So, yet again I have become lax with my entries. I must make an effort to record reviews for every book I read and I promise I will try.

After receiving an astounding visit from author Conrad Mason. I have become determined to write again and the best way to start, and to say thank you, is to review Conrad's new book 'The Goblin's Gift'.

Review of 'The Goblin's Gift' by Conrad Mason.

For anyone who has read 'The Demon's Watch', the first in the series, then they will know what to expect from the second book in the series. Goblins, magic, imps, fairies, trolls and lots of adventure. This can be read as a stand alone, but you'll be hooked enough by the 2nd book to then need to read the 1st one! A whole new world is created and you feel as if you are there, witnessing the action as it happens. The end of book 2 leaves an exciting cliff hanger for the 3rd book (I can't wait for that to come out!). This book is aimed at both boys and girls, mainly because of Joseph and Tabitha - they are such strong main characters and most young girls love Tabs blue hair! I will never see mermaids in the same way again and I'll make sure to look out for them on any boat ride! Exciting, nerve-wracking and sometimes emotional tale. Well done Conrad, another fantastic adventure!

Until next time, which will be when I finish 'Throne of Glass' by Sarah J. Maas. Happy reading!

Sea of Whispers by Tim Bowler book review

Book Title: Sea of Whispers

Author: Tim Bowler

Sea of Whispers is set on a remote island called Mora. The people that live there are suspicious of the outside world and shun anyone they consider an ‘outsider’. Hetty can see and hear things that the other Islanders cannot and this leads to her becoming isolated and disregarded. When a huge storm hits the Island, a stranger is washed up, this leads to a vast mixture of reactions from the residents of Mora; which in turn leads to a series of consequences that could not have been predicted.

There is an ethereal and menacing tone to the book. It is almost dreamlike in it’s depiction of the sea and there is a sense of isolation for both Hetty and the people who have lost their lives at sea. Only Hetty and the stranger can hear the whispering voices, but to whom do these voices belong? Do they want to hurt or help Hetty?

The story deals with loss and grief, as well as superstition and generational differences. It also describes sailing in detail. It would appeal to both boys and girls, as Hetty is a strong female character and it is exciting, yet mysterious. This is for the more confident reader as there are many hidden themes and dreamlike descriptions.

Ketchup Clouds by Annabel Pitcher

Before I post my review, I have to say that this is one of the most original concepts I have read in quite a while. It was so good to read something unexpected and I really enjoyed reading this. Although I loved My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece, I think Annabel's new book far surpasses this. She is so talented and I hope you all enjoy this book as much as I did.

I should also say that I wrote this review for a website...

Ketchup Clouds is written as a series of letters from a young girl known only as ‘Zoe’. She is writing letters from England to a criminal who has been sentenced to the death penalty in America. The confessional nature of her letters reveals more details about the crime of the American man as well as her own crimes. This is a unique concept and makes it feel as if Zoe is talking directly to the reader.

There are several tantalising mysteries running through the story, many not being solved until the very end. This includes Zoe’s real identity, which she can only reveal after confessing her crime. Zoe can only forgive herself by revealing her thoughts in letters and sending them to a complete stranger who cannot reply. It becomes a type of therapy for her and each letter confesses a few more secrets.

Zoe is not the only one with secrets, there are also secrets contained in her family, such as: why her sister is deaf, why her Grandad is no longer part of the family, why her parents keep arguing. Will Zoe manage to get to the root of these problems, while solving her own worries?  

As well as the romantic elements of the story, other subjects covered are: coping with guilt, deafness, sisterly rivalry, forgiveness, grief and compassion. This book would be for the more confident reader and would be for both girls and boys. Girls may prefer the more romantic aspects of the story and the tearjerker ending.

Apologies yet again for being absent. My New Year's Resolution is to review every book I read and post them on here. I'm trying to read my way through the Carnegie long list and I'm currently on Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater. E-audio and audio books are helping me to get through the very long list of books and After the Snow on audio book was chilling and atmospheric (I actually shivered whilst listening to it!).

Before I post my latest book reviews I must talk about the library Unconference. I had the pleasure of attending on Saturday at the new Bollingbroke School in London. I do have to say that the murals downstairs were delightful and made what could have been an imposing space, into something charming and charismatic. I could have stared at those pictures for hours!

Despite the snow at least a third of the attendees made it, some even venturing from Wales (brave people). It was the ideal opportunity to discuss important issues surrounding libraries and these ranged from e-books, to attracting teenagers to libraries, and even archiving YP literature. The sessions were all interesting, although I may have spoken out a little too much, I do get a bit enthusiastic!! Networking was definitely my word of the day, not only with other library professionals, but also the publishers who bought some wonderful goodies with them.

It was a good mixture of public and school library staff and this made the workshops much more interesting. I came away with fresh ideas, new acquaintances, proof copies of new books and the reminder of how much libraries can help children and young adults.

I really hope another Unconference occurs in the future, but for now I feel inspired and reminded that I can really make a difference.

Sorry for my lapse in posting anything. Story Lab (the summer reading challenge for this year) has filled all my waking and often sleeping moments! I rediscovered the pleasure of reading in the sunshine just before the wet weather set in.

I have been extremely lucky in reading some amazing books this summer. I have recently received a proof copy of 'The Last Minute' by Eleanor Updale (due to be published in January). As I read this novel I kept thinking "oh wow" and I am very impressed by how talented a writer she is. Even now I can't stop thinking about the premise of this book and how well formed and intricate the writing is.

I have finally got around to reading 'The Knife that Killed Me' by Anthony McGowan. What an unusual but striking piece of work. Another book that will stay with me and very thought-provoking.

Other summer highlights have included: 'The Snow Merchant' by Sam Gayton, '15 Days Without a Head' by Dave Cousins, 'Wonder' by R.J. Palacio and 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green.

I promise to start updating my blog on a regular basis.

Don't forget to vote for your Carnegie/Kate Greenaway candidate. Tomorrow is the last day to vote!

Holiday reading!

So I've just spent the last week in Great Yarmouth and what do I choose as my holiday read? 'The Devil Walks' by Anne Fine! A terrifying gothic novel, reminiscent of a Bronte or Shelley. The scary country house is there with it's very own miniscule doll's house model. There is madness, neglect and plain evil in this book and it hooked me from the outset. I think I needed the heat of the sun on the beach to stop me shivering! A great read, but atmospheric and a traditional scary tale. Highly recommended.

Book reviews and more....

Sorry for my lack of updates, but my head is still brimming after the amazing YLG/SLA/SLG conference. I have also joined the CILIP South East branch of the YLG group and will become a co-secretary. It was so rewarding to meet with other professionals who are passionate about children's literature. I was made to feel very welcome and I'm looking forward to helping out on future projects with the group.

I must include a short review on the 3 books that have stood out for me so far this year.....

• The Demon's Watch by Conrad Mason
• Bzrk by Michael Grant
• Butterfly Summer by Anne-Marie Conway

'The Demon's Watch' was a thoroughly enjoyable read. When I first received the book I was slightly reluctant and thought I'd have to force myself to finish it. I was really pleasantly surprised. There are some great twists - which I definitely did not see coming. Well-formed characters that you both root for and sometimes pity. The setting was amazing, I could imagine being there and I wanted to join the Demon's Watch and have my own shark tattoo! I don't want to ruin the story (which is why I am not going in to too much detail), but I would say it was for both sexes and a great adventure story. There are twists on the conventions normally expected and this makes an exciting and unexpected read.

I was lucky enough to meet Conrad Mason, as he came to do some talks in Medway libraries. Seeing his initial thoughts and illustrations made me like the book even more! I can't wait to read the second instalment!

'Bzrk' - as a huge fan of the 'Gone' series, I was excited about reading another one of Michael Grant's books. His writing draws you in and you feel as if you must read to the end to escape the World. There is a huge shock at the beginning, this hooked me in and I knew this would be an unforgiving book as far as the characters were concerned. I must admit that some scenes made me cringe, I really felt as though I were watching it happen and I will never look at an eyeball the same way again! I don't want to include any spoilers, but the use of future technology is cleverly used and reflects a vision of a frightening future. This is definitely one for the older teenager.

'Butterfly Summer' - I received a proof copy of this book from the conference. It happened to be the first book I picked up out of my massive pile of proofs and I'm so glad that it was. The dark secrets hidden and the effect of these secrets on the characters is subtly conveyed. The language is achingly beautiful in places and the reader is drawn into a world full of unanswered questions and pain. The description of the butterflies makes the book magical. I enjoyed reading this and again there is a huge twist, but I won't reveal any spoilers!

Happy reading everyone!