Thursday 11 February 2010

YOUNG ADULT REVIEW: Private Series Book 8-10 and Prequel - Kate Brian

BOOK BLURB:

The hunt is on for Cheyenne Martin's killer and everyone at Easton Academy agrees that Reed had most to gain from her death. Reed, who took over Cheyenne's role as president of Billings Hall, is now well and truly outcast. She's lost her friends, her boyfriend and her home. All she can do is search for Cheyenne's killer ...but will anyone be around to hear her scream when she becomes the next target?


REVIEW:

Book eight of the private series and things have definitely hit rock bottom for Reed Brennan. Forced to leave the school that she loves as well as investigating the death of Cheyenne it’s a pretty gripping novel as friends turn to enemies and visa versa in this long awaited novel. All in all it’s good fun and will definitely keep the Private fan club happy as perhaps the series biggest mystery is about to be solved. A real page turner and one that may well give the series a whole new set of fans as the author cleverly manages murder and boy trouble in one exciting volume.



BOOK BLURB:

Now that Cheyenne's murderer has been revealed and Reed knows the truth about who's been stalking her, she's ready for a break. What better way to relax than on a five-star Caribbean vacation with the Billings Girls? At first the trip is heaven on Earth: beach parties, forty-foot yachts, shopping trips to exclusive boutiques ...But even in sunny paradise, the Girls are never far from trouble - and they're about to get burned.


REVIEW:

If you want cracking characters that are pretty well constructed and speak to the audience for which they’re intended then you really have to get the Private series by Kate Brian. If you want beautifully constructed plots then once you’ve read one, you’ve pretty much read them all as it’s a pretty repetitive concept by KB that follows the old philosophy of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

That said its an interesting read although perhaps some of the subject matter may have the adult reader wondering if this novel is right for their young reader but for the right market it will hit the spot.



BOOK BLURB:

Reed Brennan thought that a winter break in the islands with some of the Billings Girls, old and new, was just what she needed to recover from her traumatic last term at Easton. At first everything is perfect; relaxing, fun and elegant. But then things take a more sinister turn and suddenly Reed finds herself in danger once more. If Reed wants to survive her fateful vacation she must discover who is after her and why, before it's too late.


REVIEW:

As usual a pretty self contained novel and something that will appeal to a certain audience as the ever popular girl seeks to right wrongs, delve into personal issues and help put the world to rights. Whilst there’s a huge number of fans for this type of book (followers of the Gossip Girl series) it really didn’t do much for me as I’ve pretty much seen it all before in previous outings and the character is starting to become pretty stale. The tale is self sufficient so you can jump into the series here if you wish but there are plenty of other YA out there that may be a better spend of your finances although if you like the pretty standard formula that the series constantly throws out it will keep you a happy fan.



BOOK BLURB:

Before Reed Brennan came to Easton Academy ...Before Thomas Pearson was murdered ...Before Noelle Lange ruled Billings House and Ariana Osgood became Easton's most notorious student, Ariana was just another girl at boarding school. But then one cold snowy night on campus, Ariana fell for someone she shouldn't - and that changed everything. Because someone was watching. And now they're intent on turning Ariana's holiday weekend into a nightmare...


REVIEW:

Pretty well constructed, with a good mystery with some fear interjected for your young adult reader. As you know, I think that the themes are a little repetitive within Kate’s work but she’s broken out a little with this one and turned up something a little different whilst keeping the character development well on track. A great addition to the series and one that’s sure to please the fans.

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