The Overflowing Library

I have always loved reading. I vividly remember being about 7 years old and my teacher at the time having to bring me books in from home as I had read everything our school library had. The other thing I remember is that every thursday night my dad would take me to the library and I would run off upstairs to the children's section and pick out half a dozen books to take home with me which I would devour over the week (usually by torch light under the bed clothes. In short I couldn't get enough and have fond memories of the books I read when I was younger. When I was recently sorting out my children's books I came up with an idea for this post as some of the following I'm sure I'd get as much enjoyment out of now. So in no particular order here are some of my favourite books as a child. Enid Blyton - The St Clare's and Mallory Towers series I have a very old paperback copies of these series which were previously owned by my mother when she was young. I love

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick published by Simon and Schuster on 19th October 2010 I doubt I'm the only one waiting for this!! The sequel to the New York Times Best selling phenomenon, Hush, Hush ! Nora should have know her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away and Nora can't figure out if it's for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home. The farther Nora delves into the mystery of her father's death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim blood line has something to do with it as well as why she seems to be in danger

By Midnight by Mia James published by Gollancz July 2010 ARC provided by UK Book Tours (thanks Lynsey) April Dunne is not impressed. She's had to move from Edinburgh to Highgate, London, with her parents. She's left her friends - and her entire life - behind. She has to start at a new school and, worst of all, now she's stuck in a creepy old dump of a house which doesn't even have proper mobile phone reception. Ravenwood, her new school, is a prestigious academy for gifted (financially or academically) students - and the only place her parents could find her a place, in the middle of term, in the middle of London, on incredibly short notice. So she's stuck with the super-rich, and the super-smart . . . and trying to fit in is when the rest of the students seem to be more glamorous, smarter, or more talented than she is, is more than tough. It's intimidating and isolating, even when she finds a friend in the conspiracy-theorist Caro Jackson - a

Annexed by Sharon Dogar Published on Oct 2010 (according to goodreads - I picked mine up in Foyles before that!) Everyone knows about Anne Frank and her life hidden in the secret annex – but what about the boy who was also trapped there with her? In this powerful and gripping novel, Sharon Dogar explores what this might have been like from Peter’s point of view.  What was it like to be forced into hiding with Anne Frank, first to hate her and then to find yourself falling in love with her?   Especially with your parents and her parents all watching almost everything you do together.   To know you’re being written about in Anne’s diary, day after day?   What’s it like to start questioning your religion, wondering why simply being Jewish inspires such hatred and persecution?  Or to just sit and wait and watch while others die, and wish you were fighting. As Peter and Anne become closer and closer in their confined quarters, how can they make sense of what they see happe

In my Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at www.thestorysiren.com - her website is awesome! Another awesome week - I didn't mean to to get anything in particular this week but the following did show up (not that I'm complaining) Bought Raised by Wolves - Jennifer Lynn Barnes Been waiting for this for ages - very excited to get to reading it as I've heard a lot about it. I do love a bit of wolf action! Firelight - Sophie Jordan Another one I preordered ages ago (amazon have been rubbish with my preorders lately this one should have been here at the beginning of the month)- very excited to read it The Giver - Lois Lowry Found this in a secondhand bookshop (see my recent post on my favourite bookshops for the bookshop in question). I haven't heard anything about it all but did notice that it was very high up on goodreads list of Young Adult books (literally up there with all the Stephenie Meyer and Harry Potter books) so I thought I'd give it a whirl. From w

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare Published by Walker Books Ltd As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadow-hunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadow-hunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her new found powers to help save the Glass City -- whatever the cost? Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the final installment of the New York Times bestselling trilogy The Mortal Instruments. To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters -- never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law cou

did you know that Oxfam do secondhand books online? check it out at http://www.oxfam.org.uk/shop/second-hand-books They already have charity book shops (which are usually quite awesome) but this adds to the fun!

I have been wanting to do this post for a while. I absolutely love going to bookshops but don't do it as much as I'd like as the only one in town is rubbish. I actually have a better YA/children's selection at home than what they have in the shop. I therefore end up buying a lot of books online (especially American ones) and going to actual shops is very very exciting. I am very lucky in that my husband loves his books too so happily follows me around on bookshop days. So in no particular order these are the bookshops I love to visit. The Norfolk Children's book centre - Near Aylsham, Norfolk A fantastic children's bookshop. I am making an effort to buy a few books there each month.  I like to support them as they are so awesome. When you arrive you are offered a cup of tea and its so cosy and wonderful that I could spend all day there in book heaven. They do book signing events quite regularly and have a book group I need to join asap! Topping and Co - Ely

Freefall by Mindi Scott Published on 5th October by Simon Pulse How do you come back from the point of no return? Seth McCoy was the last person to see his best friend Isaac alive, and the first to find him dead. It was just another night, just another party, just another time where Isaac drank too much and passed out on the lawn. Only this time, Isaac didn’t wake up. Convinced that his own actions led to his friend’s death, Seth is torn between turning his life around . . . or losing himself completely. Then he meets Rosetta: so beautiful and so different from everything and everyone he's ever known. But Rosetta has secrets of her own, and Seth will soon realize he isn’t the only one who needs saving . I am excited about this book - a debut novel (I am loving all these debut novels lately) and part of the contempts challenge! I want it now!

After yesterday's review I am pleased to post today an interview with Denise Jaden author of Losing Faith. She is an extremely busy lady at the moment with her debut novel being released only two weeks ago but she kindly took some time out to answer a few questions for me. Question 1: What inspired you to write Losing Faith? At first, I just knew I wanted to write a sister story. From there, I figured out that one of the sisters had a secret, and the secret would only be discovered after she died. I lost a close friend of mine when I was sixteen, and I’ve always felt there was a lot to explore with a teen experiencing such a big and devastating event.   Question 2: I love Brie as a character and the way she deals with the situation she finds herself in. Is she entirely fictional or based on a real person? Brie is entirely fictional, though I would say that she gets her introspective side from me. Also, an interesting little tidbit – my husband’s birth sister, w

Losing Faith by Denise Jaden Published on 7th September by Simon Pulse When Brie's sister, Faith, dies suddenly, Brie's world falls apart. As she goes through the bizarre and devastating process of mourning the sister she never understood and barely even liked, everything in her life seems to spiral farther and farther off course. Her parents are a mess, her friends don't know how to treat her, and her perfect boyfriend suddenly seems anything but. As Brie settles into her new normal, she encounters more questions than closure: Certain facts about the way Faith died just don't line up. Brie soon uncovers a dark and twisted secret about Faith's final night...a secret that puts her own life in danger.  *** A fantastic debut novel! I devoured this book in a matter of hours and was gripped right from the outset. I enjoyed many things about this book. Firstly I like Brie as a character as she was quite believable and I enjoyed seeing how she dealt wit

In my mailbox is hosted by Kristi at www.thestorysiren.com A fab week this week bookwise!   From www.amazon.co.uk Losing Faith by Denise Jaden I preordered this a while ago and it finally showed up. Read in one sitting (almost - I had to change trains). A fab little book if ever there was one. Review should be up Monday, followed by an interview with Denise on Tuesday (with a related small give away for my UK followers) From Foyles bookshop Annexed by Sharon Dogar I did a Fab friday mini post about this place - I hadn't even heard of it until last week but I decided to do some bookshops whilst in London last weekend and this one came up when I did a google search. I had my husband trail around after me looking for it and when we finally found it I swear I was in bookshop heaven. The place is huge. Anyways back to the book. Already read, awesome story with the added bonus of getting a signed edition. (If you want your own signed edition they also had them on their we

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare published by Walker books and Simon and Schuster Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go -- especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil -- and also her father.To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings -- and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen,

If you live in London you probably already know about this one This week I discovered Foyles bookshop in London - It is awesome!! They have an awesome young adult section (with quite a few American titles) and they also have a good handful of signed titles (I'll show you what I got on Sunday) check out www.foyles.co.uk

Restory Harmony by Joelle Anthony Published on 13th May 2010 by Putnam Juvenile The year is 2041, and sixteen-year-old Molly McClure has lived a relatively quiet life on an isolated farming island in Canada, but when her family fears the worst may have happened to her grandparents in the US, Molly must brave the dangerous, chaotic world left after global economic collapse—one of massive oil shortages, rampant crime, and abandoned cities. Molly is relieved to find her grandparents alive in their Portland suburb, but they’re financially ruined and practically starving. What should’ve been a quick trip turns into a full-fledged rescue mission. And when Molly witnesses something the local crime bosses wishes she hadn’t, Molly’s only way home may be to beat them at their own game. Luckily, there’s a handsome stranger who’s willing to help. Restoring Harmony is a riveting, fast-paced dystopian tale complete with adventure and romance

Blood Ransom by Sophie McKenzie Published on 1st October 2010 by Simon and Schuster Children's Books I can't wait for this book. It is a sequel to Blood Ties. There isn't a synopsis on Goodreads yet but I believe it follows the story of Rachel and Theo and is set a little while after Blood Ties. Blood Ties has been my favourite Sophie McKenzie book to date and I loved the character of Rachel so I am very excited to see where this goes.

I am Number Four Published on 26th August 2010 by Razorbill  Description from goodreads.com In the beginning we were nine. We left when we were very young, almost too young to remember. Almost. And now . . . Three are gone. We are here to keep our race alive, which was almost entirely obliterated. We're just trying to survive. Six are left. But we are hunted, and the hunters won't stop until they've killed us all. They caught Number One in Malaysia. Number Two in England. And Number Three in Kenya. I am Number Four.  I know that I am next. Reminiscent of Smallville and Heroes, here finally is a thriller with awesome pace, mindblowing special effects and a breathtaking high concept. It demands to be read in one sitting *** awesome book - I can definately see why it has already been optioned for a film. I have read a few reviews complaining it is too simplistic or famous fivey but I don't really know what the fuss is about - it is YA fiction not hard

The Candidates by Inara Scott Published by Hyperion Books on 24th August 2010 Dancia Lewis is far from popular. And that's not just because of her average grades or her less-than-glamorous wardrobe. In fact, Dancia's mediocrity is a welcome cover for her secret: whenever she sees a person threatening someone she cares about, things just... happen . Cars skid. Structures collapse. Usually someone gets hurt.  So Dancia does everything possible to avoid getting close to anyone, belieiving this way she can supress her powers and keep them hidden. But when recruiters from the prestigious Delcroix Academy show up in her living room to offer her a full scholarship, Dancia's days of living under the radar may be over. Only, Delcroix is a school for diplomats' kids and child geniuses--not B students with uncontrollable telekinetic tendencies.  So why are they treating Dancia like she's special? Even the hottest guy on campus seems to be going out of his way to make Danci

In my mailbox is hosted by kristi at www.thestorysiren.com Not a lot in my mailbox this week. I am now back at work full time so reading rate has slowed considerably : ( so I am trying not to buy lots of new books as I don't have space on my TBR book shelf. That said I am in London this weekend and am planning to walk the length of Charring Cross on a book hunt and have a wander around Forbidden Planet and their Young Adult section so I will probably have loads next week. That reminds me if you are in London go and check out Forbidden Plant. It is on the Holborn end of Shaftesbury Avenue and has a fantastic book section - you wouldn't know it if you didn't know it was there - including a fab young adult section. I often manage to pick up a good selection of signed bits and bobs when I'm there. Any way back to my books Lies by Michael Grant Published by HarperCollins I won't put the description up as I don't want to spoil the book for those of you who h

The Legacy - Gemma Malley Published 6th September 2010 by Bloomsbury When a Pincent Pharma lorry is ambushed by the Underground, its contents come as a huge surprise - not drugs, but corpses in a horrible state. It appears Longevity isn't working and the drugs promising eternal youth are failing to live up to their promises. A virus is sweeping the country, killing in its wake, and Longevity is powerless to fight it. When Richard Pincent of Pincent Pharma suggest that the Underground has released the virus, something has to be done to put the story straight and once and for all alert everyone to the truth. *** This series blew me away when I first read it. The entire concept was awesome. The world seems ideal - no one dies as drugs have been developed meaning that no one gets old, or ill and can live forever. As a price for eternal life people are no longer allowed to have children unless they opt out of the drugs. The first two books look in more depth at this world and wha

I found this the other day http://anynewbooks.com/ looks like a handy little site - you sign up and state what type of books you are interested in and they send you a weekly email detailing books that have been released over the week before.

PLEASE BE WARNED THIS WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS OF BOTH BOOK 1 AND 2 OF THE HUNGER GAMES SERIES AND OF THIS BOOK. DO NOT READ IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW. Mockingjay by Suzanna Collins Published on 25th August 2010 Description from goodreads.com Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she's still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge...This thrilling final instalment of this ground-breaking trilogy promises to be one of the most talked-about books of the year.  *** I'm a little sad to say that I wasn't all that impressed with the book and I think a lot of people are/have been caught up with the whole Mockingjay hysteria and are raving about a book that isn't that brilliant. Firstly can I add that I loved the first two books and secondly I'm not one for slating a book because it didn't end how I wanted it to (like a lot of people did with breaki

WoW is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine Firelight by Sophie Jordan published on 7th September 2010 by Harper Teen Description from goodreads With her rare ability to breathe fire, Jacinda is special even among the draki—the descendants of dragons who can shift between human and dragon forms. But when Jacinda’s rebelliousness leads her family to flee into the human world, she struggles to adapt, even as her draki spirit fades. The one thing that revives it is Will, whose family hunts her kind. Jacinda can’t resist getting closer to him, even though she knows she’s risking not only her life but the draki’s most closely guarded secret. I have heard awesome things about this book and am looking forward to reading it (my copy should be on its way to me soonish). Another case of ordering a book because I loved the cover!

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare Published by Walker on 6th September 2010 Magic is dangerous but love is more dangerous still When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray arrives in England during the reign of Queen Victoria, something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Friendless and hunted, Tessa seeks refuge with the Shadowhunters, a band of warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons. Drawn ever deeper into their world, she finds herself fascinated by - and torn between - two best friends and quickly realises that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.  *** I was offered this book last week for review by the publishers and the mere thought of receiving it filled me with excitment. Now have since received (mega mega excited) and read the book I can honestly say it met and exceeded all of my expectations. Put simply this book rocks. I have only just recently got

City of Bones Published on 22nd July 2007 by Walker Books Ltd When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy? This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how

IMMB is hosted by the awesome Kristi at www.thestorysiren.com I recevied some awesome books this week For review Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare (thanks Walker books for this aweome book!) Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.            When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.            Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at no