Night train to Rigel / Timothy Zahn

Many people have heard of the Orient Express, the famous setting of Agatha Christie's Murder on The Orient Express. Now, imagine this set in space. Simple as that. Or not. I first heard of Timothy Zahn through his Star Wars novels, and when I read them, I was surprised at the depth and complexity of these seemingly simplistic stories. With this novel, he does not disappoint.  I found myself perplexed by the increasing number of twists and turns that this story takes, but I was still enthralled with the equally perplexing way in which he untangles the plot, and makes what was obscure blindingly obvious.

Who would enjoy this? Anybody who likes a good mystery and/or engaging sci-fi

Reviewed by Liam

Six impossible things / Fiona Wood

Buff up, get the girl, don't be a loser, beat the school bully, all these things are staples of seemingly all teenage romantic comedy novels, good and bad. Six Impossible Things, however, manages to rise above the majority of bland and featureless books and has created a character whose sarcasm and ironic style will appeal to everyone, boys and girls alike. The situations the author places the characters in are recognisable to all teenagers, no matter how outlandish and cliched they might be. Anybody who picks up this book will thoroughly enjoy themselves.

Who would enjoy this? Anybody who enjoyed the writing style of 'The Gospel according to Larry', but anybody who likes romantic comedies.

Reviewed by Liam

Delirium / Lauren Oliver

Amor deliria nervosa, a grim diagnosis with frightening symptoms. We know it as "being in love", a serious disease which, hopefully, we will all catch sometime. This is a story that helps get it all in perspective. Sure, you can have the cure and get rid of the hassle of having "feelings" but...and this is what Lena discovers. Is it a life worth living, and will you resist when the men in white coats appear? You need to read this book NOW so you'll be ready when they do come to take you away.

This book will appeal more to girls, but anyone who is interested in a thought-provoking story about freedom and choice, should pick it up.

Reviewed by Amy

Edge of nowhere / John E. Smelcer

This is a survival story based on true events. It's not as good as the Hatchet books but I still really enjoyed it. It's set in Alaska, in summer, and that 's just as well since a boy and his dog have to survive for 4 months by themselves. Main problem for me? They only get to eat raw food all that time because they can't make fire. But if you have an iPod that doesn't work, couldn't you use that? See what you think.

Who would enjoy this? If you liked the Hatchet books by Gary Paulsen, you should like this one too.  

Reviewed by Hamish

Captain Corelli's mandolin / Louis de Bernieres

A beautiful, unexpected story set in the lush landscape of Greece during the  Italian occupation of World War II. The story completely captured the horror of war and the beauty of a true love that can exist and illuminate even the most  terrible of conditions.  I applaud de Bernieres for his stunning portrayal of such a romance and such a time. At the end of the story, you will find yourself asking  just how to define the "past" and "present". Who would enjoy this?   Both male and female, ages 16+ Reviewed by Calista

Accomplice / Eireann Corrigan

This was a frustrating book! I wanted to stop reading it but I couldn't. It kept grabbing me back until I'd read the whole thing. It was so different: what would you do if your best friend disappeared, presumed abducted? How would you feel? And what if you had helped plan the abduction...?

Who would enjoy this?
Anyone who wants a read that makes you think about why we do the things we do and how it affects others.

Trip wire / Steve Cole and Chris Hunter

To be a (fictional) teenage operative, you need to be alone in the world - Felix Smith is no exception to this rule, and he's the perfect fit for the job. This is a terrorist-busting action packed story with a big emphasis on bomb disposal in tricky situations. It's chocka block with  technical detail (after all, one of the authors is a bomb-disposal expert!) but the glossary is there to help you make sense of it all. Felix survives his first hair-raising, fingernail-biting missions, all ready for the next book ...

Who would enjoy this?
If you are a fan of the Alex Rider or Cherub series then you'll feel right at home with this one.