Changes

|genre=Fantasy

|summary=[[No Humans Involved by Kelley Armstrong|No Humans Involved]] is a gripping and totally believable murder mystery in which the detectives (who just happen to be werewolves, demi-demons, necromancers) come up against the darkest of ritual sacrifices. Horror and suspense are superbly mingled with gentle humour and a sideswipe at the world as we know it. Ken Macleod's Science Fiction never disappoints and we loved [[The Execution Channel by Ken MacLeod|The Execution Channel]]. It's a near-future catastrophe novel that's tense, well-drawn and sneakily, sneakily clever. The muted SF elements and subtle opinionating give the book a number of levels and made a patsy of our reviewer right up to the very last pages. If you're a fan of Stephenie Meyer then you shouldn't miss [[The Host by Stephenie Meyer|The Host]]. It's a departure from her ''Twilight'' series and the change of direction was a risk. Not every author could make the shift from teenage vampire romance to adult science fiction, but Meyer has done it in style.

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|genre=General Fiction

|summary=[[Portobello by Ruth Rendell|Portobello]] begins with a heart attack and the loss of some money and a group of people are brought together. By the end of the book some will be dead, others will be happy. It's an exceptional book by a writer at the height of her powers and highly recommended. It's been a good year for general fiction and [[The Welsh Girl by Peter Ho Davies]] and [[The Northern Clemency by Philip Hensher]] hardly need a mention but look out for [[The Dirty South by Alex Wheatle]]. It has crisp, clean writing with wit and humour which tempers this story of the urban black experience in Britain. It's not angry, but it makes some angry points. It's a book for both teens and adults.

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|genre=Popular Science

|summary=A hilarious, useful and essential look at the appalling misuses of science throughout society. Part exposé and part educational tool, [[Bad Science by Ben Goldacre|Bad Science]] is as highly recommended as they come for anyone with even half a brain. We're also very impressed by this year's selection of the best questions from ''New Scientist'' - [[Do Polar Bears Get Lonely? by Mick O'Hare|Do Polar Bears Get Lonely?]]. This isn't the usual trivia which floods the shops at Christmas. It's serious science with a friendly face. For a superb collection of writing by scientists we can recommend [[The Oxford Book of Modern Science Writing by Richard Dawkins|The Oxford Book of Modern Science Writing]] edited by Richard Dawkins.

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|genre=For Sharing

|summary=Our reviewer thinks that [[Stick Man by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler|Stick Man]] is Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's best book yet and that's saying something as she's a long-term fan. She loved the book's story told through rhyme, a gentle rhythm, well chosen words and wonderful illustrations. For a book which will delight children and adults we loved [[Shine Moon Shine by David Conway]]. It's an inspirational story about how the moon was persuaded to return to the night sky. For a story which is unashamedly sentimental but which never becomes mawkish, have a look at [[The Perfect Bear by Gillian Shields]]. If you'd like a delightful and refreshing story where important ideas are deftly handled check out [[The Scallywags by David Melling]]. Children will love the story line, where the wolves try to improve their manners and adults will love the verbal and visual puns which litter every page. For a book to warm the heart try [[Where Is Home, Little Pip? by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman|Where Is Home, Little Pip?]]

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