Novels Now

You are browsing the archives of 2011 January.

Two Generals by Scott Chantler
Pages: 243
Ages: Adult (but easily a YA crossover)
First Published: Oct. 26, 2010
Publisher: McClelland & Stewart
Rating: 5/5
First sentence:
“I-is that you, Lieutenant?”
Acquired: Received a review copy from Random House Canada.
Reason for Reading: I love reading journals,memoirs and books based on them.
Wow! That one word could some up my complete review. Wow to the [...]

A Sickness in the Family by Denise Mina. Art by Antonio Fuso
Vertigo Crime series
Pages: 180
First Published: Oct. 19, 2010
Publisher: Vertigo
Rating: 5/5
First sentence:

So she’s finally dead?
Acquired: Received a review copy from Random House Canada.
Reason for Reading: I love that the pure mystery/thriller/crime genre is so much more easily found in the graphic novel format [...]

Lola, A Ghost Story by J. Torres. Illustrated by Elbert Or
Pages: 102
Ages: 12+
First Published: Jan. 13, 2010
Publisher: Oni Press
Rating: 4/5
First sentence:
The Tagalog word for grandmother is “Lola”.
Acquired: Borrowed a copy through Interlibrary Loan.
Reason for Reading: This was a Cybils ‘10 nominee and as a panelist for Graphic Novels was required reading for [...]

Luna Park by Kevin Baker. Art by Danijel Zezelj (Canada) - (US)
Pages: 157
First Published: Nov. 30, 2010
Publisher: Vertigo
Genre: magical realism, crime, historical fiction
Rating: 4/5
First sentence:
Every day, he tries to escape the nightmare.
Acquired: Received a review copy from Random House Canada.
Reason for Reading: The Russian historical aspects and the publisher’s summary had me intrigued.
This is a [...]

The Zabime Sisters by Aristophane. Translated from the French & Afterward by Matt Madden
Pages: 85
Ages: 14+
First Published: Oct. 26, 2010
Publisher: First Second
Rating: 4/5
First sentence:
What, are you still snoozing?
Acquired: Received a Review Copy from First Second Books.
Reason for Reading: The plot. I enjoy stories of childhood and the setting of Guadeloupe certainly piqued my interest.
This is [...]

Birth of a Killer by Darren Shan
The Saga of Larten Crepsley: Book One
Pages: 253
Ages: 12+
First Published: Oct. 5, 2010 US (Oct. 19, 2010 CAN)
Publisher: Harper Trophy Canada
Rating: 4/5

First sentence:
When Larten Crepsley awoke and yawned one grey Tuesday morning, he had no idea that by midday he would have become a killer.
Acquired: Received a review copy [...]

Free Country by Jeremy Duns
Paul Dark Trilogy, #2
Pages: 324
First Published: Oct. 19 2010
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Rating: 5/5
First sentence:
“Sir Colin Templeton was the most courageous, patriotic and decent public servant I have had the privilege of knowing.”
Acquired: Received a review copy from Simon & Schuster Canada.
Reason for Reading: Next in the series.
Jeremy Duns follow up to [...]

The Boy Who Conquered Everest: The Jordan Romero Story by Katherine Blanc with Jordan Romero
Pages: 72
Ages: 9+
First Published: July 30, 2010
Publisher: Balboa Press
Rating: 4/5
First sentence:
Jordan Romero was a regular 9 year old boy.
Acquired: Received a review copy from the book’s publicist.
Reason for Reading: The book sounded inspiring and like something my son would enjoy.
This [...]

Thunder from the Sea: Adventure on board the HMS Defender by Jeff Weigl
Pages: 47
Ages: 8+
First Published: May 13, 2010
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Rating: 3/5

First sentence:
Gentlemen, this is Jack Hoynton - the new crewman assigned to us.
Acquired: Borrowed a copy through Inter Library Loan.
Reason for Reading: This is a Cybils ‘10 nominee and required reading for me [...]