tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65872544229052409922024-03-07T14:33:41.090+11:00BOOK GROTTOChildren's & YA Book Reviews and blog of author Samantha-Ellen BoundSamantha-Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04479988465375024702noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587254422905240992.post-63975515807338712762014-11-13T22:31:00.002+11:002014-11-13T22:31:34.780+11:00New WebsiteThis blog has now been retired, although it is still active for those wishing to read old reviews.<br />
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I have a new website, which includes a blog, info on my books, updates on author goings on, and other bits and pieces. The address is here:<br />
<a name='more'></a><a href="http://www.samanthaellenbound.squarespace.com/">http://www.samanthaellenbound.squarespace.com/</a><br />
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Thank you :)Samantha-Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04479988465375024702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587254422905240992.post-22094253075940138672013-07-25T22:57:00.003+10:002013-07-25T22:57:43.417+10:00Noah Dreary by Aaron Blabey<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i style="background-color: white;">Review</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Aaron Blabey is one of my favourite picture book authors (you may know him from </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> or </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The Dreadful Fluff</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">). </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Noah Dreary</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> is his latest – a story about a boy who complains so much that his head falls off. What a hilarious concept. It's right in line with another of my favourites, <i>When the Wind Changed</i> by Ruth Park. I just love picture books that are cheeky and tongue-in-cheek, and that make a clever and engaging story out of a silly saying or idea.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love the hilarious illustration style in <i>Noah Dreary</i> and it really compliments the story. The illustrations are at their best in the pages that depict all the things Noah complains about. The story is typical Blabey – quirky, irreverent humour, silly, familiar, and ultimately with a positive message. This is a book kids will love for the silliness, and parents will enjoy on a more adult level. Sublime.</span></span></div>
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<br />Samantha-Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04479988465375024702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587254422905240992.post-35221597741333798832013-07-15T23:17:00.000+10:002013-07-15T23:17:48.986+10:00Song for a Scarlet Runner by Julie Hunt<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Review</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Song for a Scarlet Runner</i> was picked up by me because I saw Julie Hunt was a Tasmanian author, and I am always interested to see what stories my old home state is producing. I was also a fan of Hunt's picture book 'The Coat'. I knew I would like <i>Song for a Scarlet Runner</i> because it fitted so perfectly into my favourite kind of book - middle-grade fantasy adventure, coming of age story, quirky, a quest of sorts. Hunt's book had all these things, plus two very important extras - humour, and a strong, independent, brave lead female character, Peat.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwdw01Bv6mSktWN9e6LB93FCbyIhPcRaqhMRJzyzRRtjKq2l66r4_1CP9mFBdcJb-C_OQGhoXFzF5VLzyu-_g1acW_YOX8P6uMc-QR3R5hefHUSdUekR3XnBVnCtu73fJio-zbxRqziRk/s1600/song-for-a-scarlet-runner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwdw01Bv6mSktWN9e6LB93FCbyIhPcRaqhMRJzyzRRtjKq2l66r4_1CP9mFBdcJb-C_OQGhoXFzF5VLzyu-_g1acW_YOX8P6uMc-QR3R5hefHUSdUekR3XnBVnCtu73fJio-zbxRqziRk/s320/song-for-a-scarlet-runner.jpg" width="206" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I loved the worlds that Hunt takes us into - from the boggy marshes with the cranky, crazy old Aunties; to the surreal nightmarescape of the Siltman; to the little villages and Town Hubs full of all sorts of oddball hustle and bustle. Peat's story moves along at a rapid pace, although I found I only truly got involved once Peat left the Overhang. I really enjoyed Peat's ambition and her desire to learn about the world beyond what she knows - she is inquisitive without ever being annoying or overbearing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hunt has created a charming cast of supporting characters. I loved the Aunties and their meddling, magical ways; I love Siltboy with his butterfly mind and lovable way of speaking (I have since read it is based on Anglo-Saxon poets). But my favourite character was by far the Sleek, who was naughty and infuriating, but one of those animal sidekick characters so completely lovable, I very near cared more about him than about Peat. Trust me, you'll love this guy and his attitude.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I thought <i>Song for a Scarlet Runner</i> was told in a lovely old-fashioned style, and I love the sense of adventure that runs through it. I also love that this is also a book about the magic and power of story-telling, and there is a strong folklore theme. Peat is a wonderful little character, and the story has a lot to say about courage and selflessness. I was thoroughly charmed by this book.</span></div>
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<br />Samantha-Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04479988465375024702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587254422905240992.post-25493037087549103712013-07-04T00:06:00.001+10:002013-07-04T00:06:54.836+10:00Fairytales for Wilde Girls by Allyse Near<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Review</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Fairytales for Wilde Girls</i> is a book I went from being thoroughly engrossed in, to thinking it was overwritten, to admiring the luscious descriptions, to feeling a little put off by easy sentimentality, to absolutely loving the bubblegum-goth inspired descriptions, to cringing at a little too much heroine idolising. And yet, <i>Fairytales</i> is a glorious mish-mash of old and young, sweet and bitter, light and dark, classic and unique - so I guess my mixed feelings are quite adequate. Ultimately I quite admire it. It's the kind of writing I was doing and wanted to do in all my own creative writing uni classes, but always felt repressed by students and tutors who wanted serious, hip, navel-gazing statements - 'serious' writing that could only be taken 'seriously' if it was socially and culturally 'serious'. Meanwhile I was writing about trees that uprooted themselves and set off on magical adventures to find water. <i>Fairytales for Wilde Girls</i> speaks to the unadulterated, dreamer me who just wanted my writing to be beautiful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I do admire creative license when it comes to writing, and lush, creative imagery - although a few instances throughout the book I thought, just a little, it was trying too hard. This relentless style of imagery does suck you in, though, added to the delicious contempo-magic world of Isola. Can a book be gothically sweet? Yes, this one is. It is very whimsical. Although I wish the author had pared back a little when it came to the ending, and tying the story together - it was overly-described, and thus I thought some of the beauty of it was lost.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Fairytales for Wilde Girls</i> is set in among all the things I love - magic, gothic, fairytales, folklore, faerie creatures, coming of age, wicca, secrets, escaping to fantasy places. I love the idea of the six princes, and of having faerie confidants that no one else can communicate with. There are so many ideas here, and they are tied together in a very enthralling way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The only sub-plot I didn't really care for was Edgar. So Isola got her happily ever after? But for a book that had a very strong feminine, female-orientated focus, I didn't really think the book needed to end with a love declaration to a male character. That is very paranormal-romance for me, and I believe <i>Fairytales</i> was Isola's personal growth story, not a love story.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love that Random House (my own publishers) have the guts to publish something so unique, risky, and unusual. I don't know if I love it, but I love what it's all about</span></div>
<br />Samantha-Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04479988465375024702noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587254422905240992.post-186348968614030052013-06-20T22:11:00.000+10:002013-06-20T22:11:20.789+10:00Ship Kings 02 Voyage of the Unquiet Ice<i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Review</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love this series. The <b>Ship Kings</b> is fast becoming one of my favourite modern children's series, along with Michelle Lovric's <i>The Undrowned Child</i>, and Helen Dunmore's <i>Ingo</i> (sensing a sea theme, anyone?) The second installment in the <b>Ship Kings</b>, <i>Voyage of the Unquiet Ice</i>, had me enthralled from the get go. If you seriously want adventure - good, old-fashioned adventure, but at the same time modern and fresh - then <b>Ship Kings</b> are the books for you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Andrew McGahan is a great writer - he knows how to enthrall, how to invoke emotion, how to write beautiful passages that portray a character's feelings, without being pretentious and flowery. <i>Voyage of the Unquiet Ice</i> also benefited greatly from upping the pace a bit: one of the things I thought the first book had working against it. This book, however, is pretty much a non-stop adventure - it is thrilling and dangerous and pushes the characters to their very limits, and it perfectly captures the wonder Dow feels setting out on his first real adventure at sea.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once again the descriptions of the ocean, and the connection people have to it, are wonderful. The descriptions in general are wonderful - once we get to the 'unquiet ice', McGahan throws us into the cold, the wet, the eerieness, the stillness, the danger, the terrible beauty of the icebergs. The atmosphere leaks onto the pages. The way Dow's life on the ship is described is very informative, but never dry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I really enjoyed the characters in <i>Voyage of the Unquiet Ice</i>. They are a terrible, brutal, and fascinating bunch, and Dow is a great character to navigate the waters around them. I also found the political side to the story (something which generally loses me in fantasy) easy to comprehend and extremely interesting. Having ship kings politics play out in the background while Dow embarks on his adventures gives the story urgency and weight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Read these books. Do it. You may struggle to get into them at first because they are quite dense - but persist, because they are fabulous. I haven't enjoyed such a well-written book since I read <i>Seraphina</i> last year. Can't wait until the third one.</span></div>
Samantha-Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04479988465375024702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587254422905240992.post-37120495881013310172013-06-13T10:12:00.002+10:002013-06-13T10:12:51.252+10:00'How Can We Help' my new play at ETC<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">News</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you head on down to the Essendon Theatre Company (Bradshaw Street, Essendon) tonight you will see my short play being presented on stage by some very talented and very funny actors.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">'How Can We Help?' is a short play I wrote for Essendon Theatre Company's second season for 2013, <i>Whatever Comes Along</i>. It is set in the waiting room of a doctor's surgery and follows the dramas and quirks of the five patients waiting to see a doctor, and of course the harried receptionist. It was heaps of fun to write and is even funnier to watch (although I did feel like a bit of a loser laughing at my own jokes!) Directors Rosalin Shafik-Eid and Rhiannon Dhummet have done a great job, and it is really fulfilling to see my words (and also some of my own waiting room experiences) turned into a story on stage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The show season runs from tonight, 13th June, to Saturday 29th June. All details can be found on the ETC website (<a href="http://www.essendontheatrecompany.com.au/">www.essendontheatrecompany.com</a>). There are also two other short plays being presented on the night.</span></div>
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<br />Samantha-Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04479988465375024702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587254422905240992.post-69669013886745753502013-05-29T00:06:00.001+10:002013-05-29T00:06:22.948+10:00Beautiful Creatures (Caster Chronicles 01) by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I chose <i>Beautiful Creatures </i>as my easy holiday read for a recent trip to Hawaii. 'Yes', I thought at the airport, 'A Ya gothic paranormal-romance read, that does sound like perfect escapism for a twelve hour plane trip, no stops.'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hmmmm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Instead, I wanted to escape the book. I read it through to the end because I do not like letting books defeat me, and I didn't want to miss out on a big reveal or anything that would happen that was so amazing it would make reading this book worth it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My main problem with <i>Beautiful Creatures</i> is that it kind of sits at one level for it's one trillion pages (exaggeration). Nothing really happens. At least, I can't remember anything happening. The idea is a good one but the execution was kind of boring. The characters didn't grab me, in fact the only one I think who makes any kind of bang is Ridley.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And our two love interests - well, they don't have the smultzy teeney love stuff that I find commonly infuriating in paranormal YA, but they don't really have any sparks either. I honestly just didn't care how their relationship would end up by the end of the book; the stakes weren't high enough, and trying to connect their love story with the historical love story as played out by the ghosts in the locket - well, sorry, but I don't think much depth was added there either.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The writing is decent, the ideas great, the gothic atmosphere has a definite allure - but the story is dull. I understand there is a lot to build on in the future books, but I found Beautiful Creatures to be written a little lazily, and I don't have much inclination to follow the series through.</span></div>
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Samantha-Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04479988465375024702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587254422905240992.post-14231350690530581642013-05-01T09:59:00.001+10:002013-05-01T10:05:11.435+10:00New Writing<i><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Author news</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I will have some exciting news soon about my next writing project. Stay tuned!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Also here is the link to a really beautiful review by Vicki Stanton, writing for <i>Buzz Words</i>. I love this review because she really seems to understand the raven and what I hoped to convey when I wrote the book. Thank you Vicki for your beautiful words.<b> Link here</b>: <a href="http://www.buzzwordsmagazine.com/2013/04/what-raven-saw.html?spref=tw">Buzz Words Review</a></span><br />
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<br />Samantha-Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04479988465375024702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587254422905240992.post-34394853555516264282013-05-01T09:48:00.001+10:002013-05-01T09:48:26.781+10:00Guest Post on 'The Great Raven'<i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Author interview</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Author and blogger extraordinaire <b>Sue Bursztynski</b> interviewed me for her blog 'The Great Raven' (apt name, right!?)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here is the link: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: nowrap;"> <a href="http://suebursztynski.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/interview-with-samantha-ellen-bound.html">Author Interview</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I really enjoyed doing the interview and it was great to be able to talk a little about myself as well as the book.</span></div>
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Samantha-Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04479988465375024702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587254422905240992.post-10243578081963090802013-04-13T11:48:00.001+10:002013-04-13T11:48:36.737+10:00Furnace 01 & 02: Lockdown and Solitary, by Alexander Gordon Smith<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Review</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Wow. I think this is a great YA series that exists very
comfortably being a strange mish-mash of horror, action and dystopian fiction.
There are some genuinely frightening ideas and creepy goings on in the </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Furnace</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> series, but the books are also
clever, suspenseful and involving. I found the writing to be perfect for the
tone and style of the book. I read the first one rather quickly and then a few
weeks later, I picked the second one up to chill out for a few chapters before
doing something else, and then I ended up starting and finishing the book in
one night. That hasn’t happened in years.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lockdown</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> is set
in gen pop of the Furnace Prison when Alex is wrongly sent there and begins to experience
some of the horrors the prison contains. The second book <i>Solitary</i> sees him in solitary trying to navigate the lower levels
of the prison – the levels where the horrific laboratory experiments take
place, where a battle is playing out gruesomely between the monsters of
Furnace, and where every dark rocky corridor holds another grisly secret.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I think the ideas behind </span><i style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Furnace
</i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">are fascinating. What I like best about these books is that the writing isn’t
pulpy – there’s something very intelligent and emotive behind it. The main
characters, who we’re meant to care about – I do care about them. I want them
all to get out of the prison. And when some of them don’t, well it’s not like I
break down in tears – but there is a sense of ‘oh, damn’, there.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaocRqAUexyriUbXQ36WbM2ETzs-S1dwg5BE1p1JdfxPHcb1qguE1WaVTolMLhceYUyATa1x0e4rHhscMPj9Uvu6OYeow_YP4DnzikfqQHxddRwS0J4_1ArM6l9oIhc3eZtK5uQSXLQ8R/s1600/Lockdown02Solitary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaocRqAUexyriUbXQ36WbM2ETzs-S1dwg5BE1p1JdfxPHcb1qguE1WaVTolMLhceYUyATa1x0e4rHhscMPj9Uvu6OYeow_YP4DnzikfqQHxddRwS0J4_1ArM6l9oIhc3eZtK5uQSXLQ8R/s320/Lockdown02Solitary.jpg" width="209" /></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Where the<i> Furnace</i>
series is particularly successful is in how it creates suspense – there is a
sense of constant anticipation and fear that runs throughout the books. How
long till the monsters come for Alex in his cell? How long before the rats
break into his solitary hole? Will they get caught before they can blow the cave
and escape? How long till they get discovered in hiding? And so on and so on. It is quite harrowing. But it never feels like a cheap tactic to get the reader involved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The <i>Furnace</i>
setting is fantastic – all dark shadows and deep rock far into the bowels of
the earth; all creepy laboratories and confined spaces and a darkness that you
never know is a blessing or a curse. I understand that in future books Alex
manages to break out of Furnace so it will be interesting to see how the story
survives once it is set free from the prison.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I really enjoyed these books and think they’re great. I
originally started reading them when I had to put together a list of horror
books for one of our school library clients at the bookstore. The covers (the
American ones) hooked me in. This is a series that I will see out to the
finish. I highly recommended for mature teen readers and even horror fiction
lovers who want an easy but involving read.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">First published in 2009</span></i></div>
Samantha-Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04479988465375024702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587254422905240992.post-5279848159652985082013-04-06T11:53:00.001+11:002013-04-06T11:53:33.441+11:00Wither by Lauren DeStefanoReview<br />
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a surface level I enjoyed <i>Wither</i> but there were parts of me that remained
stubbornly incredulous and even a little bit derisive at times. This is a
dystopian YA novel so I’m willing to suspend disbelief but I do feel a little
bit of extra work on the world could have made <i>Wither</i> a more fulfilling read. Both
the dystopian elements of Rhine’s world and also some of the character
intentions felt lazy and frustrating. I also felt a bit iffy about it at times
because the concept – one young man sharing three teenage ‘wives’, emotionally
and sexually – well, I find that a little wrong, especially for a teenage book.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There
are moments of beauty in <i>Wither</i>, which was mainly why I kept reading. I also
really wanted to find out if Rhine managed to leave, and take Gabriel with her.
There are a few passages where the author really captures that desperate,
funked out atmosphere and sense of hopelessness – this I enjoyed. But then
nobody ever did anything about it.</span><span style="font-family: Baskerville Old Face, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I
enjoyed the three main characters in <i>Wither</i> – the sister-wives Rhine, Jenna and
Cecily. The relationship that develops between them is the heart of the book
(not the kind-of-forced twin-brother angle). I probably cared for Rhine the
least, and found her the most un-multi-faceted, but I still did want her to
successfully escape. Actually all the female characters in the book – from Rhine’s
hand-maiden to the head cook to first-wife Rose – all exude some kind of
personality. They are all likeable. The male characters don’t fare so well.
Hopefully Gabriel will come out of his shell a bit more in future books.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I
have heard this book referred to as a young ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ and I can see
resemblances. <i>The Handmaid’s Tale</i> is one of my favourite books and I think
the dystopian elements of it are near perfect. The dystopian elements of <i>Wither</i>
are not. I think it is catering more
towards the romance element, and therefore YA fans of that will really enjoy
it. Wither is quite moody and atmospheric, and actually quite different from a
lot of YA dystopian action-based on-the-run books. I guess its uniqueness is a strong
selling point. I enjoyed it, but only just.</span><span style="font-family: Baskerville Old Face, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Samantha-Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04479988465375024702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587254422905240992.post-45943876119317449652013-03-17T19:20:00.000+11:002013-03-17T19:20:06.024+11:00Fire in the Sea by Myke Bartlett<i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Review</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Fire in the Sea</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> is an exciting mish-mash of ideas – Greek god mythology,
adventure quest, time travel, drowned city dystopia, contemporary coming-of-age
story. It is exciting to me that an author can make a story like this and set
it in a very recognisable Perth. I really admire the scope and imagination of <i>Fire in the Sea</i>, and I think for the
most part it all works together in an intriguing and cohesive way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">This book won the Text Prize in 2012, which is why
I’ve had my eye on it for a while. I really enjoyed how it started off with a
lazy, long-hot Summer vibe; there was great atmosphere and hints of
contemporary romance. Then it very quickly got quite weird and very unique. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Sadie was a solid heroine, although at times I
think she was a bit selfish and should have treated Tom better. He was one of
my favourite characters, and he had a nice quiet strength. Jake the ‘love
interest’ had a fair bit of charm too, though. I like the menace that the
author created around the Minotaur figure, although I felt that all the other ‘baddies’
were adequate but so-so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">What kept me reading <i>Fire in the Sea</i> was its uniqueness, the exciting fantasy ideas and
the thrill of not quite knowing what was going to happen next. I am very much
looking forward to seeing what else Bartlett has up his sleeve.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="color: lime; font-size: x-small;">First published by Text Publishing in 2012</span></i></span></div>
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Samantha-Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04479988465375024702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587254422905240992.post-84420255948572021792013-03-05T11:54:00.000+11:002013-03-05T11:54:35.297+11:00WIN What the Raven Saw<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There is a competition at the moment over at one of my favourite blogs/websitres, <span style="color: #38761d;">Kids Book Review</span>, to win one of three copies of <i>What the Raven Saw</i>. Details here: <a href="http://www.kids-bookreview.com/2013/03/win-what-raven-saw.html">WIN</a>. It closes March 10.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There is also a new review of <i>Raven</i> up at KBR. This is what they say</span>:<br />
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"<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'century gothic'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">This engaging fable-like novel is thoughtful, entertaining and very funny. The debut novel for Australian author Samantha-Ellen Bound,</span><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'century gothic'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">What the Raven Saw</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'century gothic'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"> is refreshingly different and thoroughly engaging."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'century gothic'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> I like!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>Samantha-Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04479988465375024702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587254422905240992.post-42544071165554285602013-03-01T22:43:00.003+11:002013-03-01T22:43:43.330+11:00Younger Sun Bookshop<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Event</i></span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://youngersun.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/meet-author.html">http://youngersun.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/meet-author.html</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I will be at the amazing Younger Sun Bookshop tomorrow, to talk with kids about <i>What the Raven Saw.</i> <i>Raven</i> was their February book club pick. Can't wait to hear all their thoughts and answer questions. There will a signing at the store afterwards if you'd like to stop by. Pics to follow.</span></div>
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Samantha-Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04479988465375024702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587254422905240992.post-13174192621249889602013-02-21T11:01:00.003+11:002013-02-21T11:01:49.544+11:00A Month with April-May, by Edyth Bulbring<i><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-small;">Review</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A terrific little YA book arrived instore yesterday. It is called <i>A Month with April-May</i>, and I first read it as a proof. I believe it will be a series, which is fabulous, because April-May February (real name) is a charming character with just the right amount of attitude and heart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>A Month with April-May </i>would be perfect for readers of Jacqueline Wilson or Louise Rennison. Both the style of the writing and the characters/situations reminded me of their books. April-May is the new kid at Trinity College, admitted on a bursary and seemingly doing her best to mess it all up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">April-May is a bit offbeat, always honest and altogether quite charming. I love the snappy way this book is written and the wry observations. It is probably nothing we haven't all read before, but there was just a bit of extra dazzle about it, and the cast of secondary characters was really enjoyable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Recommended for early High School librarys, and teen comedy fans.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>First published in Australia in 2013, by Hot Key</i></span></div>
Samantha-Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04479988465375024702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587254422905240992.post-46936187540076084442013-02-16T16:23:00.001+11:002013-02-16T16:23:34.372+11:00Thirteen Treasures, The by Michelle Harrison<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Review</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
Thirteen Treasures</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> is a charming, fast-paced adventure story
concerning one of my favourite fictional subjects: faeries. It won the
Waterstone’s Childen’s Book Prize a few years back but has been off my radar
until now – I don’t think it really took off in Australia as it did elsewhere.
But it is a great read. It is interesting and intriguing, and the faerie lore, although
a big part of the plot, never overwhelms the book. There are many adventures to
have in the big old mansion with secret passageways, and the quaint village
nearby, and the creepy, faerie-infested woods, and the faeryielore is wound
into it all seamlessly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2KkMLGoGceGPVkYqEj-i_ueE_qHnmfQ3ynzl-E84pErQ6XparAnM7im-MaBfwHMRimFUxW4X0vV0XczAxBUvlzd7Yc0oOd-yiK31awDPNfVCGMf5DkOcYkfUPav7DnpHLhuhWsCykkog/s1600/thirteen+treasures+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2KkMLGoGceGPVkYqEj-i_ueE_qHnmfQ3ynzl-E84pErQ6XparAnM7im-MaBfwHMRimFUxW4X0vV0XczAxBUvlzd7Yc0oOd-yiK31awDPNfVCGMf5DkOcYkfUPav7DnpHLhuhWsCykkog/s1600/thirteen+treasures+01.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love the setting and the
atmosphere Harris creates, and how little sub-plots or the next few clues are
revealed every few chapters or so. This is what keeps the pages turning, and I
thought the pacing was quite terrific and the writing very easy to read and
escape into. I think it is written with a great knowledge of what holds
children’s attention.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZm3z4EJWwyZs46N220QBQuji0oo3oe76WtsUDq9LMjO6hhDopRc47ryABFOu-tpxI4XAJ7yF6cKc8mjKK-ysB7Kpmj5dJGyazjSBSOFJvnIz-RruYPMGpvJsIbXn-no71TUuiqIQ9GpJ/s1600/thirteen+treasures+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZm3z4EJWwyZs46N220QBQuji0oo3oe76WtsUDq9LMjO6hhDopRc47ryABFOu-tpxI4XAJ7yF6cKc8mjKK-ysB7Kpmj5dJGyazjSBSOFJvnIz-RruYPMGpvJsIbXn-no71TUuiqIQ9GpJ/s320/thirteen+treasures+011.jpg" width="219" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Faeries (the Celtic folklore-ish
kind) are one of my fictional favourites when it comes to kid’s books. I have
my own folders and books all about the
numerous beasties and faeries from British, Irish and Scottish folklore,
and so I love it when I recognize the source material authors are working from.
I really enjoyed Harris’ collection of household boggarts and the lore
associated with them. She also manages to create some genuinely creepy, scary
moments, which is offset throughout the book with lovely, subtle humour.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A big part of the book’s
intrigue comes from most of the main human characters having hidden secrets,
and the way these are teased out. My
only niggle was that I felt a few things came together all too easily near the
end.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The
Thirteen Treasures</span></span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> series (will read the next two soon) would be a
great addition to a school library. They are perfect for a late primary
audience.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>First published in 2009 by Little, Brown</i></span></span></div>
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<br />Samantha-Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04479988465375024702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587254422905240992.post-30275572791372087472013-02-07T16:46:00.002+11:002013-02-07T16:47:40.442+11:00Raven Launch tomorrow<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>What the Raven Saw</em> is being launched at my bookstore, <strong>Book Bonding in </strong>Niddrie, 6pm tomorrow. All welcome. Above is the front window dedicated to ... me. And the raven, of course.</span></div>
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Samantha-Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04479988465375024702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587254422905240992.post-12759559514961165372013-02-05T23:13:00.002+11:002013-02-05T23:13:34.282+11:00Raven Links<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Latest Raven links full of awesome Raveny goodness:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lovely review at Readings: <a href="http://www.readings.com.au/review/what-the-raven-saw-by-samantha-ellen-bound">What the Raven Saw</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">An article and pic on me that I did with the local Moonee Valley paper: <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/west/essendon-author-bound-for-success/story-fngnvmj7-1226566744912">here</a>. The books as a background look superb; can't say it's the most flattering pic of me though. Ah well, what can you do. Wouldn't want to show the raven up, after all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some fascinating posts by the designer of Raven's cover, Astrid Hicks, on the full process of designing the book as you see it today: <a href="http://designcherry.com/2013/01/what-the-raven-saw/">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Enjoy XX</span><br />
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<br />Samantha-Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04479988465375024702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587254422905240992.post-25816309695816009582013-02-04T12:56:00.001+11:002013-02-04T12:56:42.322+11:00The Various (Touchstone Trilogy 01) by Steve Augarde<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Review</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Steve Augarde’s <i>Touchstone Trilogy</i> was recommended to me
by a customer at the bookstore who knew I really enjoyed Colin Meloy’s recent <i>Wildwood</i> series. I looked them up; the
cover art was gorgeous and they sounded like just the kind of kid’s fantasy I
love. I have just finished the first book in the trilogy, <i>The Various</i>, and although I will most likely read the other two, I
think I will have long breaks between readings.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLkiV-M3hpGIUPDWncI_cWrRABmW5DmRHEj6Z5-w1w4CCi9JHdnStK6U4RP74FgiyOfhv-pSoKJ-Bv3Iwn8-dPbir19nn6M2uoW3_Rsu16JKYbYJJIxFMHedL_Ilrhx6rpnawQHoT6qzm/s1600/various.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLkiV-M3hpGIUPDWncI_cWrRABmW5DmRHEj6Z5-w1w4CCi9JHdnStK6U4RP74FgiyOfhv-pSoKJ-Bv3Iwn8-dPbir19nn6M2uoW3_Rsu16JKYbYJJIxFMHedL_Ilrhx6rpnawQHoT6qzm/s1600/various.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The Various</i> was written in the mid 2000’s, but the style, pacing,
and themes feel like they belong to the 50s/60s era of children’s writing. This
is not necessarily bad, as pretty much all my fav books come from this era. But
<i>The Various</i> is perhaps lacking the
charm and whimsy of the writing at this time – it feels a bit plain old-fashioned,
but not in a hip modern way. I think kids, attuned to a snappy, action-filled
and contemporary narrative, would struggle to get through it. It certainly took
me a long time, and I persisted, because I hate to let a book defeat me. And
though I feel like my efforts were rewarded, I can see how it would deter
others.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjisNCo2iWfcjEBiI8UIZ-4nj8ZkUBccJ8g770di4uM6Ow00uJZY7oNGzoFRiGxL2nmh2SSfCnz4RNZ8VyXgkh3-Qwzx4Aas9LorAIl8Rm-nOhl2XkpBl52Z8qdSafgP71J4fOshyuz9HC/s1600/varous+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjisNCo2iWfcjEBiI8UIZ-4nj8ZkUBccJ8g770di4uM6Ow00uJZY7oNGzoFRiGxL2nmh2SSfCnz4RNZ8VyXgkh3-Qwzx4Aas9LorAIl8Rm-nOhl2XkpBl52Z8qdSafgP71J4fOshyuz9HC/s320/varous+2.jpg" width="226" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I appreciate a lot
of description, because I know, as a writer, how much you want the reader to
see and understand your world as much as you do. But there is too much in <i>The Various</i>. Many passages get too
long-winded and over-thought. It seems like we are not spared one thought from
Midge’s head, about everything she encounters. This can get a bit tedious and
make Midge seem precocious, while also putting the pacing off. The book is as
long and languid as one of Midge’s lazy afternoons on the farm. Also, I felt at
times it was maybe just a little indulgent, and came off as a little forced – I
felt like, let the idea speak for itself, rather than trying to force feelings
on the reader.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That being said,
there is still lots to enjoy. The second half (or third?) of the book is where
the pacing really steps up and the adventure starts to happen, and it is very
enjoyable. I love the idea of a ‘faery’ tribe living in the overgrown woods, and
thought learning about their world was interesting. And many of the secondary
characters, and even the animals, were great fun. Augarde also does atmosphere
well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I hear the other two
books, <i>Celandine</i> and <i>Winter Wood</i>, are the better books in the
trilogy. So in a few months I shall pick those up and get reacquainted.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Book first published in 2003</i></span></div>
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<br />Samantha-Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04479988465375024702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587254422905240992.post-48041682132460934282013-01-29T13:54:00.002+11:002013-01-29T13:54:52.060+11:00'What the Raven Saw' launch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>What the Raven Saw</em> will be in bookstores, Australia-wide (and also Target, Big W, etc) TOMORROW. That is awesome. There will be a launch Friday 8th February. Pretty casual affair but will be heaps of fun, everyone is welcome. I will be happy to have a chat and sign books.</span></div>
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Samantha-Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04479988465375024702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587254422905240992.post-19421153044699200492013-01-21T00:48:00.000+11:002013-01-21T00:48:00.796+11:00Literary Birds<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>What the Raven Saw</i>'s official release date is just over a week away and the book will most likely be going into bookstores this week. It will be so wonderful to see my cranky Raven out there, and to celebrate I thought I would shine a light on some of my favourite avian characters from literature. The raven likes to know he is in good company, after all.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Nu1MqAqK5gpK5ERnughd0dz1NMr51zXvk8n0gf_3bN65neLR7dpkZIVTpwGxLrR0NA_sX77MloZ511hT-_IAUbuYJ5ruON_KhSOAlGOrogV2W6OXV4yEY0Cx9keWGvijHmI71ccT5iRM/s1600/KestrelOwl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Nu1MqAqK5gpK5ERnughd0dz1NMr51zXvk8n0gf_3bN65neLR7dpkZIVTpwGxLrR0NA_sX77MloZ511hT-_IAUbuYJ5ruON_KhSOAlGOrogV2W6OXV4yEY0Cx9keWGvijHmI71ccT5iRM/s200/KestrelOwl.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. <b>The Raven</b>, narrator of Marcus Sedgwick's <i>The Raven Mysteries</i> series. I read a couple of these after I had written <i>What the Raven Saw</i>, because I was interested to see another fictitious raven in action. I guess ravens are rather cranky by nature, because this one, too, is a ball of sly, sarcastic and outraged fun. Maybe they are cousins?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. <b>Tawny Owl</b> in <i>The Animals of Farthing Wood.</i> Pompous and snobby, but also fiercely loyal. I enjoyed the characterisation in the television series, too (the show was pretty much the highlight of my television week, when I was a kid).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. <b>Kehaar</b> in<i> Watership Down.</i> Great character, who is memorable far beyond just being the only bird in a tribe full of rabbits. I love his loyalty to Bigwig, his crankiness, his scorn, his idiosyncratic and funny way of speaking, but also his courage and loyalty to the rabbits.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkpKgf135Ok3BDLIpNDJZtOK3TamSGL5x3mWqakK1DVEk5frPCprn9MDVXcqy-pO7VUFMuz7zcyTcZqaufUe4tErWIkmGKY-EqkWwx8GbE3SldEiowrTJf1sMHyN_dmLLCHLKyx13dsCh/s1600/raven_mysteries_website_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkpKgf135Ok3BDLIpNDJZtOK3TamSGL5x3mWqakK1DVEk5frPCprn9MDVXcqy-pO7VUFMuz7zcyTcZqaufUe4tErWIkmGKY-EqkWwx8GbE3SldEiowrTJf1sMHyN_dmLLCHLKyx13dsCh/s1600/raven_mysteries_website_logo.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. <b>The Raven</b> in Peter S. Beagle's <i>A Fine and Private Place</i>. There must be something in the air in raven land, because this one too is a bundle of one-liners and sarcasm. He is a bit of a fan favourite, and adds some much-needed humour to this lovely, wistful and sad book. I remember laughing out loud reading some of his lines.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. The <b>White Pigeon </b>in upcoming <i>The Last Wild</i> by Piers Torday. This book isn't out yet (I have a proof), but the silly white pigeon is a delight, and was quick to become my favourite.</span></div>
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Samantha-Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04479988465375024702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587254422905240992.post-6844294780934040142013-01-14T00:02:00.001+11:002013-01-14T00:02:46.296+11:00Lost Voices by Sarah Porter<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Review</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 125%; text-align: justify;">Mermaid fiction
is one of my guilty pleasures when it comes to reading, and </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 125%; text-align: justify;">Lost Voices</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 125%; text-align: justify;"> has been high on my list of ‘to-reads’
for aggggeeeees. I finally found it available in Australia through one of our
smaller publishers, when I was uploading the new release files at my bookstore.
Yet another reason why working at a bookstore is totally amaze!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9A0sOhu_LSArgkG7mJGkphc4KhEWi0PqJojvYcLe8COYZadr9og-6B4Rkhl4tDdl7663Fl5aKQ9rN5cDCv2215rVp6b5Dso8CqqydUxacCgVFNA2BTlN1790t1JmdIfUEsQA-Q0seyU4Z/s1600/lost+voices.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9A0sOhu_LSArgkG7mJGkphc4KhEWi0PqJojvYcLe8COYZadr9og-6B4Rkhl4tDdl7663Fl5aKQ9rN5cDCv2215rVp6b5Dso8CqqydUxacCgVFNA2BTlN1790t1JmdIfUEsQA-Q0seyU4Z/s400/lost+voices.jpg" width="262" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Lost Voices</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">
is a unique mermaid story, quite different to the usual fare you get with YA
paranormal fiction. There is no big love story, or triangle (although I believe
that will be developed in future books), the premise of ‘becoming’ a mermaid is
unique, and the story is pretty much entirely set in the ocean – i.e., the
mermaids are not half-human, and don’t get around on land, and can’t go to
school and all that YA-ish stuff. I really, really, loved the choices Sarah
Porter made when constructing her story. The mermaids also do mermaid-ish stuff
– sink ships, covet and steal human treasures, drown seamen by singing to them,
live in caves. I think Porter obviously really loves mer-mythology, and that
was what primarily kept me reading.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">I would like to
see, in future books, the mer-world expanded on though – I would like to be
taken deep within that oceanic world, as Porter’s descriptions of sea-life are
interesting, but mostly pretty and harmless. I would like to meet some more mer
‘tribes’, and I am interested to see how pear-shaped things get when humans
begin to learn of the mer existence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">My big gripe with
<i>Lost Voices</i> is that I really
disliked, or didn’t enjoy, most of the characters. They are all mostly vain and
shallow and silly, as I guess teenage mermaids should be, but I think there is
room to go deeper, as is hinted at with the mermaid Kat. I REALLY couldn’t
stand the ‘so hip’ way a lot of the mermaids talked, and personally I was glad
at the end of the book when Luce decides that maybe that tribe isn’t for her.
The best parts of the book are when the mermaids are in action, doing their
mer-thing, instead of talking like <i>Mean
Girls</i> rejects and squabbling over designer clothes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Lost Voices</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">
certainly piqued my interest to read the rest of the series – if only it would
build on the darkness, the haunting loveliness that appears in flashes, then I
would be completely sold.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-small;"><i>First published in July 2011</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-small;"><i>In Australia, November 2012</i></span></span></div>
<br />Samantha-Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04479988465375024702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587254422905240992.post-41234421803916850712013-01-10T01:01:00.002+11:002013-01-10T01:01:32.001+11:00Twitter @SamEllenB<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My new Twitter account is <a href="https://twitter.com/SamEllenB">@SamEllenB</a>, which will cover all things bookish as well as all the silly, amusing, ridiculous and awesome things that occupy my time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Samantha-Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04479988465375024702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587254422905240992.post-1160591110429817852013-01-06T15:29:00.000+11:002013-01-06T15:29:19.523+11:00The Feathered Man, by Jeremy de Quidt<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>First published in Australia in February 2013</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Jeremy de Quidt's first children's novel, <a href="http://bookgrotto.blogspot.com.au/2010/09/toymaker-by-jeremy-de-quidt.html"><i>The Toymaker</i></a>, blew me away when I first read it and quickly became one of my favourite children's books ever. <i>The Feathered Man</i> is much of the same - beautiful writing, mature ideas, grim and gritty action, memorable characters and an adventure story that rarely takes a breath for the whole length of the book.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3RK9UefLO9h3K0a5W3nxkTgdC16NUO-CP5x24uV74wsDPCklMhG3bLOur28YphQRDNPHrVzO1ePojtejZGtbVEaaE3Qf36U6PpTys9RnniSi7QLrVMHse4iyc8wFz35axGsuaPkx-dZP/s1600/feathered+man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3RK9UefLO9h3K0a5W3nxkTgdC16NUO-CP5x24uV74wsDPCklMhG3bLOur28YphQRDNPHrVzO1ePojtejZGtbVEaaE3Qf36U6PpTys9RnniSi7QLrVMHse4iyc8wFz35axGsuaPkx-dZP/s400/feathered+man.jpg" width="267" /></a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I really enjoyed it; the only thing is the book is in that in-between stage of 'is it for teens or kids'? As an adventure story it's perfect, because I think it would completely suck kids in. The two lead characters, Klaus and Liesel, are compelling and easy to cheer on. De Quidt's pacing, his plot twists, the thrills and chills, and all his strange and wonderful characters are enthralling. But it is dark. A lot of the characters meet grizzly and often unfair deaths, and the writing is genuinely scary. I think many of the concepts about the after-life and the quasi-reality world Klaus slips into will also go over kid's heads.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">In a nutshell, <em>The Feathered Man</em> <span class="Blk1216">is about a tooth-puller's boy called Klaus who lives in a German town. When his master goes to pull the teeth from a dead man at</span></span></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> Frau Drecht's lodging house, he discovers a diamond, and steals it. But Frau Drecht and her beastly son want it for themselves. And a Jesuit priest and his Aztec companion want it for their own reasons. But so does the Professor of Anatomy and his protoge. Then there's the young girl, Liesel, who needs it to stay out of trouble. And then, of course, there's the Feathered Man who the whole mess revolves around. So who will get the diamond first?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span class="Blk1216">As you can probably tell, De Quidt has a big cast of memorable, dastardly, unique characters. As in his first book, they are all gothic-inspired, and they all play a part in the chase for the diamond. De Quidt sure knows how to wring out menace and atmosphere. He is also an old hand (or maybe that's his editors!) at perfectly-placed chapter endings and openers - you will want to read on and on. The pacing is quite relentless, and this, combined with De Quidt's descriptions of the cold, inhospitable city, creates just the right amount of sinister atmosphere.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Blk1216"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">I thought <i>The Feathered Man</i> did not quite have the same emotional resonance as <i>The Toymaker </i>- some moments in that were so beautifully cold they were exquisite. But it is, even just on execution of such an imaginative concept, equally as stunning. I really don't know who to compare De Quidt's work with - he reminds me somewhat of the darker Grimm or H.C.Anderson fairytales. Darkly beautiful, and highly recommended.</span></span></span></div>
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Samantha-Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04479988465375024702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587254422905240992.post-52529317584511470062013-01-03T22:37:00.001+11:002013-01-03T22:38:49.080+11:00My Favourite Books of 2012<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt; text-align: justify;">Well I’m
back from the New Year break and ready to enjoy 2013, the release of my debut
children’s novel, and lots of awesome literary goodness. Below are my favourite
reads of 2012; a selection of both new releases and backlist, because, let’s face
it, who doesn’t have a backlist pile a mile high that they delve into all the
time! It’s not really a ‘best of’ as such, just the reads that I loved and
highly recommend. It was also fabulous last year to re-discover a lot of
classic children’s books that I hadn’t read in a really long time. Never forget
these and how important they are! They are still, and always will be, the inspiration
for my own books.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">BEST
KIDS BOOK READ IN 2012:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Talina
in the Tower,</span></i></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Michelle
Lovric &</span></b><b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Last
Unicorn,</span></i></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Peter
S Beagle</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIx8UmTRyfIBlCi0T3RQRLiCbYN-OqA8h3moPLU0dkJgUPGnXQGHeyvBkO01VCDlmOb_YTHf6RrYzHVLcvtUYQ_8pOZ8f08G9M5K5GKYTyqYPrOML48eWInjo33aeyk6Jissd8S8vCljyP/s1600/talina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIx8UmTRyfIBlCi0T3RQRLiCbYN-OqA8h3moPLU0dkJgUPGnXQGHeyvBkO01VCDlmOb_YTHf6RrYzHVLcvtUYQ_8pOZ8f08G9M5K5GKYTyqYPrOML48eWInjo33aeyk6Jissd8S8vCljyP/s200/talina.jpg" width="130" /></a><b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Last Unicorn</span></i></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">becomes my favourite all over again every time I read it. Beagle’s
skill with words is beyond brilliant and his imagination an absolute delight.
We also had it in my bookstore a few times last year and it was a pleasure to
hand-sell and introduce it to a new generation. </span><b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Talina in the Tower </span></i></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">was another ‘can’t put it
down’ read by Lovric, who creates the kind of books that are beyond doubt new
classics. For a mature children’s read, try her books.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">BEST YA
BOOK READ IN 2012:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Seraphina</span></i></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, by Rachel
Hartman &</span></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ship
Kings 01 The Coming of the Whirlpool</span></i></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, by Andrew McGahan</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Both
Australia authors, fantastic! The fascinating complexities and bright,
intelligent lead character in <b><i>Seraphina</i></b> thrilled me when reading.
Can be enjoyed by both YA and fantasy readers. <b>The Coming of the Whirlpool</b> was a complex, difficult read, but I
found myself completely won over by the time I’d finished reading. McGahan’s
writing really creeps up on you and sucks you in.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">BEST
KIDS SERIES READ IN 2012:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hooey
Higgins, </span></i></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Steve Voake</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hooey
Higgins </span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">is a chapter-book series for kids,
which follows the madcap adventures of Hooey and his crazy, creative schemes.
Great illustrations, funny, and fun.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">BEST
WRITING:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ship
Kings 01 The Coming of the Whirlpool</span></i></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, by Andrew McGahan &
<i>Pure</i> by Andrew Miller</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was
McGahan’s writing that sucked me into this series – the worlds, atmosphere and
interest he creates with his writing is spot on. <b><i>Pure</i></b> is an adult literary
read, but oh my god, I found the story
and the writing breathtaking.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBf7rx9LWsHcy8nQmMtTHrOP6tRyZr-jDuRMd6CD86LvkkT54RLq1vScgc4jree2B22Eo9LonHjEoEv8lXyMsDDUq79da2XTa-6AFgPhVxoyTidWPkRwhM7eik5w0UeZx8w71O6n-C2yi/s1600/seraphina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBf7rx9LWsHcy8nQmMtTHrOP6tRyZr-jDuRMd6CD86LvkkT54RLq1vScgc4jree2B22Eo9LonHjEoEv8lXyMsDDUq79da2XTa-6AFgPhVxoyTidWPkRwhM7eik5w0UeZx8w71O6n-C2yi/s200/seraphina.jpg" width="131" /></a><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">BEST
DISCOVERY:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Seraphina</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Rachel Hartman</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I can’t
remember now why I picked up this book, but it enchanted me start to finish.
Hartman is a talent to watch.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">MOST
PLEASANT SURPRISE:</span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ghost
Knight</span></i></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, by Cornelia Funke</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I admit,
I haven’t read any of Funke’s books until this one. <b><i>Ghost Knight</i></b> was a
perfect spooky, funny adventure story for both boys and girls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">MOST EMOTIVE
READ:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
Monster Calls</span></i></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, by Patrick Ness</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I saw
it all coming, but I still cried along with Connor. The power here is in the
simple, accessible way Ness shares Connor’s grief with his readers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I CAN'T
BELIEVE I DIDN'T READ UNTIL NOW:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>The
Scarecrows</i>, by Robert Westall</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">MOST
UNPUTADOWNABLE:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoL1_pVmTgTLVrlCeNjMPYUGUZN9rYWHgP-m8jCdZPVLz8B8fYAuIbMh724jnIApfvjFB7GzChG4tQlwjovIo_MgnvYF-F3bwu5IeGQCe3AfrXRMu1VjM8c3nye6S0OmW_19YICg0E-Ia/s1600/coming-of-the-whirlpool-ship-kings-1+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoL1_pVmTgTLVrlCeNjMPYUGUZN9rYWHgP-m8jCdZPVLz8B8fYAuIbMh724jnIApfvjFB7GzChG4tQlwjovIo_MgnvYF-F3bwu5IeGQCe3AfrXRMu1VjM8c3nye6S0OmW_19YICg0E-Ia/s200/coming-of-the-whirlpool-ship-kings-1+(1).jpg" width="133" /></a><b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Talina
in the Tower</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Michelle
Lovric</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">BEST
CHARACTER</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Monster in</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
Monster Calls</span></i></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Patrick
Ness.</span></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> A
lovely, but badass, metaphor.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">FAV
COVER:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ship
Kings o1 The Coming of the Whirlpool </span></i></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(hardback)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">,<b>
by Andrew McGahan & </b></span><b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Seraphina
</span></i></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by
Rachel Hartman. </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For internal illustrations,<b> <i>Ghost Knight</i>
& <i>A Monster Calls</i></b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">MOST
ANTICIPATED READING FOR 2013:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">Wildwood 02 Under Wildwood</span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">, by Colin Meloy &</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"> </span><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">The Feathered Man</span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW;">by Jeremy de Quidt</span></b><br />
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<br />Samantha-Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04479988465375024702noreply@blogger.com0