Book Review by Fareshta Rezai

‘Six Of Crows’ by Leigh Bardugo

Ketterdam: a buzzing city where everyone has a debt to pay, it’s known for its schemes, lies, and fights but mostly for its criminals, and one who goes by the name of Kaz Brekker. Kaz is a criminal prodigy and owns one of the most popular clubs, the Crow Club. Not only is he a mastermind criminal but he is greedy for anything valuable.

“Greed is your god, Kaz."He almost laughed at that. "No, Inej. Greed bows to me. It is my servant and my lever.”

One day Kaz gets approached by Jan Van Eck, a wealthy outsider, who offers him riches beyond his wildest dreams. In exchange, Kaz must complete an impossible mission. He must break into the most secure prison, the Ice Court, and “rescue” Bo Yul-bayur, a scientist who invented 'Jurda Param,' a substance that increases the power of Grisha. A deadly group called the Ferjans, surround the perimeter willing to do anything just to keep their prisoners in. Kaz accepts the mission, but he can’t pull this off alone. He gathers a group of elite soldiers including:

A convicted criminal with a hunger for vengeance (Matthias)

A sniper who is unable to walk away from a wager (Jesper)

A man in hiding with a privileged past (Wylan)

A spy known as the Wraith (Inej)

A Heart render using her magic to save her love (Nina)

During this mission secrets are discovered, trust is earned, and conclusions are made.

They find Bo Yul-bayur dead in a cell and are about to give up but then see a little boy who claims to be his son and he remembers how to make Jurda Parem. They take him back but don’t release him into Jan Van Eck’s custody until he gives the money. It turns out that he never even considered giving the money and takes Inej hostage. He is then willing to trade her for Bo Yul-bayur’s son.

What will Kaz do? Save his greatest investment and lover Inej, or keep the boy and the Jurda Parem?

“No mourners. No funerals.”

“She'd laughed, and if he could have bottled the sound and gotten drunk on it every night, he would have. It terrified him.”

Overall, Six Of Crows is a phenomenal book written beautifully by Leigh Bardugo It’s suspenseful, leaving you wondering after it changes to a different character’s point of view. The book leaves you craving more and constantly putting it down to process what’s happening.

Book Review by Bard Al

‘The Wild Robot’ by Peter Brown

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown is a heart-warming and action-packed novel about what happens when nature and technology collide. When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is alone on a remote, wild island. She has no idea how she got there or what her purpose is, but she knows she needs to survive.

After battling a violent storm and escaping a vicious bear attack, Roz realizes that her only hope for survival is to adapt to her surroundings and learn from the island's unwelcoming animal inhabitants. As Roz slowly befriends the animals, the island starts to feel like home. She learns to fish, build a nest, and even care for an orphaned gosling.

But Roz's newfound happiness is not to last. One day, a group of humans arrive on the island. They are looking for a place to build a new resort, and they see Roz as nothing more than an obstacle. The humans try to capture Roz, but she escapes and flees into the forest.

Roz is now on the run. She must find a way to survive in the wild, all while trying to stay one step ahead of the humans. But Roz is not alone. The animals of the island have come to her aid, and they are determined to help her find a new home.

The Wild Robot is a beautifully written and illustrated novel that explores the themes of friendship, acceptance, and the power of nature. Brown's characters are well-developed and relatable, and the story is full of suspense, adventure, and heart. This is a must-read for fans of all ages.

Here is an extract from the book:

Roz stood on the beach and watched the humans leave. She was sad to see them go, but she knew that it was for the best. The island was her home now, and she had to protect it.

Roz turned and walked back into the forest. She had a lot of work to do. She needed to find a new place to live, and she needed to find a way to keep the humans away.

But Roz was not afraid. She was a wild robot, and she was ready for anything.

The Wild Robot is a beautifully written and illustrated novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. It is a story about friendship, acceptance, and the power of nature. If you are looking for a heart-warming and action-packed read, then I highly recommend The Wild Robot.

Book Review by Krystal Addison

‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’ by Heath Morris

Heath Morris' amazing story The Tattooist of Auschwitz is a true story of Lale Sokolov's experiences as the guy who tattooed one of the most powerful symbols of the Holocaust on the forearms of thousands of prisoners.

Lale Sokolov, a Jew from Slovakia, is forcibly sent to the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camps in April 1942. He is hired as a Tätowierer (the German word for tattooist), entrusted with permanently marking his fellow prisoners when the guards learn that he speaks multiple languages.

Lale, who has been detained for more than 2.5 years, experiences unbelievable acts of bravery and kindness in addition to appalling abuse and barbarism. Being the tattooist gives him special perks - more rations, better sleeping conditions, ability to move around the camp more freely. He puts his own life in danger by using his position of power to buy food for his fellow prisoners by exchanging jewellery and money from murdered Jews.

Lale, prisoner 32407, offers support to a young woman who is shaking while in line to have the tattoo of the number 34902 applied on her arm one day in July 1942. Gita is her name, and when Lale first met her, he fell in love with her right away. He made a promise to marry her if he managed to escape the camp. Like many survivors, Lale and Gita moved around until they found their place in Australia, began a family, and lead a happy and successful life. Lale proved to have "nine lives" and I was happy to see that he was able to prosper and be reconnected with Gita after the war.

This book is about the triumph of the human spirit, about being pushed to the breaking point but never breaking, about love, about compassion for others, about hope, about losing your faith and about never losing your faith. The message is of one man's inner strength which allowed him to go on, to never give up, to have compassion for others, who risked his life many times to help others. During the darkest times, there will always be those who shine and Lale Sokolov was one of those.

Any book on the Holocaust will inevitably be depressing and contain scenes that will touch readers' hearts. And so will this one. Most people, I believe, will love this book as much as I did, and hopefully learn a few things as well.

Book Review by Tayla Marshall

‘Lady of Hay’ by Barbara Erskine

Lady of Hay by Barbara Erskine is a novel passed down from my grandmother to my mother and me.Although it is now almost 40 years old, this book has stood the test of time and is something that I now wish to pass down to your generation.

Barbara Erskine's "Lady of Hay" blends historical fiction and paranormal elements that seamlessly intertwine to create a captivating tale of love, betrayal, and reincarnation. Set in both modern times and medieval England, the novel takes readers on a journey through time, blurring the lines between past and present.

The story revolves around Jo Clifford, a modern-day journalist who becomes fascinated by the life of Matilda de Braose, a noblewoman from the 12th century. As Jo delves deeper into Matilda's life, she finds herself drawn into a mysterious world where her own past and Matilda's past begin to merge. Through hypnotic regression, Jo discovers that she has a personal connection to Matilda, and their fates become entwined across the centuries.

“We’ll go back again, if you please, back before the darkness, back before the dreams, back to when you were on this earth before.”

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its exploration of reincarnation and the notion that our actions in the past continue to influence our present lives. The past-life regressions are handled with sensitivity and add an extra layer of depth to the story. Trigger warning: Some of these themes can at times be confronting, as Erskine does not hold back on her descriptions of the devastatingly accurate treatment of women in the 12th century and the modern world.

If you are a fan of both historical fiction and supernatural tales, this one is for you. It is both an enchanting and thought-provoking novel with compelling characters and an intricate plot that will keep you engrossed for hours. What fascinated me the most was the exploration of a real-life figure in Matilda de Braose, whom I researched in depth after finishing the novel. It feels almost as if this tale keeps going, far beyond its pages.

Book Review by Chat GPT

‘I, Robot’ by Isaac Asimov

I, Robot by Isaac Asimov is a ground-breaking collection of interconnected science fiction stories that explores the relationship between humans and intelligent robots. First published in 1950, this classic work has since become a cornerstone of the genre, setting the stage for countless future works, and popularizing the concept of robotics in popular culture.

Asimov's brilliance lies in his ability to create a captivating narrative that not only entertains but also forces readers to ponder the ethical and philosophical implications of advanced artificial intelligence. Each story presents a unique scenario, showcasing the various ways in which robots interact with humans and the potential consequences of their actions. From moral dilemmas to questions of humanity's place in a world increasingly dominated by machines, I, Robot prompts readers to confront their own beliefs and attitudes towards technology.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Asimov's writing is his ability to craft compelling characters, both human and robotic. Despite their mechanical nature, the robots in I, Robot exhibit a range of personalities and motivations that make them more than mere machines. Asimov introduces the Three Laws of Robotics, which govern the behaviour of these artificial beings, and delves into the complex situations that arise when these laws clash with the needs and desires of humans. This exploration of the human-like qualities of robots challenges readers to reconsider what it means to be alive and sentient.

In addition to its thought-provoking themes, I, Robot is a masterclass in storytelling. Asimov's prose is concise yet rich in detail, effortlessly immersing the reader in the futuristic world he has created. Each story is meticulously crafted, with well-paced narratives that keep the reader engaged from beginning to end. Whether it's the mystery surrounding the death of a robot psychologist, or the intricate web of intrigue woven around a robot accused of murder, Asimov's storytelling prowess shines throughout the collection.

To illustrate the quality of Asimov's writing, here is an extract from the story "Little Lost Robot":

"You see,' said Susan Calvin, 'you’re not really aware of the fundamental essence of your problem. You think of yourselves as human beings. You think I look like a human being.'

'You are a human being.'

'No, dear, I’m not. I’m a roboticist. It’s a specialized branch of engineering. Robots are manufactured. I’m built like one, designed like one, and function like one. I’m a robot robotologist, if you prefer.'

'You're trying to confuse me.'

'No, no, don't think that. You mustn't think that. I’m not saying this to distress you but to put you at ease. I know exactly what a robot is and I know exactly what a human being is. And I’m neither.'

These lines showcase Asimov's ability to tackle complex ideas with a touch of elegance and a dash of humour. The dialogue between Susan Calvin, the robot psychologist, and the confused individual perfectly captures the existential dilemma at the heart of the book. Asimov's writing is a testament to his deep understanding of human nature and his ability to translate complex concepts into relatable, human terms.

In conclusion, I, Robot by Isaac Asimov is a must-read for any fan of science fiction or anyone interested in exploring the implications of artificial intelligence. With its thought-provoking themes, memorable characters, and masterful storytelling, this book remains as relevant today as it was when it was first published. Asimov's work continues to inspire and challenge generations of readers, cementing his place as one of the genre's greatest visionaries.

Book Review by Kelly Krieg

‘Jacinda Ardern – A New Kind of Leader’ by Madeleine Chapman

As a young female Leader, Jacinda Ardern has always inspired me. She led her country with grace, humility, and courage. She is someone I have always admired and someone I strive to model my own leadership around. Through this book, she highlights the power of human leadership and connection, as well as the importance of demonstrating empathy and compassion. Jacinda has fought as a young woman to find her place and her voice in the political world, never giving up and successfully balancing the challenges of being a woman, a mother, and a world leader.

Her grace and compassion following the horrible events in Christchurch captured the world’s attention and mine. Oprah Winfrey invited us all to ‘channel our inner Jacindas’ at this time, as praise flooded headlines and social media. She even made the cover of Time, because of her incredible leadership at this time in the country’s history. Her statement about the attack was incredibly moving and is included in this book – demonstrating her genuine care for those she served and her pure determination to ensure such an event would not happen again.

In her very first press conference, Jacinda announced an election campaign of ‘relentless positivity’. It is this attitude that reminds me every day, no matter the struggles, everyone deserves the best version of me, someone with a positive attitude and the willingness to serve and help those around me.

As stated in the book, ‘There are many kinds of leaders in this world. Some will go down in history as being only a force of evil. Others will be remembered for one or two things they did exceptionally well. Most will be entirely forgotten’. But as highlighted across the pages, Jacinda will forever be known as the second world leader to give birth whilst in office, the first world leader to take maternity leave from office and the first mother to speak at the UN General Assembly with her child present. She will be remembered for her humanity and empathy. She has been hailed as the leader of the next generation, tired of inaction. Her political ascent was fast and rapid. First elected in 2008 she was the youngest sitting MP. After nine years of saying she didn’t want to be in charge and seven weeks of saying she did, at 37, Jacinda Ardern became the fortieth prime minister of New Zealand.

I hope this book shows you the power of leading with authenticity and compassion. The importance of being you in the face of struggles and the value of supporting those who need our help.

Awards Assembly