New in Children's

More New Releases

Dark Prince: Author's Cut Special Edition

Christine Feehan

When originally published back in 1999 Dark Prince was one of the first paranormal romances. This is a story that encompasses despair, danger, adventure, mystery, love and passion. Since I first read it years ago, it has been a favourite book of mine. However I always felt that something was missing. But the extra 100 pages included in the author's cut, has fleshed out the story nicely, given more depth to the characters and providing deeper insight into the Carpathian culture.

Mikhail Dubrinsky and Raven Whitney are the two lead characters. Mikhail is the prince of the Carpathians, the powerful leader of a wise and secret ancient race that thrives in the night. While Raven Whitney, is a telepath who has helped hunt some of the worlds most depraved serial killers. From the moment they meet, Raven and Mikhail are helpless to resist the desire that sparks between them.

Mikhail is a wonderful lead character with his mental roller coaster while Raven proves his equal as his soul’s saviour.

Readers of the twenty-one books in the series will enjoy the revised edition of the thriller with its marvellous underlying premise while newcomers will find this is an excellent way to enter Christine Feehan's Dark Carpathian series.

(Reviewed by Jillian)

This is not the end!

If, like me, you have just seen the final Harry Potter movie but are still not ready to leave the incredible magical world created by J.K Rowling – never fear! You are only a few mouse clicks away from an amazing variety of web pages, fan sites, encyclopedias, and much, much more.
There has been a lot of buzz over the last few months about J.K Rowling’s mysterious new online project, Pottermore. It is promoted as an interactive online experience, which seems to mean an opportunity to read the books online, but with loads of new information written by J.K Rowling, as well as games and fun extras like being sorted into a house and buying a wand. It is launched in October so grab your broomsticks and head to http://www.pottermore.com/ to sign up.
Other sites to check out…
Lexicon - J.K Rowling herself used this amazing online encyclopedia to check facts when she was writing the final books in the series. There are maps, lists of spells, family trees and just about anything else Harry Potter related that you could think of. Even the most dedicated fan can find some new information on this site.
MuggleNet – One of the biggest online fan sites. Mugglenet has the latest information on everything Harry Potter including the books, movies, and Pottermore. It also has a podcast called Mugglecast, which, amongst other things, has a chapter by chapter discussion on the books.
Scholastic – Games, quizzes, polls and more from the publishers of the book series.
Warner Bros. – This is the official site for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. You can download wallpaper and screensavers, watch videos, find your patronus and, my personal favourite, have a message translated into Parseltongue.
And of course, nothing beats enjoying the books the way J.K Rowling intended for us. Maybe it’s time for a re-read.

Kirsty A.

Mennonite in a little black dress

Rhoda Janzen

Author Rhoda Janzen left her Mennonite upbringing when she left graduate school and for many years lived the secular life. When her husband leaves her for Bob, whom he met on a gay website, and then shortly after she is involved in a car accident, she makes the decision to go back home to her family to give herself time to heal.
Back in the fold, Janzen describes for us what life is like living the Mennonite way and tells us what her childhood was like. She talks about shameful foods and wounding words, and she does it in such a delightful, philosophical, and conversational way. There are definitely some laugh-out-loud moments despite the issues with her former husband. At the end of the book, Janzen gives a quick “Mennonite for Dummies” type overview which is also hilarious.
I loved this book. Author Rhoda Janzen has such a deadpan, dry style of wit – and her use of language – just beautiful. You could say that “Mennonite” is like chick lit for the literary.

(Reviewed by Jill)

Matched

17 year old Cassia lives in a perfect futuristic world where there is no sickness or disease, everyone dies at the age of 80, and everyone's future is mapped out for them by the Society.
Matched begins with Cassia travelling to her Match Banquet to find out who the Society has decided she is to marry when she turns 21. Cassia is relieved to find she has known her match all her life: her good friend Xander. However when she sees another boy's face flash up on her screen as well, she is confused - the Society does not make mistakes. Cassia knows the other boy too - Ky - and falls for him even though, for many reasons, she knows she shouldn't.
Cassia soon finds that life under the Society is not as perfect as it seems, and she must choose whether to follow the rules or her heart.
Matched is a compelling love triangle, but also a gripping thriller as Cassia begins to question everything she has always known. The first in a trilogy, this book will appeal to young adults, particularly girls, who enjoy futuristic love stories with a bit of depth and have had enough of vampires!
Check availability here.

Reviewed by Angela