This roundup begins with a spectacular review by site member Krazy Kesh of Lone Wolf by Robert Muchamore, the latest in the explosive CHERUB series. This spy detective series follows a group of orphans who are employed by the government as intelligence agents! (For official purposes, these children do not exist.)
"Muchamore hasn't failed to please me and this one has been yet another joyride. Muchamore seems to expand the CHERUB universe by bringing in some of the old agents. The storyline was great, and apart from the action, there was a lot more brain power used in this one … I really enjoyed the book and recommend it to anyone above the age of 13."
With similar themes of adventure and mystery (but one eye on Halloween next week), Prosah wrote a fantastic review of The Cat's Maw by Brooke Burgess. This spine-tinglingly scary read follows unremarkable Billy Brahm who befriends a wild cat, opening up his world to adventure and danger.
"This is a very scary story and there are a great many parts that will make you feel quite sad for him, but you will also want to find out more … If you like cats at all, and adventure, and mystery, you will like this book. Also if you are the sort of person who sometimes enjoys being the first to know about something important, it's high time you read this. Because this is important. For brave young readers as well as their parents."
More feline friends feature in our next book: a tremendously good review by Bullseye of The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips by Michael Morpurgo. Set during the first world war, this story follows Lily and her cat Adolphus Tips, who goes missing when they are told to evacuate their family home.
"This is a fast-moving story, full of adventure and suspense … I really enjoyed this book because it's full of action and anticipation. It's a book that you'll find hard to put down!"
Heroes abound in Legend by Marie Lu, a dystopian teen novel reviewed by justonemorepage. Set in a future in which a plague has overcome society, this novel follows 15-year-old prodigy June, who is recruited to hunt down Day, the Republic's most-wanted criminal. Justonemorepage enjoyed the plot, but felt that some of the characters lacked originality.
"While Legend does incorporate the dystopian plot used in other novels like Matched where one of the characters is oblivious to the society's failings, it doesn't feel too clichéd … The thing that let it down was that June and Day's voices were often hard to distinguish. I often found myself wondering how on earth one of them suddenly teleported across the other side of the city … It may not be 100% original, but Legend is one of the better dystopian novels out there, so if you enjoyed books like The Hunger Games and Divergent then hop right in!"
Another variant on the dystopian future theme, ellie8899 penned an outstanding review of Matched by Ally Condie. 17-year old Cassia lives in an authoritarian society where you are matched to your partner, but when she is matched to an 'Aberration' her perspective of society is challenged.
"This book has such a wide range of language, some exciting characters and such a rich in-book world, and I absolutely love it. It is definitely on par with other books in its genre, like the Hunger Games and Divergent, yet the story is so different and more about feelings than struggling to survive. I can't wait to read the other two books! … I would recommend this for 12 plus because it is a brilliant book but deals with complex and mature themes that younger readers may struggle with."
To conclude this week's roundup we turn to a brilliant review by Abby O'Reilly of Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley. This introspective novel follows the journey of teenager Cullen, who becomes disillusioned with his town following the disappearance of his younger brother.
"I know they tell you not to judge a book by its cover, but I'm going to be honest here and admit that it was solely the cover that made me pick up and read this book. I mean come on, who can blame me? It's absolutely beautiful … This book more than lived up to my expectations of it, it soared right past them. It's such a unique read combining so many different aspects of human life … Where Things Come Back is great for if you're looking for a quick and satisfying read, but also for if you're looking for a unique book that will make you think. I'd recommend this book for lovers of John Green, or anyone over the age of 14."
A big thank you to our site members for all their superb reviews this week! As always, if your review has been mentioned in our roundup email the children's books team and we will send you a book in the post.
Happy reading!
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