The Overflowing Library

Dangerous to know by Katy Moran Published by Walker Books Challenge: BBC Source: Review copy Dangerous to know is a bit of a coming of age story featuring the main character Jack with a romantic starcrossed lovers edge to it. You first meet the main character Jack as he is off on a train (well hiding in the toilets in the train) with Bethany, a girl he has recently met, on their way to a music festival. they are typical teenagers off to have a good time spending as little as possible. They go off, have a fab time and Jack decides he is falling for Bethany. At the end of the weekend they travel home, part with the promise to see each other later and you get this sense that everything is going to go along nicely. However everything changes when Jack gets home. Bethany is there with her parents demanding that Jack stay away from her in the future. It is from this point on that the story gets interesting. You start to get a bit more into jack and his background. His...

I loved the first one in this series and I can't wait for the next in the series The Fox Inheritance by Mary E Pearson Published August 2011 Once there were three. Three friends who loved each other—Jenna, Locke, and Kara. And after a terrible accident destroyed their bodies, their three minds were kept alive, spinning in a digital netherworld. Even in that disembodied nightmare, they were still together. At least at first. When Jenna disappeared, Locke and Kara had to go on without her. Decades passed, and then centuries. Two-hundred-and-sixty years later, they have been released at last. Given new, perfect bodies, Locke and Kara awaken to a world they know nothing about, where everyone they once knew and loved is long dead. Everyone except Jenna Fox.

Ultraviolet by RJ Anderson Published by Orchard books Source: swapped on Readitswapit.co.uk Once upon a time there was a girl who was special. This is not her story. Unless you count the part where I killed her. Sixteen-year-old Alison has been sectioned in a mental institute for teens, having murdered the most perfect and popular girl at school. But the case is a mystery: no body has been found, and Alison's condition is proving difficult to diagnose. Alison herself can't explain what happened: one minute she was fighting with Tori -- the next she disintegrated. Into nothing. But that's impossible. Right? *** Ultraviolet isn't the book you expect it is going to be ... it's even better. It continually throws twists into the mix which change your perspective and keeps you guessing right through to the very end. I'm going to warn you now that this review is deliberately vague in places so not to spoil the twists for anyone. When you f...

My sister lives on the Mantlepiece by Annabel Pitcher Published by Orion Challenge: DAC, BBC Source: Signed copy bought from ebay. Ten-year-old Jamie Matthews has just moved to the Lake District with his Dad and his teenage sister, Jasmine for a 'Fresh New Start'. Five years ago his sister's twin, Rose, was blown up by a terrorist bomb. His parents are wrecked by their grief, Jasmine turns to piercing, pink hair and stops eating. The family falls apart. But Jamie hasn't cried in all that time. To him Rose is just a distant memory. Jamie is far more interested in his cat, Roger, his birthday Spiderman T-shirt, and in keeping his new friend Sunya a secret from his dad. And in his deep longing and unshakeable belief that his Mum will come back to the family she walked out on months ago. When he sees a TV advert for a talent show, he feels certain that this will change everything and bring them all back together once and for all. *** My sister Lives on...

Thank you as always to Kristi for hosting IMM Only two books this week but they are both fab ones Girl parts by John Cusick (US hardback) What happens when a robot designed to be a boy’s ideal “companion” develops a will of her own? A compulsively readable novel from a new talent. David and Charlie are opposites. David has a million friends, online and off. Charlie is a soulful outsider, off the grid completely. But neither feels close to anybody. When David’s parents present him with a hot Companion bot designed to encourage healthy bonds and treat his “dissociative disorder,” he can’t get enough of luscious redheaded Rose — and he can’t get it soon. Companions come with strict intimacy protocols, and whenever he tries anything, David gets an electric shock. Parted from the boy she was built to love, Rose turns to Charlie, who finds he can open up, knowing Rose isn’t real. With Charlie’s help, the ideal “companion” is about to become her own best friend. In a stu...

Today's Bookcase Showcase post is by Andrew Peters, author of Ravenwood ... I live in a converted Methodist Chapel on the edge of a small rural village.. I love the contrast between the stone walls and walls of books. This first picture is part of our library on the landing. It shows part of our children¹s fiction collection, with some of my favourite books tucked away, including The Invention of Huge Chabret {one of the greatest books I have ever read}, Airborn by Kenneth Oppel and the Mortal Engines Quartet by Philip Reeve, alongside a shelf of plays {my wife is an ex-drama teacher, but we have also written six published plays} and a lovely old set of Dickens.        The second picture displays the concept of controlled chaos in my study. The bottom shelf comprises files of old and ongoing projects, proof-copies of books, and several unpublished novels including my first ever novel written in my early twenties called the Rose That Leaked. It has taken two decade...

Clarity by Kim Harrington Published by Scholastic Challenge: DAC Source: Purchased in Foyles When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth? This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats. Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift. And a curse. When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case - but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother - who has supernatural gifts of his own - becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most? *** Clari...

Tiger's Quest by Colleen Houck Published by Hodder Series: The Tiger Saga #2 Source: Review copy Kelsey Hayes is no ordinary college freshman. In fact, the eighteen-year-old girl has just returned from India, where she risked her life—and her heart—to rescue a handsome Indian prince from a terrible curse. Back home in Oregon, Kelsey is determined to move on, despite the lingering feelings she has for the man she left behind. She meets Li, a completely average guy who offers the promise of an ordinary, curse-free life. But just when Kelsey is ready to move on, Ren reenters her life, on a quest to reclaim her heart. Danger threatens their newly rekindled love and to save him, Kelsey must journey with someone else—a man who wants her for himself. The saga begun in Tiger’s Curse continues in Tiger’s Quest, as Kelsey finds herself in an epic battle between good and evil. From the shores of the Pacific Northwest to the jungles of India, the mountains of Nepal and Tibet...

I know this is a choice which throws up a bit of controversy but even so I can't wait to get the next instalment The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore Published by Razorbill in August 2011 I've seen him on the news. Followed the stories about what happened in Ohio. John Smith, out there, on the run. To the world, he's a mystery. But to me . . . he's one of us. Nine of us came here, but sometimes I wonder if time has changed us—if we all still believe in our mission. How can I know? There are six of us left. We're hiding, blending in, avoiding contact with one another . . . but our Legacies are developing, and soon we'll be equipped to fight. Is John Number Four, and is his appearance the sign I've been waiting for? And what about Number Five and Six? Could one of them be the raven-haired girl with the stormy eyes from my dreams? The girl with powers that are beyond anything I could ever imagine? The girl who may be strong enough to bring the s...

Anna and the French Kiss Published by Dutton Source: Purchased from Price Minister Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris—until she meets Étienne St. Claire: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home. As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near-misses end with the French kiss Anna—and readers—have long awaited? *** I'm afraid this is going to be another one of those reviews which raves about Anna and the French Kiss and how fantastic it is. I bought it because everyone raved about how awesome it was and I really wasn't disappointed in any way. One of the best books ...

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong Published by Sphere Source: Review Copy My name is Chloe Saunders and my life will never be the same again. All I wanted was to make friends, meet boys, and keep on being ordinary. I don't even know what that means anymore. It all started on the day that I saw my first ghost—and the ghost saw me. Now there are ghosts everywhere and they won't leave me alone. To top it all off, I somehow got myself locked up in Lyle House, a "special home" for troubled teens. Yet the home isn't what it seems. Don't tell anyone, but I think there might be more to my housemates than meets the eye. The question is, whose side are they on? It's up to me to figure out the dangerous secrets behind Lyle House… before its skeletons come back to haunt me. *** I thought the summoning was a really thoroughly enjoyable read and am very much looking forward to reading the next two in the series. The first chapter (which is a pro...

Before I say anything else today please check out my giveaway from last Sunday After missing In My Mailbox last week I am now back with two weeks worth of  lovely books to show you... Ultraviolet by RJ Anderson (UK paperback) I finished this book this week and really enjoyed it. The Rogue's Princess by Eve Edwards (UK paperback) Yay! I love this series and have been waiting very impatiently for it for a while Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs (UK Paperback) Not really heard alot about this but looks interesting Here lies Bridget by Paige Harbison (UK paperback) I'm looking forward to getting to this as I've heard it is good. Secrets and Shadows by Shannon Delany (US paperback) I loved the first book in the series and can't wait to get to this. The Devil Walks by Anne Fine (UK Hardcover) This sounds so creepy. I haven't read an Anne Fine since I was very small and can't wait to get to this one. Thank you to Kristi as always for hosting IMM

Today I have Liz from My Favourite Books to show off her shelves - be warned this showcase is epic... Mark and I are really pleased to showcase our combined bookshelves for Overflowing Library. (To see Sarah's Bookcase Showcase - who also reviews on MFB click here) I must firstly personally apologise for cheating here - the majority of Mark and my bookcases are double-stacked.  I have only taken photos of the books that can be seen - moving the first set of stacks to get to the ones behind is far more than I can tackle unassisted on a lazy Saturday morning. I know a lot of people may think: wow, a lot of books, but remember MFB has been going for a long old time and these shelves are crammed with books both bought by a book obsessed couple and books that publishers sent on to us to review.  The selection of titles are wide and varied and we are incredibly proud that we do try and read as many and as randomly as we can. We start off in the dining room where I have got four...

Paradise barn by Victor Watson Published by Catnip Challenge: BBC Source: Review copy September 1940. War rages across Europe, and thousands of people, men, women and children, have lost their lives. Despite the air fights overhead life in the quiet village of Great Deeping in the Fens goes on much as usual, until an unthinkable event: a murder. Molly, Annie and Adam, an evacuee from London, are determined to solve the mystery of the Paradise Barn. But it’s one thing hunting for clues, another to track down a murderer. With the war bringing so many strangers to the village, who can they really trust?  *** Paraside barn is a real gem of a book and one I would definitely recommend of anyone who likes YA books set during the Second World War. The story itself centres around three children living in rural East Anglia during the early years of  World War Two. The girls, Abigail and Molly are residents of Great Deeping and a boy called Adam who is an evacuee...

Blood Red Road by Moria Young Published by Scholastic Challenge: DAC Source: Won on Twitter In a lawless future land, where life is cheap and survival is hard, Saba has been brought up in isolated Silverlake. She never sees the dangers of the destructive society outside. When her twin brother is snatched by mysterious black-robed riders, she sets outon an epic quest to rescue him. The story's searing pace, its spare style, the excitement of its fabulously damaged world, its unforgettably vivid characters, its violent action and glorious lovestory make this a truly sensational YA debut novel. *** Blood Red Road is a YA debut from Moria Young. It is huge at just over 500 pages long and is set to be big this summer based on the amount of attention the publishers are trying to drum up for it in the months building up to its release. I'm going to be honest. I'm not sure this book entirely did it for me although I d...

I don't think this book needs any introduction ... Forever by Maggie Stiefvater Published by Scholastic The thrilling conclusion to #1 bestselling Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy from Maggie Stiefvater. In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver , Grace and Sam found each other. In Linger , they fought to be together. Now, in Forever , the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in

What happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen Published by Razorbill Source: Review copy Another town. Another school. Another Mclean. Ever since her parents' bitter divorce, Mclean and her father have been fleeing their unhappy past. And Mclean's become a pro at reinventing herself with each move. But in Lakeview, Mclean finds herself putting down roots and making friends—in part, thanks to Dave, the most real person Mclean's ever met. Dave just may be falling in love with her, but can he see the person she really is? Does Mclean herself know? *** What happened to goodbye was all of the things I have come to expect from a good Sarah Dessen novel: characters you can relate to who are fab but it some way a little bit damaged by their past experiences, gorgeous boys and a nice pacey storyline that keeps you engaged throughout. The novel revolves around the life of McClean Sweet. She has moved around the country following her father as he works consulting on ...

Miss Peregrine's home for peculiar children published by Quirk Books Challenge: DAC Source: Review copies A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. And a strange collection of very curious photographs. It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children , an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children who once lived here—one of whom was his own grandfather—were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a desolate island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunti...

Today I have taken a break from my usual reviewing schedule to celebrate the fact that The Overflowing Library has now been running for a whole year. I just wanted to say a huge thank you to both my lovely readers and the wonderful blogging friends I have made this year. I didn't realise how much the blogging thing would take over and how much I would absolutely love every minute of it. To say thank you I have a giveaway for you.  NOW CLOSED WINNERS SELECTED!

Today I am joined by Sue Ransom author of a Small Blue Thing ... When I promised to do this post I thought it would be pretty straightforward- after all, my house is packed with books. But then checked out some of the other shelves which have been featured. At that point I very nearly pulled out because everyone else seems to be so neat! My shelves look as if a bomb has gone off in them. My excuse it that they are shared between the four of us: my husband and me, and our two teenage children.  No-one but me remembers the filing system. Our main shelves are in the upstairs corridor. The units are pretty deep, and because of the volume of books I have three or more layers of paperbacks on each shelf. A quick calculation gave me a total of nearly a thousand books in this set of shelves alone!   My daughter’s room is packed with all sorts of books but is so monumentally messy I don’t dare show you. It’s all hidden behind this door. In the kitchen some art homework is wedge...

Duty Calls: Dunkirk by James Holland Published by Puffin Challenge: DAC, BBC Source: review copy Duty calls: Dunkirk is a brilliantly insightful and realistic portrayal of the events of Dunkirk as experienced at ground level by ordinary British soldiers. I didn't find it an easy read and it took me a lot longer than normal to get through it but it was certainly worth it. I specifically requested this book for review because the whole concept of it intrigued me. I am always on the lookout for YA books set in historical settings which are historically accurate which I can recommend to pupils to compliment work done in class. This book is perfect in that regard. The author is clearly well informed about the period and has done extensive research when writing this book. Another thing I look for in books to recommend to my pupils is a story and main character than they can relate to as it helps to make them empathise with the people who the story is about and draw...

Numbers 3 Infinity by Rachel Ward Published by Chicken House Series: Numbers #3 Challenge: BBC Source: Review copy Post-Chaos 2029. Adam, Sarah and Mia are living together, struggling with the fame of seeing numbers - the dates when people will die. But something is about to tear them apart. During The Chaos Mia swapped her number for another. Suddenly her powerful new ability makes her a terrifying target. Everyone wants to live for ever. *** Numbers 3 infinity is the final book in the Numbers trilogy which follows the story of Adam and Sarah directly after Numbers 2 in the new world they have found themselves in at the end of book 2. The thing I liked the most about this book was the relationship between Adam and Sarah. I loved seeing how their relationship had progressed from book 2 and liked seeing how strong they were as a couple in this book. One of the things this book explores is all the questions surrounding Mia and how she managed to change her number...

I can't wait for this one after hearing about it earlier in the year from the Random House Girlies The Devil Walks by Anne Fine Published by Random House Children's Books on 7th July 2011 Raised in secrecy by a mother everyone thinks has gone mad, Daniel’s only link to his past is the intricately built model of the family home – High Gates. The dolls’ house is perfect in every detail. As Daniel is reunited with the last remaining member of his family - his Uncle Severn, who bears an uncanny resemblance to a sinister wooden doll he has found hidden in the house - he begins to suspect that this vicious, haunted puppet of a figure has a chilling influence, bringing cruelty and spite in its wake. Now Daniel's very life is at risk as his uncle is determined to get his hands on the figure . . .

Today I am pleased to have a guest post for you from Jennifer Lyn Barnes author of Trial by Fire (see my review on the post from this morning). She has asked bloggers to pose her questions about her Raised by Wolves series for us to discuss. My question was Bryn is a girl fighting to survive in a world where it is traditional for men to rule. Can a girl cut it in a world dominated by guys? I grew up surrounded by guys.  I have one older brother.  Our next door neighbors had three boys (four, eight, and ten years older than me respectively), and there were easily another half-dozen or so on our block.  I was the smallest, and the youngest, and most of the time, the only girl, so my formative years were spent fighting tooth and nail to keep up with kids who were literally twice my size.  Looking at the way Bryn grew up, at the heart of a mostly-male werewolf pack, I can see a lot of my own experiences in her.  The idea of being the smallest and the weakest an...