NEW FICTION

Seizureby Kathy Reichs. Publisher: Arrow. Price: £12.99, Hardback

THE second book in Reich's new series for young people centres around a group of South Carolina teens infected by a wolf-DNA-giving supervirus.

Like a Famous Five for the post-Twilight generation, this multicultural bunch of four plus dog, led by reluctant debutante and tomboy Tory Brennan, go off in search of pirate treasure – using their super powers along the way. Ludicrous plot point follows ludicrous plot point as the gang tackle armed enemies, break into local monuments and communicate with wild animals – all behind the backs of their unsuspecting parents.

But no doubt teenage readers will find Seizure to be a pacy thriller with enjoyable banter and likeable characters.

It's just a shame that this title has little to offer the more mature Reichs fan.

Rating: HHHH

The Flowers Of War by Geling Yan. Publisher: Harvill Secker. Price: £10, Hardback

THE Nanking war, when Japanese troops occupied the Chinese city in the 1930s, remains a controversial issue to this day, yet Shanghai-born author Geling Yan has courageously tackled it in The Flowers Of War. She has the credentials to do so, having served with the People's Liberation Army during the Cultural Revolution as a teenager.

In this short novel, the war is seen through the eyes of 13-year-old schoolgirl Shujuan, who lives with 15 other classmates in an American church run by US priest Father Engelmann.

With the Japanese fast approaching, prostitutes from a nearby brothel and injured Chinese soldiers seek refuge from the massacre happening beyond the walls.

Powerful and poignant, this story's potential has been picked up by Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou, who adapted it for the big screen, with Christian Bale starring as the priest.

The upcoming movie is China's entry for the 2012 Oscars.

Rating: HHHH