Where has this year gone, it’s the first day of spring today and it’s freezing and raining here in Perth, tomorrow is going to be even colder and rainier and I wish I could stay at home and read some good books, but alas…
So, in August there were 16 books linked in the AWW database, many were books that are part of a series but not book #1 and there were also a lot of middle-grade books reviewed this month.
Eleni reviewed Dragonfly by Erica Hayes and says “A futuristic sci-fi romance where the Empire rules without mercy. Insurrectionists fight back including the ruthless Dragonfly. The work building is in-depth. There’s intrigue, action, adventure, betrayal and romance. A story of finding your truth when you’ve shut your eyes to it.”
Eleni reviewed Demon’s Dance (#4 Lizzie Grace) by Keri Arthur and said it didn’t disappoint.
Helen reviewed Devil in the Detail by Savannah Blaize (#2) and says “I have really been looking forward to this book since I finished the first one and was not disappointed at all, it is a page-turner. I do highly recommend this book and the first in the series Deal with the Devil.”
I reviewed Stealing Time by Rebecca Bowyer over on Claire’s Reads and Reviews
Sargasso by Kathy George was reviewed by Lauren @Underground Writers who said “Sargasso is a fantastic work of Australian gothic and one that truly pulls the reader into the story. George’s novel is the perfect read for people who adore horror or mystery and are looking for something a little bit different but not completely out of the realms of their comfort zone.”
Angharad @Tinted Edges reviewed A Song of Flight (#3 Warrior Bards) by Juliet Marillier and says “An excellent example of Marillier’s work and a satisfying ending to the trilogy without completely extinguishing the hope that perhaps there may be more to come.”
Jennifer reviewed The Green Green Children Help Out by Gillian Polack and says “Gillian Polack has peopled this novel with well-realised characters both from different parts of the world and different worlds. Their relationships are complex, their skillsets complementary, their foibles so recognisably human. And we are reminded, subtly, as we journey with them, the varying ways in which we relate to people depends upon how we perceive differences. Times shift, relationships develop, danger lurks. Can the Green Children prevail?  There is romance in this world, as well as bureaucratic hierarchy. And lots of magic. Gillian calls this book a Jewish superhero book, and it is in part. But it is more than that: it is a book in which fantasy and reality work in harmony, where ordinary flawed people have superpowers, and where there is hope. And it is a world I can relate to and inhabit. If you enjoy well-written fantasy, then I recommend this novel. I have read it once and will be reading it again.”
There are a few Middle-Grade children’s books that sound fun.
Emily @A Keyboard and an Open MInd reviewed Where Shadows Rise (#1 Sanctuary) by Amy Laurens she says “Thisis a good series opener, though I have to admit I was expecting a bit more. I’ll be upfront and say that my main issue was I felt the world was a bit under-developed.  I have a feeling that this is the type of series that will build and develop as it goes, and I’m looking forward to book two being a stronger read.”
Ashleigh @The Book Muse reviewed When Days Tilt (#1 Time Catchers) by Karen Ginnane and says “This is one of those books that gets under your skin, and captures the imagination. It seeps into everything and allows us to transport ourselves to a different time and place, where we can imagine a different life, even though we may feel trapped by the constraints of the time period, Ava’s character reassures us that we do not need to simply accept these fates. We can forge our own path and our own destiny even when others have different ideas for us. What a book this was! I read half of it in one sitting and wanted to find out what happened. I loved what it did with stepping into other worlds, and the interlinking of every character – as they each have their place in the story. I hope the second book comes out soon, as I am keen to see what happens next. This is a great book for readers aged ten and older, and I can see it becoming popular.”
Denise Newton Writes reviewed The School for Talking Pets by Kelli Anne Hawkins and says “This book ticks many boxes for lots of children: pets (of all kinds), a school that is actually fun, making new friends, and two baddies who want to rule the world.”
Brenda reviewed Scorch Dragons by Amie Kaufman (#2 Elementals) and says “Scorch Dragons is the 2nd in the Elementals trilogy by Aussie author Amie Kaufman and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The main characters are twelve years old, so this is obviously a young adult novel, but there’s plenty of intrigue to keep this reader (who hasn’t been 12 years old for a long time) very interested. Highly recommended.”
Brenda also reviewed The Song of Lewis Carmichael by Sofie Laguna, a book I’ve been hearing wonderful things about. She says “The Song of Lewis Carmichael is an absolutely delightful children’s book by Australian author Sophie Laguna and illustrated by her husband, illustrator Marc McBride. The illustrations are beautifully done; the story is poignant and heartwarming. The Song of Lewis Carmichael is a highly recommended story for children around 10 to 12 years of age.”
Well, that’s it for August, I hope one of these grabs your attention and you find some good reads during September. To check out all the spec fiction books linked in August go here and to link your reviews go here
Until next time, happy reading.
