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.

Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger

Many people say “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Well those people haven’t seen the cover of Gail Carriger’s book, Etiquette & Espionage. The cover really grabs your attention with the bright background and the surreal looking black and white girl hiding pair of scissors. The cover caught my attention and the first chapter stole the rest.

The main character, Sophronia, is a wild child and a bit of a disappointment to her stern mother. Sophronia would rather be climbing trees and dismantling machines then practicing her curtsy and being a proper lady. So when the chance arises to send Sophronia to finishing school, her mother practically jumps at the chance with no more than a simple goodbye.

As the title suggests, this is not a normal finishing school for teaching young girls to curtsy and to not slurp tea. As it turns out Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality has some sneaky tricks up its sleeve and Sophronia has no idea what she's in for! Not only will she be learning how to be a bona fide lady but she’ll also be learning how to throw knives while she curtsies. The school also can fly, has a vampire as an instructor, and there’s a werewolf problem! These aren’t even the most complex things that Sophronia has to deal with. However, issues aren’t stopping Sophronia! Shes always be a wildling and somewhat of an adventurer. Meaning not even something like a little werewolf attack will scare her off.

What I love most about the book is that Sophronia is an a wonderful character with unique flaws and a passionate personality. Also, the crazy school, other amazing characters, and the whole steampunk attitude of the book make this an interesting read. This book is definitely for people with interest in fantasy and steampunk, or even just for people who love quirky and unusual reading material.