Our Mt Druitt team have taken over our blog today, shining the QBD spotlight on some marvellous books, perfect for Christmas holiday reading!
Salem’s Lot by Stephen King:
King at his best. An original take on vampires after being inundated with modernised romantic vampire novels for the past few years. Gripping, chilling, relateable characters- this book has it all. Salem’s Lot is one of the undead classics that has you convinced that Barlow is real and is coming to get you. – Peta (Store Manager)
The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris:
The second instalment of Harris’ ‘Hannibal’ series, preceded by Red Dragon, is the epitome of an enthralling crime novel. It follows Clarice Starling, and FBI agent in training, as she is given the opportunity to assist in the hunt for enigmatic serial killer Buffalo Bill. She does this by seeking information from everyone’s favourite cannibal, Hannibal Lecter. With insight from both the FBI’s and Buffalo Bill’s perspectives, this novel is expertly woven to create the suspense and action essential to a great murder mystery. Looking forward to the next book! – Tiana
Learning Not To Drown by Anna Shinoda:
This is a gritty, emoctionally raw, debut novel that doesnt hold back on the demons that plague families from behind closed doors. The book is from the perspective and memories of 17 year old Clare Tovin. She is a hard working, intelligent, diligent girl and is lucky enough to have a great bunch of friends. However, her life and families reputation are stained by her jailbird brother, Luke, who darts in and out of her life in the same way he does prision. Early on we are introduced to a character named “Skeleton”, who only Clare and her family can see, and who is a personified representative of the dark shadow that looms over their family because of Luke’s crimes. This book is an emoctional read, far more than I was expecting. Clare has to make hard decicions about her relationship with her brother whom she adores despite his flaws, after discovering he wasnt always just “in the wrong place at the wrong time” as she has been told all her life. Early childhood memories and shared experiences can blind you to a person’s true colours, after all. This book does an excellent job of making you think about what you would do and my heart was breaking for Clare. The characters are very real if not always likeable. – Jessy
Les Miserables by Victor Hugo:
The timeless novel that has survived the ages. Victor Hugo’s tale of injustice, heroism and love follows the fortunes of Jean Valjean, an escaped convict determined to put his criminal past behind him. But his attempts to become a respected member of the community are constantly put under threat. This compelling and compassionate story takes the reader on a journey through early nineteenth-century France. This epic and tantalizing novel will leave you with more than just a tear in your eye. A must read for any classics fan or anyone in need of a life changing book. – Kyle
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas:
If you are a fan of fairytale retellings,this will be your cup of tea. This is a retelling of beauty and the beast. The novel is from the heroine’s perspective, Feyre.
Feyre hunts to feed her family, as her father is too sick to do so himself. She accidentally kills a fae who is disguised as a wolf. Tamlin, a fae king, whisks her off to Prythian in retribution and this is where things begin to get very interesting as Feyre learns more about the Tamlin, his people the faes and what world she has been shielded from. If you are a fan of Sarah J. Maas, this is her best work yet! Highly recommend it to any fantasy lover – Gordy
Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost:
Halfway to the Grave is a highly exciting and intense novel that leaves you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Following the life of Cat Crawfield, it delves into the dark yet surprisingly exciting lives of the undead as she sets out to rid the world of their evil. Being a half vampire herself, she spends her nights seeking vengeance on behalf of her mother, whom has filled her head with hatred for the “cruel” and “evil” species that stalk under the glare of the moon. Unknowingly stumbling into an even bigger scheme than she thought, Cat must rely on vampire Bones to work alongside her, trusting that he won’t kill her. Yet as she slowly accommodates to his presence, is it enough to soften her feelings towards everything she thought true? Are all vampires truly evil? Halfway to the Grave is a fast paced novel that captures you from the first page. A novel full of suspense and witty characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. The fast paced action is perfectly evened out with just the right amount of romance to keep it fun. This is the perfect novel for those who are looking for a fresh new story full of love, hate and fun. – Monique
