Hunter

Hunter is a story, written by Mercedes Lackey, set in a dystopian world after a cataclysmic event referred to as “The Diseray”. Told from the point of view of Joyeaux Charmand who is called in from her remote mountain village to Apex City, for her abilities as a Hunter. Hunters are people born with magical abilities, that are tasked with protecting others from the horrific beasts brought to the world by the Diseray. But when she arrives in Apex city, she is quickly pulled into a conspiracy that is getting more dangerous by the minute.

One of the best parts of this book is the great mix of Dystopian themes and fantasy. The setting sets a futuristic tone while keeping the strong fantasy elements. The range of mythologies the othersiders originate from is frankly rather impressive and the use of magic and weapons against them is a great idea. The story introduces you to a lot of creatures, a few of which I hadn’t even heard of, and yet it doesn’t over complicate the plot, and acts as more of an exciting supplement to a typical dystopian “enemy”.

Another part of the story I found engrossing, was the conspiracy elements. At the beginning of the story the only conflict were the othersiders, but as the story progressed the conflict grows to encompass a lot of people and all of the characters play an important role. I love the fact that not all the information is given to you, but enough so you can make your own predictions and try to figure it out yourself.

I enjoyed this book a lot because of the mythological and conspiratorial elements. I think this book is written very well and i would recommend it to anyone who likes dystopian stories or people with a passion for mythology.

Every Hidden Thing

Every Hidden Thing is a historical fiction, written by Kenneth Oppel, set mainly in the Badlands of Colorado in the late 1900’s. It’s told from the alternating points of view of it’s main characters, Samuel Bolt and Rachel Cartland.  Both protagonists are equipped with a passion for palaeontology and a growing love for each other. The only thing standing in their way is their fathers’, Professor Bolt and Professor Cartland, who would not stand for them to be in a relationship, in many ways mirroring the story of Romeo and Juliet.

One of the great parts of this book is the scientific and historic accuracy.           Historically, there was a great deal of colonialism and racism and first nations people were not treated well, as is shown in the story when the palaeontologists call them “savages” and invaded their land without notice. They also mistreated them, forcing them to be guides for their group. This attitude is still a problem we have to face in modern society ,although not in the same way. The science in the book is also very accurate. The explanation of how fossils are formed, the coloration by different minerals, even down to the identification of bones is meticulous. Kenneth Oppel also references actual palaeontologists and paleontological discoveries from the time period.

Another important theme of the story is the way women were treated. Rachel is told throughout the story that she can’t go to university and that she can’t go on a dig because she’s a woman, even though she is perfectly capable, and is actually much better than most of the men on the expedition. She finds that the only one who really accepts her in that way is Samuel. He believes that she should go to university, if she wants to. They have a few disagreements about it,  but in the end Samuel believes it’s the right thing to do. This is still prevalent in modern society, shown by the bias towards women in power positions and in the wage gap. Women still have to protest for equality with men, even though we have progressed from that day and age.

I loved this story because of its blend of romance and history, and because I have a love for the natural sciences. I think Kenneth Oppel did a marvellous job writing this compelling and very lovable story. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good romance and for readers with a passion for history and science.

 

Ghost Hawk

Ghost Hawk is the story of Little Hawk of the Pokanoket First Nations. 

He has to survive in the cold wilds in winter to find his Manitou.

But, he comes back to something he doesn’t expect. His entire village died from the plague brought by the English to North America. 

It is a story of growth and moving past loss. It is also a powerful historical fiction. 

Interestingly it is written in a 1st and 3rd person perspective.

The book is written by Susan Cooper

The True Blue Scouts Of Sugarman Swamp

The True Blue Scouts Of Sugarman Swamp is a story about two brothers…

That happen to be raccoons!

That are the new scouts of the Bayou Tourtelle and are tasked with the very important job of protecting the swamp.

But there are new threats coming to the swamp and our scouts will have to get help from an old friend to protect it.

The Sugarman!

On the otherside of the swamp, Chap Brayburn has his own problems.

His sworn enemy Sonny Boy Beucoup has come along to pave over the swamp but Chap has other ideas. 

Will they save the swamp? Who knows!

The book is written by Kathi Appelt.