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!
Micheal Coleman, an old fellow, was very interesting. He said he had got the inspiration from a small island he went to on his holidays, which had a small monastery, wrecked garden and small off-shore island. He had a slide show that showed pictures he took of his dog Bobby, and the locations, which I found interesting. He was used to writing teenage books, but not fantasy or novel length with no jokes. He is a lovely man, who seems very optimistic about life and writing. He has loads of books out, including picture books, footballs books and non-fiction books. He answered a lot of questions.
Cliff McNish is a younger fellow, but with a good sense of humour. He said he got the inspiration for Breathe from seeing a woman sit near a window, and thought that maybe if he made her have an illness... I am currently reading Breathe, and so will review it later. He has write two other series, the Doomspell series and another fantasy collection. He has never written a novel-length ghost story before. He said he got the title from the fact that the main character Jack, has asthma and the fact the ghosts are blown about by people breathing. He can't draw, as he tried and failed to draw a picture of his view of this ill woman! But overall, he is a completely nice guy and I encourage people to go and talk with him if you have the chance.
Finally, Marie, whose book I haven't read, told us all that she used to live in North Denmark, a very primal place before the industrial revolution. The story is based there, and she showed us some impressionist paintings that she used to base some of the settings in the book. Denmark is famous for it's location, where two seas meet, crashing together off the coast. People often stand in the middle, with one foot in one sea and the other in the other, as is why the title is Between Two Seas. She was very well-prepared considering she was called at short-notice, and told her story well. I think I might read the book after hearing her, she was that nice!
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!
About Me
- DoctorDRG
- I'm thirteen and love reading, so I've set up this. I live on the Wirral and own an astonishing amount of Playmobil!! I love video games, you can tell by my picture! I thought I would set up this blog because I love reading, and thought it time to record the books. I will try not to include too many reviews with lots of spoilers, as not to well... spoil it for you! If you have read one of the books I have reviewed then could you comment on it as to give other people more than one opinion. Thanks!