When Doctor Stephen Swain and his daughter Holly were teleported to the New York State Library, it was the beginning of a few hours of absolute terrorWhen Doctor Stephen Swain and his daughter Holly were teleported to the New York State Library, it was the beginning of a few hours of absolute terror. Swain learned from his guide, Selexin, that the Presidian contest had seven contestants - one of whom was Swain himself. The library was surrounded by an electric current and there was no way out. Swain - along with the other contestants - wore a wrist watch which couldn't be removed. The last contestant alive would be the one who left the library. But in the meantime, Swain had to protect Holly as well as find a way out of the mess they were in, while trying to avoid the creatures from other dimensions that were trying to kill him...
First published in 1996, Contest is Aussie author Matthew Reilly's debut novel. I first read it in 2003; now, almost twenty years later, I've thoroughly enjoyed it again. With an explosive pace, full of incredible action, and an unputdownable storyline, I devoured it. Mr Reilly has a great talent at his fingertips - I loved The Secret Runners of New York when it was released; it's along the same lines as this one. Highly recommended....more
The Saha Estates housed the poor and destitute in an area called Town. Jin-Kyung and her younger brother Do-Kyung lived together in one of the small aThe Saha Estates housed the poor and destitute in an area called Town. Jin-Kyung and her younger brother Do-Kyung lived together in one of the small apartments and when Do-Kyung and a pediatrician called Su moved in together in the Saha Estates, their apartment was away from Jin-Kyung's. The day that Su's body was discovered in a car, the police, brutal and opportunistic, came searching for Do-Kyung. But he had disappeared...
Saha by Cho Nam-Joo is a strange book. Moving back and forth, and about various different people, I had trouble working out what stage it was at most of the time. I couldn't feel any empathy for the characters, and the cruel brutality of the police was startling. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy Saha and it wasn't for me.
With thanks to Simon & Schuster AU for my uncorrected proof ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
When Imre fell as she was performing the Dance of a Thousand Steps, her ankle was badly damaged. But also, her accident caused the chain to be broken When Imre fell as she was performing the Dance of a Thousand Steps, her ankle was badly damaged. But also, her accident caused the chain to be broken as the dance had been performed yearly for the past five hundred years. The chaos which befell the city of Cuidad mas Grande, was that Imre's fault? The Brotherhood believed it to be so. Moved to the Citadel, Imre first lived in the den with the other women, then was moved to be near the Principe Regente, Thaniel who would soon be named king. But worse, much worse, was to come...
The White Pavilion is the 1st in The Cosmic Winds series by Aussie author Ruth Fox, and I found it very confusing, especially for the first 25% or so. So many characters, strange words and names - but gradually I settled into the story and found Imre to be a strong, determined young woman, compassionate and caring. Her desire to save the Principe Regente at all costs saw disaster follow disaster. For fans of steampunk, dystopian and science fiction, I'd recommend The White Pavilion highly.
With thanks to Hague Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
The debut novel by Aussie/New Zealand author Clare Moleta, Unsheltered, is set in a harsh, dystopian environment, and touches on quite a lot of themesThe debut novel by Aussie/New Zealand author Clare Moleta, Unsheltered, is set in a harsh, dystopian environment, and touches on quite a lot of themes. I struggled with it unfortunately, over four days, and didn’t enjoy it. I loved the premise, but almost immediately was confused as the book has no speech marks at all. He said, she said. I was unable to connect with the characters although I could understand Li’s love for her lost eight-year-old daughter, Mattie. A disappointing read which has varied ratings. Not for me I’m sorry to say....more
In a dystopian Australia set well into the future, where time chips were inserted into your brain stem at birth, the maximum life span for anyone was In a dystopian Australia set well into the future, where time chips were inserted into your brain stem at birth, the maximum life span for anyone was 65 and once you’d reached that age, your life was terminated by Rest Time. To keep the population down, only one child per family was permitted.
Doctor Varya Galanos was a physicist in Melbourne who’d invented a special technology, which was in turn stolen by time thieves. Young children were abducted, and their life spans stolen, with the children dying within hours of returning to their families. Ten years prior the thieves were caught, and the technology destroyed, but during that time Varya’s four-year-old son, Kir, developed an aggressive and terminal form of cancer. Varya was determined to find a cure for childhood illnesses and formed the Minor Miracles Foundation to work on a cure so others wouldn’t lose their beloved offspring. But when children began disappearing once again, Varya’s guilt and desperation caused all sorts of problems…
Stealing Time by Aussie author Rebecca Bowyer has a huge focus on mothers and their children (or in this case, their child) and what they would do for them. The situation of a damaged Australia – and across the world - where climate change has caused lack of food and resources, where the aged are not of any value (I’d have been terminated already!), where death is peaceful (if you’ve reached 65 and been a model citizen) or brutal if you’re a criminal – I’m very glad this book is fiction! Entertaining and different, Stealing Time is well worth a read. Recommended.
With thanks to Rebecca Bowyer and NetGalley for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Peter Holmes was a Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Australian Navy and was soon to join the USS Scorpion as a liaison officer under an American submPeter Holmes was a Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Australian Navy and was soon to join the USS Scorpion as a liaison officer under an American submarine captain, Commander Dwight Towers. Peter lived on a farm just outside Melbourne with his wife Mary and their baby daughter Jennifer. Since the radioactive particles from the nuclear bombs of WWIII had started drifting across the earth, communities in the northern hemisphere had been wiped out. The southern hemisphere had quickly followed, and northern Australia had already succumbed. The object of the US submarine was to tour the northern waters for signs of life - as far as the United States and Seattle in particular since a staticky morse code could occasionally be heard from that vicinity.
As the residents of Melbourne continued on with their lives, some with calm demeanors, not believing what was to come, continuing to plan for the future, while others lost themselves in a bottle, trying to drown out reality...
On the Beach by Aussie author Nevil Shute was originally published in 1957, with the story set in the future (of that time) of 1963. A fascinating story with nightmarish qualities which settled on ordinary everyday people. Buying gifts for people who were quite obviously no longer with us; planting a vegetable garden; repairing fences – all with only weeks to go until the end… Highly recommended.
“It's not the end of the world at all," he said. "It's only the end for us. The world will go on just the same, only we shan't be in it. I dare say it will get along all right without us.”
With thanks to Text Publishing for my hardcover copy which is a reprinting of the 1957 original release. ...more
Rab and Cloud had lived for a long time as captives of the Feathers, and although they were able to do certain things, life was hard. The work in the Rab and Cloud had lived for a long time as captives of the Feathers, and although they were able to do certain things, life was hard. The work in the mines weakened the humans, while Cloud’s knowledge of herbs and medicines kept her relatively safe. It was good to have Fin, his wife Neila and son Tickie close by, as Rab and Fin would discuss their various options out of hearing of the Feathers. When a raid by Top-Siders saw two of their children captured and taken away, Rab knew they had to follow to get them back. But they had to leave without the Feathers knowledge…
Lilly was an interpreter between the Feathers and humans, and her carer Button was rarely away from Lilly’s side. The leader of the Feathers, the Kun, was strict and sometimes cruel, so Rab had no desire to get on the wrong side of him. Would they find the two children who’d been kidnapped? Would Rab and Cloud take their chances above ground with the Top-Siders, or return to the home they’d always known? And what about Pi’a’weh? Whose side was he on?
The Unforgotten is the 3rd and final in the Safe Harbour series by Aussie author Shaune Lafferty Webb, and I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with Rab, Fin, Gift and Cloud again and meeting new characters, while following them on their journey forwards. A great conclusion to the series, I feel it’s one of those that should be read in order of publication to fully appreciate the story. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Andrew Harvey at Hague Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
It had been around two decades since the Doom struck, killing the majority of civilization, and all the while Fallon Swift was readying herself; prepaIt had been around two decades since the Doom struck, killing the majority of civilization, and all the while Fallon Swift was readying herself; preparing to free those imprisoned or impoverished by the Purity Warriors and Dark Uncanny. As she built her armies, her leaders proved themselves time and again – her brother Colin, Duncan and his twin Tonia, Mick, Mallick and many more – and with her mother and father by her side, Fallon knew it was time.
Fallon was The One; but she couldn’t do it on her own. Her ultimate goal would be the hardest, but to remove the Dark completely she would take it one step at a time. All the while supported by more and more who would fight for the Light. Could it be done? Fallon was determined; the enemy would be extinguished…
Wow! The Rise of Magicks is such a powerful novel, a brilliant conclusion to the Chronicles of the One trilogy by Nora Roberts – I loved it; loved them all. She is such a talented woman; her pen just flows with the words. Captivating, intriguing, poignant, intense, gripping – breathtaking! The image of the tree of life on the cover of my copy is outstanding and I found the meaning as I read. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Hachette AU for my copy to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Finn and Kas had been lulled into a false sense of safety in their small coastal town which now held only them and the elderly Ray. Along with Rowdy, Finn and Kas had been lulled into a false sense of safety in their small coastal town which now held only them and the elderly Ray. Along with Rowdy, Finn’s dog. Surfing, fishing, diving – enjoying themselves. Until the day the truck arrived, demanding anyone who had survived to turn themselves in. JT and Daymu had joined them before the truck’s arrival, weak and exhausted after their escape. Finn knew they needed a few more days for the two of them to build up strength, but they didn’t have the luxury of time.
With Kas and Daymu still wearing trackers – Siley’s could never escape – Finn knew they needed to get away. But their escape was foiled. Their capture was particularly hard as the girls were separated from the boys and Finn and JT knew they were in trouble. Taken to two different compounds – a long way apart – the future looked bleak for them all. But Finn and JT were determined to escape – any opportunity and they’d be gone. But could they? The soldiers were brutal, their cruelty knew no bounds.
Would Finn and JT manage an escape and be able to rescue the girls?
Land of Fences is the 3rd and final in the Winter Trilogy by Aussie author Mark Smith, and I’m very sad it’s over. A brilliant set of dystopian young adult novels set in Australia, the intrigue and mystery along with the electrifying pace is captivating. Thoroughly enjoyable, Land of Fences is one not to be missed. But this is a trilogy that must be read in order to appreciate the ongoing story. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Text Publishing for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Twin siblings, Skye and Red Rogers had no choice but to move to Manhattan when their father became unable to care for them, (plus an incident from SkyTwin siblings, Skye and Red Rogers had no choice but to move to Manhattan when their father became unable to care for them, (plus an incident from Skye’s past had bearing on the decision) but to move in with their mother and step-father was not what Skye wished for. She and her mother had never seen eye to eye; but going to a new high school was even worse to comprehend. Red immediately slotted in with the cool kids – that was his way – but Skye was awkward and uncomfortable. It was Jenny who made the first move toward Skye. But Misty and her friends were the elite – nasty, intimidating, manipulative – would Skye ever fit in? And did she even want to?
When Skye was invited to join a group called the Secret Runners of New York, she had no idea what she was in for. The talk of a global apocalypse had been on everyone’s lips for some time, but no one could quite believe it. Until the group headed underground and through a portal to the future. Shocking was a mild way of looking at it – could they change the future? The thought of what was to come sent shivers down their spines…
The Secret Runners of New York – wow! I was enthralled! Aussie author Matthew Reilly has really hit the ball out of the park with this one. Centred around a group of young, elite, rich socialite teenagers who had no care for anyone but themselves – then along came Skye and Red. The ensuing story was in turn captivating, horrifying, breathtaking and ghastly; I thoroughly enjoyed it! Highly recommended.
With thanks to Pan Macmillan AU for my uncorrected proof ARC (wrapped in special The Runners of New York gift wrap) to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Dreading, and knowing what she knew would happen on her thirteenth birthday, nevertheless when Mallick arrived on horseback to collect her Fallon SwifDreading, and knowing what she knew would happen on her thirteenth birthday, nevertheless when Mallick arrived on horseback to collect her Fallon Swift was shocked. Her parents were shocked, as were her brothers. But she was The One, and she had to learn to be The One – it would be two years before she would see her family again. Could she do it? Was she strong enough?
Although the Doom of thirteen years prior was over, the destruction and devastation of everything in the world was immense. The powers of darkness were strong; the evil gangs of Raiders and Purity Warriors hunted to kill. Fallon knew she had to learn all she could, and then more - and Mallick was the one to guide her. The community of New Hope was in her future – changing the world for the better also was. But it was the small shelter in the forest where she made friends with faeries, elves and shifters while training; where she completed her quests and earned the rewards, that showed her what she would become.
Of Blood and Bone is the 2nd in the Chronicles of the One trilogy by Nora Roberts, and WOW! Utterly breathtaking! The author is a gifted storyteller, and Of Blood and Bone shows her vast talents. Strong and well-crafted characters combined with spectacular writing left me wondering how I’ll wait for #3! And I know it’ll be well worth the wait! Highly recommended.
With thanks to Hachette AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
As the family who had come together for Christmas/New Year celebrations in the cold Scottish countryside, left and headed back to their respective homAs the family who had come together for Christmas/New Year celebrations in the cold Scottish countryside, left and headed back to their respective homes, little did they know they were the bearers of a horrible, shocking sickness that would be christened The Doom, and would kill in days. In New York, as people sickened and died, terror and madness spread throughout the community. With the world-wide decimation though, there were some who were immune – they didn’t know why, or how, but they were. And they had to escape the madness while they could…
Max Fallon and Lana Bingham were two such people – as was journalist Arlys and rookie Fred who manned the local TV station. Getting out of New York City any way they could, they encountered horror and evil in streets that had been obliterated of anything familiar. Separately each small group headed out, as did other survivors; Rachel, a doctor; Jonah, a paramedic along with Katie and her babies. None of them knew where they would end up – or even if they would survive – but they would do all they could to start a new life.
The magic that some felt inside was filled with light – but others knew only darkness. The travellers needed to be careful who they trusted. What would be the outcome? Could they feel hope for the future when it seemed there were very few people left? They only knew their old world would never be the same again – Year One had begun…
Year One is #1 in the Chronicles of The One series by prolific author Nora Roberts. This woman is amazing! She can write anything. I absolutely devoured Year One and am really looking forward to book 2 in the (hopefully) not too distant future. A dystopian fantasy novel which is fast-paced, intriguing, magical and just plain exhilarating, Year One is one I highly recommend.
With thanks to Hachette AU for my ARC to read and review. ...more
Jacky was terrified but determined not to be caught again. The Settlers were brutal with anyone caught running away – they were brutal anyway. At bestJacky was terrified but determined not to be caught again. The Settlers were brutal with anyone caught running away – they were brutal anyway. At best, he’d be thrown in jail, and worst, a bullet in the back. But he was so hungry; he could find water, brackish though it might be – but finding food without a weapon was nigh on impossible. Stealing was his only option, but with stealing came immense danger.
Sister Bagra, Mother Superior of the mission, was charged with educating the Native children to become servants. She was a woman who never smiled; fought to control her anger and disciplined at the slightest fault. The children’s fear in her presence was palpable.
Esperance lived in an isolated camp with her mob; her Grandfather one of the elders. Never having enough water – it hadn’t rained in at least two years – and always desperate for food, the humans struggled from one day to the next. But they were always wary of the Settlers and needed to move camp more and more often.
Sergeant Rohan was on the hunt for Jacky – his frustration and anger at Jacky’s constant evasion of Rohan and the troopers had him swearing he would catch him if it was the last thing he did. The Natives were getting restless – if Jacky could escape there was a big chance others would try as well…
Terra Nullius by Aussie author Claire G. Coleman is an intriguing look into Australia’s distant future – a fully fictionalised future – where hope is lost for the Indigenous people after the invasion of the Settlers and their ilk. Set in a stark and desolate Western Australia, the main habitation is located where Perth once was. A completely mind-blowing debut novel from an author who was the Winner of the black&write! Fellowship in 2016. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Hachette Australia for my ARC to read and review. ...more
Having just arrived at Disneyland, the students and their teachers were shocked to see a plane plummeting to the ground off in the distance. Learning Having just arrived at Disneyland, the students and their teachers were shocked to see a plane plummeting to the ground off in the distance. Learning an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) had occurred, the head teacher organized groups with plans on what to do. They were all from Canada, so a long way from home. Some would attempt to sail, some would go to the Embassy and Alex, Quinn, Josh, Cooper and Dara would walk and cycle if they could get pushbikes.
Their adventures as they made their way across the country were sometimes quiet, sometimes exciting – but never dull. The danger they faced had them on alert, watching each other’s backs the whole time. Adjusting to no electricity, no electronics, no running water, was difficult, but they did it. It helped that Alex and a couple of others were from farms. But would they make it across 1500 miles of country? They missed their families; hated to think what had happened. The post-apocalyptic country was vastly different to anything they’d known.
Stranded: Land is the first in the Stranded series by Theresa Shaver and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Young adult/post apocalypse adventures with a group of sixteen-year-old teens, strong and resilient. Alex was a great leader and together they made a strong team. The abrupt ending was a shock – it obviously flows straight into book 2, Stranded: Sea – so of course I’m going to have to pick that one up soon! Highly recommended. ...more
With Kas still grieving deeply for Rose, Finn and Willow had done the bulk of the trapping, fishing and collecting of food. But with the bitter winterWith Kas still grieving deeply for Rose, Finn and Willow had done the bulk of the trapping, fishing and collecting of food. But with the bitter winter almost behind them, Finn knew it would soon be time to move. He didn’t want to leave their secure place – home by the surf and where his parents had been before the virus took them was his sanctuary. But he knew the promise they had made Rose needed to be carried out.
As the three friends headed toward the valley they were on full alert. The Wilders would be on the hunt and so would Ramage - the dangers were critical. But they continued to head for the valley, Kas leading with Finn and Willow following; their packs plus the damage from recent storms making the going tough. They were completely unprepared for what faced them on their arrival…
Would the Wilders find them? What would be the outcome? And would they fulfil their promise to Rose when the evil and cruelty threatened to overwhelm them?
Intense and breathtaking, Wilder Country by Aussie author Mark Smith is the second in the Winter series and a highly entertaining sequel that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last page. Gritty, powerful and filled with fast-paced action, Wilder Country is brilliant! I can’t wait for #3!
With thanks to Text Publishing for my ARC to read and review....more
Once again at the entrance to the tunnels and ready to descend, Rab was exhausted from his search for the young girl, now a young woman who had gone mOnce again at the entrance to the tunnels and ready to descend, Rab was exhausted from his search for the young girl, now a young woman who had gone missing all that time ago. He had made a promise to Gift, and his determination to find her and keep that promise was what kept him returning top-side regularly, after only a few days rest plus the replenishing of his food supplies among the tunnel-dwellers.
Stitch and Fin were the brothers Rab had arrived with ten years prior, and they had remained, becoming tunnel-dwellers while Rab searched. Cloud was another friend who’d been rescued from the Top-siders; she was an expert in the farming of ‘shrooms below ground – the tunnel-dwellers staple diet. But Rab had only been “home” for a day when a tragic accident occurred at the ‘shroom plantation – when Rab discovered what Fin wanted to do he was angry. But he agreed to guide them back to their old village; the home they’d left to find a better life…
Their journey was long; the landscape vast and lonely – their arrival at the village confirmed Rab’s original conviction that there would be no one there. And it looked like it had been abandoned for a long time. But Rab was shocked to notice evidence of a fire – had there been someone there recently? Was it top-siders or bounty hunters? Or someone else entirely?
Faithless is the 2nd in the Safe Harbour series by Aussie author Shaune Lafferty Webb and follows on nicely from the first (Cold Faith). Rab’s character has matured, but with his continuing search for Gift, part of his psych has stalled. Cloud is a great stabilising character and adds to the intrigue and emotion of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed Faithless and will be looking forward to the third in the series. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Hague Publishing for my digital copy to read and review. ...more
Nurse Harper Grayson was working with the hundreds of people infected by what was commonly called Dragonscale –Wow! What a mind-blowing read this was!
Nurse Harper Grayson was working with the hundreds of people infected by what was commonly called Dragonscale – a highly contagious spore which settled in the body; sometimes laying quietly dormant, other times causing the infected person to spontaneously combust. Harper was a kind and compassionate person with no concern for herself – making her patients comfortable and giving them a measure of happiness gave her satisfaction. When she first met The Fireman he had a small child in his arms in the waiting room of the hospital – Harper’s life was about to change…
When the hospital burnt to the ground Harper and others managed to escape – though many didn’t. It was no different to other parts of the country – ash was more common than buildings in those terrible days. But when Harper’s husband Jakob decided they would die together – commit suicide to escape the ‘scale – Harper rebelled. She had recently discovered her pregnancy; she wanted this baby and if she could remain alive long enough to deliver she had hopes of a future, at least for her baby.
With Jakob having checked out of reality, the Cremation Squads on the hunt and panic everywhere, Harper fled. But she couldn’t escape the Dragonscale – could she and her unborn baby have a future? Were there others out there like her; alive but sick? When The Fireman found her, though terrified she also felt a calmness steal over her. He was a formidable presence in his firefighter’s jacket and helmet…
The Fireman by Joe Hill is my first by this author and oh, what an amazing book it was! Even though it was an epic read, the chapters are short and I was able to fly through it. Apocalyptic, dystopian, science fiction – it covers all in a spectacular fashion. The characters are well written with an incredible depth – it was easy to see The Fireman in his filthy yellow jacket; the old firetruck which he drove. Harper, Allie and Nick are also wonderful characters, along with Renee and Tom – there are many outstanding characters in The Fireman. I have no hesitation in recommending this novel highly to all fans of the genre.
With thanks to Hachette Australia along with Goodreads First Reads Giveaway for this uncorrected proof copy of The Fireman which I thoroughly enjoyed. ...more
When Taurian invited his enemy Ultrima to view the mating ceremony, it was to buy time for his clan to escape. But Ultrima was suspicious of Taurian’sWhen Taurian invited his enemy Ultrima to view the mating ceremony, it was to buy time for his clan to escape. But Ultrima was suspicious of Taurian’s motives so when Taurian realised there were twelve dragons stationed outside their lair, he was stumped - he had no idea how he could save his clan – how he could divert Ultrima’s attention while they escaped.
Karla knew she needed a plan to save Taurian from Ultrima’s anger – if they fought again, Taurian would surely die. She couldn’t bear to have that happen. But she also knew Taurian had to put his clan first; after all he was their prince and his priorities lay with them. The devastation she felt at leaving him, knowing he would mate another dragon and she would never see him again was fuelling her anger; her thoughts went round and round. Would she find a way to help the clan? Would she be able to best Ultrima, the fiercest dragon she’d met, the one everyone was scared of?
Mating the Dragon by Aussie author Rinelle Grey is the 6th in the Dragon Ruins series, and it was every bit as good as the others. A short story but filled with action and angst, I thoroughly enjoyed it. There will be more, but not for awhile…I’ll be waiting! Highly recommended. ...more
After the Change, only children were left alive – and once each child reached the age of fourteen, they were taken to the Meat Factory to be harvestedAfter the Change, only children were left alive – and once each child reached the age of fourteen, they were taken to the Meat Factory to be harvested. Gold Eye was one who managed to escape and not be caught, though his life on the run was a dangerous one. The night he was close to capture, he was rescued by a group of three, Drum, Ella and Ninde and taken back to their refuge – an old, abandoned submarine where Shade ruled, and small groups of children ventured out into the danger to search for information for him.
Shade was a computer-generated adult male who provided creature comforts for his children. But he also sent them on dangerous missions into the Overlord territory where the risk of capture and death was constant. The Overlords directed the Myrmidons, Wingers and Ferrets – so avoiding them all was difficult, but imperative. The four friends quietly made plans to do all in their power to destroy the Overlords, which would in turn destroy the strange creatures who controlled their lives. But could they do it? Would they have the strength and fortitude to complete their biggest mission yet?
Shade’s Children by Aussie author Garth Nix is a fascinating, brutal, action-packed sci-fi novel which I thoroughly enjoyed. A fast read, even at 334 pages; I flew through it in a matter of hours. I don’t read a lot of this genre – perhaps I should read more! Highly recommended. ...more
Loading...
