Into That Forest by Louis Nowra

This book was a true experience. Never in all my life have I read a book that moved me so. Into That Forest is a heartbreaking yet beautiful story about freedom, survival, and learning. It is truly captivating.

Written like a narrative, the book is the story of two sisters, Hannah and Rebecca, who find themselves lost in the Tasmanian jungle after a terrible accident but are saved by two wild Tasmanian tigers. The story is told by an elderly Hannah; she regales the reader with the astonishing events of her childhood using her native language, which she explains, is no longer fluent because "I lost it and had to learn it again.”

In the story, the young girls have to adapt to their new lives and they do so in different ways and paces. A powerful part of the book is the growing tension and emotions that are part of the bond hardening between the two girls. In the beginning the they are afraid of becoming wild animals but as they learn to hunt, run on all fours, and become fluent in tiger “language”, they also learn the cruelty of humans and how humans can be even more wild then the tigers.

       This is a book you can become completely obsessed and engrossed in.  It smoothly blends fact and fiction and recreates a beautiful historical setting; bringing to life all of its smells, sights, textures and expressions of the Tasmanian bush. The book brings up what it really means to be “human.” Into That Forest is one of the best books I’ve ever read. Readers of all ages will devour it and love it.

"Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas

 
This book had everything and much more. Sarah J. Maas brings her characters to life in this action fantasy full of mystery. The main character, 18 year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien, has lived a hard life in a land without magic. Raised by a cruel assassin master from a very small age, Celaena knows how to survive. And survive she has.

 In the beginning of the book Celaena has just survived her first year in the harsh salt mines of Endovier for her crimes of assiassantry, when she is dragged out of the prison by the one of the King’s royal guard. She seriously hates the king and contemplates trying to escape the guard. Before she can think more of how to overpower the guard, she is brought before the Crown Prince. Instead of executing her, like she expects, Prince Dorian offers her what she craves most: her freedom. Sadly, her freedom comes with on condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. If she can beat her opponents in a series of challenging tests, she’ll have to serve the kingdom for three years and THEN be granted her freedom.

The lady assassin agrees and she is taken to the castle to train. Her trainer is the gruff Captain Westfall and she finds her training sessions with him challenging and exhilarating. Though she is bored silly by court life, things do get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show some interest for her. Still, Westfall seems to understand her the best.

Soon the other contestants start turning up dead- causing a chaotic twist to form in the book. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she fall victim? As the young assassin investigates, her discoveries lead her towards a greater destiny than she could've imagined.

Throne of Glass is a book full of twists and turns. The world Sarah Maas has created comes alive on every single page! With magic, mystery and romance this book is a real page turner and will leave you wanting more. Celaena is a rocking female protagonist; she puts away the “oh save me!” women in books to shame. Lets give a standing ovation to Sarah J. Maas for writing such a well written book with fantastic well developed characters and action that leaves you on edge. I would recommend any fantasy and mystery lover to read this wonderful book.