Changes

|title=Good Omens

|author=Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman

|rating=5

|summary=A collaboration of two literary giants of the fantasy world which works far better than you might expect. Gaiman's dark influnence perfectly balances Pratchett's humour.

}}

|title=Empire of the Sun

|author=J G Ballard

|rating=5

|summary=It's not really possible to sum up Empire of the Sun in just a few words if not to simply say, "Don't miss it." It's a book about war. It's about more than just the fighting. In fact, there isn't any fighting. It's beautifully written. It's mesmerising. It provides a revealing background to Ballard's later novels. It's a great definition of that made-up word, "dystopia". Oh, just don't miss it. Ok?

|title=Mister Pip

|author=Lloyd Jones

|rating=5

|summary=Beautifully written with not a word wasted, Great Expectations meets tropical island in this look at the love of reading, the terrors of war, post-colonialism and personal integrity. Highly, highly recommended.

|title=Centurion (Roman Legion 8)

|author=Simon Scarrow

|rating=3.5

|summary=More punchy action in Simon Scarrow's long-running Eagle series. This one sees Macro and Cato pitted against the Parthians and a traitor from their past. Historically accurate and great fun, if a little light. Think Cornwell's Sharpe, not his Arthur.

|author=Louis de Bernieres

|rating=4

|summary=Red Dog is a lovely little piece of modern folklore suitable for adults and younger readers just beginning to find their feet with books for grown ups. It follows its eponymous hero's adventure through Western Australia in a timeless tale of the littlest of lives.

|isbn=0099429047

|author=Joe Dunthorne

|rating=5

|summary=Funny, naughty, rude and beautifully observed, Holden Caulfield meets Adrian Mole in Swansea for a wonderful debut novel. It's missing the most satisfying of climaxes (no pun intended), but that's all. You can also read an [[The Interview: Bookbag talks to Joe Dunthorne|interview]] with Joe Dunthorne.

|isbn=0141032758