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Revelation (Matthew Shardlake 4)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Young Adult
by: C.J. Sansom

April 04, 2008
This, the fourth novel concerning Matthew Shardlake, is superb. The characters are more developed (and the longer the series go on, the bigger and more developed the supporting cast becomes). The plot is cleverer and different - here we see Shardlake dealing with a serial killer, and although the politicians are involved this is a different kettle of fish to the rebellions and political plots that our favourite hunch-backed Tudor lawyer has found himself involved in before.

And in my opinion it's for the better - C J Sansom's writing has always been addictive (but not in an obtrusive way) and has always had totally convincing historical contexts (at least to a moderately informed one such as I). But in the past the plots have been ... Read More:

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The Warrior's Princess

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Young Adult
by: Barbara Erskine

July 01, 2008
This, the fourth novel concerning Matthew Shardlake, is superb. The characters are more developed (and the longer the series go on, the bigger and more developed the supporting cast becomes). The plot is cleverer and different - here we see Shardlake dealing with a serial killer, and although the politicians are involved this is a different kettle of fish to the rebellions and political plots that our favourite hunch-backed Tudor lawyer has found himself involved in before.

And in my opinion it's for the better - C J Sansom's writing has always been addictive (but not in an obtrusive way) and has always had totally convincing historical contexts (at least to a moderately informed one such as I). But in the past the plots have been ... Read More:

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The Siege of Krishnapur

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Young Adult
by: J.G. Farrell

July 01, 1996
An excellent book telling of the mutiny. Whilst the book almost neglects the natives this isn't fiction dressed up as colonial propaganda. This is an incredibly humorous tale of a group of Englishmen trapped within a residency, besieged by a whole host of natives. As the siege progresses civilization, science and religion are all discussed along with the odd smattering of phrenology. An incredibly entertaining book and one very worth reading.

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The Gruffalo

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Young Adult
by: Julia Donaldson

August 27, 1999
I bought this book based on a recent poll of top books for children and I was not disappointed. At the time my daughter was 14 months old and so I was a little concerned it would be too old for, how wrong could I be. The first time I read it to her was the first time she sat through a whole book. She then urged me to read it twice more.
It is now a firm family favourite and I have sent many copies to friends and family as gifts.

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The Boleyn Inheritance

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Young Adult
by: Philippa Gregory

May 01, 2007
In The Boleyn Inheritance Philippa Gregory once again returns to a period in history that she writes about so knowledgably. The court of Henry VIII, this time covering the period 1539 to 1542 with a postscript ending in 1547.
The story is narrated by the three protagonists Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Jane Rochford concentrating on the lives of these young women trying to survive life at court during a time of political and religious uncertainty.
It is an intense time as these women though powerful live in fear of Henry and his favourite way of solving his problems `the gallows'
Written from the three different perspectives of these three very different women I found that I was once again enjoying historical facts interwoven with fiction ... Read More:

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Sword Song (Alfred the Great 4)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Young Adult
by: Bernard Cornwell

May 06, 2008
I do agree with Barks. When is the next one going to be published? This series of books throws some light on the Dark Ages amidst high adventure. Plenty of blood and gore and a superb story with some twists to keep the reader page turning.

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The "Times" Good University Guide 2009

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Young Adult
from: Times Books

June 16, 2008
Required reading for anyone considering or planning to go to University in the UK. A mass of well-researched, well-analysed data and information that helps one make much better informed judgement on one of the most important decisions of one's life.

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The Constant Princess

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Young Adult
by: Philippa Gregory

May 02, 2006
like other reviewers i have read most of Philippa Gregory's previous novels and was hoping that this one would be as absorbing as "The Queen's fool" and "The Boleyn inheritance". But I have to agree with the majority verdict that it is boring and repetitious - her constancy and her Spanish ancestry was harped upon throughout the novel.
But I did find Katherine believable so it was really annoying that she finished the book where she did ( I'm not saying where as I don't want to spoil it for others) and then tacked a small piece on the end. The book would have been much better had there been less of Catalina/Katherine's childhood and then she could have covered all of her life. Not one of her best

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The Virgin's Lover

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Young Adult
by: Philippa Gregory

April 25, 2005
Having read a few of pg's books i was expecting this to be in the same league as The other boleyn girl and boleyn inheritance ect.. but sadly it wasn't, i found i was bored half way through and couldn't wait to finish it!

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There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly (Classic Board Books with Holes)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Young Adult
by: Pam Adams

2000-09
My 17 month old little boy has this, along with other sing along books, he's never taken to this one.
He much prefers "the wheels on the bus", I'm not sure if it's because this book isn't very colourful.
I have to say I was pretty disappointed with it when it arrived.