A darkly funny rabbit hole into the world of preppers as experienced by a control freak lawyer. Possible recommendation for senior students, but lots of fun for adults!
A modern retelling of Antigone set in the UK amongst a British-Pakistani family. Tragic and compelling, with clear character voice and political undercurrent.
A good solid thriller! Very easy and enjoyable. Watch suburbia implode on itself when a child goes missing.
Thrilling, action packed dystopia. 5 stars for the action and plot, not necessarily for developed characters or theme, although the "Order" and how to achieve it was a strong message. Good for students, not graphic or too mature.
A meta thriller about writing, publishing, authenticity, and white guilt. A good book, but should have gone more ghost.
Delightful! Perfect for juniors. Lots of deep meaning hidden behind simple but lovely writing
The plot, characters, and setting are very compelling. The writing is not. The author doesn't get in his own way and try to be a fancier author than he is, which is to his credit. The prose is simple and let's the weight of the story propel it forward, rather than any insightful words. 3.5 stars. An interesting look into NZ history, and as it's a series I'll keep a lazy eye out for the next book.
This series is a hidden gem in NZ/pasifika fiction. Fun and easy romantic adventure. Highly recommend to teens - this was fun and I smashed the whole series!
Really enjoying this series, young adult fantasy adventure romance set in Samoa. Not serious but lots of fun
An absolutely fantastic YA romantasy set in the Pacific. Sure, don't expect to do critical analysis on this novel, but if you want kids reading for pleasure, this is an EXCELLENT recommendation.
3.5 rounded up because I don't want to take points away for ambition. This is such an ambitious book, and where it succeeds it is glimmering and hopeful. The use of māori, Fijian, and Tongan language, culture, and imagery is a real strength and refreshing and beautiful to read. I wouldn't study this is class with students but would strongly recommend it for readers keen on sci fi or adventure.
This had some absolutely lovely paragraphs about the importance of books and democracy. This was an easy read about important things.
4.5 Stars! This was an audiobook and I felt the performance really lifted it. A good thriller, not as scary as some of his other works. Quick too. Not a bad suggestion for students who are wanting to experiment with horror or Stephen King.
This was a good survival story with lots of mātauranga māori thrown in. This would be appropriate for 10-14 years old readers and is a nice entry level text. It isn't too repetitive (a fault I keep encountering with middle fiction) but it is quite shallow. I liked the contrast between the cousins, and the whakamā felt by River was very realistic, but I wish the author had developed that cultural background and relationships between the cousins a little more. Good for juniors.
Ohhhh boy this got my heart PUMPING. I love anything "zombie" and this is executed better than most apocalypses novels. Fraught and adrenaline inducing; I finished this in 24 hours, I couldn't put it down. Content warning for suicide and violence, but this is a great story of connection and need and want.
Awesome to see a young adult fantasy steeped in Māori pūrākau. But I found the plot repetitive and would liked to have spent some more time with the characters. This may work with year 9s, but it is cool to know there is choice in this realm of literature now.
Great old timey murder mystery
Although the teenage point of view is convincingly done, this book is outdated. The author attempts to address socioeconomic issues "without pulling any punches" but her own biases shine through pretty strongly. Read it to assess whether it could be taught her at KGC (a decile 2, highly pasifika, inner city Auckland school). NOPE.
My first Neil Gaiman! Magical!
Easy entrance fantasy - but not my favourite in the genre.
A good thriller with detailed throwbacks that feel like kiwi childhood - including the misogyny and racism. Chilling and fun!
This was magnificent and energetic read with real forward momentum. Possibly appropriate for year 13, although the are trigger warnings. Very enjoyable, even for someone who will never, ever run long distance.