Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman

This is by far the most psychologically and emotionally distressing book I may have ever read. Don't get me wrong though it was an excellent read and extremely immersive. However, it is definitely not something you read and expect to have a pleasant night sleeping. I've had really disturbing dreams for two nights in a row as is.

What's great about it is the concept of the book. In the world of the book, the people that were considered the 'slave-race' and discriminated were those with white skin and fair hair whereas the brown-skinned people were the ones in charge. I had a paradigm shift just reading it and I'm not even African American. What more if a white man picks this book up to read.

Basically the story is about two children - a Nought and a Cross - called Callum and Sephy growing up in a society where hatred and discrimination among both races run rampant. But how can they take control of their lives and be together if the society they live in is so immersed in their own feelings of hatred and helplessness?

Experiencing racism that you associate with the blacks through a white man's eyes gives one a lot of food for thought. It also makes it a very painful read because you're experiencing the character's pain. I think that's why I could not sleep because I felt so distraught and the impact the book made was so immense that it manifested itself in my dreams.

Usually, I try to keep a post about a book as objective as I can. However, as I have mentioned, it is written through the characters point of view and the scenarios and outcomes were so realistic and well-thought out I may as well have been reading an actual biography.

The Immortal Prince by Jennifer Fallon

Okay, okay can't tell a lie...

This book is awesome! Character driven, an elegantly complex plot and a unique concept - learning about immortals. You couldn't ask for more! Jennifer Fallon is one of the greatest fantasy authors of this age. The Immortal Prince is the first book in The Tide Lords, her first four book series.

The story begins with an immortal, Cayal, looking for a way to die. He murders seven people for that sole purpose and is sentenced to death, to his utmost disappointment, by hanging.... The executioner who beheads people was on vacation. Arkady, the Duchess of Lebec and historian, is then sent in to prove that he is lying about being immortal. Things start to get messy and she helps him escape from prison. It is then she discovers Cayal is telling the truth and is forced to confront it. When she does, she discovers the complexities of being immortal and their ruthless ambitions to rule Amyrantha through a religion or an existing government - it's more effective and a lot less of a hassle.

This is a great book for all fans of adult fantasy. the characters are complex an intriguing and drive the plot to unexpected twists and turns. Expect to empathize, pity and hate these seemingly inhuman immortals. Oh... expect to stay up late reading this book...

And stay tuned for the review of her second book: Gods of Amyrantha

Lord Loss by Darren Shan

A highly thrilling and fun read. The story line makes the book really difficult to wrench from a person's hands. It ain't scary regardless of all the warnings you see on the back of the book but it is gruesome and bloody at the right parts. Enter Grubbs Grady, an average adolescent who changed his name TO Grubbs (?). He finds himself dealing with mundane issues like peer pressure and getting back at his bossy older sister. However he eventually gets a nagging feeling that all is not as it should be when his family starts doing things that are completely out of character. A suspicious invitation to a fluffy ballet performance (which he violently rejects as any self respecting guy does) that ensures that his absence from home causes him to hang it all and try to figure out what on earth is going on. When he gets home and opens the door, all hell breaks loose... literally.

This book is a good starter into the darker side of fantasy and hell. Good fun. It's the first book in the 10 volume Demonata series.

Pawn of Prophecy by David Eddings

The boy Garion had spent his whole life in the confortable safety of Faldor's farm with his Aunt Pol who seems to be at the center of everything that goes on in her domain, the kitchen. He got into all sorts of mischief as a child but as he got older he began to wonder who his parents were, what the strange, pale circular mark on his palm means, and started feeling possessive about a childhood friend of his who started to blossom in interesting ways. However, a visit to a neighboring town with the incorrigible old rogue, Mister Wolf, changed Garion's life faster than he can say the names of the seven Gods. He suddenly found himself in the middle of a quest with Mister Wolf, Aunt Pol, Barak and Silk against an enemy that he knows nothing about. The frustrating thing is that nobody seems to want to tell him anything... What on earth is going on?

This is definitely one of my all time favorites! It was the first adult fantasy book I'd ever read and I remember finishing a book or two from this series in a day. If you want to start reading something in the fantasy genre, this would be a great book to start off with. Eddings' humorous writing makes the characters a fascinating and lovable lot. This is the first book of the Belgariad series. A MUST READ!!!

*A word of warning to those who have read tonnes of fantasy novels and have not read this one. You will find it extremely cliched. However just bear in mind that this book was written in the 1980's.

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

There was once a boy named Milo who didn't know
what to do with himself - not just sometimes, but always.

It's really wonderful to be able to revisit old books, especially those that you have read as a child. However, this book in particular, seems to transcend any age group.

What's so amazing is that when you go back to this book as an older version of yourself you tend to appreciate the clever way it was written even more. Mr. Juster has cleverly taken concepts from Math and English and created a whole adventure out of them, sharing with the reader, his sharp wit and wonderful sense of humour.

So pick that book up and be immersed and visit the Island of Conclusions, escape the doldrums the Kingdom of Dictionopolis, meet Tock a watch dog in more ways than one, and encounter the ongoing, heated debate about the supremacy of numbers and words and join the Mathemagician for some (-) stew. Endure all the perils, excitement and more, of going on a crazy quest to restore order in an equally crazy world by looking for rhyme and reason.

A reccommended read for preteens to young teenagers and for all the adults who would like to stroll down memory lane and be entertained by this marvellous weave. I love how this book unexpectedly changes your point of view on our seemingly mundane world.

Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Code by Eoin Colfer

Artemis finds himself in trouble once again - no thanks to his evil scheming. His genius knows no bounds when he figures out a way to create a mini computer far more advanced than human technology based on his exposure to fairy technology. When a business deal - to sell off the computer - where he supposedly has the upper hand goes wrong, Artemis finds his life in peril and must race to save Butler's life and protect the secret of the existence of fairies. To do this he must call the fairies for help but at what cost?

As usual Artemis Fowl is fast-paced, unpredictable and thoroughly entertaining. Be intrigued as you enter the world (and mind) of this boy genius. And... try not to sit on the edge of your seat... though that may be quite impossible.

Abarat by Clive Barker

An excellent read that blurs the barrier of time and space. It has absolutely nothing to do with quantum physics and everything to do with ingenious creativity. Our young heroine, Candy Quakenbush, doesn't quite fit in with the community of Chickentown, whose lives are built completely around - you guessed it - chickens, and more chickens. However after a series of extraordinary events, she gets thrown into the weird and wonderful world of Abarat where time is a place and miracles are possible. The catalyst? A history project.

This book is recommended to all fantasy junkies who are tired of the usual "I am the Chosen One?" plot where one man/woman is destined to save a kingdom/race/religion from oppression/evil/enslavement/or worse! XD. Abarat is a true gem among books as Barker is an amazingly descriptive writer and the creator of the unimaginable. The world of Abarat catches you in a choke-hold and makes you believe that it is somewhere out there in the real world. A MUST READ!!!!!

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

This is the first book of the misdemeanors of Artemis Fowl. This 12 year-old criminal mastermind has discovered that fairies do exist and is hell bent on parting them from their gold by hook or crook (preferably the latter). He kidnaps LEPrecon officer, Captain Holly Short, as a means to realize his elegantly evil plan. Unfortunately for him, the fairies won't go down without a fight...

This book features a great blend of "underground" technology and magic. The characters are highly witty and memorable. Although Artemis is a villain, I assure you that you will be charmed by his wicked humour. Recommended reading!

Instead of Three Wishes: Magical Short Stories

This book contains a collection of really lovely, magical short stories that provide a great twist from the usual fairy-granting-wishes business. From leprechauns and cockroaches, to portraits and pastries, it is one of my favourite fantasy books of all time which I have reread oodles of times. The stories have a way of lingering i your mind for days and one story fascinates you after another. Megan Whalen Turner has a magical way of crafting her stories that leaves you feeling enraptured and uplifted as you immerse yourself in her stories.

Wintersmith by Terry Pratchett

This book is a sequel to the wonderful 'Hat Full of Sky'. Once again we join Tiffany Aching and the ever amusing Wee Free Men in another whacky adventure. This time though, the spirit of winter seems to have fallen in love with a disinterested Tiffany and much to her horror, he doesn't seem to take any of her hints. If she doesn't figure out how to deal with him, spring may never return.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Loved this book! One would describe it as a sort of New Age fairy tale that takes you all over the world. The book is about a young boy Santiago who is trying to realize his own Personal Legend. Readers will discover the challenges, both mental and physical, that Santiago will face and why other people do not realize their Personal Legends. It is an uplifting and inspiring story and will prove to be the proverbial light house for those of you who need some direction in reaching your goals in life.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey

This book has the right to own the title "Timeless Classic". Even though it was written in the 1960s the issues that it deals with is prevalent to this day. This is a story about a Native American man who is stuck in an asylum. But the routine and control of the asylum's head nurse is soon broken by a newcomer, Mr. McMurphy. He is a scoundrel, gambler and con-artist and is frankly at the asylum on holiday from the usual dreary prison.

The structure of the narrative is brilliant and it deviates from what we're used to reading these days. I'm not going to tell what it is. It's better to discover it. This is a book that's heavy on the description and narrative so if this is your first time reading or if you don't enjoy reading just yet, stay away from this book for now. Take a gander later on when you're in the habit. This is a book on my Top 10 favorites; highly recommended reading.

New Moon by Midori Snyder

An excellent book. After reading it, it made me wish I had also purchased the second and third books but I wasn't feeling too adventurous that day so... This book is about people who wield elemental magic. When you have elemental magic in the weave, chances are you won't be disappointed. However, readers should note that the framework for the story is pretty much the same for most fantasy novels; a kingdom in turmoil because someone has usurped the throne or right to rule. But it works because the characters are unusual and likable. It was unputdownable from the beginning to the end. Can't wait to read the sequels!

The Magic and The Healing by Nick O' Donohoe

This book is about four students, studying to be veterinarians, who travel, meet and aid the folk living at the Crossroads. This story is great because of the way it deals with the issue of the possibility of humans ruining a fantasy realm when it becomes too accessible. However, it is the way in which it is dealt that I like. It's very different. A word of warning though, the medical jargon is a little tough to get used to and you may start to lose interest in the beginning. But hang in there! The story picks up and reveals itself to be a truly fascinating read.