Tag: Book review

Fredrik Backman’s — Bear Town *****

Fredrik Backman’s — Bear Town *****

Who’d ever thought I’d be giving a novel set around an ice hockey team a five out of five or even read such a book? I asked myself this very question when I began the story, but it didn’t take long to be engulfed in this small town tale that was about a far bigger issue than a junior team aiming to win a national championships.

Continue reading “Fredrik Backman’s — Bear Town *****”
Keigo Higashino’s—Malice*****

Keigo Higashino’s—Malice*****

If you’re a mystery buff, you’ll want to read Malice. 

When Nonoguchi’s friend, successful author, Hidaka is murdered in his home office, Detective Kaga is assigned to the case. He was once a teacher at the same school as Nonoguchi, and it doesn’t take him long to suspect Nonoguchi murdered the friend he has known since his school days. But Detective Kaga needs a motive otherwise the case will not hold up in court. What could Nonoguchi’s reason be to murder a friend who has helped him during his middle school years and introduced him to an editor so his children’s stories can be published? Detective Kaga is persistent, but can he outwit Nonoguchi?

Omar El Akkad’s—What strange paradise *****

Omar El Akkad’s—What strange paradise *****

Amir’s uncle accompanies his family from Syria to Alexandria. But late one night, Amir creeps out of their apartment and follows his uncle who climbs on to a boat. He too ends up on the boat full of desperate passengers fleeing their homes. After Amir is washed ashore on a strange island, he flees the scene chased by soldiers. Vanna, a local teenager, sees him dashing towards her and hides him in their hayloft. But can she protect him from Colonel Kethros who is determined to detain the child in the camp with the rest of the refugees who have washed up on the island?

Sue Lynn Tan’s—Daughter of the Moon Goddess*****

Sue Lynn Tan’s—Daughter of the Moon Goddess*****

Xingyin lives a contented but isolated childhood with her mother, the Moon Goddess who is forbidden to leave her domain. But after Xingyin experiments with magic lights around her, the Celestial Empress visits accusing her mother of trying to escape from her imprisonment. Fearing her daughter will be discovered, she instructs Xingyin under the protection of Ping’er, to hide in the Southern Sea with Ping’er’s family. During the journey, they are attacked by Celestial soldiers and the pair are separated. Alone, Xingyin must forge a new life in the Celestial Kingdom in the hope that she can free her mother from the chains of her isolation.