Quoted as "the best psychological thriller writer around" by The Times, Jeffery Deaver shows his strength as a magnificent author of unprecedented status. This is currently my favourite book of all time. This is an amazing book showing off Deaver's skill for multiple false ending, and is a great thriller. It accounts a man known in the cyber world as Phate. He is the best hacker the world has ever seen, and has created a programme that allows him to seize root in anyone's computer, without them knowing, looking, but leaving nothing behind. He takes people identities, and is one of the greatest in social engineering. He can take any information about you and destroy your life. This is the monster the Police Computer Crimes Unit is trying to tag. Phates character is written with the greatest of care, and is one of the best written characters I have witnessed in a book. The CCU decide to call in one time partner of Phate, Wyatt Gillette, imprisoned because of a charge against him for breaking the standard 12 security system. He was a great hacker, but decided not to follow Phates path, instead getting married and planning children. This is the best thrill ride out there. The problems faced by every member of the CCU crew, whom you feel connected to due to the great writing, are amazingly written. You can feel the pain the characters feel as they are yet again lead astray by this mysterious Phate. The motto is that one day, computers will be yet another tool in the murder of human beings, and this emotion and epic dialogue is outstanding. I will be watching out for the forthcoming film, and another novel Jeffery decides to bring out.
The sick minded murder has been taken over by his computer, and the desire to go online. He bases all his kills on a game called Access, where on an anniversary of a famous person, the game coordinators selected a killer, who had to try and kill anyone they could. Stabbing someone in the heart was known as the greatest form of access.

This is yet another book for the Wirral Paperback of the Year. This is an excellent read, for young adults and adults alike. Excellently written, the emotion is captured well, as well as the gripping storyline and thrilling plot. The plot is as follows. *SPOILERS* A young boy, Kyle is having problems at home. His mother has left him and his dad is under the thought that his mum will return. Kyle unsuspectingly takes a train with his school on a trip. This is a dreadful mistake and causes pain and frightening nightmares. The train crashes. As he wanders around, the only one conscious, he realises he can travel into the minds of his friends, and discover their greatest nightmares and secrets. These nightmares are well crafted short stories on their own, as so when you put them together you get an amazing mix of science fiction, horror and adventure.
These stories include quite strange and distressing scary theories if you like, which may scare younger readers. I recommend this for teenagers, who know how to respond to scenes presented within the pages of this book. This however is still one of the best stories out there, and also doubles as a great short story collection that adults as well as teens will thoroughly enjoy.

This is a nail-biting novel by Irish writer Siobhan Dowd, and follows Shell, a girl left to look after her two younger siblings, as her mother died, and her father is constantly drunk. The characters are beautifully written, and the style of suspense and mystery writing is excellent. Set in 1984, in Ireland, where gossip and rumors are rife, Shell takes care of her two siblings while the father is away, collecting for charity, from which he skims money for drink. All these events are caused by her mother's death, which led to her father's depression, and all the weights dropped on her young shoulders. Shell sometimes hears her mothers voice, and describes it as 'a swift pure cry'. The townsfolk also compare Shell's beauty to her mothers, and this attracts the attention of one Declan Ronan, who gets her pregnant. This event sparks off the more memorable passages in the book, with Shell having the baby, trying to hide it, burying it, getting arrested, and charged with murder. A very emotional story, the characters are easy to relate to, making for an incredibly controlled, but original story, portrayed by an excellent writer. Many messages are put across, more notably, wealth and poverty, innocent and criminal, and sexuality. This is a very intriguing book, and as a mystery, also does well. I recommend this to teens, as there are some extracts unsuitable for children. The cover is inviting, and also serious. The book was shortlisted for 2007 Carnegie Medal. Beautiful story.

Here Lies Arthur is yet another take on the Arthur legend. But this one is good. The settings, emotions and characters are portrayed beautifully, by on of my favourite authors. Philip has written the amazing Mortal Engines quartet, and other astounding novels. This book, though, is very much an interesting remake of the classic tale. The Lady of the lake for example, is not a fair magical maiden, but Gwyn, a lonely girl taken in by the story-teller Myrddin. And those who love the traditional Arthur will be in for a shock. This story's Gwenivere, Gwenhwyfar, falls in love with not Arthur, but Bedwyr, a handsome knight. Arthur finds out, and like his nickname, the Bear, depicts, he kills him in a frenzied mass of sword strokes. He is not the handsome loyal king the stories make out, but a frightened man, with a heavy sword and tales at his side. Myrddin wants Arthur to be great, and so goes around telling others of his great deeds and battles. These are the stories we read of today, not the truth... Excellent writing, this book compels you to read on, a real page-turner. The characters are written well, though the names can be a bit confusing, (though a pronunciation not is added at the back), and the descriptive passages are some of the best. The cover is a black and white image that wasn't that inviting, but don't let that put you off. I would recommend this to mature, capable teens. Though only 290 pages long, the size of them makes up for it. A good read to get stuck into. Thanks for amazing books, Philip!

This is the book written By Cliff McNish, an author we met at the Wirral Paperback meeting. Others who have read it thought it confusing at times, not knowing whether you were reading as the ghosts or as the main character. I partially agree with this. At the beginning, it was a tad confusing, but as you delved more into the story and brilliant plot, this problem faded away. The main character is Jack, a teen with a good relationship with his mother and a harsh asthmatic condition. They move house, into an old building, where Jack realises he can sense ghosts floating around. Soon the ghost children, Ann, Oliver, Charlie and Gweneth, pluck up the courage to speak to him and he soon realises that they are no threat at all, and the real danger lies with the Ghost Mother. A compelling and original ghost story that chilled me to the bone, the horrors displayed are not horrors as in some dreadful films these days, but a horror that makes you feel strongly for the characters. The Ghost Mother needs the souls of the children to survive, and so sucks it out of them in a kiss. Amazingly well thought out and with an astounding plot, this makes for a nail-biting and riveting read, and I recommend this book to all horror lovers. Best suited for teens, I think the lack of blood and gore that some will expect is a plus for the story overall. I also think the cover is well designed, with a cold and exciting picture. Well done Cliff!

This book is quite hard to understand, but when you get the gist of it, it becomes clear and the exceptional writing come through. The main characters are three ordinary teenagers, Smokey, Bryan and Jake, whose lives have been terrorized by fear of the Dark Man. A pleasing mix of horror and detective work, this book should be read by teenagers and adults, as I consider it a bit too complicated and scary for younger children. Bryan's brother Adam, was taken by the Dark Man ten years ago, when he walked down the Devil's footsteps and sang the haunting children's rhyme. Bryan ran, and has been running ever since, but when he teams up with Smokey and Jake, he realises that he has to face his fears and walk the feared stepping stones. This simple task tests all the teenagers mental and physical strengths, pushing them to their limits. The characters are easy to relate to, and their emotions are shown vividly, and the writing pulls you into the heart of the story. With a slogan such as: Thirteen steps to the Dark Man's door, won't be turning back no more, this plot is sure to frighten young children. During the story, lots of children have disappeared, with Jake and Smokey wanting their own mysteries solved. I think that the plot could be told better and in a way that more people could understand it easily. Other than that, great originality and writing in an exciting novel that shows horror in a whole new light.

This is the best one of the Wirral Paperbacks of the year books I have read, and deserves lots of praise. Well-paced and pulse-quickening, this is a great page-turner that I just couldn't put down! Exceptional writing by a promising author, the sequel Magic Study will have a high standard to meet. Both me and others in our school thought this was the best book from a selection of twenty. An intriguing fantasy story that includes elements of both political drama and romance. Yelena lives in the land of Ixia, where the different regions are ruled by Generals, with a military style law and order regime. Yelena was thrown into a prison, for killing General Brazells son, but Valek, the Commanders food-taster takes her on as an apprentice. She accepts, and is led on a journey of self discovery, romance and thrill. The characters are well established and each have an intriguing tale to tell. Brazell is out to get Yelena, and will do anything neccessary. Yelena has to train, hide and kill during this tale, making for a pleasing adventure. She is poisoned by Valek so she can't escape, but realises as te story proresses, that she has magic blood in her veins. Magic, a strictly forbidden gift in Ixia,puts Yelena in a difficult position; she could run and establish her magic skills, or she could stay, poisoned and in constant fear of Brazells men hunting her down. Another element for her to decide is Valek, who took her on and protects her. What will she choose? I certainly will be borrowing or buying the next book in the series, with hopes of more books on their way. Very well done Maria! Also, no one should be put off by the purple cover; I recommend everyone should read this!

This is a strange little book... literally. The cover is eleven by sixteen Cm's, which is much smaller than any other book I've read. The cover is very well rendered. Combining the red eyes with the black and white image of St Paul's Cathedral, this makes for a very intriguing cover that I was drawn to instantly. Also, I have read the prequel, Scared to Death. The plot is well thought out and tells the story of the one Paul Rector. In the last book he was forced to kill his own brother who was contaminated with the demon seed. Although Paul has this evil essence inside him, he does not use it. In this exciting and pulse-racing novel, Paul goes back in time to 1940, slap-bang in the middle of the Blitz. He knows he has to save the people who would die... The enemies are also exceptional. They are a demon brotherhood, all with the demon seed inside them. The best of them is Harry Rector, (recognise the name?), and the leader is King Lum, who is dying to get back to the surface. Paul meets a stupidly brave detective, George Temple, and his beautiful niece, Evelyn, who join him in his fight against the evil demons. Their lives are at stake, but more importantly, the life of Winston Churchill. Paul has to make some sacrifices for the good of the country, but is racked with guilt over leaving his girlfriend Netty an his mum. Will he triumph?
Find out in this intriguing mix of historical fantasy and horror.

Dark Alchemy is a collection of short stories by some of the most well known fantasy writers today, such as Garth Nix (Keys to the Kingdom), Eion Colfer(Artemis Fowl) and Niel Gaiman (The Graveyard Book). Eighteen short stories either written exclusively for the book or taken from novels, these provide an excellent blend of science fiction, fantasy and horror. For readers of all ages, though the stories are quite long, these are excellent writing at its best. Not many people publish short story collections any more, least of all combining different authors, and so I found this refreshing to read. One of the best stories, I found, was that of Tad Williams, The Strangers Hands. In this one, two strange Gypsies come and settle on the edge on a village. A small boy comes to see them, and as soon as he took one of the mans hands, he disappeared. Strangely emotive, it follows how people beliefs progressed, as soon after the occurrence, others come, and soon realize that when the man touched you, you got what you desired. Other stories include, Naming Day, Winters Wife, Holly and Iron, Stonefather and Barren Dance. This collection will have your pulse racing, and you will be incredibly saddened when a story ends, to fall straight into another.

Written by Sally Nicholls, I read this for the Wirral Paperbacks, and at first sight, frankly, didn't see much in it. But. When I started to read, I found it both different and enjoyable. The book is written as a kind of diary, a style of writing I don't usually enjoy, but Sally executes it excellently. It is 'written' by Sam, who has acute leukemia, and unless treated frequently, would not survive. In the book. He writes a list of things he wants to do before he dies, and questions he wants answered.
Along with his friend Felix, who also has an illness, he sets about finding answers and completing the list. Funny and uplifting, this is a very powerful book, by a promising author. Without giving too much away, you feel for the characters story, and the journey he has to make. I loved this book, and encourage other people to not be put off by the purple, childish cover.
Although an excellent read in its own right, I do think the chapters are a tad small, and some of the pages are displayed as torn out of a pad, and some have drawings in. But so long as you don't mind that then you should read it. Two hundered pages long, any competent reader should manage it, of any age.

The Cure is one of the books I read from our school library for the Wirral Paperback of the Year, and greatly enjoyed.It is much like another book I've read, called The Declaration. It follows two teenagers, Raul and Arym, who have been put in a 'nurture-house'. It accounts what would happen if religion died out. Instead of Jesus Christ as their saviour, Charles Darwin is, for his theory of evolution! Arym is easily stopped from causing mischief, by putting a small white pellet in her arm, as the carers did to everyone. But Raul found out about it upon seeing the dead body of his friend, and cut it out with a splinter, so he has his own mind. He then finds the diary of a monk, who he thought to be dead. The diary sparked off something in Raul, and he starts investigating around the house. He finds the monk hidden as a hermit, and the monk tells him and his sister that their real, Christian names, were Paul and Mary. He speaks of a chapel, of which he fled, and Raul soon realises that he knows where it is. Will he risk bringing back the old faith, or even going to the chapel? This is an intriguing book, with theories and brilliant writing, that makes you think about what would happen, and if it eventually will. Very well written , with a good lot and imaginative characters. Read it if you can!

This books cover may not appeal to boys, but the story is absolutely amazing. It's based on the real-life Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, and accounts what would have happened if it had not been resolved. Set in Liverpool, this books setting, characters and pace relate to lots of people. This book is an astounding mix of thriller and science fiction. This pace keeps up with the breathtaking storyline, and the style of writing is incredibly sophisticated, and puts the reader in the characters shoes. With people like the Beatles, and mysterious school-teachers, this is one of the best nominees for Wirral Paperback of the Year I've read so far. The main character is Laura Mann, who's dad gave her the key to a V-bomber plane, hence the name 'H-Bomb girl', but she doesn't know what to do with it. Then, two more characters, Miss Wells and the Minuteman, come into the story. As the book progresses, we realise that Miss Wells is Laura from the future. This story show what would gave happened and how people would have coped of the Russians had dropped a nuclear bomb on Liverpool. The language and habits of the people relate to the time of the book, 1962, and if you like Doctor Who, you'll enjoy the time-travelling element in the story. Very well written, and by a promising first time author, teens and adults alike will find themselves gripped. You have to read it!

This is the fourth book in the bestselling Power of Five series, by one of children's most renowned writers. The Old Ones have come to take over the world, and if not, destroy it. There are five children who were born to stop them; Matt Freeman, Jamie and Scott Tyler, Pedro and Scarlett (Scar) Adams, who the story follows. Scarlett is an ordinary girl, who goes to an ordinary high school. But when she goes on a school trip, goes through a mysterious door, she realises who she is. The five Gatekeepers, have a dreamworld, where they all go when they sleep. Scarlett has been having the dreams. But in the last book, the four other children failed to keep the Old Ones imprisoned. They are out there. And they want Scarlett, for if the Five come together, they can destroy the Old Ones. The Old Ones try to keep Scarlett away from the others, by transporting her to Hong Kong, where she gets involved in a shadowy organisation called Nightrise. The Old Ones plan to make Hong Kong into a city of the dead, a Necropolis. Each of the five have powers. Can Scarlett realise hers before the Old Ones destroy the city forever? An amazing book; I finished it in just three days! The writing pulls you into the heart of the story, and I hope that Horowitz will keep writing, so I can keep reading!

This is not the only adult book I've read, but is certainly one of the best. I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while, as it's been Christmas. This book is the last of the four Dan Brown books I've had the luck to read. They are amazing! This nearly six hundred page novel followed the account of Gabrielle Ashe, who is an advisor for Senator Sexton, who is running for the presidential office. It also follows the experience of Rachael Sexton, the senators daughter. Gabrielle, an intelligent young woman, advises the senator to attack the current president on the problems and faults of NASA. All is not looking good for the president, and things look incredibly slim of him running for office again. That is, until NASA, using revolutionary PODS equipment, discover a blip on the radar, up in the North Pole. They take some quick investigations, then take up what appears to be a rock, and claims it is a meteorite. Many people confirm this, most predominantly, Corky Marlinson, Michael Tolland, Wailee Ming ad Norah Mangor. But after these confirmations and a worldwide announcement from the President, they find a shaft coming from underneath the ice where the meteorite was found. Could someone have planted it there, and if so, to what results? It would freshen up the Presidents campaign nicely, but when signs of extraterrestrial life show up, so does a special ops kill squad, by the names of Delta One, Two and Three? Who is their leader, the mysterious controller, and will what Rachael find out put her and others in grave danger? You'll have to but it to find out. This is a cracking book, and an excellent thriller suitable for teens and adults. I give it five stars, one of the best novels of the modern age. A must have.