Posts tagged action
July 22, 2011 · Filed under Adventure, Books, Children, Mystery, Young Adults · Tagged action, Chris Morphew, Contact, LibraryZac, Phoenix Files, Phoenix Files: Contact, suspense, young adult
Contact jumps straight back into the story of Jordan, Luke and Peter, three of the inhabitants (or prisoners) of the town of Phoenix. It starts off right where the first book, Arrival ended with Luke, Peter and Jordan hearing the ring of a phone and running off to find out who the phone belongs to. You learn in the first book that the phones and internet don’t work in Phoenix so it’s strange to hear a phone ringing. This mysterious phone sets off a string of events that Luke, Peter and Jordan get caught up in. The people who are in charge of Phoenix discover that the three of them are snooping around, so their principal gives them tasks to keep them busy. This doesn’t stop them investigating the plans of the Shackleton Cooperative to bring about the end of the world, and as they uncover more secrets they find themselves fighting to save themselves and the ones they love.
Contact is fast-paced and so suspenseful that I found I was racing to finish the book. Luke, Peter and Jordan get themselves into some really tight situations in this book and you wonder if they are going to get out of them alive. The part when they are in Ketterley’s office really had me on the edge of my seat, hoping that they didn’t get caught. One of the things I liked best about Contact is that Chris Morphew told the story from a different character’s perspective. We see things from Peter’s point of view, which is quite different from Luke’s in the first book. Hopefully the third book, Mutation will be told from Jordan’s perspective. I’m going to get started on Mutation straight away because I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Recommended for 12+. 10 out of 10
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July 13, 2011 · Filed under Adventure, Books, Children, Mystery, Young Adults · Tagged action, Arrival, Chris Morphew, LibraryZac, Mystery, Phoenix, Phoenix Files: Arrival, Shackleton Cooperative, suspense, The Phoenix Files
What would you do if you found out there were only 100 days until the end of the world?
When Luke and his mum move to the town of Phoenix, out in the middle of nowhere, Luke knows straight away that something isn’t quite right about the place. There are no cars, no phones and no internet. All the houses look the same and the only way to get around the town is to walk or bike. The town was especially built by the Shackleton Cooperative, the mysterious company that offered Luke’s mum a job, and their security officers roam the streets. A coded message brings Luke together with Peter and Jordan, and when they decipher the message they realise they’re in serious danger. Someone is plotting to wipe out the human race in 100 days and Phoenix suddenly becomes the safest and most dangerous place on earth. When Luke discovers a note in his backpack inviting them to a secret meeting at the Phoenix Airport, they hope that they’ll get some answers. However, their meeting at the airport gives them more questions than answers and as they hunt for information about Phoenix and the deadly plans, the more dangerous it becomes for them in the town.
Arrival is the first book in the action-packed, heart-stopping Phoenix Files series. It’s one of those books that you just have to keep reading to find out what happens. It grabs you from the very first page and doesn’t let you go until the end. You’re left with lots of unanswered questions about Phoenix and the Shackleton Cooperative, but this just makes you want to go and pick up the next book straight away. Luckily there are 4 books already released (and in the library) of this 6 book series so I can read them all before Fallout gets released next year. The Phoenix Files are perfect for those who like mystery, adventure and suspense, or books about secret agencies and the end of the world. If you like Michael Grant’s Gone series, then you’ll love The Phoenix Files. Recommended for 12+ 10 out of 10
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June 15, 2011 · Filed under Adventure, Animals, Authors, Books, Children · Tagged action, Adventure, Afghanistan, animals, courage, dogs, Michael Morpurgo, Shadow
Most booklovers know and adore Michael Morpurgo’s work. If you don’t, Shadow is the perfect book to get you started.
This stunning title is about a boy called Aman who is telling his story to his best friend’s grandfather at Yarl’s Wood Detention Centre, along with other Afghani refugees. This is a tale of courage, bravery, and one life-changing dog.
My favourite character was Aman’s mother because she is so incredibly brave and always believing; God is good, God will help us. She is a tremendously important character in the story.
Shadow is definitely a ‘must read’, so I would recommend it to ages 9+ because the reader would then be able to appreciate some of the situations more accurately.
Saoirse, 10
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June 2, 2011 · Filed under Books, Mystery, writers, Young Adults · Tagged action, LibraryZac, Mystery, Patrick Carman, super powers, suspense, Thirteen Days to Midnight, thriller, young adult
If you could have only one super power, what would it be?
That’s the question that Jacob Fielding asks at the start of Thirteen Days to Midnight, the dark new book by Patrick Carman. One Saturday morning in search of breakfast, Jacob and his foster-father, Mr Fielding are out driving when they crash into a tree. The last words that Mr Fielding says to Jacob are ‘You are indestructible.’ Mr Fielding dies, leaving Jacob completely unhurt and trying to figure out why. As he experiments, Jacob discovers Mr Fielding has transferred an amazing power to him – he is now indestructible. The priests that run his school take Jacob in and he eventually goes back to school, where his best friend Milo introduces him to the new girl, Ophelia James (or Oh for short). Oh is a bit of a daredevil and so she’s come off her skateboard and broken her arm. She wants Jacob to be the first to sign her cast, but when Jacob signs it with ‘You are indestructible,’ the trouble begins. They realise that by uttering those three words, Jacob can transfer his power to another person. They test the power out and use it to help save others. But with every heroic act, the power grows stronger and soon feels more like a curse.
I got totally engrossed with this story and couldn’t put it down. The story twists and turns and keeps you on the edge of your seat. It’s a story that really makes you think. There are lots of unanswered questions about Mr Fielding’s past and the power that Jacob has inherited, and you keep trying to put the pieces of the story together to answer these questions. One of the things I really liked about the story was the dark, creepy atmosphere , which tells you that this isn’t your normal story about a boy getting super powers. I also loved the way that Patrick Carman weaved history into the story, with the connection to a famous magician. Thirteen Days to Midnight is a story full of suspense, action, mystery, and a curse passed down through time. Recommended for 12+ 10 out of 10
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April 18, 2011 · Filed under Adventure, Books, Young Adults · Tagged action, Adventure, Alex Rider, Anthony Horowitz, Scorpia Rising, spies, young adult
It’s been five months since Alex heard from MI6. He doesn’t know if Mrs Jones has finally persuaded Alan Blunt not to use teenagers on missions, or they just don’t need him at the moment. But it doesn’t really matter, he was glad to be a regular boy again. But in the back of his mind, he wonders, does he miss it? The excitement, the thrill, knowing what England was like behind the scenes? Of course not! But is that really the truth? Alex thought about what he wanted, but when you’re Britain’s most successful spy, there is no choice.
When Alex is almost sniped at school, he finds himself dragged back into the world of gangs, murderers, and secret society’s.
Meanwhile, Scorpia is offered a serious amount of money to steal from the British Museum. But after two previous failures, they decide to take out the only person who can stop them: Alex Rider. So they seek out the best person for the job. Somebody who hates Alex more than anybody else, somebody who is one of the smartest and most criminally insane people in the world, somebody, who wants revenge…
In need of answers, Alex goes to MI6, they would know what this was all about. But he comes out scheduled for another mission. This time Alex must travel to Cairo, to spy on a head of security of a school for they worlds richest kids. Although everything is not as it seems.
I really can’t give any more away for this book, it would ruin the whole story. But I can tell you this is one of the best Anthony Horowitz books yet. It’s fast paced, and you can’t predict what will happen next, as all of the Alex Rider books are full of clever twists and the plan only becomes clear at the very end.
I would rate it 7 or 8/10.
By Henry
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October 13, 2010 · Filed under Adventure, Books, Mystery, New Zealand, writers, Young Adults · Tagged action, Adventure, Brian Falkner, LibraryZac, Most Boring Book in the World, Mystery, science fiction, The Project
The most boring book in the world contains a dangerous secret that could destroy the world if it got into the wrong hands. If only you could stay awake long enough to read it.
To get out of a punishment for pulling a school prank, Luke and Tommy must prove that The Last of the Mohicans is the most boring book in the world, but they discover that there is another book that is actually the most boring, a book called Leonardo’s River. There is only one copy of this book left in the world, which has been lost for many years and it’s worth $2 million. When Luke and Tommy help to rescue the rare books from the basement of the university library they can’t believe their eyes when they discover the most boring book in the world in among the other books. The boys save the book but there are others who will do anything to get their hands on it. They uncover the terrible secrets of the book and if it falls into the wrong hands, the consequences would be disastrous.
The Project is a great read for anybody who likes history, science fiction, action, adventure and mystery. You’ll get caught up in the story and taken along for a wild ride as Luke and Tommy race to save the world. It is definitely NOT a boring book and you’ll be kept awake wanting to find out how the story ends. Brian Falkner talked about The Project last month when he was our Star Author so if you’d like to know more about the story, check out Brian’s post about The Project.
Recommended for age 10+ 10 out of 10
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September 24, 2010 · Filed under Adventure, Books, Children, Fantasy, Young Adults · Tagged action, Adventure, Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins, young adult
Have you read the Hunger Games series? No? Well you should. They are a great series with plotting, fighting and a little bit of romance, all the way through. The action never stops.
Prim Everdeen is chosen as a representative for the hunger games while she is still 12 years old, Katniss, her big sister, volunteers to go instead of Prim and she goes to save her sister. Without giving too much away being selected isn’t a good thing.
I reckon that they are a great series and that if you like fighting, romance (sort of) and cunning plotting you should read them. I’d recommend them to anyone over 10. They are great for adults too – my Mum is reading the second one now!
They are some of the best books I’ve read, and I have read some really, really good books.
If you really like the sound of the Hunger Games series you should SO read them. The first book is Hunger Games, the second one is Catching Fire and Mockingjay has just been released.
By Rhys
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September 23, 2010 · Filed under Adventure, Books, Children · Tagged action, Bloodfever, Charlie Higson, James Bond, spies, Young Bond
Bloodfever is the second book in the Young Bond series.
In this book, James, the main Character, goes on a trip to Sicily but ends up Going to his cousins place. Then he gets captured and escapes but gets recaptured again and gets very close to death that is caused by mosqitos.
The end.
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August 31, 2010 · Filed under Adventure, Authors, Books, Children, Christchurch, Mystery, writers, Young Adults · Tagged action, Adventure, Billionaire Trilogy, LibraryZac, Mystery, Richard Newsome, The Billionaire's Curse, The Emerald Casket
In The Billionaire’s Curse, Gerald became a billionaire, was hunted by a maniac, solved a murder, and only just managed to get out alive. Now Gerald, Ruby and Sam are back in the second book in Richard Newsome’s brilliant Billionaire Trilogy, The Emerald Casket.
In The Emerald Casket, the three friends take up an invitation from Alisha Gupta to come to India for a well-deserved holiday. If only they knew what was in store for them in India! A kidnap attempt on Alisha is only the start of their troubles and sees them mixed-up with a mysterious and deadly cult. But what is the link between the cult and Gerald’s family? Gerald’s old enemy, Sir Mason Green is still out there somewhere, looking for the second casket, but Gerald must get to the second casket before him.
Packed with action, adventure, mystery and intrigue, you’ll love the second part of The Billionaire Trilogy. To hear Richard talk about the series, come along to the launch of the Christchurch Kids Blog on Wednesday, 8 September from 7pm at Central Library.
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August 5, 2010 · Filed under Adventure, Authors, Books, Children, Young Adults · Tagged action, Andy McNab, bomb disposal, Boy Soldier, Charlie Higson, CHERUB, Chris Hunter, Robert Muchamore, soldier, spies, Steve Cole, Tripwire, Young Bond, Zac
CLASSIFIED INFORMATION
Name: Felix James Smith
Age: 15
Role: Entering battlespaces to disable improvised explosive devices (IEPs).
Training: tactics, firearms, physical fitness, advanced driving, military free fall parachuting, boat-handling and vehicle hot-wiring.
Tripwire by Steve Cole and Chris Hunter (a bomb disposal expert) is the explosive first book in thrilling new series. Felix’s father was killed along with thousands of others in the Day Zero attacks, a series of terrorist attacks that destroyed London’s Heathrow Airport. Felix wants nothing more than to fight back and stop the vicious terrorist organisation, Orpheus, from spreading their destruction. He’s recruited by a top-secret organization called the Minos Chapter and sent to gather intelligence on the terrorists. Felix has the skills but can he discover their plans and diffuse their bombs in time?
The excitement and suspense keeps you reading and the chapters count down from 27 seconds so you know something big is going to happen at the end. I found myself almost sweating along with Felix as he tried to defuse the bombs, taking them apart bit by bit.
If you like the Young Bond series by Charlie Higson, the CHERUB series by Robert Muchamore, or Andy McNab’s Boy Soldier series you’ll love Tripwire.
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July 14, 2010 · Filed under Adventure, Books, Children, Fantasy, Mystery · Tagged action, Adventure, Ancient Egypt, Egyptian gods, Fantasy, Kane Chronicles, Percy Jackson, Red Pyramid, Rick Riordan, Zac
Percy Jackson fought Greek gods and now Carter and Sadie Kane battle to keep the Egyptian gods from taking over the world in Rick Riordan’s new series, The Kane Chronicles.
The Red Pyramid is the first book in the new series and it’s totally awesome! Brother and sister, Carter and Sadie Kane have lived apart since their mother died when they were young. Carter travels the world with his dad who’s a brilliant Egyptologist, and Sadie lives with her grandparents in London. When their dad destroys the Rosetta Stone in the British Museum, he releases some dangerous Egyptian gods that have been trapped for centuries. Set, the god of chaos, traps Carter’s dad in a gold tomb and Carter and Sadie have to run for their lives. To save their dad, they must defeat Set and his minions. Along the way they are helped by some powerful gods who help them discover the truth about their family and unlock the magic inside them.
I love the way that Rick Riordan creates a story around myths and legends and The Red Pyramid left me wanting to know more about Egyptian myths and legends. He makes the gods seem cool, particularly Anubis (even though he’s the god of the underworld). The Red Pyramid is exciting, action packed, and the perfect book for those who loved the Percy Jackson series. I can’t wait for the next one in the series! 10 out of 10
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July 8, 2010 · Filed under Adventure, Books, Children, Mystery, Young Adults · Tagged action, Escape from Shadow Island, magic, magician, Mystery, Paul Adam
ESCAPE FROM SHADOW ISLAND BY PAUL ADAM IS VERY GOOD! IT STARTS OFF WITH A MAGIC SHOW BUT WHO WILL BE THE PERSON TO HELP HIM?
GIRL? BOY? WHO KNOWS… I DO.
WHAT TRICK DOES HE DO? WHAT EVER IT IS HE HAS FIRST AID PEOPLE.
AND HE HAS CHAINS.
BY LAURA
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July 7, 2010 · Filed under Adventure, Books, Children, Fantasy, Mystery · Tagged action, Adventure, books you can't put down, Boom, Brian Falkner, Cornelia Funke, Des Hunt, Frog Whistle Mine, Inkheart, Mark Haddon, Tomorrow Code, Zac
There are some books you read that you get totally engrossed in and you don’t want to put it down. Everything else just blurs into the background and you don’t hear your parents telling you dinner is ready or that you need to clean your bedroom. I find that books with lots of action, adventure and mystery are the ones that I just can’t put down because there’s always something happening. Sometimes though it’s just that the characters are really interesting and I want to find out what happens to them.
Here’s some of my favourite books that I couldn’t put down:
- Frog Whistle Mine by Des Hunt – a great adventure story, with a mystery running through it and set in New Zealand.
- Boom! by Mark Haddon - teachers that are aliens, a weird alien language and cool alien gadgets – what more can you ask for?
- Tomorrow Code by Brian Falkner - messages sent from the future to help a group of kids save New Zealand and the rest of the world from a mysterious virus.
- Inkheart by Cornelia Funke - characters really come alive in this brilliant story about the magic of books and reading (also the start of the trilogy).
What are some of the books that you just couldn’t put down? What made them so exciting/terrifying/action-packed?
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July 3, 2010 · Filed under Adventure, Books, Children, Fantasy · Tagged action, Ancient Egypt, Egyptian gods, Fantasy, gods, monsters, Red Pyramid, Rick Riordan
I think the Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan is a really cool book because there are lots and lots of gods from Ancient Egypt. There is a girl called Sadie and a boy called Carter.Their dad is a scientist called Dr Kane. Find out what happens to them as they dodge obstacles and swerve around gods from Ancient Egypt.
by Juliette
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July 1, 2010 · Filed under Adventure, Books, Children, Mystery, Young Adults · Tagged action, Adventure, Billionaire Trilogy, childrens fiction, murder, Mystery, Richard Newsome, The Billionaire's Curse, thrills, young adult, Zac
What would you do if you inherited 20 billion dollars? This is exactly what Gerald has to decide when he inherits a fortune from his great-aunt, in Richard Newsome’s exciting, roller-coaster ride of a book, The Billionaire’s Curse. When Gerald’s great-aunt Geraldine dies suddenly, his family jumps on a private jet and races over to England for the funeral and the all-important reading of her will. Gerald’s great-aunt leaves him her entire fortune, including houses, cars, her butler and lots and lots of cash. As if he didn’t have enough to worry about with all that money, Gerald discovers Geraldine was murdered and a very valuable diamond has been stolen from the British Museum. The two crimes are linked and it’s up to Gerald and his new friends to uncover the truth. With villains around every corner, who can Gerald trust?
The Billionaire’s Curse is a fast-paced, mystery story with lots of action, creepy characters, booby traps, and close shaves with death. It’s also the first book in The Billionaire Trilogy so watch out for book 2, The Emerald Casket, in the library soon. Perfect for 11+
9/10
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June 10, 2010 · Filed under Adventure, Books, Children, Young Adults · Tagged action, CHERUB, Robert Muchamore, spies
The CHERUB series by Robert Muchamore is a fantastic read. It has action, adventure and a little bit of romance. I recommend these books to competent readers 12+. I rate this series 9 1/2 out of 10.Its a good read.
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June 7, 2010 · Filed under Adventure, Books, Children, Mystery · Tagged action, Candle Man, childrens fiction, Glenn Dakin, Mystery, superhero, thriller, villains, Zac
Imagine that you have been kept hidden away from the world for most of your young life, in a mansion with only three people for company. There is your mysterious master Dr. Saint, your butler Mr. Nicely and your deaf maid Clarice, but these are the only people you have ever met. The only times that you have been let outside have been your birthdays and even then someone is always watching you so that you can’t go far. You can only read certain books, eat certain foods, and can only drink water, because anything else is too stimulating for you. This is exactly how Theo has lived his life so far when we first meet him at the start of a mysterious new book called Candle Man by Glenn Dakin.
Theo’s life is turned upside down when a group of burglars break into his home, Empire Hall, one night and Theo discovers that he has a terrible power coursing through his body. Thanks to a mysterious group of strangers who break Theo out of his imprisonment he learns of his ties to the legendary figure of the Candle Man and the destiny that awaits him.
If you like books with a bit of mystery, some superheroes and creepy villains, weird creatures, and people melting like wax then this book is for you. The good news is that Candle Man is the start of a new series so we can expect to see more of Theo and his friends. Have a look at Glenn Dakin’s awesome website here. 7/10
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May 12, 2010 · Filed under Adventure, Books, Children · Tagged action, Adventure, aliens, Battle Boy, Charlie Carter, H. Badger, space, Space Scout, time travel, younger fiction, Zac, Zac Power
If you are obsessed with the Zac Power books you need to read this! There are two new series that have just started that are perfect for you if love Zac Power and we’ve just got the first few books in the series.
Battle Boy is a new series of books, written by Charlie Carter, about BB005 (whose real name is Napoleon) who gets sent back in time to spy on some of the greatest battles in history. Equipped with some cool gadgets and top-secret information, Napoleon must go back in time and set the record straight. If your children like spy stories, history stories or adventure stories these books are for them.
Space Scout is another new series that’s written by the author behind Zac Power, H. Badger (or H.I. Larry as we know her). The books are about Kip Kirby and his co-pilot, Finbar, who are scouting the universe for a new Earth that they can call home. Like the Zac Power books, there are lots of cool diagrams and gadgets throughout the book. Kip and Finbar journey to weird planets and meet all sorts of weird alien creatures. There’s also a really cool Space Scout website to check out so you can find out some more information about the books and play games.
You can borrow the first few books in both series from your local library now or if they’re not available you can always request them.
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April 21, 2010 · Filed under Adventure, Books, Children · Tagged action, Adventure, Battle Boy, Charlie Carter, Mystery, spies, spy gadgets, Zac, Zac Power
Code name: Battle Boy BB005
Real name: Napoleon Augustus Smythe
Duty: Operate as a Human Data-Collecting Device (HD-CD)
Directive: Spy on the past.
Battle Boy is a new series of books, written by Charlie Carter, about BB005 who gets sent back in time to spy on some of the greatest battles in history. Equipped with some cool gadgets and top-secret information, Napoleon must go back in time and set the record straight. If you like spy stories, history stories or adventure stories these books are for you. They’re also great if you’ve read all of the Zac Power books and you’re looking for something else to read.
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April 21, 2010 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged action, Adventure, Books, Hunger Games, James Dashner, Maze Runner, Mystery, young adult, Zac
There is really only one word needed to describe James Dashner’s The Maze Runner - Wow! Imagine that you wake up in a strange place knowing nothing but your name. Your memory has been wiped and you have no idea what happened to you before you woke up in the pitch black of an elevator that opens to reveal a walled-off area and a bunch of boys staring at you. The leader of the group tells you that you are in the middle of a maze, in a place called The Glade where these boys all live, carving out an existence. Nobody knows why the maze is there or why they are all trapped inside with no way out that they have discovered in the past two years. As well as trying to solve the maze they must survive the attacks of sinister blob-type creatures called Grievers. The story follows Thomas and the other ‘Gladers’ who strive against the odds to escape the maze alive.
The story is heart-stopping and the plot races along. It’s one of those books that you just don’t want to end and I was excited to discover that The Maze Runner is the first book in a trilogy. Now I just have to wait patiently for James Dashner to write the sequel, Scorch Trials that comes out later this year. If you loved Suzanne Collins The Hunger Games you’re sure to love The Maze Runner.
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