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!