The Knife of Never Letting Go - Patrick Ness

Synopsis:

Prentisstown isn't like other towns. Everyone can hear everyone else's thoughts in an overwhelming, never-ending stream of Noise. Just a month away from the birthday that will make him a man, Todd and his dog, Manchee—whose thoughts Todd can hear too, whether he wants to or not—stumble upon an area of complete silence. They find that in a town where privacy is impossible, something terrible has been hidden—a secret so awful that Todd and Manchee must run for their lives.

Review:

I actually had this book read to me by the great Humphrey Bower on Audible. It's easy to say I automatically fell in love with the book and Bowers narration. Whilst reviewing this book I'm going to try to keep spoilers to a minimum in case anyone out there hasn't read this masterpiece yet. 

The story follows Todd Hewitt who is on the verge of 'manhood' and he lives in Prentisstown, a world without women and where the thoughts of men and “creachers” (his pet dog Manchee included) can be heard. Todd’s father died of illness and his mother was the “last of the women”, according to Ben who is one of two men who are raising him. Amongst the chaos of haring the 'noise' Todd likes to pick apples in the orchard where he can get a break from all of the men's thoughts, memories and secrets. 

Whilst out on a walk with his dog, Manchee, Todd encounters a break in the Noise, a pocket of pure silence and when Todd and Manchee return home, their Noise reveals (with no lack in trying to keep it quiet) reveals what happened in the swamp, and Todd, with Manchee at his heels, a packed bag, Ben’s big hunting knife, and his mom’s journal, is sent away from the only home he’s ever known. 

When Todd encounters a girl on his travels, and comes across towns filled with men and women, everything he has ever known about the world is changed in an instant. The men of Prentisstown are harboring a terrible secret and will stop at absolutely nothing to get Todd back. 

The Knife if Never Letting Go is a fast paced read, gripping and intense. Action packed, without a single boring chapter. There is so much to say about this book, its a tale of many things, its not for the faint hearted to, containing scenes of murder and other adult like themes. As you can also expect, this isn't the only book as it does indeed belong to a series called Chaos Walking which also includes The Ask and The Answer and Monsters of Men which are the following 2 majors books to the series but Chaos also includes 3 mini books as I like to call them which add more detail to the adventure. I personally can not wait to get my hands on all of the other books as I loved this one just soooo much. I cant score it any less than a 5/5 after saying that anyway so it does indeed get a 5/5 from me.

A Very Lucky Christmas - Lilac Mills

Synopsis:

Things can't get worse for Daisy Jones... can they?

Christmas is meant to be the happiest time of year so why is absolutely everything going wrong for Daisy? Reeling from a bad breakup, moving back in with her parents and hounded by trouble at work she really shouldn't be surprised when things go from bad to worse..and she ends up in A&E!

Her great-grandmother persuaded her to plant a silver sixpence in the Christmas pud for luck but choking on the coin isn't the 'change' she'd wished for. Yet when dashing Dr Noah Hartley saves the day things finally start to look up. With Christmas Day just around the corner Daisy's determined to make her own luck...and hopefully bag herself a dishy doc in the process!

Review:

So maybe when I first started reading this book I was so worried the book was going to be some soppy old cliche romace books but I opened the book and just read it all in 4 hours, laughing and enjoying each page as they passed by. I was beyond wrong with my first assumption.

First of all I absolutely loved Daisy, shes so real and I could relate to her due to this because she was literally so human and her experiences were reacted to in such a real manner ect. All of these characters were so well moulded, ever so real paper humans, if that makes sense. The pace of this book is so on point, it's not so fast you lose track and not so quick you lose interest, it's well balanced and brilliant read.

Daisy is a great character, Noah is an absolute gentleman and such an idiot at some times I actually did just sigh and roll my eyes like how can someone come to some of those comclusions is beyond me but someone somewhere is probably exactly the same as him. Daisy' family are strong and brilliant women alongside her brother who you can read his protectiveness of his sister which is adorable and lovely and their bond is so beautiful I actually would love to have such a relationship.

I cant even point out anything any degree of wrong for me from this book, I literally loved the whole thing. I feel if you look past the obvious themes of the book you can see it's a story that works with families that have split, the lessons of one parent households, so many real life issues that are really important to explore at some point in someones life. I cant really say much about this book without spoiling things or ruining it in advance before anyone read it as you may literally be into the book up until you get to the things ive mentions so my lips are semi shut. 

There is no way I can give this book anything less than a 5/5, and it for sure has me looking forward to Christmas due to its heavily christmas theme at points in the book and the imersion into family time around christmas. Lilac has done a great job witht his book I look forward to reading more from her.

Links to Book:

Amazon (UK)

Kobo (UK)

Google Books (UK)

Apple Books (UK)

About The Author

Lilac Mills writes feel-good romantic women's fiction, and is the author of Love in the City by the Sea, A Very Lucky Christmas, Summer on the Turquoise Coast, and Sunshine at Cherry Tree Farm. Lilac spends all her time writing, or reading, or thinking about writing or reading, often to the detriment of her day job, her family, and the housework! Home for Lilac is Worcester, England.

Intricate Deceptions - Jennifer Rayes

Synopsis:

Waking up in a desolate cell, Gaia realizes she has been kidnapped by a human traggicking organization, doomed to be sold to the highest bidder and unable to remember anything before her capture. An opportune rescue by Raoul, the Prince of Kayamato, saves her froma gruesome future, and throws her into a world of luxury and privilage. 

As she struggles to regain her memory, Gaia learns that her rescue was no accident and finds herself in even more danger.

Fighting for sanity and survival, she works to unravel the truth behind her capture, each revelation more shocking than the last. The intricate web of deceptions spun around her will shatter her world, leaving her unsure if she will ever trust again.

Review:

At 226 pages, straight away I knew if id end up hooked, it'd last be half a day at best. Unfortunately i started reading it at a time in my life where i was struggling to do anythingyet alone read. I think I managed just over 80 pages before everything got too much for me and reading and reviewing ended up being put on the back burner. After what felt like forever and a day I managed to finish the book but took forever to get around to writing the review, but after unintentionally keeping Jennifer waiting for the review, here it is.

It is a pretty fast paced book, as a reader we are suddenly thrown into this new world and we find ourselves side by side with Gaia who wakes up in a cell and soon realises she been kidnapped and is on the list to be sold to the highest bidder in a human trafficking ring. She makes a friend who is her cell mate but soon things take a turn for the worse and Gaia is alone again, but not for long when Raoul turns up and rushes her away from the dangerous future she is sure to have, plunging her into a world of luxury and privelage. It did hit a huge parge of romanceyness which was a little cute for me but also slightly predictable.

Intricate Deceptions is a rollercoaster of a read, bringing together royalty, pirates and palaces as well as drugs, prostitution and human trafficking. It is safe to say it isn't a light one when it includes so many taboo and awkward to hear about subjects and I cant say that its something deep and meaningful but I do know it hits those chords ever so lightly. It is a read that is incredibly easy to enjoy and undoubtedly deserving of a 4.5 out of 5 from me. Hopefully I will be able read the second book and continue this journey. I am so thankful for the opportunity to read and review this book.

BLOG TOUR: The Incendiaries - R.O.Kwon

Synopsis:

Phoebe Lin and Will Kendall meet during their first years at a prestigious university. Phoebe doesn't tell anyone that she blames herself for her mothers recent death. Will is a misfit scholarship boy transferring in from bible college, waiting table to make ends meet. What he knows for sure is that he loves Phoebe.

Haunted by her loss, Phoebe is increasingly drawn into a religious group - a secretive cult tied to North Korea - founded by a charismatic former student with an enigmatic past involving Phoebe's Korean American family. Will struggles to confront the obsession consuming the one her loves and the fundamentalism he's tried to escape. When the extremist group bombs several buildings in the name of faith, killing five people, Phoebe disappears. Will devotes himself to finding her, tilting into obsession himself, seeking answers to what happened to Phoebe and if she cold have been responsible for this violent act.



Review:

The opening to this book is uhm… quite explosive, literally. The book starting at the end before then jumping around in all directions as Will searches for any ounce of a clue that could possibly point to Phoebe being responsible for such an act. 

The chapters switch between Will, John and Phoebe but the majority of the story is told by Will. There is many times where he recalls moments and conversations with Phoebe whilst almost straight out admitting that sometime he isn't really sure he's remembering things correctly.

The Incendiaries is a short book lasting only 210 pages but I must admit it wasn't anything like i expected it to be, it was a very slow burner and it was hard for me to really read it for long periods of time. It is as though the peak of the action took place right at the very start, most of the story that was being given, which was Will and Phoebe's back stories served in a broken/fragmented way which for me moved towards a somewhat anti climatic ending.

Initially it was the synopsis which had me interested and encouraged me to say yes and take part in this blog tour which I can't say I regret doing even if I feel somewhat in the grey towards the book and I have no regrets because the book carries themes that stick with you after you've closed it and moved on. Phoebe reminded me how vulnerable people can be, showing how people can be easily guided towards bad things in bad times, how easily they can be open to radical ideas. There's no denying that we as people like to think that we are strong-minded and can’t be moved and easily influenced by others but from this book it seems that maybe we don’t really know what we are, as humans are capable of when we’re feeling lost, at what we see is the very bottom of us and someone offers a hand to pull you free.

By that alone, as much as I actually liked the themes of the book, I'm giving it a 3.8 out of 5, I just wished I could have been able to feel something relatable about the characters, even if it were just the small things.



Amazon link to purchase a copy of The Incendiaries.

The Rogue's Fate - Missy De Graff

Synopsis:

If your life hung in the balance, would you choose to make your own destiny or leave your life to fate?

Lucinda Raven is being hunted by her ex-lover, a controlling rogue Alpha, who is determined to perform the sacred mating ritual that will bind them together forever. Knowing nothing will keep him from carrying out his ruthless plan, Lucinda is on the run and seeks refuge in the territory of an old friend.

Caidan Moone, cursed Alpha of the Blood Moone Pack, has a tortured history that haunts him daily. He sees the arrival of this beautiful and alluring nomad as a chance at redemption from his prior failures and invites her to stay, despite the danger it brings to the entire pack.

As Caidan and Lucinda grow closer, her two worlds collide and Lucinda must face the events of her dark past in order to save the future. Will Caidan be able to protect her without sacrificing his pack? Or will she end up bearing the mark of her psychotic ex?


Review:

I must admit my expectations were very average for this book before I went into it of course. I don't often read werewolf/shifter books so of course this was a sort of breath of fresh air for my reading head. what is great about is this book has been written by an author who was able to give the whole werewolf thing a twist that gives anyone reading its a pleasant surprise.

The plot was well thought through and very well executed with many nice twists a long the way, The new twist to the werewolf book scene allows the author to take the story to a whole new level, The pacing was perfect, It was never a victim of rushing through the story missing out details and all the good stuff or drugging it out for too long to make it enjoyable.

Lucinda is a very like able character, you can't help but feel for her and her situation. It's a clear representation of being caught between a rock and a hard place and She doesn't understand the actions of Dylan but is determined to make the best of her life and what she's got. She will Stop at nothing to do what she feels is best for those she cares for and loves, even when those people would happily leave her to fend for herself. Lucinda is a strong character I held to. It was lovely to see her grow throughout the book.

Caidan is what I like to call a 'typical' alpha werewolf, driven by hard honour and what he thinks is right even If he cant seem to make sense of any situation.

As said previously, as a werewolf /shifter book It's great s has a lot of action and a heavy amount of romance running throughout. Thanks to the new twist Missy bought to the table, the book is above any of the usual 'shifter' Stories. I massively enjoyed this breath of fresh air to my reading habits and I definitely recommend this book to any far of the paranormal (werewolf (shifter needs.
A well deserved 5/5 from me and I'd like to thank Renzo Boggio from Inkitt for bringing this book to my attention.

Eric Olafson, Space Pirate - Vanessa Ravencroft

Synopsis:

It's the year 5021 and the Milky Way Galaxy is teeming with life and exotic species. The majority of the known civilisations have formed a multi-cultural mega organization called the United Stars of Galaxies. This Union is protected by the brave men and women of the United Stars Space fleet against external threats.

Eric Olafson, born and raised under harsh conditions of the traditional and inward looking society of Nilfeheim, left his planet to fulfil his dreams of becoming a Starship captain.

When Eric gets kidnaped by an unknown organization and brought to Sin4, he slowly starts to discover his central role in an ancient conflict of cosmic proportions.

Review:

First of all I have to say that I was contacted and given a copy of the book in return I was to give an honest review. All the opinions in this review are mine and I am going to try and avoid any sort of spoilers that I can and still try to give a good quality review.

Today is in fact Eric Olafson Space Pirate' publication day! HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY ❤

Admittedly jumping in to this book was kind of like being thrown right into the deep end of a pool and barely being able to swim because this book is part of a larger series, and I mean a large series. Without reading any of the other books I was pretty much drowning right away, all the characters flooded me and I was tying to keep them separate and it was beyond a struggle. I hadn't read any of the other instalments so everything was overwhelming and hard to process as I was reading and trying to establish a clear image.

I struggled and continue to struggle with identifying and analysing how I feel towards all of the characters involved in the plot. I mean Eric is our main character and he wants nothing more than to fulfil his dream of becoming a starship captain. He end sup kidnapped and then basically from there on out I'm pretty much rolling down a hill it was that hard to keep track of everything that was happening. As much as I really wanted to connect with Eric and the other characters, I feel as though that my lack of knowledge on them due to not reading any of the other books really effected that and the only link between me and them was the fact they were in the story, I was nowhere near feeling any emotion or connection between myself and them. I will hopefully be able to put time aside in the future to read the series from the start in hopes of gripping the larger picture and establishing some sort of understanding and connection with the book and characters.

For what I understood and managed to keep a hold on, I loved. The action really pleased me and the level of detail was really awesome. At points the amount of detail was annoying but for the most part its use really helped to get me immersed. At points the level of detail did end up actually pushing me from the book and I found myself unable to read the book for a few hours just because the detail felt overpowering, like the author had tried so hard to immerse the readers and create a believable setting that it just ended up being too much and became overwhelming, almost so detailed and needing to be gripping that you could tell it was a work of fiction, I'm trying to say that at points the level of detail it had stopped it being immersive, so detailed it was obviously nowhere near real.

I must keep it clear that this book is great for those who love Sci.fi action and have time to read all of the other books or have a great ability to follow stories that are really sort of in the middle of a series without reading the others. I can 100% see why people who have read the book and series love it and love Vanessa, I can 100% see why Inkitt published this book. I just really wished I had caught wind of the series a long time ago so I could have followed it all the way and gotten a real addiction to it. However it wasn't meant to be and I was drowning the moment I begun reading but I loved what I read for the most part and I wish Vanessa continued luck with the series. Its a 3.5 out of 5 and I hope that my opinion and view does in no way deter you from embarking on the journey through the series.

Grab your copy from Amazon here!

Read more about this instalment on Goodreads

Read Pre- release reviews here

To read about all of Vanessa's work, go here

Kiss Of Death - Robert Skuce

Synopsis:

Homicide detective, Bruno Norcross, is called to investigate the brutal murder of a college call girl. This isn't just any other crime scene. Bruno has seen this scene before, only the last time, the killer got away leaving Bruno feeling as though his career is incomplete. Nobody escapes Bruno's grasp twice and when his nemesis arises again, it’s time to bring him in. A serial killer, only known as the Kiss of Death, is back, only this time he made a mistake. A witness, like no other, was left behind and this witness knows the victim better than anyone.

Rosie's stalker, Ashley Truelove knows everything about her, from what she wears to who she sees. The question isn't can Ashley help Bruno catch the killer, but will he? With meager and confusing clues, two known victims and time running out, Bruno realizes that the cost of bringing the murderer to justice will be paid in blood. With the police Sergeant on his back to catch this killer and provide justice for the death of his daughter, Bruno is racing against time. Kiss of Death only hunts occasionally and time is running out before he vanishes again. Can Bruno find the evidence to stop him or will he escape his clutches once again?

Review:

This book had me hooked by the first page, you're instantly dropped into the situation with now messing around which I love. The book is told through 3 points of view, Bruno, Ashely/Lee and the mysterious Brown. I did think I would get confused with this way of writing and I wasn't too far off, sometimes I was losing track of who's POV I was reading from, which brings me to my next point. The internal voices of the characters do sound alike which felt slightly off, and did confuse me for a few moments but it did make for a great read. Information is slowly fed to you, leaving you unsure of the overall picture. When you are reading from one of the character’s POV's you start to believe in one thing but when you change POV's you end up questioning what you’ve only just come to believe.

I didn't really connect to the characters as much as I would in another genre maybe dystopian or young adult, but I connected enough to care for them to a point where I was rooting for them to be safe but not enough to connect on an emotional or mental wavelength if that makes any sense at all?

The majority of the story was actually great, I was into the story very much craving to know who the murderer of Rosie was, I was frustrated at how I couldn't find a single clue or make a single, solid, strong assumption. I felt as though the whole book had been at a great pace up until the ending it all seemed to speed up way too fast and not that it was an atrocious ending I just felt like it had more potential that what it actually did even though it wasn't anything near what I expected or could have guessed at. There were points that I thought details could have been added to just to give a little more realism but what was there was good.

I liked it for the most part, loved how by the book Bruno was and how matter of fact Lee was, but I wasn't so much of a fan of the repeated beatings a character had by another character who didn't get any sort of karma for it. It got less interesting and very much a point of me sighing and saying 'here we go again.'

Its hard to really give a great review of this book without giving spoilers that would ruin the story in parts or altogether. I have to praise Robert from gripping me for around 94% of the time, it was a great read but I just felt like it hadn't reached its full potential, it was a unique ending and I actually liked it there just left like there was even more potential. Its an 3.8/5 from me. Great read for the most part as I've previously stated. A great read for anyone who liked fast paced reads and twists and loves the unknown.

I was contacted and given a free copy for an honest review.

City of Good Death (Elisenda Domènech series) - Chris Lloyd

Synopsis:

An intense and brilliantly realised crime thriller set in the myth-soaked streets of Girona

A killer is targeting hate figures in the Catalan city of Girona – a loan shark, a corrupt priest, four thugs who have blighted the streets of the old quarter – leaving clues about his next victim through mysterious effigies left hung on a statue. Each corpse is posed in a way whose meaning no one can fathom. Which is precisely the point the murderer is trying to make.

Elisenda Domènech, the solitary and haunted head of the city’s newly-formed Serious Crime Unit, is determined to do all she can to stop the attacks. She believes the attacker is drawing on the city’s legends to choose his targets, but her colleagues aren’t convinced and her investigation is blocked at every turn.

Battling against the increasing sympathy towards the killer displayed by the press, the public and even some of the police, she finds herself forced to question her own values. But when the attacks start to include less deserving victims, the pressure is suddenly on Elisenda to stop him. The question is: how?

Review:

City of Good Death( Elisenda Domènech series) is the first in the series. We are introduced to Elisenda Domènech herself and those who work by her side at the city’s newly-formed Serious Crime Unit composed of Alex and Elisenda' small team. We get introduced to many more characters who we do see a few more times in the book and we're all set for the whole book once all of the characters have been introduced and there's no one else hiding anywhere.

We get to see Elisenda in action and we also get to know her sad personal experiences just as the time is right. Elisenda herself is a very strong woman, she stands up for her team and always sticks to what she knows is right and pushes what she believes is right, right to the edge to see if it really is right.

Girona is a beautiful place,located in Spain’s northeastern Catalonia region. In this book though, Girona becomes plagued with acts of violence and murder and it is up to Elisenda and her crime unit to catch whoever is plaguing the city.

I don't really want to give too much detail on the story because this story is one of those that can lose its touch if one thing is spoilt. This novel is so heavy. I mean heavy in the sense of when you're absorbed into this world, where acts of murders and violence are suddenlv spiking and morals are being turned on their heads you seem to feel the weight of it all on your shoulders because although immersed in the book, your real life morals are fighting head to head with the morals of the city characters and it becomes difficult to not end up on the same wavelength of Elisenda.

It is a great read from start to end, it took me a while to get into it properly just because I was finding it hard to stay immersed when it came to the short language changes that come up. That was really the only downside to me and even then it really is just a small one. There's enough detail to make you believe you're there and the characters seem to feel like you live next door to them. Deffinetly a 4.8 out of 5. I can't wait to see what's next in City of Buried Ghosts and City of Drowned Souls

Cardiac: A Jack Getty Thriller - Jeffrey Monaghan

Synopsis:

What if the one thing meant to keep you alive was used to kill you?

Embattled CEO Jack Getty is nervous. This is his final chance to save his company. He is announcing his firm's breakthrough discovery at the world’s largest annual biotech conference. A discovery that trials show will extend human life by 75%. But as Jack approaches the podium, he suffers a major heart attack and collapses onto the stage, stunning the conference attendees.

Jack is rushed to the emergency room where surgeons implant the latest Wi-Fi enabled pacemaker, saving his life in the process. What Jack doesn’t know, however, is that an underground hacking group has its sights set on manipulating his “secure” pacemaker to get information only he can provide. Despite the hackers unrelenting terror, Jack refuses to give them what they want and soon starts to uncover the true motives of this mysterious and powerful group.

Fast-paced and complex, this medical/techno thriller twists and turns as it stays one step ahead of the reader. Readers will find it a heart-pounding novel that dances on the fringe of the dangers lurking within today's modern technologies.

Review:

Cardiac is the perfect story to make anyone paranoid about any wireless device yet alone pacemakers. You are taken right into the story, there's really not much fussing around when it comes to starting. Everything is perfectly fine until Jack gets on the stage where he suffers a huge heat attack. The pace seems to slow down a lot, I feel like it happened just so suspense was built and so that you were really able to connect and get to know the characters and the ins and outs of their actions.

I found it really easy to fall for Jack, he was just a relaxed character, charming and very family orientated and caring and not only just to his family but also all of those that work for him at his company. Cynthia, Jacks wife was a great character, she always had her head turned on and she was always doing best for her kids and husband, she was never anything less than a great mother and wife in her situation. I felt like Declan who is Jacks youngest son at the age of 13 was portrayed as a perfect 13 year old like he was portrayed perfectly, a kid who behaved and was rewarded for that and loved Minecraft and had a great creative flare. Yet he also had that 'still a 7 year old' flare when it came to his emotions. Michael was a casual 18 year old, a grown up in the way of he was doing what he loved, which was playing for his band that was made out of his friends whilst also having independence and responsibilities and a perfect emotional range.

The plot was really intriguing and thrilling, it made me truly wonder what if. I felt my heart do a few very weird things during the reading of this book. Cardiac is definitely a masterpiece of a new kind, a kind of creativity that is unique and thrilling. Cardiac was the first book I tested my new level of love for a book chart on, every 25 pages I would pause and colour in a square next to the title in the shade of crayon that I had linked with my emotions towards the progress, its clear to say that Cardiac was a clear Great scorer throughout and the perfect try out for my new chart.

I didn't really want to go into too much detail about the goings on's from the book just because if I did that would ruin all of the tension the pages were meant to build up, it is a definite read for someone who like technology and their possibilities and also thrillers just because it was a really great one. Different from other thrillers but still on the same wavelength.

4.5 out of 5, a great read that I'm glad I got around to reading, I hope you like what I had to say about this book and feel free to grab a copy and come back and share your thoughts with me, I cant wait to see what Jeffrey has in store for the future.

Blogmas Day 5

                   This one is for you papa

                            Guide yourself.

Sketch out your word and in my case do it                                    like 3 times.

Fine line those punks and that's it's really                 besides erasing the pencil marks.

Death at The Seaside - Frances Brody

Synopsis:

Nothing ever happens in august, and tenacious sleuth Kate Shakleton deserves a break. Heading off for a long -overdue holiday to Whitby, she visits her school friend Alma who works as a fortune teller there.

Kate had been looking forward to a relaxing seaside sojourn, but upon arrival discovers that almas' daughter Felcity has disappeared, leaving her mother a note and the pawn ticket for their only asset: a watch-guard. What makes this more intriguing is the jeweller who advanced Felicity the thirty shillings is Jack Philips, Alma's current gentleman friend.

Kate cant help but come involved, and goes on to the jewellers shop to get some answers. When she makes a horrifying discovery in the back room, it soon becomes clear that her services are needed, Met by a wall of silence by the towns officials, keen to maintain Whitby's idyllic façade it is up to Kate - ably assisted by Jim Sykes and Mrs Sugden - to discover the truth behind Felicity's disappearance

And they say something happens in August

Review:

I was send a copy of the book in order to participate in the book tour which ended yesterday after visiting this blog as well as many others since the 3rd of October. My copy came around the 8th of September and it sat on my shelf for just over a week before I finally pulled it off and begun reading it.

The blurb was what pulled me in if I have to be honest, I wanted to know the ins and out of all of it and really get to know everyone involved in what seems like the most mysterious disappearance that has ever happened. Unfortunately for me the book just wasn't what I had expected.  It took me far too long to really get into reading the book and even then I could only read 20-30 pages a day before having to force myself to read more.

I didn't feel very connected to any character in the book at all, although Kate is really vivid in my head, I just didn't forge any connection with her, she was just an important role in the book. To find out Kate has a series really makes me wonder if I read more about her will I make connections. It's a really big issues with me, if I can't forge a connection then I really find it hard to read these characters for a long time. Kate is clearly intelligent and resilient and those qualities are great to have I just wished I loved her as a character as much as other have said they do. As for Alma and Felicity, they weren't as vivid as Kate was but they still had the same outcome to me, as did everyone else.

I loved the scenery and its description really does made it sound idyllic and I fell for it as a setting. I find myself loving books set by the seaside with beautiful houses and piers.

The books had its twist and turns for surprises and didn't do bad with the overall plot because that in fact was quite nice and bearable. I could easily see Felicity and Kate in the current times and maybe if I did I could forge some sort of link with them. I'm always willing to give crime novels a shot, they intruege me and I like to see if I can figure it all out before it ends. This time I didn't figure it out at all, I figured it out when the book told me about it, all of the clues as to the events were all kept well hidden so I didn't catch on at all so it did come to me as a surprise when the truth unfolds.

I liked it as a read, it wasn't exactly a short one as all crime/mystery novels have to build up suspense etc., It was nice and refreshing to read a different genre for a change, I just wished I had connected more maybe I would have enjoyed it a lot more. The plot wasn't horrific and the characters were well written. for all of that I give the book a 4.5 out of 5. Maybe ill go off and read more of the Kate Shakleton Mysteries and see where that gets me.

That One Word

There's one word I hate to hear.
It burns my ears and tears up my insides.
A reflex word, 5 letters in total.

Done something horrible?
bumped into someone in the supermarket?
hurt someone?
what are you?
what do you become?

The word I dislike hearing.
a lie of its own
bitter on the tellers tongue.
it doesn't stop you from doing it again.

Sorry.

Beautiful: A Girls Trip Through The Looking Glass - Marie D'Abreo

Synopsis:

It sucks to have big, frizzy hair and a decidedly average body... when you really want to have model good looks and a cool boyfriend. That's why Lily's on a mission to get beautified, or at least get a red-hot makeover. And the attention of her crush. Now if she could only stop that pesky unwanted visitor from messing with her plans!
Review:

As soon as I opened this book on my tablet I knew it was going to be great. Through quirky humour and the brilliant and creative use of art-wok, the readers get to watch Lily as she discovers what it is like to be beautiful.

It was an uplifting graphic novel with a reminder for us all about valuing ourselves. I loved how short it was and that it still had a huge impact. The illustrations fitted perfectly with the story, perfect representations of what it is like to want to be beautiful and how hard people cane try to be. The quotes throughout the pages were a great to read and take on board. They also helped break up the story line/ Illustrations which was quite nice.

Although names "A girls trip" I think its important to note that both boys and girls and those who do not assign to a particular gender do suffer with trying to be beautiful or attractive and they don't always feel that way.

The book gets a 4.8/5 from me, The topic was well approached and told, I wish it were longer because I liked it that much. A definite strong message is shown and I loved it. Marie is definitely someone I will be looking out for.

Remember you are beautiful just the way you are.

I got this book for free on my Amazon Kindle 7 day free trial



The Book Thief - Markus Zusak

Title: The Book Thief
Author:Markus Zusak
Publisher: Definitions
Publication Date: 14 March 2006
Available Editions: Paperback, EBook, Audiobook.



Book Synopsis:
It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery...

Review:

Thankfully after learning German for 2 years and spending 11 days in Austria, I managed to read and understand all of the German phrases in the book without needing their translation, This includes all of the not so in class teachable words and Phrases.

The majority of the novel takes place in the fictional town of Molching, Germany, near Munich, between 1939 and 1943. The story of Liesel Meminger is narrated by Death, at the beginning Liesel is nine years old and suffering from the death of her brother and separation from her mother. Liesel goes to live with Hans and Rosa Hubermann at 33 Himmel Street in Molching. When Liesel arrives, she can't read and is made fun of in school. She realizes how powerless she is without words, and so Hans, a painter and accordion player, teaches her how to read during midnight lessons in the basement, reading from the book Liesel took from her brother's burial: The Grave Digger's Handbook.

The Grave Digger's Handbook is the very beginning of the thievery, but it is not the only thing Liesel takes. Often throughout the book Liesel is with a young blonde boy called Rudy who is also her neighbour and fellow classmate and football team member.

I have to admit I saw the film before reading the book, but I have to say I do prefer the book, somehow it just seemed better, there were things the film never had and the book just seemed overall better. The one thing I found a little weird were the random little facts that were on the pages every now and then, they were useful when it came to understand what was happening but I just though it better of written them into the story instead of just having a small list of facts on a page and then continuing the story.

Overall it was a touching book, a very great read and a book worth reading cuddled up in the corner with. Anyone out there who wants to experience the book after seeing the film or just want to pass time with reading. I must say I give it a 4.8 out of 5 and must also say that it isn't exactly a quick read but it is worth the time you put into reading it.

Itch - Simon Mayo

Title: Itch
Author: Simon Mayo
Publisher: Corgi Childrens
Publication Date:25th October 2012??
Available Editions: Paperback, Kindle, Audio, Hardcover







Book Synopsis:
Itchingham Lofte had caused explosions before.

There had, in truth, been many bangs, flashes and smells coming from his bedroom in the past. But there had been nothing like this one. It wasn't just the bedroom walls that shook; it was the whole house.

Not that Itch was aware of any of that, as he was unconscious.

He would of stayed that way too if it hadn't been for the fact his eyebrows were on fire...

Review:

Admittedly this book had been sitting on my shelf for way over a year, around 16 months in fact. I had very little excitement when it came to reading it. the synopsis didn't do much for me and neither did the cover but I gave it a shot anyway. It took me the span of 3 days to complete the book and it wasn't a waste.

First reading the book I was unable to get truly into it, it was very slow paced to start with and I was beginning to grow completely uninterested. Itchingham known as Itch loves to collect things, elements of the periodic table to be exact. At the age of 14 he is full of scientific knowledge when it comes to the elements and he loves to experiment with them. After taking it a step overboard he has to attend school the next day with no eyebrows that his sister Chloe aged 11 put out after they burnt off. His cousin Jacqueline, known as Jack is his only friend at school and they both deal with the tormenting of the bullies together and all three of them have a strong friendship and personal family relationship that keeps them tightly together.

Sometimes throughout the book I had to stop and take a breather because I didn't want to believe what was happening, obviously those things had happened but it made the book more intriguing. It had facts within it that were highly accurate which added to the atmosphere of the book. After evens occur the strength and determination of Itch shows, his initiative even more so and it becomes impossible not to admire the young boy.

It's hard to write this review as I don't want it to contain any spoilers so that the book if you do read it isn't spoiled by me, but I must say the characters were well written along with the situations they are involved in. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes adventures and science. I rate it 5 out of 5.

The Spooks Apprentice - Joseph Delaney

Title: The Spooks Apprentice
Author: Joseph Delaney
Publication Date: 2004
Publisher: The Bodley Head
Available Editions: Hardback and Paperback



Book Synopsis:

"Someone has to stand against the dark. And you're the only one who can."

For years, the local Spook has been keeping the County safe from evil. Now his time is coming to an end, but who will take over?

Many apprentices have tried... Some floundered, some fled, some failed to stay alive. Just one boy is left. Thomas Ward. He is the last hope.

But does he stand a chance against Mother Malkin, the most dangerous witch in the County.

Review:

This book was given to me a year ago by Chloe from the page starts here and my boyfriend at the time (hi there xD). I had begun to read it back when I had it for my 16th birthday but never got into it enough to finish it until now. It took me less than a day to finish it and I'm really not seeing why I wasn't interested in it a year ago. The Spooks Apprentice is the first book in the Wardstone Chronicles which is 15 books in total.

Thomas (the apprentice), his family, the Spook, and Alice are the main characters in this story even though there are several other strong characters in the book. I thought the vivid description throughout the book was amazing it really bought the book to life. It was easy to feel the relationship between the Spook and Thomas and his family, but as the story goes on the Spook and Thomas' bond strengthens, his family seem to be pushing themselves away.

The book plays out great, part of me wasn't expecting it to be as great as it was. I clearly underestimated this read. The book explores the period in life where a teenager has to establish the path they want to take even if it happens to be following in someone else's footsteps. Thomas faces many challenges throughout the book, causing him to think hard and make the best choice he could and to me it speaks volumes to me when it come to comparing that situation to teenagers.

I give the book an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5, even thought I found very little wrong with it I just don't feel that I can give it a 5 even though I wish I could. Part of me really wants to buy and read all of the other 14 books in the series but the other part of me knows I cant afford it. Hopefully I will get around to it one day. I fully recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy like books and who just want to pass time. I hope that if you give it a read that you enjoy it.

Everyday - David Levithan

Title: Everyday
Author: David Levithan
Publication date: August 28, 2012
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Available editions: Paperback, Audio, Kindle Edition.

Book Synopsis:
Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl.
There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.

It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day.


Review:

I read a few pages back when I first bought the book but it didn't spark amy bond of me wanting to keep reading it at that time. I decided one night I would try again leaving me only 3 books I my shelf. It took me 6 hours to read the book, I got carried away and did a 5 hour non stop period which went by with no problem.

The book follows A, everyday A wakes up in a different body always of the same age 16. A wakes up as Justin and meets his girlfriend Rhiannon and he treats her well for a day but after that day Justin returns to his former self but A can't forget her. The days that follow, turning into weeks A returns to her trusting her enough to tell her everything and they form a bond that even though they can't ever be a solid pair or friends or any hug beyond that, they are both still the same inside but one just happens to change bodies every day.

What I love about the book is how it explores every 'kind' of person their is. Every person A becomes is different from one another, the way they treat people,  the colour of their skin, their beauty levels, their size. Each person provides A with experience. I fell in love with the relationship between A and Rhiannon and the trust they have in each other. I loved how it played out, how A became stronger and more confident in his choices.

I give this book a 5 out of 5 purely on how great it was, I didn't think it was going to bee all that good when I first got the book but I retract that statement it was a throughoughly great read and I recommend it to anyone who wants to explore life through the eyes of many people or just want a great read.