Tag: book review

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Neeka and the Missing Key (Wilder Zoo #1) by Tina Strachan, illustrated by Max Hamilton

Ashleigh

Title: Neeka and the Missing Key (Wilder Zoo #1) Author: Tina Strachan, illustrated by Max Hamilton Genre: Contemporary Publisher: HarperCollins Australia         Published: 29th January 2025 Format: Paperback Pages: 272 Price: $16.99 Synopsis: When you live in a zoo - things can get wild! Eleven-year-old Neeka Wilder has always loved animals. She wants to be a… Continue reading Neeka and the Missing Key (Wilder Zoo #1) by Tina Strachan, illustrated by Max Hamilton

#AussieAuthors2025, #LoveOZMG, #LoveOzYA, animals, Aussie authors, Australian literature, Australian women writers, Book Industry, Books, CBCA, check in post, Children's Literature

CBCA Notables 2025

Ashleigh

The CBCA Notables for 2025 were announced on the 25th of February, and the Notables for the organisation’s 80th year look amazing. I have read and reviewed several of the older readers and younger readers books, with more on my list to read and explore. Some I haven’t had the chance to read or review… Continue reading CBCA Notables 2025

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January 2025 Round Up

Ashleigh

In January, I read 24 books for review, and a few other things thar I have going on at the moment.  It’s going to be quite a mix throughout the year, and some months may have more reviews than other months. One of my challenge prompts was an audiobook, and I chose the ‘First Chapters’… Continue reading January 2025 Round Up

#AussieAuthor2025, #LoveOZMG, animals, Aussie authors, Australian literature, Book Industry, Books, Children's Literature, humour, Junior Fiction, literary fiction, middle grade, Publishers, Reading, Reviews

Jungle Escape by Nathan Luff

Ashleigh

Title: Jungle Escape Author: Nathan Luff          Genre: Adventure Publisher: Walker Books  Published: 1st February 2025 Format: Paperback Pages: 256 Price: $16.99 Synopsis: From acclaimed author Nathan Luff - new middle grade adventure full of action, danger, creepy crawlies and lots of laughs!Dear Evolution,If the bird you have made is too big to fly, it is… Continue reading Jungle Escape by Nathan Luff

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The 113th Assistant Librarian by Stuart Wilson

Ashleigh

Title: The 113th Assistant Librarian Author: Stuart Wilson Genre: Fantasy Publisher: Penguin Published: 29th October 2024 Format: Hardcover Pages: 304 Price: $19.99 Synopsis: If you liked The Grandest Bookshop in the World or The Book of Wondrous Possibilities, you’ll love this fantasy adventure story where books have power, cats are more than they seem, and the library is… Continue reading The 113th Assistant Librarian by Stuart Wilson

#AussieAuthors2025, Aussie authors, Australian literature, Australian women writers, Book bingo, Book Industry, Books, challenges, historical fiction, history, literary fiction, Publishers, Reading, Reviews, The Nerd Daily

The Spirit Circle by Tara Calaby

Ashleigh

Title: The Spirit Circle Author: Tara Calaby Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Text Publishing Published:  7th January 2025 Format: Paperback Pages: 384 Price: $34.99 Synopsis: For Ellen Whitfield, the betrothal of her dear friend Harriet to Ellen’s brother has brought both loss and solace. But when Harriet suddenly breaks off the engagement, ostensibly at the insistence… Continue reading The Spirit Circle by Tara Calaby

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Australian authors read in 2024

Ashleigh

I read 206 Australian authors in 2024, many more than international authors, because I feel like Australian authors are often overlooked in favour of US or UK authors, unless they have a big name that is almost guaranteed to sell books. My Australian reading has been as diverse as possible, within genre and author identity.… Continue reading Australian authors read in 2024

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Total Women Authors Read in 2024

Ashleigh

During 2024 I read 210 books by women, which was in line with my goal to read more books by women in general, and I did my best to read as diversely as possible, but I was also reading the books I already had or that were sent to me for review or literary judging,… Continue reading Total Women Authors Read in 2024

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Panic by Catherine Jinks

Ashleigh

Title: Panic Author: Catherine Jinks Genre: Thriller/Mystery Publisher: Text Published: 7th January 2025 Format: Paperback Pages: 352 Price: $34.99 Synopsis: BRONTE NEEDS A PLACE TO LIE LOW. She posted a drunken rant that went horrifically viral. Now – jobless, friendless and broke – she’s forced to volunteer as a carer on an isolated rural property.… Continue reading Panic by Catherine Jinks

#AussieAuthors2024, #AussieYAChallenge, #LoveOzYA, Aussie authors, Australian literature, Australian women writers, Book bingo, Book Industry, Books, challenges, Crime/Mystery, Dymocks Reading Challenge, Fantasy, historical fiction, history, Indigenous authors, literary fiction, mythology, Publishers, Reading, Reviews, series, Young Adult

Aussie YA Challenge Completed

Ashleigh

One of the challenges I took part in this year was the #AussieYAChallenge, hosted by Amy at Lost in a Good Book. I had planned to read to the highest level, which was Nix – read twelve books, because at the time, I wasn’t sure how much Australian YA would come my way. I ended… Continue reading Aussie YA Challenge Completed