Jacinta's desk 2024

Children of Ragnarok

By Cinda Williams Chima

The first book of a new young adult series The Runestone Saga, Children of Ragnarok by Cinda Williams Chima is a great read for mythology lovers. If you liked Spice Road, The Isles of the Gods, The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, and anything from Percy Jackson author Rick Riordan this is for you.

Since Ragnarok -- the great war between the gods and the forces of chaos -- the human realm of the Midlands has become a desperate and dangerous place, bereft of magic. Sixteen-year-old Eiric Halvorsen is among the luckier ones -- his family has remained prosperous. But he stands to lose everything when he's wrongly convicted by a rigged jury of murdering his modir and stepfadir. 

Also at risk is Eiric's half-systir, Liv, who's under suspicion for her interest in seidr, or magic. Then a powerful jarl steps in: He will pay the blood price if Eiric will lead a mission to the fabled Temple at the Grove--the rich stronghold of the wyrdspinners, the last practitioners of sorcery. 

Spellsinger, musician, and runecaster Reginn Eiklund has spent her life performing at alehouses for the benefit of her master, Asger, a fire demon she is desperate to escape. After one performance that amazes even herself, two wyrdspinners in the audience make Reginn an irresistible offer: return with them to the Temple to be trained in seidr, forever free of Asger. 

Eiric's, Liv's, and Reginn's journeys converge in New Jotunheim, a paradise fuelled by magic and the site of the Temple. They soon realize that a great evil lurks beneath the dazzling surface and that old betrayals and long-held grudges may fuel another cataclysmic war. It will require every gift and weapon at their command to prevent it.

Cross my heart and never lie

By Nora Dasnes

Cross My Heart and Never Lie perfectly captures the struggle of getting caught up between being a kid and being a teenager, and all the social pressure that comes with that. The main character Tuva is torn between her friends when they split themselves into two groups, girls that fall in love, and those that don’t.

This was a funny, relatable coming of age graphic novel that explores the tricky phase when you and your friends become interested in different things, start becoming more grown up, and sometimes also growing apart. It made me smile when I read it, definitely a new favourite comfort read.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has felt torn between friendship groups, worried they’re not maturing fast enough, desperate to impress a new friend or a crush, and wishes things could always be as easy and fun as making forts and playing in the woods.

Check out the catalogue description for some insight into Cross My Heart And Never Lie, and place a hold.

Today, school felt really different from last year. Something felt strange while we waited in the hall, almost like everyone had heard a secret during the summer and now we were all standing there knowing something. Except me. I didn’t know what the secret was…

Seventh grade has split Tuva’s friendship group in two – those who fall in love, and those who don’t. Worst of all, Tuva’s best friends Linnea and Bao want her to choose a side!

But then new girl Mariam arrives, and somehow Tuva’s world changes all over again.

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Archives of despair : ten scary stories to keep you up at night

By Caleb Finn

This week we have had a stack of Premier’s Reading Challenge books come into the library. While reading for fun is one of the best hobbies you can have, reading for a medal is a great motivator. The Premier’s Reading Challenge will introduce you to books you may never have considered otherwise.

One Mature (years 10-12) Premier’s Reading Challenge book that caught my eye is Archives of Despair: Ten Scary Stories to Keep You Up at Night by Caleb Finn.

If you love suspenseful, eerie, and spooky short stories this book is for you!

From the chilling mind of Caleb Finn comes his debut collection of ten stories to haunt your thoughts and fuel your darkest fears. You have been given access to secret files buried deep within the archives. Disturbing stories never meant for the light of day. Stories of evil grandparents and unsettling homework. A string of deaths, seemingly unrelated. Walls squirm, as if alive. A cursed wish comes true. Ordinary people behave oddly, even family and your closest friends... These stories share a common fate. All the children are met with tragedy. Coincidence? Or could these nightmares be connected by something more sinister than you dare to imagine? A dark and chilling mystery awaits. Find the answers, before he finds you.

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Fake dates and mooncakes

By Sher Lee

Meet Dylan Tang: he juggles school and delivery runs for his aunt's struggling Chinese takeout in Brooklyn. Winning a mooncake competition could bring the publicity they need to stay afloat. Enter Theo Somers: charming, wealthy customer who convinces Dylan to be his fake date at a family wedding full of crazy rich drama. Their romance is supposed to be just for show... but soon Dylan's falling for Theo. For real. With the mooncake contest looming, Dylan can't risk being distracted by rich-people problems. Can he save his family's business and follow his heart -- or will he fail to do both?

From Jacinta: This one gives me all the wholesome romance vibes! Heartstopper meets Crazy Rich Asians all the way, and utilises all your favourite tropes.

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