Book Review - The Tea Chest by Josephine Moon

The Tea Chest by Josephine Moon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received an advance copy of this book and fell in love with the concept immediately. I loved the cover, which drew me straight away. Then when I read the blurb I was hooked. I love tea and the different flavours you can find and create for yourself. Elizabeth was a great character, strong yet insecure. I liked how the author wove the friendship of the three women and linked them all into a fantastic group. The difficulties in opening up another tea shop and the risk of trusting your money to strangers is all to familiar to people and I think this book will resonate with a lot of people.

I really want to try making my own tea blends after reading this novel, the author made it sound like so much fun.

A light easy read that will make you want to keep going until you get right to the very end and leave you wanting more.

Keep an eye out for it in April 2014


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Book Review - Ranger's Apprentice #12 Royal Ranger - John Flanagan

The Royal Ranger by John Flanagan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have loved this series of books since they started. John Flanagan writes fantastic tales and you really get to know the characters well. We have watched Will Treaty grow up and become the legendary figure he is and now we get to the end of the series. It will be sad now we won't be reading anymore Will books, but John has left it open for a a new character to make an appearance, which I hope the author does indeed write.

Will Treaty is in mourning after a very horrific tragedy and his friends are worried for him, so they assign him an apprentice he can't refuse in hope of bring him out of his darkness. Well written, emotive and very funny in parts.

If you haven't tried this series then I highly suggest you do so!

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Book Review - Battle Magic - Tamora Pierce

Battle Magic by Tamora Pierce

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


We get to see a different side to Rosethorn, Briar and Evvy. Their travels take them to the far side of the world and to the famed gardens of the Emperor, where they are at first treated with regard. After seeing things that make the group want to get out of the summer palace, they are then faced with the dilemma of helping Rosethorn fulfill her vows to the Living Circle or getting to safety when the Emperor decides to invade a neighbouring country where all religions are based in.

The only thing I was dissapointed in was the battle scenes. In previous books, Briar is haunted and changed about what happens in this book, but the battle scenes weren't very dteailed. I can understand Evvy's point of view, but it seemed to me to be a little glossed over. Apart from that, I really loved reading from Rosethorn's point of view and getting back to the world of the Winding Circle.

Very well written and I loved the characters. It is a must read!

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Mem Fox October Signing

Here are a few pictures of Mem Fox while she was here at Castle Plaza Shopping Centre.

Book Review - Riyria Chronicles #2 Rose of the Thorn by Michale J Sullivan

The Rose and the Thorn by Michael J. Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This series just keeps getting better and better. I am loving these prequels as they reveal more information that couldn't be put into the Revelations. Can't wait to see if there will be a third one!! I loved seeing how the Rose and Thorn came to be and what it took for Royce and Gwen to know each other. The tempering of the characters is wonderful. We see the origin of Hilfried, Princess Arissa's bodyguard. We learn of certain peoples betrayal and of course we witness the events that lead to the formation of Riyria, men for hire.

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David Gemmell Legend Award - Helen Lowe

The wonderful Helen Lowe has been nominated for the David Gemmell Legend award. Here a link to her interview about her books and award. 

If you haven't already voted, you still have time.

Go here and vote my pretties.

Book Review - Jump - Twinmaker by Sean WIlliams

Twinmaker by Sean Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Very cleverly written, Sean Williams draws the reader into a future world that is not to unsimilar to our own, only we have the power to teleport any where we wanted via booths. The majority of the populace believe that the booths are safe and nothing could possibly go wrong, but are they correct?

Clare is a fascinating girl as we watch her grow up in a few days from being a normal girl interested in what is on the Air to a kick arse girl who is fighting for survival.

The story is exciting and leaves you wanting to find out what happens when the unthinkable happens. Due to be released in Australia in November, this is a book you must read if you don't want to miss out on an adventure around the world.

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Book Review - Libriomancer by Jim C Hines

Libriomancer by Jim C. Hines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved the way this author writes. Very funny and the storyline just keeps flowing. The characters are well formed and likeable, even the unfriendly ones. The idea that you could reach into a book and pull items out is something most book lovers have fantastised about for many a year. The concept is fascinating and I am going to keep reading the next in the series to see where the author takes it. The dangers of Librimancy seem very realistic and add to the flavour of the book.

Very good, highly recommended!!

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And the winner is.....................

Congratulations - Christine Yelland

                         You have won a Kobo Vox.

 Can you please email us on castlebookshop@internode.on.net with your postal details and ID.

Thank you all for entering our competition and keep an eye out for more great giveaways and promotions.

Haydn Radford - Weekend Notes Book Review - Through a Mother's Eyes - Jackie Barreau

Weekend Notes author Haydn Radford has written a fantastic review of Jackie Barreau's book ' Through a Mother's Eyes'

 

 Jackie Barreau has published a collection of poems, quotations and photographs, published out of inspiration for the many bereaved parents and their terminally ill children.

Go to the link here  to read it.

Haydn Radford Freelance writer living in Adelaide, who enjoys movies, theatre, reading, cooking, food and beverages. Fond of interesting events and meeting creative people of various career paths and achievements.

Book Review - Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a good book, one we would recommend to our friends and work mates. Very well written and you are deceived by the apparent facts of the novel at the very start. It is only as you continue to read you realise just how twisted all the characters are. The author takes you on a dark journey where you come to the conclusion that even if you think you know someone inside and out - you really don't.

You sympathise and like Nick to a certain point in the story and you find that Amy is certainly twisted by her childhood as the main character of her parents novels.

All in all, highly recommended to anyone who likes a good who done it and mind twister.

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Kobo Vox Giveaway

We have 1 Kobo Vox E-Reader to give away.

All you have to do is complete the form below then comment on this blog post in 25 words or less, what books will you enjoy reading on the Kobo Vox?

Open to all Australian Residents. Competition closes 20/09/2013 (25 words or less question is compulsory)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Specifications:

• 7" FFS+ touchscreen (1024 x 600)
• Wi Fi 802.11b/g/n
• AndroidTM 2.3
• 8 GB storage
• Expandable Micro SD Storage
• 7 hour battery
• 192.4mm x 128.4mm; 13.4mm thick
• 402.6g weight  
• Enjoy Wi Fi, Web, Email, Android Apps and More

Book Review - Throne of Glass #2 Crown of Midnight by Sarah J Maas

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In the second book we learn more about Celaena and more about what the King is doing. Treachery and intrigue run rampant and it is a thoroughly good story. I am really enjoying this series and it is very addictive!! The characters are well thought out and they make you want to keep reading to find out what happens to them.


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Reviews By You - Secret Superhero by Justin D'ath (Reviewed by Gina)

The Secret Superhero by Justin D’ath

($14.99)

The Lost World Circus holds some of the world’s lost animals. Other animals have been wiped out by rat flu. The rat cops, which are supposed to be only killing rats, are instead destroying animals with rat flu. Officer Katt, the meanest rat cop of all, is plotting an evil plan to try to close down the Lost World Circus and with it the last animals in the world. Meanwhile, Colt is performing all sorts of amazing acts. To hide who he really is, he and his friend Birdy have come up with the silliest but most effective disguise of all - a clown. Will ‘Superclown’ and his trusty sidekick ‘Clowngirl’ save the last animals on earth?

The main characters are Colt (aka Superclown) and Birdy (aka Clowngirl). Colt is a thirteen year old boy with snowy blonde hair. He has recently discovered that he is incredibly strong. The only problem with that is that after any of his superhuman acts, he faints. The only antidote is a lot of food. Colt met Birdy in The Last Elephant, the first book of this breath-taking series. Birdy is a Flying Flynn, one of the human acts in the circus and she can do amazing tricks. When she is hired to be Superclown’s sidekick, her abilities need to kick in…

I really liked Secret Superhero.  It is so clearly explained I feel like I was in the book, acting out every single scene!

If you are an animal lover, this is the right book for you!

Reviewed by Gina (9 years old)