Paul Stewart & Chris Riddell: The Curse of the Gloamglozer (2005)

    Quint, son of a sky pirate captain, and new apprentice to Linius Pallitax, the Most High Academe, has been set some highly important tasks. Just how important, Quint is about to find out as he and Linius’s only daughter, Maris, are plunged into a terrifying adventure that takes them deep within the rock upon which Sanctaphrax is built (Goodreads).

    Although not suitable to be read first in chronological order, this prequel is an imaginative tale that Stewart & Riddell are able to make seem brand new, even though the Edge was traveled thoroughly in the first three books. Colourful characters such as Maris give wonderful depth to the story, and surprising bits of humor are sprinkled around, although the book can get quite dark and serious. The busyness of the floating city is portrayed wonderfully (the Viaduct Steps chapter is particularly brilliant) which leads to an eerie contrast under the city. An interesting plotline, with Linius' experimenting leading to the creation of the actual villain. One thing that really lacked in the book was character development, as Quint, the main character, is fairly static throughout. All in all, the setting really shines in this book, and the excellent illustrations definitely add to that. 8.5/10

Rick Riordan: The Sword of Summer (2015)

    Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers. One day, he’s tracked down by a man he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god. (Goodreads)

    An interesting concept, what with the "starting a new life after death" theme throughout, this novel felt like a watered down (although longer) Percy Jackson book. There are way too many similarites between this book and Riordan's other novels, and I'm not even going to bother to list them all. Deja vu aside, this book was enjoyable, with the quirky narrator Magnus (although still very much like another demigod protagonist we know). Bonus points for character diversity here, with the Muslim Samirah and the deaf Hearthstone. Littered with hilarious scenes and chapter titles, The Sword of Summer is an overall good read, although not nearly original enough. 7.6/10

F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby (1925)

    The story of the fabulously wealthy Jay Gatsby and his love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan, of lavish parties on Long Island at a time when The New York Times noted “gin was the national drink and sex the national obsession." (Goodreads)

    A great account of the roaring 20s of the United States and justifiably one of the most famous books of the 20th century. A bit wordy to start off, the story is hard to follow, and hidden events make you reread bits and pieces. Excellent writing and subtle symbols pick out the black heart at the center of the American dream. Great character development justify the five times this novel has been adapted into film. 7.0/10