Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind
Reviewed by Tom McGuirk
First in a series, a refefinition of the fantasy genre; realistic actions and consequences with a good plot and characters you actually care about.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Reviewed by Joanna Ulanowska (Kids Specialist)
A truly creepy tale that haunts you with its visual imagery long after you have finished it. Gaiman realises a world that is both recognisable and strangely terrifying. A must read for adults and children.

Bumface by Morris Gleitzman
Reviewed by Joanna Ulanowska (Kids Specialist)
One of the funniest portrayals of a dysfunctional family as told by the eldest child. With laugh out loud moments-especially the opening paragraph. This tale still illustrates how humour can teach us about the honest truth and it leaves a lasting emotional punch!

Wings Over Delft by Aubrey Flegg
Reviewed by Joanna Ulanowska (Kids Specialist)
Brilliant historical tale of a young girl's journey to find herself as she is painted by a Dutch artist. Compelling reading with an ending both tragic and uplifting this tale is a must read for all those who love art and history.

Dark is Rising Sequence by Susan Cooper
Reviewed by Joanna Ulanowska (Kids Specialist)
One of the most original re-tellings of Arthur and his knights. This sequence brilliantly draws together modern life and Arthurian history into a fantastic, adventurous journey that supplies real threats but ultimately triumphs for all those concerned. A classic!

Skellig by David Almond
Reviewed by Joanna Ulanowska (Kids Specialist)
A heartwarming journey of two very different children after they meeta strange figure at the end of the garden. A story of friendship and belief, set against the backdrop of a family struggling with a seriously ill child. This tale is rewarding and beautifully written.

Weirdstone of Brisingamen by Alan Garner
Reviewed by Joanna Ulanoswka (Kids Specialist)
Steeped in British folklore, this fantastic tale draws you in even as the edges of reality blur. Compelling and believable this is a complicated but ultimately rewarding fantasy adventure.

Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendalt
Reviewed by Joanna Ulanoswka (Kids Specialist)
An original classic. This tale will appeal to all those tearaway youngsters not only for the story itself but the beautiful illustrations that accompany each step of the journey. Everyone should own this!

Consider Phlebas by Iain M Banks
Reviewed by Eoin O'Brien (General Manager)
The first and to me still the best of Banks' vast world of the future, 'the culture'. Philosophy, action, sex and a cracking storyline.

Powder by Kevin Sampson
Reviewed by Eoin O'Brien (General Manager)
If you want to know how an album is launched, and a band falls apart read this brilliant insight to a fantasy lifestyle.

Crow Road by Iain M Banks
Reviewed by Eoin O'Brien (General Manager)
Best of Banks repertoire of Scottish-based characters and a good place to begin exploring this prolific author's 'real-life' novels!

Last Train From Memphis/Careless Love by Peter Guralink
Reviewed by Eoin O'Brien (General Manager)
A version of Elvis Presley's life as it should have been remembered. The sheer love for music shines through, as well as the 'fatal flaw' in Presley's character, his poor choice in friends.

The Road to McCarthy by Pete McCarthy
Reviewed by Claire Lynch
A brilliant follow-up to McCarthy's Bar very funny and well-observed. A book you don't want to end!

Chart Throb by Ben Elton
Reviewed by Claire Lynch
If you can't take any more reality TV then read this! A wicked send-up of X Factor et al. Very funny as you expect from a comedian of Ben Elton's stature.

The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom
Reviewed by Claire Lynch
A beautifully written book, very thought-provoking and profound. A joy to read.

The Devil Wears Prada by Laura Weisberg
Reviewed by Aine
An interesting and gripping read. A really fantastic look at adjusting to life after university. I picked it up expecting 'chick-lit' and was very pleasantly surprised!

Touching The Void by Joe Simpson
Reviewed by Aidan
This book is a truly gripping read. A true story of life and death decisions, and arguably the greatest example of human courage ever. Simpson's book is sure to please.

Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman
Reviewed by Aine
A fantastic and gripping read for both children and adults alike. An excellent beginning to a truly unforgettable trilogy.

Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
Reviewed by Aidan
In this book Haddon has achieved a rare feat, a modern classic which will appeal to both young and old. The plot portrays a sweet straightforward childhood tale but delve a little deeper and you find a compelling insight into the mind of a child with Aspergers Syndrome.

A Prayer for Owen Meaney by John Irving
Reviewed by Tom McGuirk
An emotional book; very involving tale of two friends both of whose destinations have tragic, yet uplifting outcomes.