I discovered Terry Pratchett when I was 13 and fell in love with the Discworld. Unfortunately it seemed to up residence in me, refusing to allow me to read any other fantasy or sci-fi novels – much like Rincewind and the spell he read as a young novice wizard! It’s only in the last 2 years that I’ve rediscovered this genre and I’m loving it (even if my heart belongs to the Discworld…
Nine
The short, punchy chapters made this book quick to read. It’s full of action and made me think of the Bourne books with the amnesia afflicting Lucy.
Lost & Waiting
If you had said to me that I would fall in love with a book about botany, I would have scoffed. After all, I’ve accidentally killed several plants over the years which the donors claimed I couldn’t possibly fail to keep alive. Now add in fantasy to the botanical theme and you’ll start to see what drew me in.
Stonechild
Have you ever looked up at a tall statue outdoors and felt as thought it was moving as the clouds drift by above? Have you ever experienced the shock of a street performer, dressed and made up from head to toe in bronze, bringing what you thought was a statue to life? These illusions drew me into the story as it’s the kind of thing I imagined happening as a child.
Tree Slayer
As part of a trilogy, I would highly recommend reading Tree Magic first to really understand Rainbow’s journey so far. I was excited to get a place on this tour having enjoyed Tree Magic so much and I’m glad I did.
Some Laneys Died
Laney caught her dad cheating and he begged her not to tell. Upset and angry, she told her mum and since that day Laney is filled with regret about her decision. She writes version after version of how differently things may have turned out according to the choices she could have made.
Someone To Kiss My Scars
Sometimes a book comes along which doesn’t so much push the boundaries of its genre, as rob a juggernaut and smash through them. This is that book. It centres around two teenagers: Hunter, who is trying desperately to recall his past, and Jazz, who would give anything to be able to forget hers.
The End Of The Road
I don’t read a lot of dystopian fiction but what struck me in Anna Legat’s novel is that I felt the scenario could actually happen, which heightened the tension for me. I don’t know the ins and outs of the nuclear physics and warfare involved but I was uncomfortably immersed in the storyline, particularly as at the time of reading it there were media stories relating to nuclear weapons.
Reliance
I’ve read a few books lately which turned up the heat gently and gradually involves me in the action. Paul McMurrough unashamedly set the pace alight from the beginning and kept the inferno blazing right to the end. The back story to the characters was as much as was needed and not an ounce more, which worked perfectly for this dystopian thriller.
Tree Magic
Oh, how I loved this book. It’s a middle-grade novel so I always try and bear that in mind when reviewing this age bracket however I hardly had to adjust as I found it was so beautifully written. Remember the feeling you had when you discovered the Harry Potter books for the very first time? I experienced a similar magical feeling when I entered Rainbow’s world.
Not Myself Today
I read this in one sitting, as it’s a really easy read to relax with. It’s written in first person perspective and the reader is drawn into Lindsey’s dawning realisation that somehow she’s in a different body. And not just any body; this one is tattooed, emaciated, dependent on drugs, used and battered.
“‘A witch ought never be frightened in the darkest forest, Granny Weatherwax had once told her, because she should be sure in her soul that the most terrifying thing in the forest was her.”
– Wintersmith by Terry Pratchett
Booky Charm 