The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

I had read so many amazing reviews of The Forest of Hands and Teeth, and was quite excited when I actually got to read it.

It is basically a post-apocalyptic novel, set after the world has been taken over by zombie-like beings. Mary lives within the boundaries of a big fence, which the ‘unconsecrated’ (or zombies) are constantly shaking at. The Sisterhood are a group of “nuns”, who control the small village of people who haven’t been infected by the unconsecrated. Before Mary can be ‘bonded’ (aka married) to Harry, the village is infiltrated. And Mary finds herself escaping with Harry, her real love Travis (Harry’s brother!), his betrothed and Mary’s brother and wife. They all manage to get out unharmed – left with absolutely nothing but Mary’s hope of finding the ocean, a ‘thing’ she has heard about from her late mother but doesn’t quite believe in.

 This is a fantastic book; so beautifully written and very gripping. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to perhaps slightly mature readers who enjoy fantasy, romance and adventure.

 Sequel out now [The Dead Tossed Waves]. And supposedly movie in the making. Yay.

When the war began by John Marsden

This is the first in a series about a group of teenagers who are camping in a very isolated bush area when Australia is invaded. There are many in the series. Imagine if you and your friends were the only ones around to help save your country from invaders. Exciting, scary stuff.

This is a trailer for the movie which is to be released later in 2010.

Gracie and the Emperor by Errol Broome

Gracie has always been terrified of Napoleon Bonaparte, the Emperor of the story. But when he is defeated by the English and sent to the island where she lives, St Helena, she is really scared. Even worse, she has to work in a house where he is taken. But Gracie is tough and even comes to think differently of Napoleon as she watches him and hears about him from others.

What Willow Knew by June Colbert

Sarah has lived with her “unusual” aunt since her mother died in a car accident five years before (her father had left when she was small). But now her aunt, Willow, is missing so Sarah has to move in with her father and his family. Everyone believes her aunt is dead, but Sarah doesn’t agree.

Alis by Naomi Rich – debut novel

Alis lives happily in a strict religious community until her parents tell    her that she is to be married to the Community Minister who is nearly three times her age. Her questioning of the society and her desperate attempts to escape what has been planned for her only lead her into trouble. The subtitle is “Is Love worth dying for?” You’ll have to read it to see who she loves. This is a gripping story with lots of action and many characters to take your interest – either because