Fairy Tale Romance

USA Writers and UK and USA Illustrators

Jodi Picoult & Samantha van Leer (mother and daughter), illustrated by Yvonne Gilbert (UK) and Scott M. Fischer (USA) Off the Page  Allen & Unwin 2015 $29.99pb  373pp

ISBN 978 1 7434 3998 2  Themes: Fairy tales reshaped/ Fantasy/ Romance

Is it possible to take a handsome and romantic young prince (Oliver) from the pages of a fairy tale and transport him into the real world? This is what Delilah most fervently hopes. But there are complications because for Oliver to successfully exist in the ‘real’ world, his place in the pages of the book must be taken by Edgar, Delilah’s regular boy friend. You see the problems? Full of magical relationships, adventure and humour, this sequel to Between the Lines (where Oliver and Delila's story begins) will be enjoyed by many (mainly girls I suspect) with a romantic turn of mind and who are looking for an easy read.  Full page and line illustrations add to the atmosphere.

Year 8 up/ Age 12 up

For more info about this mother and daughter writing team go to: www.jodipicoult.com.au

Fiction (readers 12 and up)

USA Writer

Kate Kae Myers

The Vanishing Game

Bloomsbury 2014   $19.99pb 353pp

ISBN 978 1 6196 3127 4

Themes: Brothers & sisters/ Death/ Foster homes/ Love stories/ Mental illness/ Supernatural stories/ Twins

When her twin brother, Jack, dies in a car crash, Jocelyn is overwhelmed with grief. Then she receives a letter from her brother who, it seems, may be very much alive. A cleverly written thriller that really packs a punch in its ending and has the reader going right back to the beginning to see what clues they must have missed.

Year 8 up/ Age 12 up

Fiction (readers 12 and up)

USA Writer

James Patterson (with Emily Raymond)

The Lost

Witch & Wizard series

Young Arrow 2015 (2014)   $29.99pb 347pp

ISBN 978 0 0995 6775 2

Themes: Good v. evil/ Magic/ Power/ Series

Whit and Wisty Allgood, the brother and sister team, have fought against and now seemingly defeated the evil dictator The One Who is the One and all that he stands for. But. This is no time for complacency for a catastrophic evil is pending and if it takes control not even the Allgoods will be able to prevent it taking over. This is the fifth and final title in the series and hopefully the many fans of the series will feel satisfaction at the ending – and be happy to now have the book in paperback format.     

Year 8 up/ Age 12 up

Fiction - Age 12 and up

TO BE PUBLISHED TODAY

Australian Writer John Flanagan Scorpion Mountain Brotherband Series Book Five

Random House, Australia  2014  $22.99pb   461pp ISBN 978 1 7427 5936 4

Themes: Assassinations/ Fantasy/ Series

Fans of the Brotherband series have been well catered for in 2014 with Slaves of Socorro coming earlier in the year and publishing today (7.11.14) is the latest in the series - Scorpion Mountain. Hal, that unlikely hero, and the Heron Brotherband have received a frightening message from King Duncan of Araluen. His daughter Cassandra has nearly been killed by ruthless members of the Scorpion cult and next time she won’t be so lucky. Can Hal and his gang step in and prevent this happening?

For a background to the series and to hear John Flanagan talking about it, visit his website at: www.worldofjohnflanagan.com/the-brotherband-chronicles/

This book can be read on its own but it will be much more satisfying for newcomers to the series (if there are any! ) to start at the beginning with Book One The Outcasts.

Year 8 up/ Age 12 up