Teresa Moran Soldier By Ken Catran
Teresa Moran is a fourth generation soldier. She is stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq, experiencing life in a battlefield and the internal war within her own family.

Soon she comes to question the morality of war after seeing so many innocent Iraqis abused and killed.

Her life as a soldier in Iraq sees her abducted and coming face to face with a charismatic leader of a terrorist group in Baghdad. Through this unexpected encounter she is able to consider a different perspective of the war. Her courage to change the future is tested in a murderous final battle in Baghdad.

I enjoyed this book as it was a non-westernised view of life and war, making it an insightful and interesting read.
Kristina Rating: 4/5

Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy
If you’re in to escaping the world of the mundane where no-one yields any more magical power than their pet goldfish, then this is the book for you!

From the walking and talking skeleton detective to the evil hollow men, there is never a dull moment in this adventure. And, the best part is, it all takes place right under the nose of Stephanie’s family, and in fact, under the noses of all of Haggard.

When Stephanie, your average sarcastic teen, is faced with the death of her favourite uncle she begins to be introduced to some unusual characters, which her family had always claimed were here uncle’s “weird” friends.

One such character is present at the reading of the will. He stood tall, slender and mysterious, and wore clothes which covered him head to toe, even his face. She had run into him under mysterious circumstances earlier at the funeral of her uncle and had wondered since just who he was.

His true identity is revealed as a walking, talking, skeleton detective with a big attitude and mysterious magical powers. We are also taken on the adventure as Stephanie and the detective, known as Sculduggery Pleasant, seek the answers behind the mysterious death of her uncle, who seemed to know too much about this hidden world of magic. Was it murder? I guess you’ll just have to read on and see!

Recommended for ages 8 and up. This book is mainly for teens but should be an enjoyable read for all.
Sarah’s rating: 4/5