What are you reading?

It's a glorious sunny day here in Launceston - the perfect kind of day for a bit of al fresco reading!

I'm currently reading the glorious new book by Australian speculative fiction author, Marianne de Pierre's. Marianne is a very highly regarded author of adult speculative fiction. This is her first book for young adults. It is dark, decadent, hypnotic and magical, and is also definitely one for older readers (think Justine Larbalestier's Liar and you're probably in about the right age range).

The following blurb is from Marianne's website (http://www.burnbright.com.au/):

"In Ixion music and party are our only beliefs. Darkness is our comfort. We have few rules but they are absolute . . .


Retra doesn’t want to go to Ixion, the island of ever-night, ever-youth and never-sleep. Retra is a Seal – sealed minds, sealed community. She doesn’t crave parties and pleasure, experience and freedom.

But her brother Joel left for Ixion two years ago, and Retra is determined to find him. Braving the intense pain of her obedience strip to escape the only home she’s ever known, Retra stows away on the barge that will take her to her brother.

When she can’t find Joel, Retra finds herself drawn deeper into the intoxicating world of Ixion. Come to me, whispers a voice in her head. Who are the Ripers, the mysterious guardians of Ixion? What are the Night Creatures Retra can see in the shadows? And what happens to those who grow too old for Ixion?

Retra will find that Ixion has its pleasures, but its secrets are deadly. Will friendship, and the creation of an eternal bond with a Riper, be enough to save her from the darkness?

Listen well, baby bats. Burn bright, but do not stray from the paths. Remember, when you live in a place of darkness you also live with creatures of the dark."

I am about halfway through this book and enjoying it immensely. The world de Pierres has created is so unique and spellbinding. I can't wait to finish it (and then it will be an impatient wait for the sequel).

Tell us, what are you reading on this gorgeous sunny day?