Can't Be Mistaken: The Mistaken by Nancy S. Thompson

The Mistaken could be seen as a story about violence but I see it as a story of love, forgiveness and retribution. There is much more to it than meets the eye.

It’s a story that you can't help but feel emotionally connected to. You feel every one of Tyler's emotions and feel to the depths of your heart his grief, love and times of depression. You also feel every blow that is dealt to him and this is without doubt the first novel that has ever 'moulded' me in this particular way to feel a character's pain. It's something that I can't put my finger on but it has a huge effect. Another thing that I can't quite put my finger on is Thompson's distinctive style of writing that although appearing conventional has elements to it that make it very powerful and drive the plot forward in a way that I will probably never understand.

The pace of the novel is exciting but not rushed and although it takes a while to pick up, the reader is rewarded with gritty thrills. Hannah and Tyler are great characters and Thompson more than succeeds in making them likeable and loveable. When reading you feel as though you are inside their heads and even develop an understanding for the way they think.

The Mafia connections add substance to the plot and ensure that the story is not far-fetched. You would find difficulty in not believing every word. Inevitably, the plot features a huge amount of violence but I implore you not to dismiss it based on this fact. The violence is not in any way glorified and makes a point rather than excites. It may be dark at times but I never had the feeling that it was unnecessary, it serves a greater purpose.

I have taken on-board a huge amount from this novel. Whether this was Thompson’s intention or not I have no idea but I would urge you to read it and see what you bring away. The novel is above all fresh, an emotional tale that still manages to keep up the excitement of a thriller.

ONE SENTENCE: An emotional rollercoaster ride with loads of bite and a gritty plot.

EnchANTing: ANTics by Dakota Douglas

ANTics is a story about 3 ants, BrillANT, ExuberANT and Hesitant and their adventures as they attempt to defeat Puggy, the spider.

The story is very easy going to read and flows in a way that is appropriate for children from about age 7 upwards. (I am not by any means an expert on this but I think this is around about the right age!)

The quirky features of the story like the names of the ants and their home InhabitANT are wonderful and are a brilliant way for children to learn the meanings of new words and expand their vocabulary (They are also amusing for any adults who may be helping out on the way!) The inclusion of characters of other species such as PleasANT and ElegANT are helpful in the plot and create a broad range of personalities that open up a whole realm of possibilities for future plots.

PleasANT is my favourite character (for obvious reasons ;) ) and I’m sure that kids will become quickly attached to their favourite. The main characters, Brill, Zube and HesistANT provide three different personalities that will provide a relateable character for any reader. They are warm and will make any child feel enthusiastic about the contents of their garden. The thoughts of the ants will also bring children to the ants’ level and allow them to imagine what things are like when you are that small.

The pace of the plot is good and the story keeps the excitement moving. The only quibble I have is that Douglas could have made more use of the two-legs’ house, but you never know this may be in the next book! As I have previously said excitement is easily kept and it is more than difficult to prevent yourself from wanting to know what is going to happen to the ants! Parents will be just as interested as their children!

ONE SENTENCE: Children will be enthralled in this backyard-world.