Reviewed by Victoria, Year 9, Cerdon College, Merrylands
It’s not you, it’s me by Gabrielle Williams
It’s not you, it’s me by Gabrielle Williams is a plot twisting book with supernatural vibes all over it.
We start the book with a bit of confusion as our protagonist, Holly Fitzgerald, a 40-year old woman living in Melbourne Australia in the year 2020 finds herself in some Freaky Friday funk, waking up as a LA teenage girl named Trinity in 1980. Holly has to navigate a whole new life living in another generation, while trying to figure out why/how she’s there.
Having little to no idea how to get back to the present, little things start to line up, leading to a dangerous future intertwining Holly and Trinity awaits them. The plot of the story was fascinating, it kept reeling me in as I continued to read. I couldn’t stop reading near the end of the book, it was so intriguing.
I felt a mixture of shock and heartfelt feelings, perfect for entertainment during the holidays and easy to read. I can definitely tell you that this book was a delight to read. If you’re into horoscopes or the supernatural of the universe, I positively recommend this book to you.
Reviewed by Lillian, Year 11, Cerdon College, Merrylands
Terciel and Elinor by Garth Nix
THIS IS AN AMAZING BOOK!
I’ll start by saying that because this book grabbed me and pulled me right in from page one and I was unable to put it down! But let me start at the beginning.
Garth Nix’s new book, Terciel and Elinor is the prequel to Nix’s Old Kingdom series, uncovering the origin story of Sabriel’s parents who are only mentioned fleetingly in the first book.
Terciel comes from the powerful line of Abhorsens, which are a line of necromancers who put the dead to rest. But the dead don’t always stay dead and some of them are quite powerful…more powerful than the Abhorsen.
Elinor is a nineteen year old young woman who lives sheltered away from the Old Kingdom, and away from the magic that comes from her there, where the charter resides.
After Terciel and Elinor’s first, rather unfortunately timed, meeting, they both divert onto different paths. Elinor is eager to learn about the Charter and the magic she can call upon and her ancestors whereas Terciel and his Aunt, the current Abhorsen, are searching to keep this major dead…well dead. Quickly their lives and fate become entwined with their other and before either of them realise it, their growing love.
As I said earlier, it is a fantastic book, one that I was immediately able to dive into this terrific world-building of the Old Kingdom and draw close to the hearts of Terciel and Elinor, and even made me cry.
I recommend this book for those above 14/15 years of age as there is some brief, mature content and implications not recommended for younger readers.
For any fantasy lovers, and those looking for a good read in general, I recommend this book.
Reviewed by Sarah, Year 10, Cerdon College, Merrylands
Trouble is my Business: An Olivia Grace mystery by Lisa Walker
If you’re looking for a simple read that has an engaging storyline, this book is for you. Trouble is my Business: An Olivia Grace mystery by Lisa Walker is a story in which the protagonist, Olivia Grace, is a law student who has dreams of being the female version of Sherlock Holmes but when her best friend goes missing, she steps up and decides to figure out the mystery herself. Set in the Gold Coast and Byron Bay, this book is not only about a mystery, but also captures the essence of Australia through its beautiful sun and surf. This book an easy beach read, which is ironic, as half of the story is set at a beach.
I was engaged in this novel from the first page and while some parts made me cringe, it was still an enjoyable and interesting read. I recommend this book to students aged 13 and up purely because some parts of this novel are a little graphic and may be hard to understand for younger audiences.
Reviewed by Diya, Year 11, Cerdon College Merrylands
League of Liars by Astrid Scholte
A richly-drawn world where everything is much more than what it seems. League Of Liars by Astrid Scholte is everything a novel should be and more. This fascinating mystery, replete with secrets and perils, will keep you guessing until its final moments. With a riveting plot, indelible characters and the immersive world Scholte has created, this book is unlike no other, brimming with originality.
A crew of four misfits, charged with murder and the illegal use of magic come together to plan the ultimate jailbreak. This is a world where time altering magic, Edem, is feared and prohibited. Anyone caught using the forbidden magic is locked away in Vardean, a most secure prison facility. So when four teens work together to expose the corruption at the root, will they uncover the truth or will they be left helpless fighting for their lives?
Cayder Broduck, has had one goal since the unexpected murder of his mother due to a stranger’s use of Edem; to put away a anyone who uses the unnerving magic. This dream is made true when he accepts an apprenticeship under the best prosecutor in Vardean, Graymond Toyer, despite his father’s wishes. However, when he meets the three offenders he’ll be defending, one being his own sister, he comes to realise that they are teens like him with convoluted pasts. All must rush to distinguish the truth from the lies as their cases unfold.
Astrid Scholte’s inspiration from her childhood, particularly Disney, is clear through the enchanting and magical concepts behind the story. A key feature of the novel is the concept of shadows which are behind Edem. When this black magic is used, shadows appear and take over to fulfil what the user wants. This is almost a metaphor for the explosion of one’s inner turmoil when built up to breaking point. The dark, our shadows, take over and we make irrational decisions. Although a fantasy novel, Scholte has still created pathways and opportunities for a reader to relate the novel to their real, personal lives.
Overall, I highly recommend ‘League of Liars’ to anyone interested in fantasy, thriller or crime novels, or even anyone looking for an intriguing read. This novel is great for individuals with an expansive imagination who also find leisure in the realities of the world. Although anyone can read the book, I strongly suggest it for young adults.
A successful novel with seamless world building, leaving you instantly engrossed in Telene and it’s unique magic, Edem, and the court hierarchy … Scholte has done it yet again.
Reviewed by Jade, Year 11, Cerdon College, Merrylands
Meet me in another life by Catriona Silvey
Thora and Santi are destined to meet. Life after life, they meet in many different ways, as very different people. Their relationship varies from lovers, friends, family members, colleagues, enemies, meeting again and again for the first time, learning and getting to know every version of each other. They are repeatedly drawn together. As they continue to meet again, while trying to piece together all their lives, they begin to wonder why. They need to discover the truth of their continuous bond before all their lives are lost forever. Thora is happy with the chance to live a life where she can avoid making the same mistakes, which creates distance between her and Santi, who has a desire to find out the truth of why and what is happening to them. As the novel progresses, readers are taken on a journey through their countless lives and relationships, where Thora and Santi attempt to discover the truth of their lives.
I loved this book as it was a read that kept me on the edge of my seat, wanting to know what would happen next. As each chapter is switched between the different characters and their different lives, we are able to get a deeper understanding of them and get to know them better, as they are in different bodies every life, yet they stay the same individuals. I loved this book especially because I was unable to predict what would happen next, which drew me to finish the book quicker. I would recommend this novel to anyone 14+, and anyone who would like an escape to many different realities.
Reviewed by Deepana, Year 11, Cerdon College, Merrylands
Green rising by Lauren James
Green Rising by Lauren James is an exciting modern book that focuses on a fantastical twist of climate change and global warming. The main characters, Theo, Gabrielle and Hester are a part of the generation that is gifted with magical abilities of the earth. This book focuses on the political and commercial deals that are made for profit and at the risk of the environment. It represents and predicts the scale of global warming and climate change in the future, allowing readers to understand and experience what that life would be like. The style of writing switching between the characters was interesting as it gave multiple perspectives and interpretations of an event happening. I rate this book ⅘ stars and recommend it 12+.
Reviewed by Christina, Year 11, Cerdon College, Merrylands
Echo in the memory by Cameron Nunn
This Young Adult fiction novel by Cameron Nunn is certainly a good read. As expressed on the back jacket cover, I would definitely agree and categorise this book as an exciting page-turner that explores the darker sides of our convict past and how they are relevant today. The writing is simply beautiful and the characters, in particular William Richards and William Michael, come alive in clear detail.
This novel features two intersecting stories; one set in 1829 (told in the first person) and the other contemporary (told in the third person). It becomes obvious that although the two Williams are separated by two centuries, they share a link. Will Richards has memories about events on his grandparents’ property that he should know nothing about. Nunn weaves these clues between the two narratives. A hint of Will’s preternatural knowledge of historical events is later elaborated upon in convict Will’s thread. The two stories unfold in parallel, and the reader is drawn into the mystery and its tragic climax.
What I most enjoyed from this novel was that although this is a type of ghost story, it eschews any of the tropes associated with ghosts. No jump scares, no spooky figures, no sudden drops in temperature. There are only odd memories, as though the historical William is whispering in the ear of contemporary Will.
The language that Cameron Nunn uses to structure his writing is very well presented, although the text, at times, can be slightly hard to follow due to its complexity. Even through this minor issue, this novel exercises the mind and further develops reading skills.
‘Time present and time past Are both perhaps present in time future, And time future contained in time past’ – ‘Burnt Norton’ (extract) from Four Quartets by T S Eliot
Reviewed by Deeya, Year 9, Cerdon College, Merrylands
Will Kempen, a sixteen-year-old adolescent, and his mother have spent their lives running to avoid danger. Following his mother’s death, the caretaker of Will’s residence provides him with a key and directs him to the ‘Stewards.’ Will quickly realises that he is one of them, and he meets Violet, a young girl of Indian descent who grew up in London. Will solves several problems on his quest; Simon, a Lion who is a direct descendent of the Dark King, is attempting to assassinate Will in order to clear the way for the Dark King to arise; if the Dark King arises, the entire world will fall and darkness will take over. Stewards who have been shielded by a Cup that has been used for generations, and Lions who are following the evil king who is about to rise. The conflict between The Stewards and Lions, like the war between good and evil, has never ended. Violet discovers the truth about her family; she was taken from India only to be sacrificed for her half brother, whom she adored; after discovering the truth, she escapes and finds Will. Will discovers Violet is a Lion, his rival; yet, Will places his whole trust in her, and this is when they become great friends. Will is the only one capable of saving the world from the wicked Dark King. Can Will overcome the Dark King? Will he be able to restore the world’s light? Dark Rise is a story full of plot twists and turns that has been a fascinating novel to read; especially when it comes to revealing additional deep secrets about the book. I believe there will be another book after this one to continue the storyline. I would recommend this book to a reader who enjoys fantasy and historical fiction. C.S. Pacat is a fantastic author, and this is one of my top suggestions for anyone who enjoys the battle between good and evil. I would give this novel a 4 out of five stars because it was a delight to read it.
The One by Kiera Cass has it all. Love, hate, drama, happy endings, tragic ends, and much more may be found in this collection. Maxon Schreave, Crown Prince of Illéa and America Singer, is a 5 from Carolina. In Illéa, the Caste system was utilised to classify people based on their wealth. Maxon Schreave, who came from the wealthiest family, belonged to Caste 1. On the other hand, America Singer from a middle-class family was classified as Caste 5, while a 6, slightly below 5, was classified as lower middle-class. America entered the Selection, in which the next crown prince chooses a wife from a selection of 35 girls from various Castes. She wasn’t even interested, but she needed to help her family with financial issues. Maxon and America first met in the palace garden; it was dark and they have been in love ever since. However, America is unsure about her love for Maxon because of her ex-partner, Aspen Leger, who comes as a Palace guard. She wasn’t over Aspen yet. This later changes, in The One, America and Maxon admit their feelings and how much they love each other. Maxon’s father, King Clarkson, despises America because she is too rebellious and fiery, much like her red hair. Tensions are developed between them both. Will they be able to overcome this challenge, or will they give up? This book is about a beautiful relationship between America Singer and Maxon Schreave, two absolutely mesmerising individuals. They have been through so much together, but they continue to stand tall and strong to protect one other. The One by Kiera Cass is an outstanding novel that has become one of my favourites. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy romance novels as well as historical fiction. Kiera Cass has created an entire series of books based on The Selection. The first book in the series to read is The Selection, followed by The Elite, and then The One. The final two books in the series are The Heir and The Crown. I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars due to the remarkable chemistry between America Singer and Maxon Schreave.
Scarlett McCain is a headstrong, courageous, and slightly stubborn outlaw living in the wild woods of a dystopian England. She’s constantly on the run, constantly in danger, and constantly alone. That is until she meets the survivor of a fatal bus crash, Albert Browne, a boy quite the opposite of Scarlett. Albert is weak, needy, always positive, and forever dependent on Scarlett’s strength and wit. But he is also hiding a secret; an uncontrollable power that has him, like Scarlett, running for his life. The two decide to stick together to ensure they both reach the safety of the Free Isles where no one will question who they are or their convoluted past. But no one said it would be easy. With the help of the boatman Joe, the pair sail down the River Thames to escape the clutches of the Tainted and one very lethal Dr. Calloway. With a few pillaged towns and a bank robbery or two, can the two survive their lives on the run or, worse yet, each other?
Jonathan Stroud’s “The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne” is a thrilling and compelling novel that has you hooked on every word! While the plot took a while to get used to, I found that every page I turned, something new and exciting was awaiting me. I love the contrast between the personalities of Scarlett and Albert; one fierce and one weak, but their friendship is very well thought out and they just seem to balance each other out. I also really enjoyed the setting of a lawless and free England. It had a personality of its own and just added to the adventure and excitement of the novel. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this novel as it took me out of my comfort zone. It was an incredible find and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves daring adventures and even some witty humour.
Rating: I rate this book 5/5 as it really challenged me to read outside my comfort zone and I thoroughly enjoyed the character development and the adventure the protagonists went through.
Age Recommendation: I would recommend this book to anyone aged at least 14+ as it does contain some gory scenes that younger readers may find uncomfortable to sit through.
