When Aeslin Finn was a little girl, her parents read to her from a magical book called The Avalon Chronicles. But that was a long time ago. Now a teenager, Aeslin is about to discover just how magical she and that book really are. Transported to the world of Avalon, she discovers a kingdom in need of a Dragon Knight – and the last dragon, Blue Moon, is waiting for her!

Publication Date: April 24, 2012 | Series: Avalon Chronicles 1  Nunzio Defilippis (Author), Christina Weir (Author), Emma Vieceli (Author) Publisher: Oni Press (April 24, 2012)

When Aeslin and her friend come across an unusual store on their way home, they also discover the 2nd book in a series that her parents used to read to her when she was young. The shopkeeper gives her a key to open the book when they purchase it from him. When they do open the book Aeslin literally gets sucked into the book, becoming a part of it.

The first thing that Aeslin does in Avalon is search for the shopkeeper, who tells her she has to find the writer of the book to help her get home. But to do so she must find somebody to help her through her travels to keep her safe from bandits that want to make her their slave.

In the meantime back at home her friend is in a panic since she has disappeared and also goes to find the shopkeeper who has disappeared and a way to open the book up again because Aeslin has the key.

We go through several different adventures with Aeslin throughout the story. Not to mention all the great characters she meets. She learns that the story is more than just magical, it’s her destiny. The people of Avalon depend on her, and eventually she comes to depend on them as well. Aeslin, learns to ride the dragon and protect the kingdom from the wicked Warlord Khrom

It’s all black and white pages which is more like a Manga style than other comics or graphic novels. I personally have become a fan of the colored graphics, as I think it adds more visually to the stories. But I still think this is a cute and light-hearted read. I liked Aeslin and her adventures in Avalon. Her friend is so dedicated to her, trying to help her and wanting to go with her into the story. According to their website “THE AVALON CHRONICLES is a new book, a new series that is currently planned at four volumes.   The first Volume is entitled ONCE IN A BLUE MOON.”

“Their love could last forever- If it doesn’t destroy them first.”

Left heartbroken after the family revelations that have forbidden her relationship with Lucas, Helen must now face time in hell – literally. Tasked with breaking the curse that divides the Scion’s, Helen spends her nights wandering through the Underworld, trying desperately to find a way to put an end to the Furies. She’s running out of time though. Enemies are starting to gather and Helen’s endurance is just about at its limit.

One night, Helen stumbles across another person in the Underworld. Orion, a descendent of Adonis certainly lives up to expectations and with the power to control desire; he may just be the answer Helen has been searching for. Can she finally leave her feelings for Lucas buried in the past, or could the choice that saves her life totally shatter her heart? Can anyone really outrun fate?

“Dreamless” is the  sequel to the best-selling “Starcrossed” and yet again Angelini has delivered a compelling tale.  This time around, the action is hotter than ever and our team of Scion’s continue to unearth more gifts and curses that will have you just a little jealous, but at the same time relieved that you are completely one hundred percent mortal yourself.

Helen certainly finds her feet and her voice is stronger and more hypnotising than ever.  Her journey is so transfixing that you will be more than happy to spend a few sleepless nights wandering around the Underworld right alongside her. The love story does take more of a back seat this time around, as outside forces combine to keep our two “ star-crossed” lovers firmly apart. But it still maintains the theme that fate will not be outwitted.

I absolutely adore the way Angelini has laced Ancient Greek mythology throughout the plot in a way that doesn’t leave you feeling like it’s all one big history lesson.  Our leading cast shine, mortal and Scion alike, and the handful of God’s we get to meet face to face, and the beasties that hide in the shadows, all leap right from the page.

If you haven’t read this series as yet, seriously what are you waiting for? This is by far one of the best YA’s I’ve had the pleasure of discovering and I will certainly keep coming back to Helen’s world time and time again.

Dreamless (Starcrossed #2) –Josephine Angelini

Pan Macmillan

ISBN:978-0-330-52974-7

503 Pages

Released May 22^nd 2012

12 year old Riley Bloom certainly leads a full life for someone that’s well, dead. Riley’s desperate to not only prove herself as a Soul Catcher, but to finally turn 13 as well.  She’s been tasked with some difficult cases before- but this one could prove to be her toughest yet.

Riley’s off to Rome to convince long-dead gladiator, Theocoles, that’s it’s time to move on. Only problem is Riley isn’t the first one that has been sent to deliver the message and none of the others have ever returned. But everything is sent into a spin when she meets the charming Messalina who gives Riley a make-over to end all make-overs, turning her into a beautiful teen. Looks like first love could be making an appearance on Riley’s horizon. In a world this enchanting, will Riley ever want to leave?

Whisper is the fourth instalment in the Riley Bloom series and even though I haven’t read any of the previous three I found that the story was quick to pick up and downright fun. Riley is an intriguing and loveable heroine who certainly rocks the afterlife with style.

Whisper is set at the younger end of the market but Riley is just so adorable you’ll find yourself well and truly hooked. Noel’s writing style is fresh and funky and her sense of timing is spot on. There are some passages that are a little high on the gore side, especially considering the target audiences age bracket, but since we are talking gladiators, it does work.

Noel has incorporated romance, action, growing pains and the supernatural in a fresh new way that will appeal to all ages. Whisper is a perfect fast read that will leave you smiling and make you realise that there’s a little bit of Riley hiding in everyone.  A solid 4 out of 5.

Whisper-Alyson Noel

Pan Macmillan

194 Pages

ISBN:978-1-4472-0047-5

Released:  May 1 2012

The Girl Who Owned a City by O. T. Nelson, Joëlle Jones (Illustrator)

A deadly virus killed every adult on Earth, leaving only us kids behind. My parents are gone, so I’m responsible for my little brother, Todd. I have to make sure we stay alive. Many kids are sick or starving, and fierce gangs are stealing and destroying everything they find. Lots of people have given up, but here on Grand Avenue, some of us are surviving. Because of me.

I figured out how to give the kids on Grand Avenue food, homes, and protection against the gangs. But Tom Logan and his army are determined to take away what we’ve built and rule the streets themselves. How long can we keep fighting them off? We need to find another place for us to live safely. A strong place. A secret place.

In a world like this, someone has to take charge. But do I have the strength to take charge of a whole city?

Hardcover, 125 pages
Published April 1st 2012 by Graphic Universe (first published January 1st 2012)  ISBN  0761349030 (ISBN13: 9780761349037)

With the popularity of dystopian and post-apocalyptic books today, this story appealed to me. Although it is based on a book for more middle grade readers, I thought it was something that you may be interested in as well. From the synopsis the first thing that came to mind was the Gone series by Michael Grant.

The story focuses on Lisa and her brother Todd. Chicago becomes an all out war zone with kids fighting for weapons, food and shelter. Lisa has been driving her parents’ car around town looking for supplies and seeing the situation that all the kids are in. Even though she wants to protect herself and her brother, she knows that they have no choice but to form groups and try to work together

Lisa is a really strong main character. She is smart and has great leadership skills. She can think on her feet and can be stubborn, especially if she knows she’s right. She builds a little city in an abandoned building for the neighbourhood children to gather in and help each other.

When another faction decide to cause trouble in her city, she fights back. She is the epitome of a strong leader, but sometimes a dictatorship is not the best for the situation. This story is very detailed for a graphic novel and will definitely get you thinking.

This is one of those stories that you want to become a series. I would love to see the development in a couple of years when Lisa is a teenager. What would the years of running the city done to her? I also really enjoyed how detailed the pictures were.

“Generations of readers have grown up reading Isobelle Carmody’s stories. This book is for those who did not grow out of their love of enchantment.”

“Metro Winds” is a collection of six short stories that will entice you to look at the world around you differently. Teeming with killer plot twists, secrets and shadows and an amazing array of characters that scream for your attention and of course that all important sprinkling of magic; Carmody has definitely hit the mark and then some.

I’m not usually a fan of short stories but Metro Winds grabbed me from the very beginning. The world is vivid, vibrant and a pleasing balance between the familiar and the unfamiliar. The characterisation is excellent. The twists and turns will keep you guessing and each story is fresh and fast-paced and uniquely fantastic. I seriously could not pick a favourite out of the six. All delighted and entertained in their own special way and certainly pack that Carmody punch that fans have come to enjoy.

Metro Winds: introduces us to a young girl sent far from home who discovers who true purpose in the deep, dark, mysterious tunnels of the metro. A beautiful tale of destiny and finding one’s true self.

Dove Game: a young man embarks on a trip to the other side of the world to fulfil strangers dying wish. A sightseeing trip to one of the most romantic cities on earth, teeming with the fantastical that will transport you.

The Girl Who Could See The Wind: takes us back to colonial Australia and the magic that hides in plain sight.  A bittersweet tale with a magnificent ending. This one certainly gives all your emotions a solid work out.

The Stranger: Case is on a mission to find an end to his story and soon finds that all endings mean new beginnings. A tale full of twists and turns and a conclusion you will never see coming.

The Wolf Prince: Step into the realm of faeries as a mother weaves magic to summon a princess bride for her son.  One for those of us addicted to the supernatural and who dream of a little magic in our everyday lives.

The Stranger: a search for the one thing no-one should ever lose – your shadow. A perfect way to end the collection.

“Metro Winds” will not fail to satisfy fans but is also a way to discover Carmody’s genius for the first time.  Even if short stories are something you would never usually consider reading, definitely give this a go. It’s one magical ride that I will not forget in a hurry.

Listen to Dark Matter Magazine interview Isobelle.

Metro Winds- Isobelle Carmody

Allen and Unwin

ISBN:978-86508-444-2

386 Pages

Published April 30 2012