Catwoman: Soulstealer by Sarah J. Maas

Catwoman: Soulstealer was such a fun and easy read!

The novel is about Selina Kyle who returns to Gotham after two years as a wealthy socialite Holly Vanderhees. However, Luke Fox (aka Batwing) without the help of Batman, is trying to capture this new thief that’s proven to be much cleverer than others.

The characters are recognisable for DC fans but still different enough to be fun to read about. It’s not necessary to read the comics either.

I loved the developing friendship between Selina, Poison Ivy and Harley. They cause so much chaos and have fun doing it! And there’s the familial bond between Selina and Maggie that’s so sweet and full of love. There’s also the slice of romance that keeps you frustrated because of the  
misunderstandings of secret identities and backstories.

Overall, the book was definitely interesting. I recommend it for years 9 and above.

Mykee, Year 10

The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera

'Ko wai te tekoteko kei runga? Ko Paikea, ko Paikea!' (p.g 35, ch. 5).

The Whale Rider tells the story of Kahu, a descendant from Paikea, who was meant to be the next chief of the tribe, but her great-grandfather, Koro Apirana, won’t allow her, because she is a girl. The book tells the story of how she overcame the traditions and won her place in Koro’s heart. Witi Ihimaera tells the story in a witty and descriptive way, and occasionally takes us into the journeys of the ancient whale. It is wonderfully captivating and carries the important message of equality between both genders. The Whale Rider also contains some the interesting components of  
the Maori culture. 

I truly enjoyed reading The Whale Rider.I highly recommend it for Year 5 - 10 students.
 Witi Ihimaera is an undeniably wonderful writer.

Anastasia 7A

The secret science of magic by Melissa Keil

The secret science of magic is the story told in two perspectives, Sophia Reyhart and Joshua Bailey. This book is a geeky romance filled with science and magic. 

Set in Melbourne Australia, both characters face the final year of high school and ready themselves for the exams. Sophia is a genius and spends her time figuring out the world with math equations and theories. Whereas, Joshua tries to work up the courage to tell Sophia how he really feels with his scientific knowledge and magic tricks.

I absolutely loved this book! It contains puns that are relatable and something a high school student would say. I found parts of the book relatable to my lifestyle (which is actually hilarious) while other parts made me want to scream in frustration. Not only is this book funny and sweet, but, it also contains facts. The facts and some wording in this story are a little mindblowing - It made me feel smarter or dumber - but it can be a little annoying when you mentally question how someone could know this.

The only problem I have with this novel is that it drags on for a bit. But I believe that it's necessary to fully understand and build the character's  profile, even though I want to slap them. 

I highly recommend this book to older students as it is more relatable to them than juniors.

Rianna Yr 10

Carve The Mark is a hilariously thrilling novel about war, pain and love.

In Carve The Mark the current flows through every living being and bestows a gift on every person. The current can also gift a family with certain fates (A fate is something that happens in every version of a person’s lifetime). Cyra and Akos are 2 different people from rival countries living on the same planet and they both believe their gifts and fates are a curse. Cyra’s gift makes her always feel pain and she can  
transfer it for a short time to others when she touches them and Akos can’t feel the current which therefore lets him cancel out all current gifts. Cyra’s older brother is a brutal tyrant who is determined to avoid his fate so when he kidnaps Akos and his brother Eijeh Akos is thrust into Cyras world. Both Cyra and Akos learn more about each other and soon learn that their fates and gifts may not be a curse.

I personally love Veronica Roth’s writing; I thought the Divergent series was brilliant so I was just as skeptical as I was excited to read Carve the Mark because I was worried that I wouldn’t love it as much as Divergent, but it did not disappoint! Carve The Mark is an amazing story that focuses on race quite a lot. Cyra and Akos follow 2 different “religions” and are a part of 2 different “people” which pushes the idea of racism throughout the book which was interesting. It created a whole new world because the 2 rival countries Thuvhe and Shotet are so different. I loved learning about the different countries and what makes them both special. This book is full of twists and turns and keeps your attention throughout the whole book which I love. Sometimes when I read this book I felt as if I were in a movie  
because everything was described with such detail that I could create a picture in my mind. Veronica Roth created a world full of mystery and kept me thinking but she didn’t confuse me. Everything was laid out for me to imagine which I liked. The characters of Cyra and Akos were developed really well throughout the book which kept them interesting and relevant. Cyra’s character particularly interested me because in the back of the novel Roth talks about how she modelled Cyra off of struggling female teenagers with chronic pain; I never understood this until I was halfway through the book and then I began to fully understand Cyras pain. Overall, Veronica Roth creates a beautiful tale of love and war through her imaginative thinking and descriptive words. I am excited to start the next book in the Duology, “The Fates Divide” and continue to learn about the world that Roth has created. I recommend this novel for everyone because no matter what age you are I am sure you will either be able to relate to the characters or fall in love with this twisting tale of war, romance and self acceptance.

5/5 for an amazing story that is fit for every age!

Erin Year 8

I am out with lanterns by Emily Gale

Written from the POV of 6 teenage protagonists, Wren, Milo, Adie, Juliet, Ben and Hari; I Am Out With Lanterns is a story about family, relationships; both romantic and platonic; and also about some of the dramatic events that unfold at these characters’ schools. With there being 6 different characters, there are six different storylines and back stories that come  
together to create one seamless story. Wren is an artist who is struggling to accept the death of her brother, Floyd, and drew portraits of him every day until she drew a portrait of a girl, and this girl showed up at her school one day, causing her to believe that she’d drawn the future. Milo is Wren’s next door neighbour and best friend. Milo is autistic and is  
extremely bullied at school and struggles to be understood by others. Adie has a toxic relationship with her father, who is an artist, and her familial issues continue to plague her social life. Juliet is very much welcomed and loved at home, but when she is at school she feels marginalised from the rest of her classmates. Ben attends a local private school and is a bully towards many people, including Milo. Hari’s character isn’t as developed as the others however she comes from quite a religious and strict family, she is very strong willed and is confident and accepting of her true self.

I loved the diversity of the protagonists and being able to understand more about their characters and seeing the same sequence of events through the eyes of different people. I liked how these narrations gave these characters more dimension and allowed me to connect with them more and feel as though I was a part of their story. I also loved how closely connected these characters lives are and how they interacted with each other,  
strengthening that ‘small world’ ideology. I really liked how Ben, the villain in the story, was given his own narration and that the audience was able to get a glimpse into the life of the bad guy. I liked being able to see the issues that were going on behind the scenes in Ben’s life that led him towards bullying and taking the actions that he had pursued. Unlike many other malevolent characters, Ben was not redeemed at the end of the story which made this novel a lot more realistic and not too cliche.

My only issue with this novel; though I found it to be quite a good method to tell the story; was the POVs. Because of the 6 POVs it became quite difficult at times to keep up with the story and remember all of the characters backstories and personalities throughout the chapters.

I Am Out With Lanterns is a thought provoking story displaying some of the struggles that teens face and also some of the issues in society today. It was beautifully written, the characters were all very different and interesting, it was a fast paced read with plenty of conflict, and had a hopeful and satisfactory resolution.

Jordanna Year 9

The Queen's Rising by Rebecca Ross

‘Brienna… this is not a game’

In this book we meet a girl who can save or destroy 2 worlds - Brianna Colbert. She is from 2 completely different countries. A dual citizen of the Queen's Realm- Maevona and the Kingdom of Valencia. She is the key to the Queen's rising in the North and uprooting an evil selfish king.

Brienna is able to see visions of one particular ancestor of hers from the Queen's Realm. This particular ancestors' memories are the key to finding where the stone of Eventide and the Queens Canon (a law stating only Queens will rule this land. A Queen can be a girl from a noble family ) is.
If she finds any one one of these pieces, the Queens will rule again and their magic restored. We follow her struggles about being a dual citizen to the question of - do I really want to know who my biological father is?

The book is an excellent read which will show friendship, accepting yourself and that doing the right thing and being true to yourself is  
always the best way.

Giuliana Year 8

Imposter by Susanne Winnacker

The book Imposter follows the life of Tessa, who is a trainee of Forces with Extraordinary Abilities (a special branch of FBI), on her first mission. Tessa is a shapeshifter. That means she can change in to anyone if she touches. Even if it is a small bump, she can absorb there DNA. She is the only know person (Variant) who can shapeshift, so she is extremely special. 

Her first mission in imposter is turn herself into a girl who was killed and pretend that the girl has recovered by a miracle and learn her friends and anybody who would want to cause her harm. She basically has to track down the girls killer and catch them.

Personally, I thought this book was great. You were able to see Tessa's characters growth and change throughout the book whilst still seeing somethings stay the same. You see Tessa's transformation, not only  
physically but emotionally.

I would rate this book a 3 ½ to 4 out of 5 stars book.

Giuliana Yr 8

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

Heir of Fire follows many characters and their many adventures. Celeana has been sent to Wendlyn on the king’s orders to dispatch the royal family, however her attention becomes focused elsewhere when she meets the Fae warrior Rowan Whitethorn. He’s given the task by his mistress Maeve, Queen of Fae, to train Celeana and teach her how to learn to wield her magic.  

Their relationship is full of anger and hatred that eventually turns into  
trust and friendship. They uncover mysteries about each other together and form one of the strongest bonds in the series. Choal and Dorian on the other hand are dealing with the arrival of Aedion Ashryver, The Wolf of the North, in Adarlan and the consequences of the secrets they uncover  
together. The new characters introduced in this book show the wonderful  
potential for the way in which the series can ultimately end. 

This is defintely the favourite in the series.

Izabella Yr 11

The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Selection is one of my favourite books of all time. It is part of ''The Selection'' series which consists of ''The Elite'' and ''The One.'' This book is filled with unexpected romance and lots of fun adventures. The Selection is highly recommended to 12 years and above. I would never get tired of reading this series.

America Singer is one of thirty-five girls, in winning the chance of a lifetime. To live in a palace filled with fancy jewelry and gowns and win the heart of the handsome, Prince Maxon.

America thinks being in the Selection is agony. She would have to leave her secret love with Aspen and leaving her family to an unfamiliar place and a lifetime opportunity she doesn't want nor care. 

But once America meets Prince Maxon, she has second thoughts about entering this competition and realizes that there is more than meets the eye. She would have to decipher true friendships and where her life truly belongs. 

This book is The Hunger Games meets The Bachelor and I loved it. The Selection is a fun book to read and is suited for 13 years and up. I give this book five stars.

Louciana 7S

Book Review

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The Night Circus is a wonderful book for people who love magic and romance. The story is about Marco and Celia who are bound to be together because of a bet. The bet was that they need to fight each other as test who was the better magician meaning one would need to die. In their quest of love, they try to find a loop hole.

I give this book a 5/5 because the magic of their love and the actual magic in the book is amazing. The book is predictable but the plot twists in the book always kept me entertained. My favourite part of the book is when the author uses the first line and repeats it for the last line and explains It as a story

This is a great book showing the struggle of love and what people will do to achieve their goal.

“I have tried to let you go and I cannot. I cannot stop thinking of you. I cannot stop dreaming about you.”
― Erin Morgenstern, The Night Circus

Mai YR11

Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas

The kingdom of Ash is the 7th book to the Throne of Glass series and is so  
good I love it!

For the people who love to laugh, cry, smile and rant about books with a  
friend this is the book for you. The adventures of Alien, Rowan, Dorian, 
Manon, Aedion and Lysandra will always surprise you and are never boring.
I rate the book a 4/5 because I love the book but some of the parts are not  
really relevant and it is a big book. Also, the ending of the book wasn't  really satisfying. I think Sarah J.Maas could have done more at the end.

The book is great and shows the power of fire and will.

Mai Do

Book Review

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J Maas

Crown of Midnight further follows the wonderful and mysterious Celaena Sardothien on her many adventures and travels around the continent. 

She has become the royal assassin to the King and when she’s not off on business, she’s training, or strolling around in her magnificent gowns. During her stay at the castle her relationship with Chaol and Dorian becomes stronger and more trustful. However, a tragic loss causes everything to come crumbling down on top of her. 

Trying to get over her grief, Celaena uncovers a dark mystery that the King is hiding, which explains all the bloodshed continuing throughout the continent. 

This book ends in the truth of the past revealed and guides the whole series in a different direction.  

It’s both heartbreaking and wonderful all at once.
Izabella Yr 11

I love Brandon Sanderson. He is one of my favourite authors. Final empire is a really good book and has a lot of action. The story is about a girl called Vin who is one of the very few people who can use all 12 metals. She meets Kelsair and they build a rebellion against the Lord Ruler. She infiltrates the higher court to get information and starts a bit of romance with Elend Venture. In her journey she soon finds the truth and discovers the mysterious 13th metal.

I rate this book a 5/5 because there are 2 other books, but the first book is fine by itself. I was really satisfied with the ending and didn’t need the second book. The plot of the book is really good - not too slow or too fast and always keeps you entertained. I had a lot of emotions in this book and will never regret reading it.

I recommend this book to everyone. It will change your life . The book may seem big and you will never finish it but in the end it will be worth it

Mai YR11

12 Nights by Andrew Zurcher:

This was an amazing, action packed book! 

It was full to the brim, of adventure, excitement and drama. This book centers around a young girl, Kay, her younger sister, and their mother. The book starts off quite normal, when Kay’s father is late home. Her mother, Kay and her sister drive to the Cambridge College to pick him up. However, a startling surprise awaits them when they enter. The staff all claim that nobody of that name had ever worked there. Shocked and confused, they go back home, but more surprises and adventures await Kay when she returns. She meets ‘removers’ named Will and Flip, who may have something to do with her missing father. The only problem is, they aren’t human, and Kay shouldn’t be able to see them, but she can. Kay goes on a crazy adventure in new lands and learns new things on who she really is.


I really enjoyed this book, although it got a bit drawn out towards to the  
end. Other then that, I really liked the book and the magical aspect in it.
I recommend this book for ages 12-15 and give it ⅘ stars.

Great book, full of mystery and adventure and new discoveries about a  
amazing character!

Cassidy Borst Year 8

Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas

In the book Throne of Glass, we meet Celaena Sardothien, the continents greatest assassian. 

After being imprisoned for a year, she befriends the most unlikeliest of people, The Crown Prince, Dorian Havilliard, and The Captain of the Royal Guard, Chaol Westfall. She is to compete for the Prince in a royal competition, trained by the Captain himself and is to win. Her friendship with Dorian, Chaol and a Princess from another kingdom helps her regain the strength that she desperately needs after her time imprisoned. Celaena’s journey during the book raises many questions about her past and what it holds for her future. 

The book is an excellent read and shows the power of friendship and strong minded people are able to  
accomplish.

Izabella Momi Yr 11

Book Review

The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J Maas

The Assassin’s Blade is the prequel to the series Throne of Glass. 

Here we discover the life before Celaena Sardothien was sent to the prison camp. In a range of short stories, we get to know her soft side for an unlucky maiden, like herself, her compassion for the 200 slaves she rescued, her caring nature when it comes to new friends, and her loving attitudes and undying loyalty towards her oldest friend and closest companion. This book gives different perspectives of Celaena and her actions towards different situations, how her bravery and fearlessness always help her achieve greatness. It has the right amount of friendship, rivalry, love and loss.  

The book is a perfect beginning to a wonderful series.

Izabella Momi Yr 11

Book Review

More Than This by Patrick Ness

This book utterly destroyed me. I cried like a baby. It’s my favourite.

More Than This is an incredibly touching story about a boy named Seth who,  

for all intents and purposes, dies. Then he wakes up alone and dishevelled.  

It takes you on a journey through the perspective of a teenager who doesn’t  

understand anything that’s happening. Nor, more importantly, why it’s  

happening.

The beauty of this book is that yes, it is confusing, yes, you may not be  

satisfied, but it conveys a deep message about our humanity and what  

we’re capable of. It’s heart wrenching and heartwarming all at once.

I suggest reading this book if you find yourself asking, ‘what am I doing here?’

Maybe More Than This will help you answer that question.

“Real life is only ever just real life. Messy. What it means depends on how  

you look at it. The only thing you’ve got to do is find a way to live  

there.”

Isabella Year 10

Scarlet and Ivy: The Whispers in the Wall by Sophie Cleverly

This book is a great continuation of the amazing Scarlet and Ivy series. In this book, new challenges and adventures arrive, as the twins are reunited.But not all is fun and games. Miss Fox may be gone, but someone equally as sinister and evil has returned, the headmaster, Mr Bartholomew, who is making things difficult for the twins at Rookwood. Things at going missing at the Rookwood school and Scarlet and Ivy are suspected of being the culprits. The twins need to clear their name, and get to the bottom of what really is happening. During their searches, they uncover secrets held in the walls, and vital information, including some about their mother that they never even thought was true!

I really enjoyed this book. It was great to learn more about the twins, and uncover big secrets that will change them forever! I loved how this book was a thrilling adventure, full of twists and turns that I never expected! 

I recommend reading the first book first, so readers can get to know the characters, and what took place before the book.
 
I recommend this book to ages 10-14.
5/5 stars!

Great book of the series, it is great to read about the twins and have unanswered questions about the first book, answered!

Cassidy Borst Year 7

Book Review

Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J Maas

Kingdom of Ash is a book that I loved very dearly.

I felt that it had the right amount of sadness and happiness all throughout the book. 

This book is the conclusion to the Throne of Glass series and it was amazing to see  everyone’s story slowly come to together and form an ending in the best way  possible. 

The story is about friendship, and how it can be strengthened in times of sadness, how people will come together and give up everything for the love of their people and their friends. Aelin and Rowan embark on their greatest adventure yet, alongside everyone who has travelled the journey  
with them.

Izabella Year 11

Book Review

Fantastic beasts and where to find them by J K Rowling

The book’s action is set in New York in 1926, where the dark wizard Grindelwald, wanted for multiple murders across Europe, is thought to have shifted. Newt Scamander, our bumbling hero, has arrived in New York with a case full of fantastic beasts. Newt is a more sophisticated version of Hagrid in that he is a magizoologist who wants to teach the wizarding community that the subjects of his study should be protected, not feared. 
 
It should surprise no one, then, that within hours of his arrival, many of the creatures escape and run amok over the city.In his quest to recover them, Newt gets three companions—a No-Maj (American for “muggle”), an ex-Auror with a heart of gold and her sister who can read minds. Add to that the American version of the ministry of magic, struggling to keep the community hidden from Muggles, and a group that is determined to unearth witches, and you have a rollicking story that barely gives the reader time to breathe.

Rowling’s prodigious imagination is hard at work, conjuring up one fantastical creature after another. Swooping Evil, Occamy, Diricawl and other names are accompanied by descriptions no less magical in nature. Some, like the Bowtruckle and Niffler, are familiar to us from Potter’s Care of Magical Creatures lessons. Fitting, considering Newt writes one of the textbooks assigned to Potter in his first year at Hogwarts.

It may take more than a few pages to settle into the story, given that it is written at the pace of the movie, but Rowling knows better than most how to draw her readers in. For this reader, the entry of the endearing Queenie, the aforementioned mind-reading sister, did the trick. From that point, pages were turned faster than the Niffler pockets shiny things.

It will surprise no one that Rowling has penned yet another thrilling tale.

Sofia Year 9