I first noticed this book when I saw an advert for it, and I requested a review copy just because I loved the cover! The publishers very kindly sent out a copy, and thankfully the contents didn’t let me down.

On face value, this is a fairytale for children – September is a twelve year old girl who’s taken away by a Green Wind and a Leopard, and taken to Fairyland. She meets some strange characters, gets involved in some strange incidents, and goes on a quest. However, things are not as they should be, and September may just be the person to fix things.

This is not, however, *just* a tale for children, as there’s plenty on offer for adults. It’s an imaginative world, where the usual rules don’t apply, and nothing is really as it seems. The writing style is lyrical and rather wonderful, and it’s easy to lose yourself in the world, and almost hope to visit!

It reminded me of Alice in Wonderland and Labyrinth, with a proper plot running through, and some colourful, memorable characters, such as the wonderfully loyal dragon who believes his father is a library! I’m hoping Catherynne returns to this world soon, and I’d love to see it made into a film.

Recommended for children, and those young at heart – lose yourself in this weird but delightful world.

Published by Corsair, paperback June 2012

Synopsis: Sitting in his caravan, drinking what is left of his coffee (dust), Otto has narrowly escaped death at the hands of allied bombs. Convinced his luck has run out and he will not see morning, he decides to record the story of his life for the poor soul who finds his body.

And what a story it is. Years earlier, when he was in either Buda or Pest, working at the circus, a newspaper article was brought to his attention. Why? Because in it was a picture of a particular Turkish prince, called to Albania to be their new king. And this prince just happens to bear a striking resemblance to Otto.

A plan is formed, adventure is born and with the help of Otto’s friends, enemies (and a camel), Albania is about to get a king it never bargained for.

Review

If You Are Reading This, I’m Already Dead, Andrew Nicoll’s third novel, is at heart a joyous, rip-roaring romp of a tale, so utterly unbelievable and completely ridiculous that you can’t help but be swept along by this sensational story. In many ways, though, this is far from Andrew’s tale; it is that of Otto Witte, former talented acrobat, possessor of some simply wonderful whiskers, and King of Albania. All he has now, sat in his little caravan as the bombs fall around him and he awaits his death, is his memories, and a story that he is determined to tell before it is his time to go.

In what can only be described as an outrageous narrative, Otto takes us on his daring, death-defying journey from the life of a circus performer in Buda or Pest – in his old age he can’t seem to remember – to the throne of Albania. It is a decision based on a whim; a photo that looks exactly like him, but surely not enough to pack up, steal a camel and a cash box, and depart from town? Apparently so, as this is exactly what he does. Sensing adventure, his friends agree to accompany him on his crazy quest; even if some are more reluctant than others.

A blind, intelligent professor; his beautiful daughter Sarah; the wild, provocative character of Tifty; Otto’s best friend Max, strong as an ox and as loyal as they come. Let’s not forget the camel, of course. Nicoll creates a wonderful web of characters that will help Otto on his ludicrous quest, seemingly destined to end in failure. From duelling with a maniac named Varga, who first arrests them and takes an unwelcome fancy to his best friend, to a shouting match with a stationmaster, based on impulse and improvisation. Otto reminisces of the past as the ash blows down from the sky and the flames flicker outside his home.

Otto knows he has precious little time left, and is brutally honest in his anecdotes, bringing a mixture of colourful language and many boastful hints at his youthful adventures with the ladies. Otto, ultimately, is an endearing character; the reader feels for him as he sits alone, a former shadow of his once illustrious self, and nearing death. This for me is what makes Nicoll’s novel a marvellous creation: the blend of humour and of humility that is shown as the narrative switches between his previous life and the one he suffers in now.

Nicoll’s writing is captivating; he engages the reader and makes you feel like your part of the journey. Swept up with Otto’s journey, the incredulity that you feel at such a preposterous tale is soon forgotten as you get caught up in the vivid picture Otto, and thus Nicoll, creates. From boisterous brass bands to the strange and mysterious Arbuthnot, Otto and his friends must face many obstacles if they are to achieve the impossible aim of conquering Albania.

Then again, with a camel in tow, it should be a breeze.

4/5.

James is a young man who’s had a very difficult life. When we meet him, he’s living in a small flat after living on the streets, and he’s trying to make some money by busking. Into his life comes one remarkable cat, who he names Bob – and this book tells the story of their relationship, and how James starts to claim back his life.

The focus really is on Bob, who is a very smart, loyal cat. We find out some of James’ back story, but the focus is on looking forward, and making changes, which I loved. It’s also an insight into life on the streets  - James doesn’t hold back when talking about his problems, and some of the other people, but he also shows that there are people genuinely trying to help themselves – I think I, like many others who read this book, will make more of an effort to buy the Big Issue now.

It’s written in a fairly simple style, which is part of it’s appeal. It’s not high literature, nor is it written in a way to tug your emotional heartstrings.. although touched you will be. This is one guy, telling your his story.. and the story of the cat who quite simply changed his life. I wish them both all the best in the future.

They were sent from Maverick Books, and my over all impression was very positive – they are professionally produced, with bright illustrations, and large print which is both fun and readable.

This was also Amy’s first comment as she flicked through – she felt the writing was easy to read, and the illustrations were fun. She then sat to read each book, and give me her thoughts..

Grandma Bendy by Izy Penguin
This tells the story of a gran with very long, bendy arms and legs. When she was younger she used to be a burglar, but after being locked in prison, she learnt she was wrong, and now uses her bendy limbs to help people, and be a cool gran. Amy said it was good to show what she did wrong, and she also liked the little mice who popped up in the pictures.

The Jelly That Wouldn’t Wobble by Angela Mitchell
I think this one was my own personal favourite, telling the story of a rather stubborn jelly, and the attempts to make it wobble for the Princess. It would be great for reading out aloud, and I could imagine this being popular in nurseries and schools.

The Fearsome Beasties by Giles Paley-Phillips
This one was a little different, telling the story of a Beastie who does actually manage to eat some children – although he does get chopped in half, and the children escape! It’s written in rhyme, which is usually popular with children, and the dark humour reminded me of Roald Dahl. Amy liked it, but she did feel it would be better for slightly older children, in case it scared the little ones.

The books are designed for 3-7 year olds, which I think is about right – they’re good for reading out loud, and then for older years to read themselves. Thank you to Maverick Books for letting me take a look.

The protagonist Jeanne Le Page returns to the Island of Guernsey following the death of her Grandmother, this is a reluctant trip due to a personal tragedy that occurred fifteen years previous, however she is also escaping an unhappy life in England. The stay in Guernsey brings her flashbacks and nightmares of the tragedy but she also experiences new mystery’s and tragedy’s during her stay. Jeanne has inherited her Grandmothers cottage, which in itself brings more mystery and drama.

Jeanne’s initial plan to sell the cottage and return to England is disturbed by the influence of friends, romantic interests and the discovery and resolution of many mystery’s, which all attract her to stay.

This is a really atmospheric and descriptive piece of writing,  I was transformed to the Island of Guernsey and could imagine every detail without much effort. As well as being a great fictional story I have learnt more about the Island, it’s fascinating history and culture. It is an obviously well researched novel and with the touch of history relating to the German Occupation, it really brought the story to life.

This is a great mystery novel, with plenty of intriguing sub-plots and suspense which kept me reading even when it was time to go to bed! I found myself guessing correctly what was happening but this didn’t discourage me from enjoying the book because the suspense was enough to keep going to check I was right.

This is an easy, enjoyable and intriguing read. Great for the Summer, sat in the sun and reading over a glass of wine! Highly recommended.

Synopsis:

It’s the discovery that will make Miranda Lovelady’s career… if she can prove it. And the secret she’s unearthed is enough to convince Doctor Bill Brockton to abandon the Body Farm and fly to Avignon. The medieval city is picturesque, but deadly.

When their colleague is found crucified in a ruined chapel, Brockton and Miranda become entangled in a terrifying conspiracy, far bigger than either of them can imagine. For the bones of Jesus of Nazareth would be the find of the millennium.

And when the secret leaks, there will be people watching: the Vatican, the police, and a murderous fanatic, who plans to use the bones to trigger the Apocalypse.

Review

The Bones of Avignon is the seventh novel in the Body Farm series, and is the most ambitious one to date. The writing partnership that gives its name to ‘Jefferson Bass’, Jon Jefferson – veteran journalist and documentary filmmaker – and Dr Bill Bass, a world-famous forensic archaeologist, is a fantastic collaboration, producing a wonderful blend of culture and history, juxtaposed with fiction. The result, it has to be said, is a truly thrilling tale through time.

Dr Bill Brockton, whisked from the routine of the Body Farm, arrives at the ancient city of Avignon, with no clue of what is going on. Not long after, he is wishing he had remained ignorant. Stephen, Miranda’s colleague and old flame, has a discovery which will change everything: bones that will threaten to destroy a secret that has remained hidden for two thousand years.

The reader, through terrific description and a ferociously paced plot, is taken on a sprawling journey; from the hidden dungeons of the Palais de Papes, to the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, which holds the infamous Shroud of Turin. We move on a journey with the characters as they strive to answer questions that for a long time have gone unasked. As they attempt to unravel the mysteries, there are those that are determined to stop them; many eyes watch in the shadows of the night, each with their own agenda.

From a kind-hearted priest that takes pity on the doctor when he receives some bad news, to the delightful couple that house Bill Brockton in the charming Lumani residence, the authors weave a rich web of characters through our tale. Painters from the past, their actions shown to us in flashbacks, a dangerous fanatic that plans to bring the world to its knees. Who can be trusted in a tale where one misplaced instinct could bring disastrous circumstances?

The Bones of Avignon is a story of murder and blood, death and deception. A combination of history and fiction gives the reader a tale rich with action, each page promising to bring new twists and turns in the journey to discover the true meaning behind the bones of Avignon.

4/5.

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UK only
Closing date midnight Sat 26th May

Interview with Tanya Byrne

UK only
Closing date midnight Sat 26th May 2012

Read my review of Hollow Pike

Hollow Pike tells the story of Lis London, a teenager who moves in with her older sister to escape bullying at her old school. When she’s befriended by the popular girls at her new school, she hopes she’ll get the new start she hoped for.

It soon becomes apparent however, that she’s drawn to three outsiders, and she has to make a decision between the two groups. However, when a prank ends horribly, she has to question everyone.

On one level, this is a tale about fitting in, friendship, finding out who you are, and dealing with the effects of bullying. James has captured the thoughts and actions of this age group, and he’s created some rather brilliant characters, especially Kitty and Delilah.

On another level is a murder mystery, which leads Lis to question who could be responsible, and who she can trust.

Finally, there’s a supernatural element – the witchcraft mentioned on the cover is essential to the story, but is subtly done. The writing is very atmospheric, and the tension builds to a crescendo at the end.

These various elements work so well together, it has a creepy feel without being too scary, and I would highly recommend it to fans of most YA genres – and there’s plenty to appeal to adults as well. It’s a contemporary tale which blends seamlessly with ancient tales of witchcraft, all brought together by some excellent writing.

James Dawson is another author I knew nothing about until invited to a Foyles YA event. I’m glad that changed, because Hollow Pike was one of my favourite reads this year, and I look forward to whatever comes next. It has been hinted that if Hollow Pike is popular enough, we may get to hear Kitty’s story next. That’s something I’d love to read, so please go ahead and buy!

You can find out more about James on his blog, including why he’s hoping to become the first male Queen of Teen!

Win a signed copy of Hollow Pike

 When her four-year-old daughter informs her a sick man is in their yard, Honor Gillette rushes out to help him. But that ‘sick’ man turns out to be Lee Coburn, the man accused of murdering seven people the night before. Dangerous, desperate, and armed, he promises Honor that she and her daughter won’t be hurt as long as she does everything he asks. She has no choice but to accept him at his word.

But Honor soon discovers that those close to her can’t be trusted. Coburn claims that her beloved late husband possessed something extremely valuable that places Honor and her daughter in grave danger. And Coburn is there to retrieve it – at any cost.

Review

 A web of lies that runs deep through a family and their immediate friends. Corruption that runs deep through the police, the sheriff’s office, even the FBI. A man on the run after escaping a warehouse where he is alleged to have murdered seven people in cold blood. A four-year-old girl and her mother caught up in a whirlwind of death and deceit. An elusive, mysterious criminal mastermind called The Bookkeeper who presides over all, turning the screws in the grand plan.

From the moment Honor Gillette rushes outside to help a sick man, instead to find a gun pointed at her chest, the reader knows they are in for something special. Honor finds herself unable to trust anyone, even those around her, as she works to unravel the mysteries of her husband Eddie’s death. Coburn is menacing and ruthless, tearing apart their idyllic family lifestyle and their home to pieces – stopping at nothing to achieve his goals. Yet there is something more to this man that meets the eye and Honor soon starts to realise not everything is as it seems.

To find answers hidden by a dead man would be difficult enough, but the job becomes a whole lot tougher when you are on the run, with nowhere to hide. Doral Hawkins, tough guy and city manager searches tirelessly, while Stan Gillette – Honor’s father-in-law and ex-marine – will stop at nothing to make sure his family is found safe. It seems everyone is on their tail, as Coburn tries to remain one step ahead of the law enforcements. Then there is The Bookkeeper, the thread which weaves the characters together, remaining in the shadows, not afraid to give the order to kill in order to tie up the loose ends.

The author takes us on a sprawling journey of love and of death from a dirty swamp and a decrepit boat that threatens to sink into the muddy marshes at any given time, to an abandoned train track where an explosive meeting threatens to ruin everything they have worked towards. Stolen kisses in the midst of danger, a young man who stalks the streets with his razor in hand and a history that shows he is not afraid to use it. It seems Honor must remain faithful to her instincts, if she is to see this one through to the very end.

Sandra Brown’s latest novel is a rip-roaring, turn-pager of a thriller that has you glued to your seat, unable to move until you have seen it through to its conclusion. With twists and turns that continue to the very last page, never accept anything at face value with this intricately written, fiendishly clever tale.

4/5.