Trash by Andy Mulligan

Synopsis

Raphael is a dumpsite boy who, one day, finds a wallet holding the keys to a mystery--two passports, a map, and a locker key. With the police hot on his heels desperate for that wallet too, Raphael and his friends Gardo and Rat run away, not only to save their lives, but also to decode the meaning of those clues...

Review

Genre: YA, Adventure, Mystery

Age Group: Children or Young Teens

Star Rating: 6/10

Verdict

An interesting book, but not particularly well written. The concept itself is fascinating, following the journey of three kids living in a dumpsite. How do they survive? How do they find clean water and food? I was hoping to learn more about the life of a dumpsite boy but only the first few chapters briefly touch on Raphael's life, so in that aspect, the book was a little disappointing.

I'm not a huge fan of mystery or adventure but it was well crafted. The thing I do have a quibble with is how neatly Raphael, Gardo and Rat managed to find and solve everything. I was hoping for a few trials and a few crossroads in their path but, no, everything just sort of fitted together like a jigsaw puzzle. On the other hand, one could argue that I should lay off Mulligan in this sense since the book is for children or young teens, and the content can't be too disturbing. 

The writing style is simple and keeps readers flicking through the pages. Overall, it's not a bad book but not the masterpiece of the century.

Rangers Apprentice: The Ruins of Garlan (Book 1) by John Flanagan

Synopsis

Will and the few others in the ward are all orphans in the castle. When they are of age (15 years old), they can choose a profession and become an apprentice, as long as their mentor agrees to accept them. Of all the people in the ward, Will is the only one that does not know what profession he is suitable for. He wants to join the Battleschool, but he has not had his growth spurt nor does he have many muscles. On Choosing Day, all of his ward-mates are officially apprenticed to something, but Will still remains unknown. A Ranger had a note in which he gave the Baron, "the big boss". Will, who is nimble and can't stand not knowing, secretly breaks into the Baron's room to find out what the message says. The Ranger lies in the shadows, watching every movement and catches Will guilty. Little did Will know that by doing this proved he was going to pass the test to become a Ranger, instead of having to get in trouble.

As a Ranger's Apprentice, Will trains himself hard, until one day something unfortunate happens. On the day of the Rangers' Gathering, a problem appears. Wargals and the two remaining Kalkara have been released and are on the loose, and it is up to Will, his mentor and his mentor's ex-apprentice to take care of the Kalkara.

Review

Category: Fantasy

Age Group: Teens

Star Rating: 9/10

Verdict

This book captured my soul. End of story. It really was fascinating, and once i picked it up i couldn't force myself to put it down. I took it everywhere with me, the bathroom, i read while eating, it was simply too good to stop. I loved the way Flanagan wrote this because it blew my mind. This book is a case of "Don't judge a book by its cover" because I thought it wouldn't be my cup of tea. However, once I started reading I really took that back. 

~Also, thanks to the person who suggested we review the series! We really love your feedback and if you would like a book reviewed, do tell us!