8B+Novel+Reviews


 * Mockingjay **, is the last novel in the thrilling trilogy, “The Hunger Games.” Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice, but now the biggest hurdle awaits. Riots are starting in the districts and the final battle is looming in the Capitol against President Snow. Can Katniss become the leader, can she become the Mockingjay, or will luck finally run out for her? This book is recommended for a mature audience as some of the descriptive language can create quite graphic and violent images. I love this action-packed book and once started I could not put it down. I think it produces an engaging ending for a thrilling trilogy 9/10. (Jasper)

**Mud, Sweat and Tears**

**Stormbreaker - Anthony Horowitz** **Stormbreaker,** the first book in the Alex Rider series, is a captivating novel intriguing those who enjoy action packed, thrilling and mystery filled books. When Alex Rider’s guardian was killed in suspicious circumstances, his life changed forever. He was forcefully recruited into MI6 and had to undergo gruelling SAS training. When he was armed with secret gadgets, he set off on his first mission. Herod Sayle was soon to release his new computer creations, the “Stormbreakers” and was offering to give a free one to every school in the country. Though MI6 knew that there was more to this than his generosity, he was certainly hiding something. This is definitely an enthralling book aimed for children 10 years and over. This book has definitely brought vivid imagery to my mind and almost captured me into the story. I give it 9 out of 10; it always kept me on my toes and made me think what could possibly come next. (Sara Donnelly)

Delirium – Lauren Oliver

Deli rium is a unique, action packed, romantic and extraordinarily intense story. ‘Lena’, the main character, is brought up in a very strict world where love is a considered a disease and at age 18 the government forces everyone in her controlled society to be ‘cured’ and have a partner chosen for them. This curing removes all traces of love and any other emotion from their minds. With less than a year left before her operation Lena and her best friend Hana discover the secret world of ‘illegal’ parties, flowing music and ‘the wilds’, a place outside her city’s borders where ‘uncureds’ are free to feel whatever they want. She begins to doubt whether love is really as bad as the government says, and then she meets a boy. Whilst I highly recommend Delirium for anyone, I think it would be most suited to teenage girls. It is the gripping first book of a suspenseful, yet heart wrenching trilogy, which once you start, you won’t be able to put down. Vivid characters, Lauren Oliver’s fantastic writing style and a sensational story line make this book an 8/10 for me. (Isobel) ** The Tail of Emily Windsnap- Liz Kessler ** The Tail of Emily Windsnap is an interesting, addictive read that I enjoyed very much. For as long as she can remember, Emily has always lived on a boat only to know that her mother is deadly afraid of water and won’t let her daughter in it. Finally after years of begging and persuading, her mum allows Emily to participate in swimming lessons at school. The first time she ever went in the water something unexpected happened. Her legs all of a sudden bound together, as if someone has glued her thighs together. Emily soon uncovers the truth. She was a mermaid! Another mystery in this book is Emily’s father has disappeared many years ago and Emily has no idea where he is. I believe that this book is better suited to a female, teenager reader. (Lauren) This book is no average autobiography; it is a 400 page guide to success from the world number two tennis __ player __, Rafael Nadal. If you have never really understood the superstitious, team man ways of this amazing Spaniard, this book says everything. From the hype and nerve of Wimbledon’s 'centre' court to the relaxed lifestyle of Mr Nadal’s home, you will get inside Rafa’s head and read everything there is to know about this amazing talent. Delve into his memories of a kid who looked to become a professional soccer player and learn about the training routines and tight knit family traditions that have made Rafael Nadal the man and tennis player he is today. For the tennis players and non-tennis players alike, an inspiring and fascinating read awaits you. (Marcus Traucneiks)
 * Rafa – My St****ory**



Written by the award winning author Jacqueline Wilson, //**Sapphire Battersea**// is a thrilling story told through the eyes of a teenage girl with a very confusing life. Hetty Feather, or Sapphire Battersea as she likes to be called, lives in a Foundling Hospital with her mother Ita, who is posing as a cook so she can watch over her beloved daughter Hetty. But when she is found out and sent away to work as a servant, Hetty makes a vow to herself to get out of the horrid hospital and out in to the big wide world to find her mother and stay with her forever. When her mother gets desperately ill, Hetty is forced to make a decision that will change her life forever. Sapphire Battersea is a beautiful story that will have you glued to the pages from beginning to end. Jacqueline Wilson will have you laughing out loud one minute, and sobbing the next. I rate this book 9/10 for readers above 10 years of age as there are some horrible ideas enforced in the story, but still one of the best stories of loyalty I have ever read. (Nicola Barrett)

Told through the voices of two diverse families, //**Cloudstree****t**// is a poignant book that will leave you pondering long after you’ve turned the last page. Spanning two decades, from 1944, it tells that tale of how two clans of different backgrounds form an imperceptible bond with one another. This distinctive novel is one that can be read over and over again, provoking different reactions and insights each and every time. The collection of eccentric characters makes for a raw, but humorous read, as Tim Winton cleverly weaves the threads of family existence and crafts the lives of Australians during that era. The reader eagerly watches as family __love__ transcends time and powerful questions bubble deep beneath the surface. Cloudstreet’s intricately woven story-line makes it unique amongst all novels and because of this it becomes difficult to put into a select category. I give Cloudstreet a 9 out of 10; it grasped me from the first page and didn’t release me until I turned the last. (Lily Ramsay)

The **Hunger Games** is a must read book. I highly recommend this book to teenagers. Both boys and girls would love to read this book because it has action and an engaging love story that continues across the whole story. The story is set in a place called District 12 where nearly all the citizens starve to death. But every year, there is a game held out and is called the ‘Hunger Game’. Age 12 to 18 have to attend this; a boy and a girl are chosen from each district as tributes fight to the death against the other eleven districts until one person survives. The main character of this book is called Katniss and became one of the tributes for district 12. But not only she has to deal with the game but also she has deal a romance between her and the other tribute from district 12. Only one survivor is allowed for this game so how would they manage this outcome? I love this book and think that you would also enjoy reading it! 9.5 out of 10! (Nami Kishida) (Bogi Molnar)
 * Mockingjay** is the third and final book in the series '**The Hunger Games'.** I recommend it for both boys and girls over the age of 10. It is a combination of nerve-racking thriller with a twist of a love story. It is set in a distant future where the Capitol (government) tyrannises its people. The main character is Katniss Everdeen who started 'playing' the 'Games' nearly three years ago but they haven't ended. She has to finish this terror between the Capitol and the districts, but it isn't that simple. Snow (the president) is after her and wants her dead. Even before it happens he knows that she can only mean trouble, that she is the 'Mockingjay'. I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. I would give it a 9/10.

(Morgan Ishizaka)
 * Underground**, by Chris Morphew, is the fourth book in the Phoenix Files series where there are 49 days until a doomsday device is set off. The main characters Luke, Peter and Jordan are trapped in the isolated town of Phoenix where an organization is planning to kill everyone outside of Phoenix with its weapon, Tabitha. Luke and his friends must find some way to stop the weapon before time runs out.This book is a great book for people who enjoy action, but can be a bit graphic in some parts.This is a very enjoyable book. 8/10

-Annaliese McCarthy
 * Twilight,** by Stephenie Meyer, is the first of a well known series of books that explores the life of a teenager living with her father in the rainiest part of America, whilst her mum is away. The main character, Bella Swan, has literally managed to fall head over heels after her new boyfriend and ‘mythical creature’, Edward Cullen, had put her in many life-threatening situations. What makes it handy is that his, also mythical father-Carlisle, is the doctor at the local hospital. The book isn't one of my favourite books, no matter how well Stephenie Meyer managed to write it. However, I did enjoy the whimsy and the journey away from reality it took you on whilst reading it. It was truly a master piece of creative writing, but when it comes to the story line I wasn’t so enthused. Seven out of ten for this book, but I shall be continuing with the series because once I started reading I could NOT stop for another hour!


 * My Sister’s Keeper**, by Jodi Picoult, is a very moving, thought-provoking novel about 13 year old Anna, who is suing her parents for medical emancipation and putting more strain on an already falling-apart family. We find out as the book progresses that she was a ‘designer baby’, conceived only for the purpose of being a blood match for her leukemic older sister, Kate, and has been a donor since her very day of birth. Anna is an intelligent and capable main character, and she and all the other characters find a way into your heart, each with their own detailed and interesting back-story. The novel is written from varying points of view, and has a very life-like and realistic feel, and is one of those rare books that can have you laughing out loud one minute and crying the next. I give it a 10 out of 10 as I absolutely loved the book and superb storytelling. The novel has some themes and scenes that may be distressing to younger readers, but I would definitely recommend it for teenagers as it explores some very consideration-worthy topics and is a brilliant read. (Bella Zhong)


 * Just Annoying**is a funny book of silly stories about the author, Andy, and his adventures when he was young. This book is written by Andy Griffiths and illustrated by Terry Denton. The main character in this book is Andy. This book includes 9 hilarious stories about his crazy adventures when he was a little boy. I enjoyed this book because I can relate through my memories;always annoying my parents and brother. I would reccommend this book for anyone who likes a good laugh and enjoys silly stories about radom stuff. If you enjoy driving people crazy, this is the book for you. I rate this book 9 out of 10! (Alan).

The **Crossing of Ingo** is an exciting novel that I recommend to teenage girls. It involves a girl named Sapphire attempting to make the journey of her life in an underwater world called Ingo. She encounters a lot of unexpected creatures and slowly develops the language and all about this fantasy land and what it holds. In this world there are born mermaids, and also her father. This is the fourth in the series and by far the best. It has quite a few slow parts but they are drowned out by thrilling scenes with produce great imagery. 8.5/10 (Olivia Ward).

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// The Giver // is a rather sophisticated book I read while studying Utopia in class. Although some people in my class did not enjoy it, I found myself re-reading myself in this story of possible futures. I think that it is an 8/10 book, as not //everyone// enjoyed it. I would recommend this book to people who are into stories that don’t let you put them down until you’ve turned the last page. It is also unspecific in a way that leaves plenty of room for the imagination. Jonas, the main character in the story, loves his family unit, but has always felt that there is something wrong with his world. It isn’t until he turns twelve and finally receives his assignment and starts to see colours that he realises just how wrong it is. His family that he is not related to, the people who don’t fit in who are “released”, and now The Giver, his new mentor.



Eragon is a great, action packed book written by Christopher Paolini where the main character Eragon must try to protect the Varden and overthrow the empire that is under Galbatortrix’s control. At the beginning you learn about a dragon egg and eventually it comes under Eragon’s control and it hatches. Eragon takes ownership of this dragon and quickly discovers that it’s not safe. With men trying to kill him and hiding his dragon from citizens of this planet he soon learns what he is in for. He must adapt to his new life style while training in sword fighting and magic. Will Eragon make it to the Varden alive and not give the where abouts away to the enemy, read on to find out. I rate this 10/10 and I recommend this book to any mature reader that likes action/fantasy stories. (Connor Kenway)



Genetic twists of fate, by Stanley Fields and Mark Johnston gives an advanced, complex understanding of how just being exposed to some different substances can mutate or destroy your DNA. In this book you'll find that there are some known conflicts that can be related to our genes. An example of this would be in the begining of the book when it reads, google has been attacked by viruses, the problem has been fixed but google will never be the same, like the viruses that attacked google if our DNA was attacked by radiation, poisons, tumors and parasites, you probably wont recover on your own and even with intensive care you probably will die. overal I give this book a 8 out of 10. I would recommend this to dedicated readers who are interested in the topic from ages 13 and up.

(Harry Nowakowski) = =

Written by Morris Gleitzman, **Boy Overboard** is the story of Jamal and his sister Bibi as their family desperately flees the Taliban after their mothers secret school is discovered. They flee to the city where they are pursued further until they decide to flee Afghanistan... to Australia. This book is amazingly well written and gives a real insight to the hardships of fleeing a war-torn country. It is full of moments that completely turn the whole world of Jamal and Bibi upside-down and is a very hard book to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it for all readers who love a good story.

- Alex Campbell

Paul Taranto is 15, his father was killed in a workplace accident. Now his Mother is caring for Paul's grandfather full time, who is slowly losing his memory. When Paul's grandfather drives home from his weekly card game with a new Porsche, his life is turned upside down. He catches the eye of the new girl at his school and everything happens very fast. Paul gets very upset when he can't go to the movies with his new girlfriend he gets very upset and smashes his grandfather's prized aftershave bottles. I would recommend this book to ages 11 and over because, I thought this was an extremely good read for me and mostly everyone else in the class, and also the grade. 8/10
 * The Dons, Archimede Fusillo**

(Locky Grange)

Written by Tom Clancy **The Hunt For Red October** is the story of one mans defiance. Set in 1986 it covers all the elements of life onboard a Soviet Submarine in the times of the bitter cold war. The Captain of the Soviet Submarine Red October Alexander Marinusco is an embarrasment to the Soviet Union.The Government decides he must be exposed of, without a trace. He is secretly sent on a suicide mission to the USA where a trap has been laid. After setting course for the USA He soon discovers the trap and realises the Government's plan. He then comes up with an alternative plan, one which would spark controversy. The book uses fantastic language and a thrilling timeline. This book will have you excited from the moment that you open the page to the moment that you close it!. However it is a senior read and requires a mature approach to some of the themes mentioned in this book. 10/10 Tom Clancy has done it again! (Patrick Riches)



The Hunger Games-Suzanne Collins The Hunger Games is an amazing book about a girl called Katniss Everdeen who winds up in a fight for her life. Author, Suzanne Collins uses her own terminology and intensifying descriptions to push her reader into a new world. Katniss is a 16-year-old girl who lives in a post apocalyptic future in a country called Panam, which is a futuristic North America. In Panam there are 12 districts and a capital, which is the government of Panam and only the richest and most important get to live there. Every year the capitol holds an event called, The Hunger Games were by each district must offer two tributes/competitors, between the ages of 12 and 18. There must be one male and one female to compete in the games. In the games the tributes must kill each other until there is only one left. Katniss lives in district 12 where she is very poor. Her father died in a mining accident so she has to provide for her family. This has made Katniss an extremely skilled hunter. Katniss has a little sister called primrose or prim and she is only 12 years old. Prim gets chosen to participate in the hunger games but her sister bravely steps forward to take her place. It is an inspiring story, reminding us that one person can make a difference. This book was awesome and I couldn’t put it down I actually read it in two days. I have seen the movie and it was great if you have not seen it I advise it but read the book first. I recommend this book to more mature readers who like a bit of action, romance and adventure. I give this book a rating of 9/10 James Catsoulis

Escape by R A Montgomery You are one of the leaders of a spy mission operating in the country of dorado. You have just broken out of a maximum security prison. You have to make it home safely by choosing which way you go by selecting one of the two pagers it offers you. The book is a easy read but is more suitible for reads from 6 to 12. I will rate the book a 6 and a half out of 10. (Matthew Mosca)

Seal and his mates live in costal town of Brown's Beach. Seal lives the trill of bodyboarding. Seal's mate Anelo lives for fishing especially danger of shark fishing .Every three years a misterious event happens Giant waves are crashing onto the rocks and a shark begins to patroll the surf. The shark is called Goliath by the strangers i rate this book 8/10. (laightyn beric)