God King

God King
Joanne Williamson
Book Review


The priests, the warriors, the many wives and children, fell upon their knees, their foreheads pressed to the cold floor of the chamber. Taharka heard again the voice of the sun priest.
“Taharka, child of the god, rise.”
He was trembling. What did it mean? What had happened? Was he to be punished now? His hands were being crossed upon his breast. Something cold and smooth was being pressed into them. It was the golden wand of the god.
“Take possession of the land, Taharka, soul of the hawk, beautiful child of Ra, son of the sun, bringer of the Nile, Lord of Kush, Great God of Napata and Meroe, and Pharaoh of Egypt.”
Taharka had become a god.

Prince Taharka, son of a Bantu slave girl, has become god and Pharaoh of Egypt. Taharka thinks at first that it is a mistake; it is Prince Shabataka who was expected to be god; not him.
But now, as Lord of Kush, Taharka must learn the ways of the god. He must marry Shepnu, the priestess of Thebes, and he must also protect himself from Prince Shabataka who will plot to take over what he considers his rightful throne.
When he is proclaimed a pretender by his own brother, he must run away from all that he has ever known.
He has already met up with dangers such as poison and murder, but now he must meet up with the peril of the outside world, such as the powerful Assyrian leader, Sennacherib.
This fictitious story uses historical events from the time of the Egyptian history in 700 BC and will be enjoyed by readers 11+.
Another story by Joanne Williamson is the best-selling book ‘Hittite Warrior.’

The Lady Grace Mysteries

• Book Review
  The Lady Grace Mysteries: Exile
  Patricia Finney
  
  
  Today a most unusual guest arrives at the palace- Banoo Yasmine of Sharakand! ‘Banoo’ means ‘Lady,’ for Banoo Yasmine is from a noble family and said to be very beautiful. Sharakand is thousands of miles away near the Holy Lands.
  
  Lady Grace Cavendish is writing again in a new secret daybooke, this time about Lady Yasmine, the new visitor in Queen Elizabeth’s court.
  There are many rumors about the exiled noblewoman of Sharakand and especially about her famous jewel, a large ruby known as ‘The Heart of Kings.’
  While Yasmine is at court Lady Grace discovers many things about her mysterious and exciting past, but things go wrong when ‘The Heart of Kings’ is stolen, and Grace’s good friend Ellie is falsely blamed!
  Things go from bad to worse as Grace tries to prove her friend’s innocence, but only with the help of her friends and the Queen herself, will she be able to uncover the real thief.
  I enjoyed reading this stimulating mystery, and younger girls aged 8-14 will also be excited by the adventures of Lady Grace Cavendish, Lady Pursuivant for the Queen!
  The other fantastic mysteries in this series are:
  
  · The Lady Grace Mysteries: Assassin
  · The Lady Grace Mysteries: Betrayal
  · The Lady Grace Mysteries: Conspiracy
  · The Lady Grace Mysteries: Deception
  · The Lady Grace Mysteries: Feud
  · The Lady Grace Mysteries: Gold
  · The Lady Grace Mysteries: Intrigue
  · The Lady Grace Mysteries: Haunted
  · The Lady Grace Mysteries: Loot
  · The Lady Grace Mysteries: Keys
  · The Lady Grace Mysteries: Jinx

The Golden Goblet

I don't know if I've done this is as a book review before, maybe for the Argus last year. This is an improved version anyway, for the Mailbox Shopper.

The Golden Goblet
Eloise Jarvis McGraw

I love historical novels that have both mystery and adventure in them. This exciting tale has both.
Ranofer loves gold working. His dream is that one day he will be apprenticed to Zau, the goldsmith, but his dream is impossible while he is apprenticed to Gebu, the stonecutter.
Ranofer is practically a slave for his half-brother, Gebu. He hates and distrusts him and wants to get away from him as soon as he can
When he finds the golden goblet in Gebu’s room, he knows that Gebu must have stolen it from one of the crypts in the City of the Dead. To finally get away from his hated half-brother he must somehow prove that Gebu is guilty, yet protect himself from the danger that lurks behind every bend.
This fantastic Newberry Honor book is for ages 11 and up.
I really enjoyed reading this story both for school, and for pleasure. I love that it leaves you in suspense and keeps you interested throughout the whole story.
“An exceptionally vivid, swiftpaced, and stirring” story recreating the glories and evils of Ancient Egypt- Horn Book
Some other books by Eloise Jarvis McGraw are:
· Mara, Daughter of the Nile
· Moccasin Trail
· The Moorchild
· Tangled Webb

I would rate this book four stars out of five

Shadow Spinner

Book Review
Shadow Spinner
Susan Fletcher

Every night Shahrazad tells the Sultan another story to stop him killing the other women in the harem. Her tales of excitement and adventure are the only thing that stops the Sultan from executing his many wives.
But what will happen when Shahrazad runs out of stories? After almost 1,000 nights she is beginning to get desperate for more stories and she needs Marjan, a crippled, orphan girl to help her.
Marjan now has the dangerous task of sneaking out of the harem to get stories from an old storyteller. If she is caught there will be consequences not only for her, but the lives of many women, including Queen Shahrazad, depend on her.
This stimulating and thrilling story is a read fit for ages ten to adult.
I truly enjoyed reading this novel as it keeps you on edge for the entire story as well as having an incredible storyline.

“An elegantly written novel that will delight and entertain.” –School Library Journal, starred review.
Some other books by Susan Fletcher are:
· Alphabet of Dreams
· The Anti-Baby-Sitter Plot
· Dragon’s Milk
· The Haunting Possibility
· From Sorrow to Serenity

I would rate this book four stars out of five because it kept me reading excitedly right until the last sentence.

Hating Alison Ashley

Hating Alison Ashley
Robin Klein

‘Hating Alison Ashley’ is a fantastic book by Robin Klein. It starts with Erica Yurken, a sixth grader who knows she is predestined to be an actress. She feels superior to the rest of her school and dreams to herself all the time about being on stage with the lights, the glittering dress, the fancy shoes; Erica knows it’s hers for the taking.
Then, one day, Alison Ashley shows up.
Alison Ashley is beautiful, smart, rich, well-mannered, and in every single way, perfect. With a bossy older sister, a hermit brother, and a little sister that acts like a horse and takes up most of the shared bedroom, Erica doesn’t need any more trouble. So she decides she has to get back at Alison for showing her up all the time, and school camp seems the perfect place for doing just that.
A hilarious, Australian story that will capture the attention of readers aged nine to sixteen.-
This brilliantly-written book is entertaining from the first sentence to the last and is perfect to curl up with and read from beginning to end.
Some other books by Robin Klein are…

· All in the blue unclouded weather
· Dresses of red and gold
· Laurie loved me best
· The sky in silver lace

I would rate this book five stars out of five.

The Exiles at Home

Book Reviews
The Exiles at Home
Hilary McKay

“You’ve bought an illegal boy in Africa?” asked Naomi, amazed. “You can’t buy people! And anyhow, you never have any money, none of us do! What are you going to do about it?”
The school term is just beginning for the four Conroy girls, and from the beginning, things start happening.
Is it just chance that Ruth Conroy happens to go to the library and fills out a form saying that she wants to sponsor a child in Africa for ten pounds a month?
However, after sending away all of her Christmas money, Ruth becomes in desperate need of money. So she lets her older sister Naomi in on the secret, and then her two younger sisters, Rachel and Phoebe. With all of them trying to get money, their grandmother and mother begin to get suspicious at their urgent requirements, and unless they can get the money in time, their secret won’t be a secret for very long.
This book will interest ages 8-15.
I enjoyed reading ‘The Exiles at Home’ because you immediately want to read more of the story as it is humorous and compelling.
Some other books by this author are:
· The Exiles
· The Exiles in Love
· Indigo’s Star
· Saffy’s Angel
· Permanent Rose
I would rate this book 3 stars out of 5 for it’s excellent and interesting storyline.

The Devil's Own

Book Review
The Devil's Own
Deborah Lisson

‘She adjusted the focus on the binoculars and squinted through them in astonishment, and disbelief. There was something there- or, more exactly, someone. Peering out of the bushes of that supposedly uninhabited island was, quite unmistakably, a human face.’
Fifteen-year-old Julianna Dykstra is fed up and defiant while spending time with her family on her father’s yacht visiting the Abrolhos Islands. But after an old fisherman tells her the story of the Batavia, and she sees a mysterious, ghostly face on a nearby island, Julie decides to investigate, and it is her own investigating that plunges her into a three hundred-year-old nightmare of massacre and rebellion.
The Devil’s Own is a fantastic read, full of action, drama, and tragedy. What makes it even better, is the fact that it is all based on a true story, the story of the Batavia, a ship wrecked on an island in 1629.
The Devil’s Own is a story of mutiny, murder, and excitement and will be enjoyed by ages 11 to adult.
Some other books by Deborah Lisson are:

• A Place of Safety
• Truth Seeker
• The Yankee Whaler
  
  'The story is cleverly conceived and well written; the past is alive and clear, as is the beauty of the setting.Thoroughly recommended to all who enjoy a good story.' Dept. of Education, W.A.

Help! I'm a Prisoner in the Library

Help! I’m a Prisoner in the Library
By Eth Clifford

“How do you spell library?” Jo-Beth was busy with her sign.
“I can’t talk to you and talk on the phone at the same time. Just spell it! And leave me alone! Hello, operator? I want the fire department.”
Jo-Beth, meanwhile, was finishing her sign. It looked fine to her. In big letters, she had printed: HELP! I’M A PRISONER IN THE LIBERRY.
Mary Rose blamed her father for forgetting to get petrol when he needed it. She also blamed Jo-Beth for suddenly needing the toilet just when he had left to go get some from the nearest garage. The library was the closest building nearby so they went inside just as the librarian was closing up for the night. Trapped inside, the two girls are left to themselves doing anything they can to escape, but calling the police doesn’t work, and Jo-Beth’s sign isn’t likely to work either.
This humorous story is for ages 7-9.

Beast Quest

Book Review
Beast Quest
Adam Blade

A mysterious sorcerer has enchanted the magical beasts that protect the land of Avantia. They are now destroying the land and the king is desperate for a hero who can stop them.
Tom only lives on a farm, but with his horse, Storm, his partner, Elenna, and her wolf, Silver, he may just be able to defeat the dark wizard, Malvel and free the beasts of Avantia from the evil curse that has haunted them for so long.
An exciting story to be enjoyed by children aged 8-11.
The Beast Quest series includes:

• Ferno the Fire Dragon
• Sepron the Sea Serpent
• Arcta the Mountain Giant
• Nanook the Snow Monster
• Epos the Flame Bird

Jordan

White Fang

White Fang
Jack London

“His mother is Kiche,-half dog, half wolf. His father must have been a wolf. He is only one-fourth dog, but he is mine. And because his fangs are white, I will call him White Fang.”
White Fang was only a pup when he started his great escapades. Being raised in the wild, captured and owned by Indians, sold to and mistreated by man, a sled dog, a hunter, and a fighter, White Fang’s adventures never get dull in this fantastic old classic by Jack London aimed for readers 9+.
Some books also written by this author are
* The Sea Wolf
* Jerry of the Islands
* The Call of the Wild

Prince on a White Horse

Book Review
Prince on a White Horse
Tanith Lee

“Oh, this is awful!” shouted the Prince to the horse. “I’m even more confused than before. All I’ve got is this stupid Egg-and-and-”- the Prince went pale again – “this feeling that I’ve got to get on your back, and ride over those mountains towards- something I’m not sure I’m going to enjoy. When I think I thought this might all be a holiday!”
The Prince is not at all sure where he is, who he is, and what he’s supposed to be doing. All he knows is that he is in a strange land where strange creatures, such as Bezzles, Buzzles, and Beezles roam around and horses talk (however much they deny it.)
I really enjoyed reading this fantastic tale for readers aged 11+ because it is an enjoyable read and a good laugh.

The Sign of the Beaver

Book Review
The Sign of the Beaver
Elizabeth George Speare

Matt and his father have finally finished building their new cabin and now Matt’s father must go back to fetch his Mother and sister. Matt must stay home and take care of the cabin while his father is gone and he will come across many dangers including meeting up with a bandit, being attacked by a bear and being chased by a cluster of angry bees.
Then he meets the Indians. At first it’s just Matt trying to teach the sullen Attean to read and write, but soon Matt and Attean have formed a true friendship, but can it last?
Soon Matt will have to make a huge decision about staying true to his friend, or his family.
I enjoyed this fantastic Newberry Honor book because it keeps you enthralled throughout the whole book, waiting for what will happen next. An exciting story for ages 10+.

The Golden Goblet

The Golden Goblet
Eloise Jarvis McGraw

I love historical novels and that have mystery and adventure in them. This exciting tale has both.
Ranofer is virtually a slave for his half-brother, Gebu. He hates and distrusts him and wants to get away from him as soon as possible. When he finds the golden goblet in Gebu’s room, he knows that Gebu must have stolen it from one of the crypts in the City of the Dead. To finally get away from his hated half-brother he must prove that Gebu is guilty yet protect himself from the danger that lurks behind every corner.
This fantastic Newberry Honor book is for ages 10 and up.
“An exceptionally vivid, swiftpaced, and stirring” story recreating the glories and evils of Ancient Egypt- Horn Book

The Key to Rondo

Book Review
The Key to Rondo
Emily Rodda

The music slowed, and stopped. Leo wound the box again. One, two, three. As the music began, he heard his mother moving around in the spare room next door, and sighed. He wanted to forget that Mimi Langlander, his least favourite second cousin, was coming to stay.
Leo Zifkak is known for being responsible. His cousin, Mimi, is known for being bratty and irresponsible.
So when they’re both pulled into the magical world of Rondo inside a music box, Leo knows who is to blame. Mimi refuses to leave until she finds her lost dog, Mutt, and Leo refuses to leave without Mimi.
With them both wandering around Rondo they’re sure to run into adventure.
Readers of ages 10-14 will enjoy this exciting adventure by the best-selling author Deltora Quest.
Other books by Emily Rodda:

Finders Keeper
The Time Keeper
Deltora Quest Series
Rowan of Rin Series

The Worst Kids in the World

The Worst Kids in the World
Barbara Robinson

They were just so all-round awful you could hardly believe they were real:
Ralph, Imogene, Leroy, Claude, Ollie, and Gladys- six skinny, stringy-haired kids all alike except from being different sizes and having different black-and-blue places where they had clonked each other.
The Herdman kids are the worst kids in the world. Lying, stealing, smoking, and swearing are only some of the awful things that the Herdmans do.
So it’s incredibly surprising when the ‘terrors of the town’ take over the annual Christmas play, which results in the worst, or is it the best, Christmas pageant ever.
For ages eight to thirteen.
If you enjoy this humorous story, you may also enjoy the sequel-
‘The Best School Year Ever.’

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

Book Review on….

‘The Witch of Blackbird Pond’
By Elizabeth George Speare

How would you like to be accused of witchcraft?
Elizabeth George Speare writes an incredible Newberry Award Winner about Kit Tyler, an orphan who goes to live with her uncle, aunt, and two cousins in Connecticut.
Connecticut is certainly not expecting Kit and her strange ways, especially when she starts hanging out with Hannah, a Quaker woman, who everyone is positive is a ‘witch.’
When strange things start happening everyone is sure it’s Hannah fault, and when Kit tries to protect her friend, she find herself accused of witchcraft!
An irresistible book filled with excitement and a thrill that will keep you on your toes for the entire book!
If you liked ‘The Witch of Blackbird Pond’ you might also like other books by Elizabeth’s George Speare:

* The Bronze Bow
* Sign of the Beaver

Clarice Bean

Book Review
Clarice Bean: Utterly Me
By Lauren Child


This is me, Clarice Bean. I am not an only child, but sometimes I wish I was.
Clarice Bean’s life is as up and down as a rollercoaster. There are ‘up’ times, when she can simply sit and read about Ruby Redfort, girl detective, and there are ‘down’ times, like when Betty goes missing, or when her brother, Minal Cricket won’t leave her alone.
But life is meant for living, and Clarice Bean certainly lives it.
Lauren Child outdoes herself again with ‘Clarice Bean’, a fantastic and humorous story for children ages 9 to 13.
Lauren Child’s other Clarice Bean books include:
* Clarice Bean: Spells Trouble
* Clarice Bean: That’s me
* Clarice Bean: Don’t Look Now
* What Planet are you From Clarice Bean?
* My Uncle is a Hunkle says Clarice Bean
Lauren Child is also famous for her ‘Charlie and Lola’ books as well as many others.

Jordan

Angela, Private Citizen

Book Review
‘Angela, Private Citizen’
Nancy K. Robinson


Angela Steele is excited that Income Tax Day has finally arrived, and this year, she’s determined that she will pay her taxes as well.
She sends her Income Tax form, along with her life savings, to the President of the United States absolutely sure that it will help with the national debt.
Meanwhile, her sister Tina wants to go to Camp Sunset with Melissa, but is worried about the cost. Apart from that, she is trying to get Doug to notice her, arranging her career as a city planner, and trying to help Nathaniel win the science fair.
With these happenings at the Steele’s, life cannot be boring, although it can be strange, and definitely humorous.
A fantastic story for ages eight to twelve.
Some other books in this series are, ‘Mum, you’re fired!’, ‘O Honestly, Angela!’, and ‘Angela and the Broken Heart.’ ♥

The Exiles at Home

Book Review
The Exiles at Home
By Hilary McKay



‘There’s a secret in the Conroy household-but it’s not likely to stay a secret for long!’
Ruth Conroy and her sisters are just beginning the school term. Is it just luck that Ruth has to go to the library on her first day at school and that she finds a form that when signed means she agrees to sponsor a child in Africa for ten pounds a month?
She decides to keep it a secret but after using her birthday money for the first payment she finds that raising ten pounds a month will not be as easy as it looks.
So she lets her sister Naomi in on the deal, and after a while, her other two sisters, Phoebe and Rachel.
When her grandmother and mother both begin to get suspicious at their urgent requirements for money, Ruth gets more desperate than ever to stop the secret from getting out.

The Devils Own

Book Review
The Devils Own
Deborah Lisson

‘She adjusted the focus on the binoculars and squinted through them in astonishment, and disbelief. There was something there- or, more exactly, someone. Peering out of the bushes of that supposedly uninhabited island was, quite unmistakably, a human face.’
‘The Devils Own’ is a fantastic read, not only does it include action and drama, but also a little romance. What makes it even better, is the fact that it is all based on a true story, the story of the Batavia, a ship wrecked on an island.
Fifteen-year-old Julie is on holidays with her family on her father’s yacht, she’s incredibly bored until one day, when something happens to change her whole holiday.
‘The Devil’s Own’ is a story of mutiny, murder, and excitement and will be enjoyed by ages 12 to adult.

Jordan