HappyHead is truly a page-turner. I’ve never fallen deeply into a novel so fast, especially coming to its climax. I felt completely immersed while reading and was definitely engaged with the first-person perspective of the main character, Sebastian. HappyHead ultimately questions our ability to fulfil happiness in a society where we believe other people and their characteristics interfere, which is definitely compelling. I also found the book to be well written, with almost poetic realisations coming from Sebastian. This book may be challenging to read, but in a good way, as you may think about your own life and what is ‘the answer.’ The lesser theme of elegiac love also came through and pulled my heartstrings. It is sure to be relatable to many and insightful into the behaviour of those who come from little support in their homes. The ending of the book leaves the reader with many unanswered questions but also leaves them paralysed in awe.
Reviewed by Lilyana, Year 10 St Ursula’s College, Kingsgrove, NSW Good for Book Clubs Age guide 12+
The Final Gambit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is the third book of the bestselling series ‘The Inheritance Games’, which follows 17-year-old Avery Kylie Grambs, and her chilling mysteries with the Hawthorne brothers. This book series is one in which the previous instalments must be read. As I was transported to the chaotic world of the Hawthornes, the intricate puzzles that fill this novel are ones that entertain and mystify, with its plot line even more incredible than the sequel. As a hopeless fan of mystery and crime, this book left me enraptured in its world for days after I finished.
The style of writing combined with the intricacy of its mystery, this novel is my favourite out of the series. The depth to the characters of this world makes this exceptional novel heartfelt and emotional. Overall, a wonderful book that I would recommend to all.
This book is recommended for ages 13 and above due to violent themes.
Reviewed by Deepana, Year 12, Cerdon College, Merrylands, NSW Age Guide 12+
I went into this book expecting the worst, and found myself pleasantly surprised by how eager I was to keep reading. The story begins when two sisters, Ash and Rowan, are painting Ash’s room and discover a magical ring that transports them back in time to 1999. However, when Rowan accidentally disrupts the timeline, she wakes back up in the present day to find her sister missing. With the help of her neighbour Verity’s magic, Rowan begins a time travelling mission to find glass anchors to bring her sister home. But what happens when her family begins to forget her sister?
I liked that this book only took two chapters to begin the action and introduce us to the main characters. It engages the reader quickly and it doesn’t feel like you are sitting through an exposition. The time travelling covered a wide range of time periods, which was an interesting contrast for a character growing up in the 21st century with slang and technology. Even though the adventures in each time period were relatively short, they included likeable characters and captivating storylines. I loved how the ending wrapped up all the loose threads easily for the reader, and made clever connections between the magic of the house and how this carried throughout time. However, I felt that sometimes the author was trying too hard to sound like a teenager, and the unnatural use of slang disrupted the flow of the story. Rowan’s hatred towards Verity at the end of the book also felt forced, as it hadn’t been referenced at all throughout the book and felt as if it came out of nowhere.
Overall, Tumbleglass was a quick and easy read. I found it more compelling than her other novel, Crow Country, and I enjoyed the pieces of Australian history embedded within the story that readers around the world can relate to. The book held strong themes of family, sisterhood, bravery and acceptance, and made for a fun middle grade story.
Sofia, Year 10 St Ursula’s College, Kingsgrove, NSW Age Guide 9+
The premise of this book was intriguing and exciting, as the amount of books detailing Arthurian Legend is limited. I enjoyed following the protagonist Tamsin as she and her brother, Cabell, race powerful sorcerers to find the Ring of Dispel and unlock its power. I loved seeing her grow as she faced challenges from all angles, emotionally, physically and romantically. Furthermore, the novel was so well written that I fell in love with the characters, and I became empathetic to their situation, putting myself in their shoes and mimicking their sadness, determination and hope. My only criticism is that the plot was slow to start, however, as the mystery and the quest unfolded, it became a more intriguing novel. I am eagerly awaiting a sequel!
Reviewed by Olivia, Year 9 St Ursula’s College, Kingsgrove, NSW Good for Book Clubs Age Guide 12+
The Quiet and the Loud involves a young and vulnerable teenager, George, her friendships and many challenges, past and present, that she faces.
George is a rescuer. She doesn’t like to talk much about herself or the daunting things that are happening in her life. Her best friend, Tess, has an unnatural fear of dying and relies on George to help pick up the pieces and cope with life. When Tess decides to fall pregnant Tess naturally assumes that George will be there to share the pregnancy and parenthood ahead. But neither count on George falling in love. Suddenly life takes on a new perspective and the old ways of coping don’t work as well. When you fall in love, surely you share all your secrets and problems? But what if they are too big and never been put into words before. George doesn’t want to let anyone down, and she has always been schooled to keep her family’s business quiet.
This is an extraordinarily moving novel that transcends its young adult classification. A teenager, an abusive alcoholic father and complex relationships and friendships. It’s about the cracks that can suddenly appear when the secrets we hold threaten to explode and it subtly explores the lessons of learning to open up, letting go and dealing with anxiety and depression. It’s about blended families and a young girl finding meaningful love.
Beautifully paced and written.
Reviewed by Karen, Balmain, NSW Rating: Four stars Age Guide 14+
This book is recommended for ages 13 and above due to violent themes.
I liked that this book only took two chapters to begin the action and introduce us to the main characters. It engages the reader quickly and it doesn’t feel like you are sitting through an exposition. The time travelling covered a wide range of time periods, which was an interesting contrast for a character growing up in the 21st century with slang and technology. Even though the adventures in each time period were relatively short, they included likeable characters and captivating storylines. I loved how the ending wrapped up all the loose threads easily for the reader, and made clever connections between the magic of the house and how this carried throughout time. However, I felt that sometimes the author was trying too hard to sound like a teenager, and the unnatural use of slang disrupted the flow of the story. Rowan’s hatred towards Verity at the end of the book also felt forced, as it hadn’t been referenced at all throughout the book and felt as if it came out of nowhere.