Book Review Number 1

Good morning/evening people.

Okay, time for two book reviews, this will be a weekly slot where I review two different books, from different genres, age groups and current trends.

If anyone has any suggestions for a book review please leave a comment and I will do my best to get around to reviewing the book or books you suggest.

First book review is - Skellig By David Almond.

David Almond grew up in the North East, he comes from a big family, in his lifetime he has been - a postman, a brush salesman,  an editor and a teacher. He always wanted to write and has written many prize winning books for both adults and children.

Skellig was first published in 1998, it's age range is roughly 8-12 but I personally think this would appeal to any age.

Here is an extract for the book, remember I hold no copyright, this belongs to the  author at all times - 'He was lying there in the darkness behind the tea chests, in the dust and dirt. It was as if he'd been there forever.' Copyright D. Almond.

This is just the beginning of a magical adventure for the main character Micheal. His baby sister is ill, they've just moved house, he finds it boring, that is until   he wanders into the crumbling garage, only to discover someone is there.
Micheal  meets Mina and together they learn from eachother through various activities, when Micheal shows Mina what is hiding in the garage and together they move him to somewhere safe. With their help, Skellig regains strength and shows them who he really is, but what is he? An angel? An owl? A hybrid? Or  something other wordly?
Will his baby sister survive? Or will she be with the angels?
You'll have to read the  book to find out. It is available second hand on http://www.play.com/

You  can guarantee a lovely moving story, full of magic, possibilities and surprises.

I was introduced to this book by my daughter, they were reading it at school. She came home begging me to find and buy her a copy and so I did and I bought myself one aswell. It is a truly wonderful story, one that captures the imagination and makes you wonder - do we really have guardians who watch over us?

Out of 5 stars I rate this book 5 out of 5.



Onto my second book review for the week - 'Dead  Man's Cove' By Lauren St. John.
If you're a fan of either Enid Blyton or R.L. Stevenson's 'Treasure Island' you may well enjoy this book.

Before this was published, Lauren St. John had written a series for children - The White Giraffe, Dolphin song, The last leopard and The elephant's tale.

Dead Man's Cove was  first published in 2010, again the age range is around 8-12, but anyone who likes an adventure story, this will suit you well.
Here is a small exert, again I do not hold copyright, this as always belongs to the author - 'Orphaned Laura is sent to live with her Uncle in Cornwall. Everywhere she turns she's confronted with mysteries. Why does her  Uncle seem intent on erasing his own past? And why is everyone so afraid of Dead Man's Cove?' Copyright L. St. John.


It centres around an Orphan called - Laura (the theme of an orphan is often used in books, esp the main character, example - treasure island.) who lives in a care home, she dreams of adventure, a mysterious Uncle is  located and so Laura is packed off to go and live with her mysterious Uncle. Awaiting her are mysteries, adventure and a deadly race for survival. She meets a shy shop keepers son, who to her feels like a complete mystery, even more so when Laura digs deeper into what is going on.
She uncovers something I don't think she expected. It is down to her faithful canine  friend Skye to find them before the tide washes them away.

Full of  mystery, twists, turns, lovely moments, scary moments and most of all adventure, this book proves - be careful what you wish for, it  may come true.

Out of 5 stars I give it 4.9, a  wonderful book, wonderfully written by a creative author, this is one to keep.
This book is available in most book shops and available online at such places as http://www.play.com/ & http://www.amazon.co.uk/ and obviously amazon usa.



Thanks for reading this, if you have?? Lol, like I said earlier if you wish me to review any books at somepoint in time (hopefully not long, depending if I have read it before, or have to go and buy it lol) please leave a comment and I will do my best.

Catch you  on Friday, where I  will be interviewing a friend and fellow parent,  then Saturday another book review.
Have a  fantastic weekend :-)