Review: The Charmed Wife by Olga Grushin

Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton
Published: 21st January 2021

Synopsis:
Cinderella married the man of her dreams - the perfect ending she deserved after diligently following all the fairy-tale rules. Yet now, two children and thirteen-and-a-half years later, things have gone badly wrong.

One night, she sneaks out of the palace to get help from the Witch who, for a price, offers love potions to disgruntled housewives. But as the old hag flings the last ingredients into the cauldron, Cinderella doesn't ask for a love spell to win back her Prince Charming.

Instead, she wants him dead.

Review: 

Cinderella married Prince Charming and they lived happily ever after...or did they? In 'The Charmed Wife' Olga Grushin imagines what may have happened to these classic fairy tale characters, 13 years after that well known ending. Now with two children in tow, is Cinderella still living a life of blissful romance with her Prince?

The blurb for this book immediately caught my attention. I love anything to do with classic fairy tales, reworkings and new interpretations, so I knew from the start that this is a title I wanted to read. I was extremely intrigued about the story and excited to delve in. This is most definitely a book for adult readers as it deals with some pretty heavy topics throughout.

The book is split into three distinct sections. I enjoyed the first part immensely which features Cinderella sneaking away to ask a witch for help with her situation. Things haven't quite worked out the way she thought they would and she needs assistance trying to put things right. The second part was quite unusual and I think that's where it lost me a little. I thought it was very clever as it interweaves nods and references to a lot of other fairy tales and while I could appreciate how skilfully this was done, my enjoyment of the story as a whole, definitely dipped. The final part moves the scene to modern day New York which confused me to start with but works to allow the author to link together a lot of the themes and issues touched upon throughout the book.    

On finishing, I have conflicting feelings about this title. On one hand, there were lots of things that I enjoyed about it and it kept me wanting to read on because I literally had no idea what was going to come next. On the other hand, it was extremely dark and subversive and personally, I think I like my fairy tales to be a little more sugar-coated. 

Review: The Beast's Heart by Leife Shallcross

Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton
Published: 3rd May 2018

Synopsis:
He is a broken, wild thing, his heart’s nature exposed by his beastly form. Long ago cursed with a wretched existence, the Beast prowls the dusty hallways of his ruined château with only magical, unseen servants to keep him company—until a weary traveler disturbs his isolation.

Bewitched by the man’s dreams of his beautiful daughter, the Beast devises a plan to lure her to the château. There, Isabeau courageously exchanges her father’s life for her own and agrees to remain with the Beast for a year. But even as their time together weaves its own spell, the Beast finds winning Isabeau’s love is only the first impossible step in breaking free from the curse . . .

Review:
This book first came to my attention a long time ago. The beautiful cover initially caught my eye, then I read the blurb and put it on my list of books that I had to read. It's taken me this long to get hold of a copy so I was extremely excited to stumble upon it in my local library.

It's no secret that I love fairy-tale retellings. I can't get enough of them. What was intriguing about 'The Beast's Heart' is that it takes the traditional story of Beauty and the Beast and retells it from the point of view of the Beast himself. So instead of the story being told by the female characters, events are shown through the eyes of the Beast, as he tries to break the curse set upon him.

All of the key and familiar elements of the story were present. A tired traveller arrives at the Beast's home and spends a single night under his roof, picking a beautiful rose before he leaves which he plans to give to his youngest daughter Isabeau. The Beast has dreamt about Isabeau and is desperate to meet her, so he fools the old man into sending him his daughter. In return, he will grant the old man his freedom. Isabeau duly arrives at the Chateau and recognising his loneliness, agrees to spend a year with the Beast. During that time, she is afforded every luxury, as magic weaves its way around their lives and the Beast tries to win her love to free himself of a fairy's curse.

The Beast is a character that I've always liked because although he at first seems monstrous to the eye, he actually has a heart of gold. He's consumed by his loneliness which makes him desperate for company and longing for love. Glimpses are shown of his past and hints given about the reason for his transformation but personally I would have liked to have found out more about his family history. Maybe a few occasional flashbacks to the events that led him to his present situation. I loved seeing him evolve though and learn to become less 'beast' and more 'man'.

One of my favourite things about the book, was the fact that not only do we get to see things through the eyes of the Beast, but we also get to watch Isabeau's family through the Beast's magic mirror. Her two sisters who have been left behind, initially seem rather lazy and discontented but Claude and Marie soon start to change their attitudes and turn their lives around - discovering just how satisfying it can be to learn to cook and keep house. In the process, they enjoy their own romances which develop throughout the course of the story.

I really enjoyed 'The Beast's Heart' but I might possibly have liked it more if I hadn't also recently read 'A Curse So Dark and Lonely' by Brigid Kemmerer (read my review here). The latter is one of my books of the year and was such a perfect retelling with a twist of Beauty and the Beast, that Liefe Shallcross's book paled a little in comparison. Saying that, you can never have enough interpretations of fairy-tales and this one was enchanting and magical, lulling me with a promise of happy ever after.

If you have enjoyed reading this review and would like to buy the book, please considering purchasing via my affiliate links from Amazon or the Book Depository.

Review: Girls of Paper and Fire - Natasha Ngan

Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan, published by Hodder and Stoughton on 6th November 2018

Goodreads synopsis:
Lei is a member of the Paper caste, the lowest and most oppressed class in Ikhara. She lives in a remote village with her father, where the decade-old trauma of watching her mother snatched by royal guards still haunts her. Now, the guards are back, and this time it's Lei they're after--the girl whose golden eyes have piqued the king's interest.

Over weeks of training in the opulent but stifling palace, Lei and eight other girls learn the skills and charm that befit being a king's consort. But Lei isn't content to watch her fate consume her. Instead, she does the unthinkable--she falls in love. Her forbidden romance becomes enmeshed with an explosive plot that threatens the very foundation of Ikhara, and Lei, still the wide-eyed country girl at heart, must decide just how far she's willing to go for justice and revenge.

Review:
I went into this book not knowing what to expect at all. I loved Natasha Ngan's previous book 'The Elites', so that was my main reason for picking this one up. I was absolutely blown away by it. It was a sensational read that I couldn't be prised away from. It was original, unique, enchanting and one of the best books that I've read this year.

It's described as having similarities to 'Memoirs of a Geisha' which is a book that I love. I can see why comparisons have been drawn, as both stories focus on the lives of concubines. However, 'Girls of Paper and Fire' veers away from historical fiction and instead goes down the path of being an exquisite fantasy. It's beautifully written and was such a joy to read that I now want to press a copy into the hands of everyone I know.

The main character Lei is a member of the Paper caste. At the beginning of the story, she is taken to the Demon King to become one of his concubines, along with eight other girls. Along with Paper, there is also Steel and Moon. These two castes are different because Steel is a mixture of human and demon with animal characteristics and Moon is demon animals. Each are afforded differing statuses in the Kingdom with Paper being considered the lowliest. It took a while to get used to people being half-animal but after a while, I adjusted to this and found the unusual mixture of characters fascinating.

Lei was a wonderful character who is devoted to her family and believes that she is protecting them by being in the King's possession. She bonds with the other girls and they almost become a second family of sorts. However, although they are all in the same situation, they react differently to their roles and some see it almost as a rivalry. I enjoyed getting to know all of the girls and seeing how Lei's relationship with them evolves throughout the course of the book. Ngan also does a brilliant job of creating a female romance which I truly believed in. It develops gradually and is wonderfully real in its depiction of a love which burns slowly but brightly.  

There are some truly shocking moments in the book and it does touch on powerful themes, such as female oppression, rape and assault. However, these are sensitively written about and aren't just there to be sensationalist. It's a brutal world but one in which true love can still flourish.

Definitely a five star read and one for which I will be eagerly awaiting the follow-up.

Review: The Prophecy - Jennifer L. Armentrout

The Prophecy by Jennifer L. Armentrout, published by Hodder and Stoughton on 8th March 2018

Goodreads synopsis:
Seth never thought he’d have a future. But now he’s on the brink of having it all with Josie: A tomorrow. A family. A forever. And all that's standing between him and that forever is the Titans. If he helps Josie entomb them -- without killing them, a nearly impossible task for him -- everything he could ever want will be in reach. But he soon realizes that as a god, every little choice he makes can reshape the world for the better… or worse. And in meddling with the Titans, Seth may have just set into motion catastrophic consequences that will force the Olympians to enter the mortal realm and reshape the delicate balance of power that keeps the world from total collapse.

Entombing the Titans is Josie’s top priority. After all, it was what she was born to do. But the plans her father put into play to help her are no longer an option, and the odds she and Seth face in forging their own path are grim. The escalating violence between halfs and pures only increases the danger closing in on them and their friends. Josie knows their chances of succeeding in their task are slim at best -- and if they fail, they might lose everything. But she also knows she's not fighting just for herself -- she's fighting for the man she loves, for their future, for the world.

Review:
I loved, loved, loved this book!  It was the perfect way to end what has been an incredible series. Although I'm upset that this is the last time I'll get to read about Seth and Josie, I think that Jennifer L. Armentrout wrote them an amazing end which made me very happy. 

Seth and Josie are desperate to have a future and a family together but before they can start their life together, they first have to entomb the Titans.  The story follows them as they try to overcome the obstacles standing in their way and save the human world in the process.  They need to track down all of the demi-gods and unlock their powers to stand any chance of defeating the Titans but it's starting to look like an impossible task. 

At the heart of the book is the relationship between Seth and Josie who have both been on incredible journeys throughout the series.  Seth has changed enormously since he was first introduced in the Covenant novels.  He's still cocky and sure of himself but he's matured so much and lost a little bit of the arrogance that he had in the beginning.  He thinks more about others, as well as the consequences of his actions and he is hell-bent at keeping Josie safe at all costs.  I love seeing him and Josie together and there are so many wonderful scenes in the book to please fans of the couple.  When he's with Josie, Seth shows another side to his character.  He is infinitely sweet and caring and will sacrifice anything to protect her.  Josie has also changed a lot and has become much more sure of herself and her abilities.  She's finally found self-confidence and at long last, she's sure of her relationship with Seth.  I honestly couldn't get enough of seeing them together.  Their romance was beautifully written and they are definitely one of my favourite ever book couples. 

I wouldn't have changed one single thing about the way in which the story unfolded.  There were several surprises and shocks in store and I had my heart in my mouth for some of the last few chapters but it was all plotted brilliantly and the final ending was beyond perfection.  My emotions were all over the place and I couldn't help but cry (believe me, it's quite a tearjerker!).

'The Prophecy' delivered everything that I wanted and more.  It was sheer heaven to read and the series really bowed out on a high.  I would love to see Jennifer L. Armentrout revisit the characters in the future but if this is truly the last time that we get to see them, then I'm more than happy with such a perfect finale.  

Review: Caraval - Stephanie Garber

Caraval by Stephanie Garber, published by Hodder and Stoughton on 31st January 2017

Goodreads synopsis:
Scarlett has never left the tiny isle of Trisda, pining from afar for the wonder of Caraval, a once-a-year week-long performance where the audience participates in the show.

Caraval is Magic. Mystery. Adventure. And for Scarlett and her beloved sister Tella it represents freedom and an escape from their ruthless, abusive father.

When the sisters' long-awaited invitations to Caraval finally arrive, it seems their dreams have come true. But no sooner have they arrived than Tella vanishes, kidnapped by the show's mastermind organiser, Legend.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But nonetheless she quickly becomes enmeshed in a dangerous game of love, magic and heartbreak. And real or not, she must find Tella before the game is over, and her sister disappears forever.

Review:
‘Caraval’ is a book that I wanted to read as soon as I first heard about it. It sounded exactly like my kind of story. I’m pleased to say that I loved it as much as I was expecting to and couldn’t put it down. It was a glorious read that quite literally swept me away.  

The story centres around Scarlett and her sister Tella, who are desperate to escape their home on the Isle of Trisda. Scarlett is the main narrator and paints a bleak picture of life with their controlling father. They are punished if they step out of line and they are not allowed to do anything or go anywhere without their father’s approval. Escape is the only thing on their minds, although they each have different plans for their method of escape.  

Julian is the sailor who comes into their lives and presents them with a way off the island. Caraval is the once a year, week long performance that they are invited to take part in and which gives them an opportunity to win something priceless which might change their lives forever. 

I thought that Scarlett was a fantastic main character and someone that I enjoyed reading about immensely. I identified with the protective nature of her relationship with her sister and her feelings of responsibility towards her. The two siblings are very different in nature but Scarlett knows that she would do anything for her sister. I also really loved the love-hate relationship between Scarlett and Julian and seeing how the link between them changes and grows as the story progresses. 

All of kinds of unusual things happen as part of Caraval and the trick for the reader is to figure out what they should believe and who they should trust. Magical, mysterious and enchanting are words that instantly spring to mind about this story. I really never wanted this book to end. ‘Caraval’ was a glorious technicolour adventure with surprises around every corner. I never had any idea what was going to happen next which was such a treat to experience. I’m a reader that nearly always guesses the plot twists!

The ending left me in no doubt that we haven’t seen the last of Caraval and I for one can’t wait to continue the adventure. 

Review: Crimson and Bone - Marina Fiorato

Crimson and Bone by Marina Fiorato, published by Hodder and Stoughton on 18th May 2017


Goodreads synopsis:
London, 1853.
Annie Stride is a beautiful, flame-haired young woman from the East End of London. She is also a whore. On a bleak January night Annie stands on Waterloo Bridge, watching the icy waters of the Thames writhe beneath her as she contemplates throwing herself in. At the last minute she's rescued by a handsome young man.
Her saviour, Francis Maybrick Gill, is a talented artist. He takes Annie as his muse, painting her again and again and transforming her from a fallen woman into society's darling, taking her far away from her old life.
But there is darkness underpinning Annie's lavish new lifestyle. In London and in Florence, prostitutes are being murdered. There's someone out there who knows who Annie really is - and they won't let her forget where she came from...

Review:
I am always eager to read anything by Marina Fiorato because her stories are captivating and her writing is beautifully lyrical and descriptive. Her newest offering, ‘Crimson and Bone’, was a real treat and I devoured it in a couple of evenings.  

The story focuses on a common prostitute, Annie Stride, who at the beginning of the book is ready to end it all. Life has not been kind to her and down on her luck, she decides that she doesn’t want to live anymore. Events however, take a different turn, when she is saved by a handsome painter, Francis Maybrick Gill, who offers her comfort and safety in return for her becoming his model.

At the beginning of each chapter, Annie’s story is accompanied by that of Mary Jane who was Annie’s best friend. At the start of the book, I wasn’t entirely sure why this was included, but as Annie’s story progresses, it made a lot more sense and all the threads of their stories wove together brilliantly at the end.

My favourite part of the book was actually the beginning which was set in London. It was interesting to see Annie adjust to her new surroundings and gradually become more refined under Francis’s tutelage. She revels in no longer having to share her body with a man and in being protected by someone with seemingly pure and good motives. The other two parts of the book are set in Florence and Venice. I could sense Marina Fiorato’s love of these places in the way the language of the book flowed so easily in these sections and in the way she described Annie’s surroundings.
  
The tension built throughout as the story headed towards a revealing and shocking finale.  I was utterly gripped until the final page as revelations about the main characters come to light.  Overall, 'Crimson and Bone' was a hugely entertaining read and one that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.

Review: Replica - Lauren Oliver

Replica by Lauren Oliver, published by Hodder and Stoughton on 11th October 2016

Goodreads synopsis:
Lyra's story begins in the Haven Institute, a building tucked away on a private island off the coast of Florida that from a distance looks serene and even beautiful. But up close the locked doors, military guards, and biohazard suits tell a different story. In truth, Haven is a clandestine research facility where thousands of replicas, or human models, are born, raised, and observed. When a surprise attack is launched on Haven, two of its young experimental subjects - Lyra, aka number 24, and the boy known only as 72 - manage to escape.

Gemma has been in and out of hospitals for as long as she can remember. A lonely teen, her life is circumscribed by home, school, and her best friend, April. But after she is nearly abducted by a stranger claiming to know her, Gemma starts to investigate her family's past and discovers her father's mysterious connection to the secretive Haven Institute. Hungry for answers, she travels to Florida, only to stumble upon two replicas and a completely new set of questions.

Review:
I was really intrigued when I first heard about this book because of the interesting and unique narrative structure.  It can be read as two separate stories or it can be read in alternating chapters by turning the book from front to back.  I decided on the latter because I was worried that if I read them separately, I might find the plot a bit too repetitive.  I think this worked well and I was pleased with my choice, although I'll admit that I did get a bit fed up with having to turn the book around every few minutes.  That aside, the structure was incredibly clever and provides two differing narrative viewpoints from the main characters Lyra and Gemma.

I enjoyed Gemma's half of the book the most.  The way that she develops as a character was really interesting and the way that she decides to investigate and unravel the secrets being kept from her was enough to keep me glued to the pages.  Her father has a mysterious connection to Haven, a secret research facility and Gemma is determined to find out what is really going on there.  I thought that her journey was fascinating and packed full of surprises.

Lyra was much more mercurial and enigmatic.  Her story starts off with her living at Haven until a pivotal event throws her existence into chaos.  I wasn't sure what to think of Lyra in the beginning until I gradually began to understand more about her and saw her start to open up a little.

I sped through the second half of the book which was particularly gripping and couldn't believe the revelations that came to light.  As this is the first title in a duology, the ending left the reader on tenterhooks and desperate for the follow-up.    

Cloning is a hugely pivotal theme in the book and I thought that Lauren Oliver did a terrific job of exploring the different layers and viewpoints surrounding this subject.  I liked reading about all the science behind it and haven't come across any books quite as interesting on this topic before.   

Review: The Power - Jennifer L. Armentrout

The Power by Jennifer L. Armentrout, published by Hodder and Stoughton on 25 February 2016

Goodreads synopsis:
The Covenant University has become the frontline for the escalating violence between pure-bloods and half-bloods. War between the races seems inevitable, and it couldn't come at a worse time. Seth must prepare Josie for battle, which means teaching her how to control her newfound demigod abilities...and they need to find and rescue the other demigods before their enemies - the Titans - find them first.

Only one thing is more dangerous than a bunch of starved Titans, and that's an out-of-control Apollyon in the form of Seth. The aether in Josie is drawing Seth in deeper, and when lust mixes with love and gives way to power, he knows being close to her is becoming explosively dangerous. But letting her go requires a level of selflessness that just isn't Seth's style.

When the danger from the Titans erupts with devastating consequences, the dark allure of power calls to Seth again - but this time, Josie may not be able to pull him back from the brink...

Review:
This is the second book in the Titan series, centered around Seth, the Apollyon and demigod Josie.  'The Power' continues their story and charts the growing romance between them.  Let me tell you, the romantic scenes in this instalment are off the charts!  If you like kisses that sizzle and chemistry that absolutely crackles, then you will love this book.  It's definitely aimed at a New Adult readership, as Josie and Seth become closer than ever before and toy with taking their relationship to the next level.  There are some very steamy scenes indeed.  Swoon!  Seth however, wants to do the right thing by Josie, which doesn't include giving into his urge to feed from her aether.

I loved Seth so much in this book!  He is really sweet, even when he's not trying to be.  I love the fact that he's totally astounded by the fact that anyone could actually have fallen in love with him - and that innocence is so appealing.  The plot swirls around the two of them, as Josie tries to control her new found abilities and Seth attempts to train her in their quest to rescue the other demigods. 

I wasn't sure that any couple could compare to Kat and Daemon from Armentrout's Lux series, but Josie and Seth come pretty close.  Steam was practically coming off the pages of my book at times!

This was a fantastic read which I devoured in one sitting.  I don't think I'll be able to stand the wait for the next in the series.  It's just so good, that you need to get your hands on a copy pronto.      

Review: Gray Mountain - John Grisham

Gray Mountain by John Grisham, published by Hodder on 2nd July 2015 

Goodreads synopsis:
One week ago, Samantha Kofer was a third-year associate at New York City's largest law firm. Now she is an unpaid intern in a legal aid clinic deep in small-town Appalachia. When Lehman Brothers collapsed, she lost her job, her security, her future. As she confronts real clients with real problems, she finds herself a world away from her past life of corporate fat cats and fatter bonuses. This is coal country. Meth country. The law is different here. And standing up for the truth means putting your life on the line.

 Review:
I’m a huge John Grisham fan and I always look forward to his new releases. Luckily, he writes quickly so there’s always a new book on the horizon!

‘Gray Mountain’ was not my favourite of his novels and I think it was lacking a little in drama but overall it was still a very good book and an enjoyable read. It focuses on the issue of coal mining and the devastation that strip mining causes to families and communities. It also looks at the destruction to the land that this causes. It is a depressing and quite bleak topic because what came across is that there is often little hope in trying to fight these huge companies.  At the same time, I think it is an important issue to explore and one which I enjoyed finding out more about. 

The main character is New York City lawyer Samantha Kofer, who at the start of the book loses her job and ends up taking an unpaid position at a legal aid firm in the middle of small town Appalachia. The cases she starts to take on teach her about the struggles of real people and show her what being a lawyer is all about – helping those in desperate need of someone to stand up for them and fight their corner or their cause. Along the way, she meets Donovan Gray who is fighting the coal companies in court. 

About half-way through the book, there was a massive plot twist which I never saw coming. It did surprise me because in some ways it totally changed the direction of the story and was quite a bold choice to make. I’m still not sure I agree with the route that Grisham took but I can see the benefits of this. 

My main issue with ‘Gray Mountain’ was the pace of the story which seemed to meander along at times. It felt to me like it needed more drive. I did like however, the way the reader sees things through Samantha’s eyes as she matures into a damn good lawyer and becomes part of a new community which is always ready to rally round those in need. 

Review: Kit - Marina Fiorato

Kit by Marina Fiorato, published by Hodder and Stoughton on 16th July 2015

Goodreads synopsis:
Dublin 1702...and Irish beauty Kit Kavanagh has everything she could want in life. Newly married, she runs a successful alehouse with her beloved husband Richard. The wars that rage in Europe over the Spanish throne seem a world away. But everything changes on the night that Richard simply disappears. Finding the Queen's shilling at the bottom of Richard's tankard, Kit realizes that her husband has been taken for a soldier.

Kit follows Richard's trail across the battlefields of Italy in the Duke of Marlborough's regiment. Living as a man, risking her life in battle, she forms a close bond with her wry and handsome commanding officer Captain Ross. When she is forced to flee the regiment following a duel, she evades capture by dressing once more as a woman. But the war is not over for Kit. Her beauty catches the eye of the scheming Duke of Ormonde, who recruits her to spy upon the French. In her finery she meets Captain Ross once again, who seems just as drawn to the woman as he was to the soldier. Torn between Captain Ross and her loyalty to her husband, and under the orders of the English Crown, Kit finds that her life is in more danger now than on the battlefield. Of all the dangers that she faced, the greatest was discovery...

‘Kit’ is the new title from the pen of Marina Fiorato. I always enjoy her books because she brings to life her characters so brilliantly and writes vividly about many different periods of history. After I’ve finished her books, I’m usually left feeling inspired to find out more about all of the history. ‘Kit’ is based on the true story of a woman who disguised herself as a man to try and bring her husband back from the wars. In the novel, the character of Kit, ends up risking her life in battle and unexpectedly finds her heart becoming entangled with her commanding officer, Captain Ross (who cuts quite the dashing figure!).

I thought that the story had something of a Shakespeare-esque element about it. Marina Fiorato possibly drew on some of Shakespeare plays, where the female character frequently disguises herself as a man to avoid detection. It was interesting to see the lengths that Kit had to go to in her quest to hide her gender and the way that she goes undiscovered for such a long time. Kit herself is a really feisty and fierce main character. She has many predominantly male characteristics and it’s intriguing to see how these aspects of her personality develop when she is disguised as the opposite sex. I loved her growing bond with the Captain and the way their relationship develops throughout the story.   

Fast paced and with a gripping plot, I thought that ‘Kit’ was a great book. I have to say that I didn’t love it quite as much as some of Marina Fiorato’s earlier novels but nevertheless it was an enjoyable read, set during a fascinating historical period. I didn’t know a lot about the European wars which took place during the eighteenth century but I’m a lot more educated on the subject now.

Historical fiction fans will lap this up and if you’ve yet to discover Marina Fiorato’s books then what are you waiting for!

Review: Vanishing Girls - Lauren Oliver

Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver, published by Hodder and Stoughton on 10th March 2015
 
Goodreads synopsis:
Dara and Nick used to be inseparable, but that was before the accident that left Dara's beautiful face scarred and the two sisters totally estranged. When Dara vanishes on her birthday, Nick thinks Dara is just playing around. But another girl, nine-year-old Madeline Snow, has vanished, too, and Nick becomes increasingly convinced that the two disappearances are linked. Now Nick has to find her sister, before it's too late.

Review:
I've read nearly all of Lauren Oliver's books now but so far none of them have totally bowled me over.  I thought 'Vanishing Girls' might have been the one to change that but although it was a good read and at times quite gripping, it wasn't one which would have kept me up all night reading to get to the bottom of the mystery.

The story is about sisters Dara and Nick and the deterioration of their sibling relationship.  The story is told in Before and After chapters, following a car accident involving the two of them.  You know that something else has happened to drive a wedge between them but you don't know what.  It's a case of trying to read between the lines.  Nick has always been the responsible older sister, so when Dara disappears on her birthday, Nick is determined to find her and fix their fractured bond. 

Touted as a psychological thriller, I would have enjoyed it more if I hadn't guessed the big twist very early on in the story.  I think this is a device which has been used so often now that it wasn't a particularly big surprise.  It was still incredibly well done but the element of tension and suspense was missing for me. 

I also didn't like the narrative structure of the book.  I found it quite fragmented and jumpy with two time frames and two characters sharing their perspectives and thoughts.  I normally prefer more of a linear storyline so this took a bit more getting used to.

I really wanted to like this title more than I did but it was too predictable and overall I didn't connect with the characters enough to feel invested in them and their situation.  There's no doubt that the writing itself was excellent but for me, I felt like there was definitely something lacking. 

Review: Arcadia - James Treadwell

Arcadia by James Treadwell, published by Hodder and Stoughton on 26th February 2015

Goodreads synopsis:
All the men are dead - now it's the boys' turn.

On a tiny archipelago, cut off from the rest of the world by a cursed sea, a handful of survivors live a precarious existence, clinging to their memories of the time before magic and their hope that those times will return.

As far as he knows, Rory is the only boy left.

Then the man comes, weaving his tales of a quest to find a powerful ring, and Rory finds himself embarking on a journey through terrors and marvels, once more in the world of men.

 Review:
I've been really looking forward to seeing how James Treadwell's fantasy series will be concluded.  This is a trilogy which I feel has somewhat flown under the radar with very little pre-publicity buzz.  It is however one which has captivated me, without me being able to put my finger on exactly what it is about the story that has appealed to me so much.   

The author, James Treadwell, has stated that his concept for the series was to imagine what would happen in the modern world if magic was to suddenly return.  How would it affect or change society and what would it mean for certain individuals?  I think the overall sense of the magical and the fantastical is carried along throughout the book, at the same time as there being a gritty realism and an atmosphere of dark danger to the story.

'Arcadia' centres around a young boy called Rory who lives on a tiny island with his mother and a community of other women.  As the only boy there, he is cossetted by the women but at ten years of age he can be rebellious and finds himself becoming entangled with a group of mysterious strangers who are set to change his life forever.  I loved the character of Rory and I enjoyed seeing events unfold around him.

Although I didn't always understand the subtext to some of the things that happened in the book, I honestly didn't feel that this mattered at all.  I just loved the wild, elemental feel of the story and the sense that something epic was unfolding on the page.   

This is the third and final book in the series but I almost think that you could read it as a standalone novel.  It's not until the last few chapters that all the threads start to come together and previous characters return for the conclusion.  Although I've read the whole series, it's been quite a while since I finished the first two books and I was a little hazy on some of the events that had taken place.  Gradually I began to recollect things that had happened but don't let it put you off if this is the first book by James Treadwell that you're picking up.  I'm sure you will enjoy it anyway! 

I highly recommend this to fantasy fans who are looking for that next great read. 

  

Review: The 100 - Kass Morgan

The 100 by Kass Morgan, published by Hodder and Stoughton on 29th August 2013 

Goodreads synopsis:
An epic journey from the depths of outer space to a wild, futuristic Earth

In 3010, humanity lives in city-like spaceships orbiting far above Earth's toxic atmosphere. No one knows when, or even if, the planet will be habitable again. But faced with dwindling resources, government leaders know they must reclaim their homeland . . . before it's too late.

Now a hundred juvenile delinquents are sent on a high-stakes mission to re-colonize Earth. After a brutal crash landing, the teens arrive on a savagely beautiful planet. Confronting the dangers of this rugged new world, they struggle to form a tentative community and to get over their dark pasts. In order to survive, they must learn to trust - and even love - again.

Review:
'The 100' is a sublime combination of science fiction and dystopia, interlaced with hints of romance.  This was an absolutely stunning read which I thought was superb from start to finish.  I already can't wait for the sequel and the spin-off TV show which has already been commissioned. 

Set in the future, the 100 refers to a group of teens, all convicted of various crimes and misdemeanours who are sent to earth to recolonise the planet after a nuclear war.  The war led to the human race living in spaceships far above radioactive earth and learning how to survive by a number of methods, including limiting the number of new lives allowed to be created.  The plot was fantastic.  It was fast-paced, exciting and gripping and I was never sure what was going to happen next, so I was intrigued the whole way through. 

The book features a four person perspective which alternates each chapter.  The four main characters, Bellamy, Clarke, Wells and Glass, all have differing stories to tell and I was fully immersed in each of them.  I initially worried that I might struggle with the multiple points of view, but it actually worked tremendously well.  I loved the characters and thought they were all equally strong and interesting.  I liked the way they all intersected with each other and it will be interesting to see how their personalities develop in future instalments as they face continued adversity and new challenges.  

Some of my favourite scenes in the book were those that took place on earth.  The characters experiences really shone through and I could feel their wonder and amazement as they experience things like a sunset, rain or birdsong for the very first time. 

I was sucked into 'The 100' and by the second half I couldn't put it down.  Kass Morgan's writing is wonderful, the world she's created is amazing and I would definitely give this book top marks for it's sheer brilliance.            

Review: Angelfall - Susan Ee

Angelfall by Susan Ee, published by Hodder and Stoughton on 23rd May 2013

Goodreads synopsis:
It's been six weeks since the angels of the apocalypse destroyed the world as we know it. Only pockets of humanity remain.

Savage street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night.

When angels fly away with a helpless girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back...

Review:
I want to start this review by admitting that I'd not heard of this book prior to receiving a copy; a fact which amazes me because I've since discovered that 'Angelfall' is an internet phenomenon and garnered more reviews that most other books.  If you're as in the dark as I was, then I want to plead with you to read it now! 

I love angel books but sometimes find them slightly formulaic because it's a subject which so many authors have written about.  I imagine it must be hard to find a fresh approach.  I thought there was very little new ground to explore but I was wrong.  Wholeheartedly and completely wrong.  Susan Ee has taken a subject which I'm fascinated with and intrigued me even more.  She's covered new ground, developed a new angle for the genre and produced a five star, spellbinding read. 

The premise of the story is that angels have attacked humanity and people are now living in fear for their lives.  Penryn is trying to protect her mother and younger sister Paige when they are attacked and Paige is taken.  The plot focuses on Penryn's struggle to save her sibling, whilst at the same time, trying to survive in a hostile world.

Penryn is a fantastic character.  She's desperate to get her sister back and is willing to do anything to achieve that.  She places herself in dangerous situations but never loses her head and never loses sight of her goal.  She has to face some terrible sights in the book but she is single-minded and won't back down whatever the personal cost. 

I found myself unconsciously rooting for Penryn and Raffe, the wingless angel, before even really realising how much I liked them together.  Although she starts off only helping him to get him to lead her to the other angels, they develop a very strong bond throughout the book.  I'm looking forward to seeing this grow further in the sequel to 'Angelfall'. 

There are a couple of gruesome bits in the story which I could probably have done without, but these do reinforce the horror of the world which they now inhabit and which they have to try to stay alive in.

This was a stunning, spellbinding story which absolutely captivated me.  It's hard to list all the things I loved about it but it pulled at my heartstrings and captured my imagination.  Please do read it because you won't regret it!       

Trailer and Giveaway: Red Moon - Benjamin Percy

'Red Moon' is the newest book by Benjamin Percy, published by Hodder and Stoughton on 9th May 2013.  It is a literary/horror crossover novel, reminiscent of Stephen King and Justin Cronin. It is an apocalyptic vision of a future where lycans (werewolves) revolt against the drug treatment and isolation enforced by an increasingly conservative USA government to fight for the rights and freedom of the lycan population.

The film rights have already been sold and production is currently underway.




Every teenage girl thinks she's different. When government agents kick down Claire Forrester's front door and murder her parents, Claire realises just how different she is. Patrick Gamble was nothing special until the day he got on a plane and, hours later, stepped off it, the only passenger left alive. A hero. President Chase Williams has sworn to eradicate the menace. Unknown to the electorate, however, he is becoming the very thing he has sworn to destroy. Each of them is caught up in a war that so far has been controlled with laws and violence and drugs. But an uprising is about to leave them damaged, lost, and tied to one another for ever. The night of the red moon is coming, when an unrecognizable world will emerge, and the battle for humanity will begin.

I have two lovely hardback copies of the book to giveaway.  This is only open to entrants within the UK and you must be a follower of my blog.  All you need to do is fill out your name and email address on the form below to enter.  Good luck!

Giveaway rules.

• There will be two winners.
• Open to entrants with UK addresses only. International entrants may enter, provided they have a UK address to send the books to.
• Please fill out the form completely - including email address
• You must be a follower of my blog
• Deadline for entries will be on 21st May 2013
• Winner(s) will be drawn by random.org
• Winner(s) will be contacted via e-mail, and will be given 48 hours to response. Otherwise, a new winner will be drawn.
• Any details will be deleted after use and will not be passed on to any third party.

 

Review: Theodore Boone: The Accused - John Grisham

Theodore Boone: The Accused by John Grisham, published by Hodder and Stoughton in May 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
Theo Boone might only be thirteen, but he's already uncovered key evidence in a groundbreaking murder trial and discovered the truth behind his best friend's abduction. Now with the latest unfolding of events in Strattenburg, Theo will face his biggest challenge yet.

Review:
This is the third book in the series about boy lawyer Theodore Boone who can crack any case put before him.  The story takes a change of direction in this instalment, with Theo being accused of a crime he didn't commit with no obvious way of proving his own innocence.  In big trouble with the police, it looks like everything could be over for the boy lawyer.

I love John Grisham's adult novels, so I am so pleased that he's produced a crackingly good story but for a younger audience.  Although the legal side of things is simplified slightly for the type of audience that the book is aimed at, it is in no way dumbed down and the plot is still highly intelligent and gripping.  There's a great mystery at the heart of the story and I for one had no idea how this was going to unravel.

Theo himself is a great character.  He's incredibly smart and intelligent and really does know his stuff.  He often works out problems and solves cases before some of the adult characters do. 

I thought that the trial of Pete Duffy which was key to the previous book in the series was going to be central to 'The Accused' must this was also mentioned briefly at the very beginning.  I would like to see this concluded somewhere further down the line as I'm still wondering what the outcome of this storyline will be.

I love reading about Theo with his faithful dog Judge by his side.  Here's hoping that there are many more books in the series still to come!

Review: Darkness Falls - Cate Tiernan

Darkness Falls by Cate Tiernan, published by Hodder and Stoughton on 13th September 2012
 
Goodreads synopsis:
Nastasya has lived for more than 400 years but things never get any easier. As she learns more about herself, she questions whether it will ever be possible to break free from the darkness of her former life. Can she turn away from the one person she wants to be with above all others? Should her past determine who she should - or should not - love?

 

 

Review:
This is the second book in the Immortal Beloved series by Cate Tiernan and is just as good, if not better, than the first.

I was instantly plunged back into Natasya’s story as I began reading this book. She’s still trying to turn over a new leaf but she’s worried that her magick may always be dark and harmful to others.  She's also trying to deal with choices and decisions that she has made in her past and which she has to face and reflect on before she's fully able to move on.

After running from Incy for so long, we see Nasty getting sucked back into her old life. A large proportion of the story is focused on this and features a number of flashbacks which look at how they embraced their life together before Nasty finally opened her eyes to his true character. It was interesting finding out more about the enigmatic Incy but he’s definitely one of my least favourite characters so far. 

Although I enjoyed seeing Nasty on her personal road to self-discovery, I actually couldn’t wait for her to return to River and co because I like the sense of community she feels when she’s with them. It was also pleasing to see how well-rounded her character is becoming under their influence. She’s really grown on me since the beginning of the series when I initially found her quite self-centred and I enjoyed seeing different facets of her personality change and develop.

I’m hoping that book three will have more of an emphasis on Nasty’s romantic relationship with Reyn. I’ve loved the idea of them as a couple from the first so I really want to see them explore further their feelings for each other.

‘Darkness Falls’ has an exciting, pulse-pounding climax and is so good that you won’t be able to put it down. Cate Tiernan is a master storyteller and I like the way she combines so many different elements into her books – magick, romance, danger, excitement, history and a character on an incredible journey towards a life of new promise.  If you haven't read this book yet then I would recommend grabbing yourself a copy immediately. 

Review: Advent - James Tredwell

Advent by James Tredwell, published by Hodder and Stoughton in February 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
For centuries it has been locked away Lost beneath the sea Warded from earth, air, water, fire, spirits, thought and sight. But now magic is rising to the world once more. And a boy called Gavin, who thinks only that he is a city kid with parents who hate him, and knows only that he sees things no one else will believe, is boarding a train, alone, to Cornwall. When he arrives, there is no one there to meet him.

Review:
This is the first book in an exciting new trilogy.  Don't let the length of the book put you off because it's well worth every second spent in the company of Gavin and co.

'Advent' got off to an intriguing start - the very first chapter is set in 1537 and centres on the greatest Magus in the world. My interest was immediately piqued and I couldn't wait to read on and further immerse myself in the story.  After the first chapter, the focus changes to the present day with young Gavin setting off on the train to stay with his Aunt Gwen in Cornwall.  Almost straight away, we know that there's something different about Gavin.  He's no ordinary boy as he can see people who aren't really there.  This has always frightened his parents with whom he doesn't have a very close relationship.  He's gradually learnt to keep many things to himself for fear of what others will say.

During the second half of the book, the emphasis is more on the magical and fantastical parts of the story and this is where a lot of things gradually began to click into place for me. 

Pendurra, Conrwall was a brilliantly entrancing setting.  I could almost feel the magic in the air and there's a tangible sense of something mysterious and unseen to normal human eyes about the place.  The possibility that anything could happen is very real and Pendurra almost seems like it's from another time with residents who are enigmatic and mysterious. 

The book is based on the Faust legend of a scholar making a deal with the devil in exchange for knowledge and worldly pleasures.  I thought this was really clever and added an extra dimension to the book.  There are also elements of Arthurian myths and legends which is another aspect I enjoyed.

The story is multi-layered and although I can't confess to understanding everything that happens in the book I think that is actually part of it's charm.  'Advent' seems like the type of book that you'll pick up over and over again and each time you'll reread it and discover as well as understand, more of the secrets contained within its pages.    

This book is exquisitely written and will definitely appeal to lovers of the fantasy genre.  I also think it has crossover appeal for adults as well as teens.  The intriguing ending has left me in great anticipation of the next book in the trilogy which will hopefully be out next year.