To start it off, this week site reviewer HorseLover3000 discussed the story of Oksa Pollock – a thirteen year old girl who discovers she is Queen of a magical, hidden homeland: Edefia. In a fantastic review of Oksa Pollock: The Last Hope by Anne Plichota and Cendrine Wolf, HorseLover3000 praised the characterisation in the novel:
"The characters are well thought out, very believable and realistic, and it is a new take on the whole magical world idea. I think the villain in it is an especially good character because he is Oksa's teacher, which makes it realistic and makes you wonder if your teachers could be anything like that... My only criticism would be at times the author builds up a really exciting part where Oksa is in trouble ... then gives it a bit of an anti-climax because she just uses her powers then runs away."
Meanwhile, with similar elements of puzzle-solving mystery, Buki sent in a brilliant review of the third novel in H.L. Dennis' Secret Breakers Trilogy: The Knights of Neustriaa. In this story "Brodie, Hunter, Tusia and the newcomer, Sheldon, are trying to break the fully-coded MS408, an ancient manuscript found in an Italian castle by Wilfred Voynich in 1912". Buki found the novel exciting, but a bit of a slow-starter.
"When I looked at the book cover, I was eager but the first couple of chapters were soooo boring, it made me yawn and put it down without a moment's hesitation... As carried on reading, I was soon drawn to it like a magnet to iron. it is full to bursting with suspense and false trails which makes it seem that all the characters find out is true. It forces you to carry on reading no matter what... I really loved the book and would recommend readers to persevere because every page! I rate it at 9/10."
Now, moving on to some animal-themed novels, Clementine2828 wrote a wonderful review of Warrior Cats: Into the Wild by Erin Hunter. This book is about a house-cat called Rusty who wanders into the forest and meets four rival clans of feral cats.
"I loved this book, I just couldn't stop reading it! It was so utterly exciting you just had to keep at it. This was because of the fabulous description Erin Hunter gives you of every cat. The names give you a firm description of the cat too. It has a spectacular story that leads Rusty into a dangerous but exciting world... I recommend this book to all animal lovers."
Continuing the animal-with-combined-fantasy theme, Amazed Earthling sent in a terrific review of Fright Forest by Marcus Segdwick. This novel follows the tale of Raven Boy and Elf Girl "as they set off on a mission to save the forest from the Ogre and find Elf Girls relations". The protagonist Raven Boy possesses both the ability to "communicate with animals and see in the dark".
"Raven Boy and Elf Girl's relationship is at the heart of this book... They often seem worst of enemies and annoyed by one another but often in a fun way. They are both brave and sarcastic ... I love the illustrations. At the start of each chapter there are thorny bushes entwined around the chapter number accompanied by facts about the characters, this really helps build the characters and makes you interested to find out more. The illustrations have their own Marcus Sedgwick/Pete Williamson spooky feel about them that you find in their other books."
Meanwhile, cutecat wrote a superb review of the book of poems: Razzle Dazzle by Andy Seed. She said, "The poems are on a wide variety of subjects. Some are about friendship or families, and some are just crazy".
"These poems will fill your head with craziness, fun and imagination. There weren't any poems I didn't like so I expect it will be the same with you. So get reading and love Andy Seed."
And last but not least, Prince Caspian wrote a riveting review of Horrid Henry's Car Journey by Francesca Simon. In this book Horrid Henry (reluctantly!) goes on a long car journey with his family to get to his cousin Vera's christening.
"The book has lots of funny bits, especially all the squabbling between Henry and Peter, who both want to be on the right hand side of the car so they can watch the speedometer... The book has six chapters and lots of good pictures on every page, the best one is the people fighting with goo shooters! I think that anyone who's ever been on a long car journey will find this book funny. Some four or five year olds may enjoy it, but definitely for children of six plus."
That's it for this week - thank you all for writing such delightful reviews, and we hope this roundup has given you some reading ideas! If we've mentioned your review do please please please email in to the children's site address childrens.books@theguardian.com and we will send you an extra-special book from our cupboards!
Happy reading!
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