The Secrets At Ocean’s Edge by Kali Napier:

As a huge fan of historical fiction, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this new novel by Kali Napier. Set during the depression, this novel follows the challenges the Hass family face when the lose the family farm in the depression and have to relocate. The family opens a guesthouse on the ocean, and try to create a new life. However, their family secrets are not far behind; will they be able to keep their past from ruining their future?
This novel tackles important issues from the age, including PTSD in soldiers back from the war, the struggles of living through the depression and the darker side of Australia’s history of racial segregation and discrimination.
I found that The Secrets at Ocean’s Edge transported me into historical Australia in a way only the best writers can, opening my eyes to a world gone by. You can feel the tension in the strained marriage of Ernie and Lily, and the desire to create a new life by the ocean, the desperation of trying to make ends meet in the depression, and the views of a young girl when her world is changing.
This is a novel with characters full of depth and intrigue, a plot full of family drama and duty, hierarchical battles in society, and the traumas of a soldier home from the Great War. Napier tackles big issues, which she writes about with empathy and sensitivity, and draws your heart into feeling the journey with the family. I found myself completely engrossed from the first chapter, and have been recommending it madly to everyone I know.
If you liked The Light Between Oceans, if you like Sara Donati, if you like any Australian or historical fiction, then you will love this book! – Coreena

The Wicked and the Divine: The Faust Act by Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie:

Every ninety years, twelve gods incarnate as humans. They are loved, they are hated, and in two years they are dead. The graphic novel dream team of Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie create a world where gods are the ultimate pop stars and pop stars are the ultimate gods.

The first volume is told through the eyes of Pantheon super-fan Laura. There is a murder, for which one of the gods, Lucifer, is framed and sent to jail. Laura is enlisted by Lucifer to find out who framed her and prove her innocence.

The authors have done a wonderful job of creating a diverse cast of characters where each one is completely unique and with their own distinct personality. There are some you love, some you hate and some you love to hate. But what I like most about this graphic novel is the absolutely stunning art work. The line work is clean and full of beautiful detail while the colours are gorgeously vibrant, together they bring the story of the Pantheon to life. – Zoe

Force of Nature by Jane Harper:

This book is the newest one by Jane Harper, who has won many awards. All I can say is wow, what a great book this is! It is a gripping mystery crime novel that is full of many secrets.
Alice Russell has been working with Federal Agent Aaron Falk to bring down a potential fraud in the accountancy firm of Bailey Tennants. Alice joins four other colleges in the Bailey Tennants company and set off in the bush on a three-day hike as apart of a corporate team building exercise. However only four return. Has Alice blown her cover?
It will catch you completely off guard when you find out who was left responsible for the missing person. See if you can guess right.
The structure of this novel moves back and forth between Falk’s present day of the investigation and the story of the five girls during their hike. I found this very effective as it grabbed you in at the start and you won’t be able to put it down. – Danielle

Dresden Files 1: Storm Front by Jim Butcher:

The author Jim Butcher is a martial arts enthusiast with fifteen years of experience in various styles, he is also a skilled rider and also enjoys fencing, singing, bad science fiction movies, and live-action gaming.
But what Jim Butcher is actually known for is his urban fantasy series starring a wise cracking wizard detective and the Chicago Police Department, this series is known as The Dresden Files which all began with Storm Front.
This book series lead to the TV Adaption, The Dresden Files which aired in 2007.
Storm Front follows the wisecracking wizard detective Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden, into the bowels of Chicago where magic is currently being used to terrify and murder people. Harry Dresden being the only practicing wizard detective is called in to check out a crime scene and from there everything starts to unfold page by page. Harry being unable to get a simple job from clients and being unable to pay for his rent, he is suddenly swamped by a Missing Person and a Murderous Wizard. Think of this book as a cross between Sherlock Holmes and Harry Potter!
Before I conclude, I’ll leave you with this……..
Harry Dresden is the best at what he does. Well, technically, he’s the only at what he does. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal creativity or capability, they come to him for answers. For the “everyday” world is actually full of strange and magical things — and most of them don’t play well with humans. That’s where Harry comes in. Takes a wizard to catch a — well, whatever.
There’s just one problem. Business, to put it mildly, stinks. So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry’s seeing dollar signs. But where there’s black magic, there’s a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry’s name. And that’s when things start to get… interesting. Magic. It can get a guy killed.
Thank you all for reading this, I hope to see you in store and point you in the right direction to this fantastic series! – Joshua

A Stolen Life by Jaycee Lee Dugard:

Jaycee Dugard was kidnapped at the age of 11 in Lake Tahoe, California and held captive for 18 years by Phillip Garrido who repeatedly raped her. Jaycee also had to bear two of his children. She was miraculously freed in 2009 at the age of 29.

In her book, Jaycee opens up about what she experienced including how she feels now a year later. It is an honest telling of what those 18 years were like for Jaycee Dugard. It is brilliant that she allowed us to read this story in her own words and not the smooth edited version by a ghost writer. In my opinion, the simple language she used enhanced this book as you can really feel the presence of that young, scared girl. – Katherine

The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare:

A delicious mixture of all the fantasy books you can conjure up, Cassandra Clare’s, the mortal instruments brings life a vivid journey you can’t help but be drawn in to. Clary Fray is just your average, angst filled teen yet on her 16th birthday she finds herself thrust in to the dark heart of a world that exists all around her. Yet she’d never known was there. A society where flamboyant warlocks meet level headed werewolves, and at the center are the shadowhunters. A race that’s blessed by angels, sanctioned to protect the human race, and Clary may just be one of them.

While following her journey of self-discovery, it also forces you to consider your own. As, although it may seem like your average fantasy/romance book it encases a plethora of battles every teen must fight to become who they are. The mortal instruments series will sweep you off your feet and play on your mind long after you’ve turned the last page. – Jade

If I Am Missing Or Dead by Janine Latus:

Janine Latus’s enthralling book If I am missing or dead is a compelling story from start to finish. It is about the author’s own sister, whose body was found strangled and bound near her then-boyfriend’s home in Knoxville. This title covers topics that are very present in today’s society, for example the physical and mental abuse both sisters suffered from not only in their childhood, but well into their adulthood too, and the sexualisation both sisters suffered. This book is in Janine Latus’ point of view; highlighting the close relationship she had with her sister Amy, telling both of their stories, from the joy of having a child to the devastation of a dead loved one. This title is great for young adults and although it has some dark undertones, the plot-line is very fascinating and captivating. – Micah