riotous comedy, heart-stopping action and a richly imagined fantasy adventure.
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So that's all the news I have to share with you today, hopefully you found it interesting!
I thought it would be fun to start spotlighting new releases that different publishers have coming up over the next few months for us to look forward to. I'm constantly looking for new books to add to my wish list and thought it would be a nice way of spreading the bookish love with other bloggers. I'm not sure how regular the posts will be yet but I have quite a few lined up already and we'll see how things go over the next few months. So in the spotlight today we have . . .
RHCB always manage to impress me with the variety of titles they print, they have a fantastic range of paranormal & fantasy novels (which everyone should know by now are my favourite kind of reads!) but they are also the publisher most likely to tempt me out of my comfort zone. I'm really excited about the books the have coming in 2012 and can't wait to start reading them all! You can find out more at the RHCB website.
2nd of February 2012:
The first book I'm going to mention is one that I've been looking forward to since January this year so I can't tell you how desperate I am to get my hands on it! I loved Karen Mahoney's debut novel The Iron Witch (read my review here) so The Wood Queen is at the top of my wish list. I can't wait to catch up with Donna, Nav and Xan *swoons at the hottness that is Xan* Check out Karen Mahoney's website for more information.
To keep her best friend, Navin, from being killed at the hands of vicious wood elves, Donna Underwood stole the elixir of life. Now she’s facing an alchemist tribunal while her mother lies dying, succumbing to the elven curse that shattered her mind. In desperation, Donna seeks an audience with Aliette, the fierce and manipulative Wood Queen, who offers a deal: if Donna can use her strange and burgeoning powers to help the wood elves, Aliette will free her mother from the curse.
Along with Navin and Xan, the half-fey guy she’s falling for, Donna struggles to unlock the secrets of her iron tattoos in time to save her mother’s life. But some secrets are better left untold…
Next we have the fourth book in Lauren Kate's Fallen series Fallen In Love. I really liked the first two books in this series Fallen & Torment (click on the links to read my reviews) but have to confess I haven't had time to read the third book Passion yet. This book will actually contain 4 different stories, each focusing on different characters from the series and I'm looking forward to finding out more about some of the side characters. I really must bump Passion up the to read pile so I can read Fallen In Love when it comes out! Visit Lauren Kate's website for more information on the series.
Get ready to Fall . . . One acclaimed series; four extraordinary new stories - from the international bestselling author of Fallen
Unexpected. Unrequited. Forbidden. Eternal. Everyone has their own love story.
And in a twist of fate, four extraordinary love stories combine over the course of a romantic Valentine's Day in Medieval England. Miles and Shelby find love where they least expect it. Roland learns a painful lesson about finding-and losing love. Arianne pays the price for a love so fierce it burns. And for the first -and last- time, Daniel and Luce will spend a night together like none other.
Lauren Kate's FALLEN IN LOVE is filled with love stories . . . the ones everyone has been waiting for.
True love never says goodbye . . .
Next we have a new novel from Margo Lanagan called The Brides of Rollrock Island (this was going to be released with the title Sea Hearts but has had a last minute name change). I haven't read anything by this author before but I'm really curious about this one - it obviously has a paranormal angle which appeals to be immediately but I'm curious to find out what kind of supernatural creatures the wives actually are! Find out more at Margo Lanagan's website.
A mesmerizing tale of sea magic from the author of Tender Morsels.
Rollrock island is a lonely rock of gulls and waves, blunt fishermen and their homely wives. Life is hard for the families who must wring a poor living from the stormy seas. But Rollrock is also a place of magic - the scary, salty-real sort of magic that changes lives forever. Down on the windswept beach, where the seals lie in herds, the outcast sea witch Misskaella casts her spells - and brings forth girls from the sea - girls with long, pale limbs and faces of haunting innocence and loveliness - the most enchantingly lovely girls the fishermen of Rollrock have ever seen.
But magic always has its price. A fisherman may have and hold a sea bride, and tell himself that he is her master. But from his first look into those wide, questioning, liquid eyes, he will be just as transformed as she is. He will be equally ensnared. And in the end the witch will always have her payment.
Margo Lanagan has written an extraordinary tale of desire, despair and transformation. In devastatingly beautiful prose, she reveals unforgettable characters capable of unspeakable cruelty - and deep unspoken love. After reading about the Rollrock fishermen and their sea brides, the world will not seem the same.
Also released in February is the second book in the Wyrmeweald trilogy - Bloodhoney by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell. I actually bought a copy of the first book, Returner's Wealth at Foyles when I went to an event with Chris Riddell and Tony DiTerlizzi in September, I Love fantasy and I love dragons so this sounds like just my kind of read. You can find out more about the series at Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell's website.
The second of a critically-acclaimed three-part fantasy by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell set in Wyrmeweald, where awesome dragon-like beasts roam supreme. Think TRUE GRIT meets AVATAR - with dragons.
Fullwinter in the weald - a season of almost unsurvivable cold for anyone foolish enough to venture outside. Even wyrmes die, frozen in the icy wasteland, or falling lifeless from the skies as the host heads west to escape the advance of the two-hides: man...
Huddled in a winter den, Micah is thankful to cragclimber Eli Halfwinter for providing him and kingirl Thrace with shelter, while Thrace aches to leave and fly through the skies on her whitewyrme once more. But sniffing out their whereabouts, fuelled by the invigorating liquor known as bloodhoney, is a brutal assassin, seeking vengeance. And worse is to come when they stumble upon a bizarre community headed by a charismatic stone prophet - Deephome...
1st of March 2012:
I first found out about the next book at the RHCB Blogger's Brunch in July and have been looking forward to reading it ever since then. I've not come across any other YA books set in the 1920's and think Vixen (the first book in the Flappers trilogy) by Jillian Larkin sounds fantastic. You can find out more about Jillian Larkin at her Goodreads author page.
The roaring twenties where anything goes . . . The first in a sparkling new trilogy full of romance, dancing and secrecy.
Three girls. One city. Who will be the last flapper standing?
It's Chicago 1924. Born into American high society, Gloria is the girl who has it all. Living the debutante dream along with her best friend Lorraine, Gloria is just a trip down the aisle away from her future life as Mrs Sebastian Grey. But surely there's time for a little partying before she settles down?
This next book is one that I think is going to break my heart, in fact I've been warned to keep a box of tissues to hand when I read it! Wonder is a debut novel by R.J. Palacio and it looks like it will be an amazing book (this is what I meant about RHCB making me want to step outside my comfort zone!). You can find out more at R.J. Palacio's website.
The most poignant, moving and heart-warming tale you will read this year; a book to devour in one sitting and press urgently into the hands of your friends and family. A true wonder of a book.
WONDER is the funny, sweet and incredibly moving story of Auggie Pullman. Born with a terrible facial deformity, this shy, bright ten-year-old has been home-schooled by his parents for his whole life, in an attempt to protect him from the stares and cruelty of the outside world. Now, for the first time, Auggie is being sent to a real school - and he's dreading it. The thing is, Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, underneath it all?
April 2012
Another book we heard about at the RHCB bloggers brunch was Starters by Lissa Price, we had seen a sneak preview of the cover but had all been sworn to secrecy and asked not to mention the book in our write ups. This debut novel is the first book in a new dystopian trilogy and will be available on the 1st of April. This is one I'm really looking forward to reading and don't you just love this cover?! For more information visit Lissa Price's website.
Matched meets The Hunger Games - with a touch of Total Recall! A gripping dystopian thriller by debut author, Lissa Price.
Screenwriter Lissa Price's STARTERS is the first in a futuristic thriller series featuring a society where youth is coveted at an impossible price, and one girls' ability to bring it all crumbling down.
Next we have a book that will definitely appeal to the boys (but there is no reason that us girls won't love it too!), Reloaded is the second book in Chris Ryan's Agent 21 series and will be published on the 5th of April. Chris spent 10 years serving in the SAS so has plenty of real life experiences to draw from in his writing. You can find out more about Chris Ryan at his website.
Some authors just write about it. Chris Ryan has been there, done it and lived to tell the tale. This is the second in the new action-thriller Agent 21 series by the real-life SAS hero.
In the year since Zak Darke was approached by a shadowy government agency to become Agent 21, his world has changed completely. But there is no time to reflect on this - the undercover operations go on.
May 2012:
The 5th of May sees the release of the second book in the Mortal Kiss series - Fool's Silver by Alice Moss. This is a series I've been wanting to start reading for ages so I must pick up Mortal Kiss before this comes out. You can find out more at Alice Moss' author page on Goodreads.
This sensational story - first serialised on international hit teen website Stardoll - is now a novel that is set to take the world by storm!
Could you choose between the ones you love . . . ?
A gorgeous boyfriend and a long summer in Winter Mill to look forward to - things are good for Faye McCarron.
Then her friend Lucas disappears without a trace. But nobody seems to care - until two strangers arrive in town . . .
The last book I'm going to mention today is Seraphina by Rachel Hartman that will be published on the 10th of May. This looks like a brilliant fantasy and it's one I'm really excited about. You can find out more at Rachel Hartman's website.
A gripping new fantasy adventure - Eragon meets Game of Thrones - by an exciting debut author.
The kingdom of Goredd is populated by humans and by dragons who fold themselves into a human form. Though they live alongside each other, the peace between them is uneasy.
But when a member of the royal family is murdered, and the crime appears to have been committed by a dragon the peace and treaty between both worlds is seriously threatened . . .
Into this comes Seraphina, a gifted musician who joins the royal court as the assistant to the court composer. She is soon drawn into the murder investigation and, as she uncovers hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace in Goredd for good, finds herself caught desperately in the middle of the tension.
For Seraphina hides a secret - the secret behind her musical gift - and if she is found out, her life is in serious danger . . .
So what do you think of the books that RHCB have coming out early next year? Which ones are you most excited about?
