The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

REVIEWED BY RICHARD ROTSTEIN

Bloodthirsty, Blinding, Bewildering - so storms the novel, ‘The Hunger Games’ through the ramparts of your imagination. From the moment you espy the blood stained letters on the cover and the fraught girl staring hypnotically into your eyes, as if daring you to open the book and experience the horror of The Hunger Games, your mind is captured by a sense of fear.
The author, Suzanne Collins has constructed an amazing tale of science fiction set in the futuristic country of Panem. The protagonist, Katniss Everdeen is forced to represent her district with another boy named Peeta Melark in a battle to the death. There is only one rule, to stay alive. Twenty-four children aged from eleven to eighteen representing twelve districts compete for the glory of winning The Hunger Games. The entire bloodbath is televised to the world for their entertainment. Suzanne Collins forces us to follow the vicissitudes of various child gladiators as they kill, or are killed.
Katniss Everdeen is a typical post-modern hero in our book. She is only a teenager but is forced to put food on her family’s table. With a fiery spirit and a non-conformist attitude, she defies the Capitol throughout the book. She has an altruistic nature, volunteering to fight in the Hunger Games in the place of her younger sister, Prim.
Peeta Melark, the boy who is chosen to represent the same district as Katniss, confesses his love for Katniss in a pre-game interview, live on national television, which raises confusing emotions in the arena when they team up. Even more problematic, Katniss and Peeta both know that if they make it to the end, they will eventually have to kill each other.
The ethical dilemmas raised by the plot confront the reader’s sense of morality and create a gripping air of excitement.
The novel ends in a nail biting climax with a brilliant twist which leaves readers blown away. I would recommend this to all teenagers as a novel with important messages that could influence the way that teenagers think and could ultimately reduce violence.
Hunger Games warns us about the dangers of some current trends. They describe the consequences of political authoritarianism and the thoughtless pursuit of selfish pleasures. There is a pressing moral perspective to the story – hedonistic, authoritarian regimes that remain unchallenged can lead to disaster. It may be necessary to bring the existing state to ruins in order to create a better life for all.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

REVIEWED BY RYAN KAGAN

“Winning will make you famous. Losing means certain death.” These are perfect words to describe the white-knuckle adventure, of Katniss throughout the Hunger Games. Katniss is a courageous 16-year-old girl who will do anything to ensure her mum’s, her sister’s and her own health and safety in the land of Panem. (District 12)
Panem, once known as North America, is a capital surrounded by 12 different districts. One boy and one girl between the age of twelve and eighteen are chosen from every district to participate in the terrifying fight to death in the Hunger Games. Kill or be Killed is the single rule that applies during the games of pure strength and survival. Death has faced Katniss before, so when she enters the arena in place of her sister, she knows it may be her death sentence.
Gale Hawthorne Katniss’s best friend is a very talented and skilled 18-year-old hunter. Gale is in love and extremely caring towards Katniss although, she doesn’t know this at all times.
The title Hunger Games relates to the book in many ways, but I think a better title could include the key word “survival”, focusing on how the whole book relates to trying to stay alive and keeping your feet throughout the life threatening adventure of the Hunger Games.
I would suggest this book for readers who enjoy adventure and suspense. It was a very intense book that I enjoyed and could not put down. I am in the middle of reading the second book in the hunger games trilogy and can’t wait to see the new adventures that Katniss embarks upon.

Theodore Boone - Young Lawyer by John Grisham

REVIEWED BY JORDAN DAVIS

Theodore Boone, a thirteen year old boy, living in Strattenburg, dreams of being a lawyer. His mother, Marcella, a divorce lawyer, is rarely at home, and when she is she has no time for Theo. His father, Woods, is also a lawyer. He is a big man and he is very strict with Theo. Together, they own a business called Boone & Boone Lawyers. Theo adores his dog, Judge, and plays with him whenever he gets the chance. Theo goes to school like a regular kid, but he is often at the court house, meaning he comes late to school and is forced to come up with excuses about why he is late.
Pete Duffy, who is accused of murdering his wife, is on trial and about to walk, unless proof is found. Theo is dragged into this case, because he knows all about what really happened. Being friends with Judge Gantry, the judge of the trial, is allowed to attend the trial. When a kid at his school tells Theo that his cousin Julio is the only witness who saw what really happened, he is forced to ask his some-what weird Uncle Ike, a lawyer, what he should do. But Julio is also an illegal immigrant, so is afraid to come forward and tell the police what he saw. Theo needs to convince Julio that he should come forward, or a murderer will get away with it. This plot is very intriguing and has lots of twists to it.
There are two very strong messages in this book. The first message is that justice will always prevail. No matter what you do, or how long you try to avoid it, you will always get caught and be punished accordingly. The second message is that you should always follow your dreams. Theo always wanted to be a lawyer and be in a big case, and that’s exactly what he did.
The title of the book gives you a slight hint as to what the story is about. The title ‘Theodore Boone - Young Lawyer’, hints that the book is about a boy, who thinks that he is a lawyer. This is a good title. Another title could possibly be ‘A Murderer on the Loose’
The American author, John Grisham, has written many other well known books, such as ‘A Time to Kill’ and ‘The Firm’. However he very rarely writes children’s books. He is mostly an adult fiction writer. Some of his books have been made into films including ‘A Time to Kill’ and ‘Runaway Jury’.
This is a very enjoyable book that I found very interesting. Theo is the main protagonist in the story and is a very likeable character with a sense of humor. This book has a bit of detail in it, but not too much to make you bored and stop reading.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes an interesting and easy read, with twists along the way. I recommend this to readers between the ages of 10-14. I rate this book an 8 ½ out of 10.

Lock Down by Sean Black

Reviewed by Jarryd Shaw

Lock Down is a novel about placing your trust in others when self-hope is diminishing, about prioritising your ethical beliefs over your job requirements, and above all about optimistically believing that you can make a difference. It is not part of a series, yet has the elaboration of an encyclopaedia and the enthralling events of a civil war. Even the title leaves an essence of suspicion and mystery, engaging the reader to imagine a confined space. However, ironically, the locations range from a medical research lab beside the Hudson River to the rooftops of skyscrapers overlooking Times Square. The title also refers to the key protagonist, Ryan Lock.
Ryan is a tough, ex-navy lieutenant who is now hired as head of security, for Meditech, a controversial biotechnological company who has been having recent dilemmas with the animal rights people for their use of primates for testing. At a protest outside the company’s building, the owner, Mr Van Straten, proudly announces the company’s alternative to this form of testing. Suddenly, chaos erupts as Van Straten’s associate, Grey Stokes, is brutally shot down in broad daylight.
Lock instantly rises to the challenge, taking the road less travelled in order to find his culprit. Questioning anyone and everyone, Lock realises that his target had been beside him the whole time. “Finish your story, maybe I’ll catch something that the FBI missed. But if I don’t, will you please leave me alone?” This phrase explains Lock’s philosophy of his life, helping others in need because it is his destiny, as he never looks for problems but lets them come to him.
My favourite character is Ty Johnson, Lock’s side-kick, who not only is involved in the outcome of the story but also has a spirited personality that people can enjoy and also find humour in. He always moves with a sense of confidence, has incredible mental strength and a selective taste in fashionable “rides.” It is interesting to observe how his relationship changes with Lock as the story develops, as initially Lock is disturbed by Ty’s way of life. The two of them make an odd pair, but work phenomenally well together, with their teamwork and communication skills the key to finding their man.
In contrast to other thriller stories I have read, Lock Down takes the reader on a well detailed journey of crime in New york, and is more logical yet unpredictable. Just when you think the plot has fallen into place, a wild turn occurs, sending your thoughts and mind into a swirl of not only confusion, but also disbelief. This book will make hang on to your chair as every sentence leads on to controversy and action.
I highly recommend this book for mature teenagers interested in premeditated crime, action and unthinkable consequences.
Rating: 4/5 stars

REVOLUTION by Jennifer Donnelly

Reviewed by Alex Salkin

“Two girls, united in a quest to save a young prince, but separated by over two hundred years.”
Andi was sinking into depression after her brother, Truman, died. Her mother is pretty much not there anymore, her father is never around. Her father turns up one day and tells Andi she is going to Paris. In Paris, she meets some people, falls in love, and makes some shocking discoveries. Her life is then changed forever. Andi goes on a terrifying trip to the catacombs of Paris. While she is in Paris, she keeps seeing things and has a panic attack. Once she wakes up, her life changes.
Andi is nearly in depression, and every time she starts getting better, she suddenly goes straight back down. The only way to make her feel better, is playing guitar. Throughout the book, she often plays guitar until she is freezing and her fingers are bleeding. Andi is the main character. She is quiet, shy, reserved, and is reluctant to do anything after the traumatic death of her brother, which she blames on herself.
The plot is incredible. You will think, that one thing might happen, be one hundred percent sure, then suddenly it will change direction. Interesting, exciting, depressing, are words you can use to describe the plot.
When Andi moves to Paris, she discovers a diary. A diary of a girl from the French Revolution. Her name was Alexandrine, and she worked for the royal family and lived nearly two centuries ago. The girls are united, on a mission to save a young boy.
The royal family found Alexandrine performing to make money. Louis Charles saw her and his face lit up. The royal family were astonished. Louis Charles was only a young boy at the time. As his caretaker, Alexandrine needs to make sure he is happy. But at what length will she go to make sure of that? Andi and Alexandrine, have a connection. It doesn’t matter that they lived nearly two centuries apart. You might even go as far as to say that they could be the same person.
Jennifer Donnelly gives you an insight of the French Revolution. What happened, and where. What people might have been thinking, and why. I haven’t read any other of Jennifer Donnelly’s other books, but other reviewers say that nothing can compare to it. It’s an exciting story, of friendship, trust, change and recovery. Her collection includes A Gathering Light, A Northern Light, The tea rose and Humble Pie.
Revolution is an award winning bestseller that captured the hearts of so many. This is an amazing read. I couldn’t put it down.
Enjoy reading!

Gentlemen by Michael Northrop

The gentlemen of the title are rough boys with difficult home lives. “They call us hard cases , and we are” sums up Micheal the narrator . He is cynical about their dull town, unexceptional school and lacklustre prospects. The writer presents a very credible picture of young men sinking to meet the low expectations that society holds for them.
Most people at school are scared of them, particularly of Tommy, who is prone to violent outbursts, and suddenly disappears. Through a series of painful misunderstandings the boys suspect Mr Haberman, their English teacher, of Tommy’s murder. In the end, long after he really needed to, Micheal appreciated that Mr Haberman tried to draw out the best in his students ”He was showing me some respect, and I just wasn’t used to seeing any”
The narrator addresses the reader in a very engaging and intimate style, taking the reader into his confidence and revealing all his fears and confusion,sometimes with dark humour. This is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the book as the reader is given a deep insight into the thoughts of the main character.
The story reaches a very tense and brutal climax, to which Micheal is mainly an observer; he has ample opportunity to reflect and regret this later.
I highly recommend this to Yr 9-12 readers