Category: fantasy

Maximillian Fly by Angie Sage

Maximillian Fly wants no trouble. Yet because he stands at six feet two, with beautiful indigo wings, long antennae, and more arms than you or me, many are frightened of him. He is a gentle creature who looks like a giant cockroach.

This extraordinary human wants to prove his goodness, so he opens his door to two SilverSeed children in search of a place to hide. Instantly, Maximillian’s quiet, solitary life changes.

There are dangerous powers after them and they have eyes everywhere.

But in this gray city of Hope trapped under the Orb, is escape even possible?

A good book, do not be put off by the cover. It has the usual plot twists and everyone is happy in the end (except the bad guys). LD (S1) ****1/2

The Beast of Buckingham Palace by David Walliams

It is 2120 and London is in ruins. The young Prince Alfred has never known a life outside Buckingham Palace – but when strange goings-on breach its walls and stalk the corridors in the dead of night, he is thrust into a world of mystery, adventure and monsters. And when his mother, the Queen, is dragged away to the Tower of London, Alfred must screw up his courage and battle to save her, himself… and the entire city.

It’s a really good book to read in your spare time. CK (S2) *****

The Stone Dragon by Jan McGavin

“I will tell you a story of the greatest hero who ever lived, and how he brought his people to a new age of peace and joy”
When a young Dragon is hatched imperfect his mother must abandon him into the world to find his own way and rely on those he meets.

If you are a confident reader and enjoy epic fantasy like Tolkien you will probably like this. The characters are relatable and there is plenty of action with a few twists in the tale. I hope there will be more to come in the Drakkonsaga. Miss McGill, Library *****

A good book with dragons, humans, dwarfs and other creatures. It’s all about a dragon who looks, and is, different than the rest of his kind. He’s smart and compassionate, this book joins him on his adventures across the land. LD (S1) *****

Viper’s Daughter by Michelle Paver

Viper's daughterA boy. A wolf. The legend lives on.

Viper’s Daughter is the seventh book in the award-winning series that began with Wolf Brother, selling over 3 million copies in 36 territories. Like them it can be read as a standalone story.

For two summers Torak and Renn have been living in the Forest with their faithful pack-brother, Wolf. But their happiness is shattered when Renn realizes Torak is in danger – and she’s the threat.

When she mysteriously disappears, Torak and Wolf brave the Far North to find her. At the mercy of the Sea Mother and haunted by ravenous ice bears, their quest leads them to the Edge of the World. There they must face an enemy more evil than any they’ve encountered.

I had a nice surprise earlier this year when I found out there was going to be a new book in the series and I wasn’t disappointed.  I re-read the first 6 books recently and Viper’s Daughter is every bit as absorbing as the rest. The story rarely slows down and there are plenty of twists along the way. Miss McGill *****

Once Upon a Dream: A twisted tale by Liz Braswell

Discover what would have happened if a kiss from the prince didn’t wake Sleeping Beauty. The handsome prince is poised to kiss theOnce Upon a Dream: A twisted tale beautiful sleeping princess and live happily ever after, but as soon as his lips touch hers he too falls fast asleep. It is clear that this tale is far from over. Now, Princess Aurora must escape from a dangerous and magical land created from her very own dreams. With Maleficent’s agents following every move, Aurora needs to discover who her true friends are and, most importantly, who she really is.

I love it since it isn’t just your average princess book so 100% recommend. L.R. (S1) *****

Bleach (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 1 by Tite Kubo

Containing volumes 1, 2 and 3 of Bleach. Ichigo Kurosaki has always been able to see ghosts, but this ability doesn’t change his lifeBleach (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 1 nearly as much as his close encounter with Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper and member of the mysterious Soul Society.

While fighting a Hollow, an evil spirit that preys on humans who display psychic energy, Rukia attempts to lend Ichigo some of her powers so that he can save his family; but much to her surprise, Ichigo absorbs every last drop of her energy.

Now a full-fledged Soul Reaper himself, Ichigo quickly learns that the world he inhabits is one full of dangerous spirits, and along with Rukia–who is slowly regaining her powers–it’s Ichigo’s job to protect the innocent from Hollows and help the spirits themselves find peace.

The paranormal action-adventure begins now!

So good!! Finished it all in one night! Definitely recommend! P.H. (S1) *****

The Seven Deadly Sins, Vol. 1 by Nakaba Suzuki

The Seven Deadly Sins, Vol. 1When they were accused of trying to overthrow the monarchy, the feared warriors the Seven Deadly Sins were sent into exile. Princess Elizabeth discovers the truth – the Sins were framed by the king’s guard, the Holy Knights – too late to prevent them from assassinating her father and seizing the throne! Now the princess is on the run, seeking the Sins to help her reclaim the kingdom. But the first Sin she meets, Meliodas, is a little innkeeper with a talking pig. He doesn’t even have a real sword! Have the legends of the Sins’ strength been exaggerated…?

Very entertaining. Interesting premise. I really liked the character designs and the way the speech flowed. K.L. (S3) ***1/2

Mirror, Mirror: A Twisted Tale by Jen Calonita

Mirror, MirrorWhat if the Evil Queen poisoned the prince? Following her beloved mother’s death, the kingdom falls to Snow White’s stepmother, known as the Evil Queen. At first, Snow keeps her head down, hoping to make the best of things. However, when new information about her parents comes to light, and a plot to kill her goes wrong, Snow embarks on a journey to stop the Evil Queen and take back her kingdom. Can Snow defeat an enemy who will stop at nothing to retain her power… including going after the ones Snow loves?

It is really good, this is one of my favourite books. B.R. (S1) *****

Ghostopolis by Doug TenNapel

Imagine Garth Hale’s surprise when he’s accidentally zapped to the spirit world by Frank Gallows, a washed-out ghost wrangler. Suddenly Garth finds he has powers the ghosts don’t have, and he’s stuck in a world run by the evil ruler of Ghostopolis, who would use Garth’s newfound abilities to rule the ghostly kingdom. When Garth meets Cecil, his grandfather’s ghost, the two search for a way to get Garth back home, and nearly lose hope until Frank Gallows shows up to fix his mistake.

The book was brilliant. K.S. (S1) *****