You can find all of my book reviews over on my blog - brooklynthebookworm.wordpress.com
More Than We Can Tell is easily a new favourite of mine, trulyYou can find all of my book reviews over on my blog - brooklynthebookworm.wordpress.com
More Than We Can Tell is easily a new favourite of mine, truly. I was utterly invested in both Emma and Rev’s lives as soon as I met them. Rev, adopted, has been recieving malicious emails from his biological Father, a man who would, we learn, inflict all kinds of abuse on Rev. Right from the get go, my heart just ached for him! It’s because of the abuse his Father cruelly inflicted on him that he feels like he’s damaged in the sense that Rev believes firmly he will become just like his Father! It was so devastating to read, because I felt like Rev didn’t have an ounce of violence in him! We also have a second narrator, Emma, who has championed a very popular online game, one that many people are enjoying playing! I’m all for gamer girls in novels, and I absolutely related to Emma’s awkwardness too, I just adored her right from the get go! However, things certainly take a menacing turn for Emma when someone starts sending her malicious, threatening and abusive messages in-game. Of course this absolutely terrifies her, I mean who wouldn’t be set on edge? The internet should be a freaking SAFE place for people!! On top of Emma’s bully, she also has to deal with her parents strained marriage, she’s always idolised her Father and loves that he’s apparently been able to hold a job in game design, something she’s definitely inherited a passion for, but with her Mother…well, that’s where things start to get tricky, too. See, Emma’s Mother works as a Doctor and often will say to Emma how hard she had to work, through Medical School and everything, often even belittling Emma’s dad, suggesting that he has never had to work as hard as she had done. Emma’s Mum also doesn’t quite understand the significance of Emma’s love for gaming and this leads to some sore and painful moments between Mother and Daughter. It was so heartwrenching to hear Emma lament about how she doesn’t feel like she’s doing enough or that how her Mum feels like she isn’t working as hard as she might like Emma too, its just cruel! Emma is doing her best and faced with the negativity that has built up in her life, I’d say she is doing a pretty good job of handling everything, well at least trying to. The same can absolutely be said for Rev as well, honestly. My heart literally broke for him when we learn that he so firmly believes that he has his biological Father’s violent streak, what hurt the most as well was that Rev couldn’t see what an amazing human he is! He’s always there for his best friend and supports him through his complicated relationship with his own Father, yet, he’s too afraid to open up at first to Declan (from Letters to the Lost), and of course Rev’s adoptive parents. Oh, but the moment things become out in the open, the feelings definitely become even more real. I just loved the pure honesty and love between Rev and his Parents and when Rev came face to face with the man who has been tormenting him all his life, I was so proud! In addition to Emma, Rev and their families, our supporting characters include Cait, Emma’s best friend, and can I just say I absolutely loved their friendship! It was slightly painful and angsty at the start, with Emma being jealous of Cait’s seemingly perfect relationship with her Mum and how she supports Cait’s make up ventures, but again, when things made themselves known….utterly feel-tastic! The pacing, the alternating POV chapters between Rev and Emma were absolutely perfection, as were their interactions! I.Loved.It.All From their meetings in a church courtyard space, to sitting back to back messaging one another, divulging one another’s secrets, opening up about one another’s most heart wrenching stories…More Than We Can Tell is an outstanding Contemporary novel and definitely one of my new favourites! I cannot recommend it enough!...more
My reviews can be found on my book blog: brooklynthebookworm.wordpress.com
A Curse So Dark and Lonely had been one of my most personal anticipated relMy reviews can be found on my book blog: brooklynthebookworm.wordpress.com
A Curse So Dark and Lonely had been one of my most personal anticipated releases for a long time, one that I’d always been looking forward to reading – I mean Beauty and the Beast retelling? Sign. Me. Up. Earlier this year I was gifted an ARC and finished copy of A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Bloomsbury Publishing, so I knew there was no better time to read A Curse So Dark and Lonely. Oh boy. This book. My heart!  From the very start, Brigid Kemmerer drew me in to this freaking fabulous world! Starting in Washington DC, we meet Harper, definitely not quite your regular narrator, but honestly, I loved her instantly! I was drawn into her family struggles, her dying Mother and her brother doing what he can to repay perhaps nasty people that he got caught up with, and of course Harper wants to help them! She feels so helpless, but she’s definitely not one to stand by and do nothing, not one to let anyone suffer in silence! I just love that about her! Its when she hears a scuffle near where she’s keeping watch for her Brother, but sees a man supposedly attacking a woman – amazing Harper jumps right in and helps the girl, only to then find herself transported altogether to another world, along with the man we learn is Grey, the right hand man of The Crown Prince of Emberfalll. Urban Fantasy is always a favourite genre of mine and I just think Brigid Kemmerer has written one of the best novels of the genre! From the very beginning I was drawn in, absolutely engaged with both Harper and Rhen’s points of view and I just love how Harper wasn’t one to back down to Rhen, constantly challenging his notions, wondering why more people of Emberfall aren’t being helped, when people seem to be so impoverished and the Royal Family themselves (Rhen being the sole survivor to a horrible curse attack), being reduced to mere whispers. I instantly adored both Rhen and Grey – Rhen, the brooding prince, tormented by this horrible curse that for so long has been not been able to break, and the loyal Grey, who is just so trusting of his Prince, refusing to kill him even when Rhen begs him to do so! See, neither of them know if there’s even a way that this wretched curse can be broken, I just felt so sad for them both! I mean, knowing Beauty and the Beast lore as I do, I knew there would be way more than meets the eye with Rhen’s curse, but I still couldn’t wait for things to reveal themselves! The hopeless feeling that Rhen felt throughout this book, so certain that the people of Emberfall would be doomed from this monstrous curse, my heart! Honestly, he had just been feeling like this last season, when Harper had come into his life, would be the last, for a cruel Enchantress who just loves using Rhen as a plaything to torture him, believing that he was doomed and that Emberfall would perish. The utter despair that Rhen felt definitely made for some heart wrenching moments, and throw in Rhen and Harper’s AMAZING chemistry and honestly this book had my feels in constant distress! I mentioned how I loved how Harper wouldn’t back down and would constantly rile Rhen, but as they grew to know one another and opened up about one another’s heartache, Harper feeling helpless and lamenting over her ailing Mother and missing her Brother, and Rhen of course being the only member of the Royal Family to survive the beastly attack. Every moment of this book was utterly exquisite, I love how shrouded in darkness the story was, with a little bit of hope. I so needed Harper and Rhen to be happy and for Grey too be too! Which may or may not have been too much to ask! But truly, do read this book! It is likely my last read for 2019 and definitely became one of my all time favourites, and cemented Brigid Kemmerer as one of my new favourite Authors! The twists and turns and revelations were definitely keeping me on tenderhooks throughout – Harper longing to go home and be with her family, yet she can’t deny a fierce level of protectiveness she’s built up towards Grey and Rhen, friendships she’s forged as Princess of Disi, which may just be one of the cleverest quips I’ve read about and it just held so much significance (Harper declares herself as such when she’s protecting a lowly family from some enemies to the crown and just how Harper and Rhen work on this supposed alliance, to rebuild and reignite people’s faith in Rhen, to gather an army, ahhh, this was just leading up to an ending of madness, epic proportions and did not disappoint! I’d reread it again if I could! I so cannot wait to reunite with Harper, Grey and Rhen in A Heart So Fierce and Broken – it’s going to be equally exquisite!...more
I recieved an Uncorrected Proof and a final copy of The Starless Sea from Penguin Random House Australia in exchange for an honest review, all thoughtI recieved an Uncorrected Proof and a final copy of The Starless Sea from Penguin Random House Australia in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own. To put it plainly, The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern, did not disappoint me! This had long been an anticipated read ever since I read and loved The Night Circus and if it’s possible, I think I love The Starless Sea even more! To me, The Starless Sea is an ode to those that have felt lost, hopeless and helpless, to wanderers and lovers of the written word alike. To those that recognize themselves in stories and to those that love to immerse themselves in stories. The blending of reality and fiction in this book was executed PERFECTLY, in my opinion. There were fairytales interwoven after the chapters about the present day, where Zachary Ezra Rawlins starts his journey when he stumbles across a beguiling book, one which in fact mirrors his own childhood! These fairytales just added so much intrigue and magic in equal measure to The Starless Sea, where stories are saved and cherished and shared, yet equally fractured at times, pages torn out and scattered, only to be forgotten. But is a story ever forgotten? Do we ever finish a story?
A huge thank you to the amazing team at Pantera Press for sending me a beautiful finished copy of Weapon and inviting me on the review tour to celebraA huge thank you to the amazing team at Pantera Press for sending me a beautiful finished copy of Weapon and inviting me on the review tour to celebrate the finale in Lynette Noni’s Whisper duology – all thoughts are my own. If you’ve been following my blog and/or bookstagram, then you’ll well know that Lynette Noni captured my heart in the first two installments of her The Medoran Chronicles, so even before I realised I was on the review tour for Weapon, Whisper had long been on my radar. There’s eternal mixed emotions when reaching a climax of a series, a final installment. There’s excitement, of course, but sadness at knowing that this indeed will be the last novel to feature such beloved characters. Every moment of reading Weapon was perfect! Often I am a pretty fast reader, but I found myself reading this beautiful book so very slowly, not wanting it at all to end, and now that I have, I just feel all of the feels! All of the best ones, of course! For Lynette Noni has captured such an amazing, unique, unforgettable reading experience and I just did not want to say goodbye to Alyssa! Her transformation into a seemingly nameless girl when I first met her in Whisper, where she was subjected to such monstrous treatment, my heart just went out to her! Alyssa Scott has become one of my new favourite characters, that’s for sure. I love her sheer determination and fierce protective nature and loyalty to her friends, as well as her yearning to know what happened to her and her family all those years ago. How did she come to be at Lengard? I was just so entranced and on the edge of my seat to find out! I feel like there was a lot riding on Weapon and throughout the novel I was constantly thinking “How can this all get wrapped up with such a number of pages left?” Just when things seemed clear and I thought I knew what might be coming:  I’m still at a loss for words, truthfully. Weapon might just be my favourite book that I’ve read this year! Not only the character developement of Alyssa was mesmersing, but after the cliffhanger ending with a certain character, seeing them interact with Lyss definitely had my feelings…well, feeling! I loved the notion of not at all being able to predict what would come next, to say this was a roller coaster of a finale feels like an understatement! Quite possibly not since Raelia, had I been filled with such an etheral hope, despite Alex’s predicament in that book and Alyssa’s situation in Weapon, there were definitely times when I was worried for Lyss, Cami and Ward. But the hope, that there could and would be a world where Speakers could live and not have to worry about every word they uttered, where they didn’t have to feel fear at every turn, I so longed and hoped for this, too! In turn, the Whisper duology has just been one of the most unique and vivid books I’ve read! I shall cherish so many memories from reading these books and I know that my mind will often wonder back to these characters and think about what they’re up to. Definitely one of the very best duologies I’ve read, and I know I’ll reread them many times over. Honestly, if you’ve not yet read these books, go for it! Pick them up, they’ll grab you right away and not let go!...more
A huge thank you to Bloomsbury Publishing for sending me an ARC and a finished copy of A Heart So Fierce and Broken to read and review, all thoughts aA huge thank you to Bloomsbury Publishing for sending me an ARC and a finished copy of A Heart So Fierce and Broken to read and review, all thoughts are my own. I’m in literal shock. To say this is a game changer of a second installment in a series feels like an understatement! A Heart So Fierce and Broken was and is utterly perfection, heart wrenching, wicked and had me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning! I should start by mentioning Harper and Rhen don’t feature a great deal in this book, but even so, I feel like their presence, especially Rhen’s, is definitely felt throughout! Given the utter magnitude of the revelation that we learnt as A Curse So Dark and Lonely, to say that there was a lot riding on what would come next would be an understatement! A Heart So Fierce and Broken is definitely more than a worthy successor to A Curse So Dark and Lonely, honestly, I loved it every bit as much as the first book! From the very beginning where it’s learnt that the people of Emberfall are hearing whispers that the supposed Princess of Disi is nothing but a fraud, and hearing that there’s a rightful Heir, Rhen’s half brother, who is actually alive and could have a stronger claim to the throne! I mean, knowing what I knew put me in such a frenzy of fangirl feelings! I just wanted everyone to be happy and peaceful and okay, but as I mentioned this book being such a gamechanger that it was…. Nothing can ever be the same! But my heart loved every moment of this feels destroying novel! I loved reading more from Grey’s point of view, his character literally going through such a transformation as revelations come to light!! His development even throughout A Heart So Fierce and Broken was utterly phenomenal, even though he was apart from Rhen, my fangirl heart loved how much the King of Emberfall weighed on his mind – see, prior to Grey’s identity becoming known, Grey always had put Rhen first and I knew and felt that the former Kings guard would have done anything for him! But alas, my heart! I felt like nothing would be the same between the characters that quickly consumed all of my feelings! I love how, once again, I had no idea what was to come! Although, I must admit that there was a reveal that I knew needed to be announced, l knew it would lead to such a heart wrenching conversation between the two most affected! A Heart So Fierce and Broken though, was an utter pleasure to read at every point! I’m already calling it one of my favourite books of the year! The alternating Points of View between Grey and a young Princess Lia Mara, elder daughter (but not Heir) of Queen Karis Luran, of an opposing Kingdom, whom of which does indeed know who the secret-potentially-rightful Heir to Emberfall is, and would stop at nothing to ally her kingdom with this Heir, and yes I’m being vague for those that are yet to read these books, but those of you that know what I mean, oh YOU KNOW what followed was just some of the most heartfelt shipping in existence! Lia Mara, she always knew that her Mother, the steely Karis Luran, would stop at nothing to elevate herself, in turn using her Heir as a pawn, Nola Verrin being powerless to stop her Mother’s resolves, but being almost equally ruthless as Karis Luran. As steely as Nola Verrin might be, I adored the heart to heart she had with Lia Mara, especially when things felt uncertain with their relationship, especially when things were looking terrifying for Lia Mara, but also especially when things took a mad twist near the end! I was literally so excited to see and learn how things fiercely went down! Earlier through the novel too, though, I couldn’t help but admire Lia Mara, she just wanted peace between everyone (which I was hopeful for as well, but I did feel a foreboding!), but Lia Mara even tried to bargain with Rhen! So brave! Her interactions with Grey were utter perfection, I loved their scenes together so much!! I also loved seeing Noah and Jake, especially how much the latter grew! His character development was perfection and his banter with Grey fabulous! We also meet some new faces, my favourites being Grey’s ally Tycho and Iisak, the latter being a creature known as a Scriver, although there weren’t any known to still be! I loved their scenes with Grey so much and it was just great learning about them all and reading about everyone as the story grew! To say that this was building up to something unbelievable feels like an understatement! This was all kinds of epic at every turn! I’m still reeling even though I finished this book on the 6th of January! I am already on absolute tenderhooks waiting for book 3! It’s going to be something else entirely! The epilogue was just unbelieveable and added yet another game changer element!! Thank you Brigid Kemmerer for creating yet another amazing story with constant turn of event, nail biting, feels inducing novel! And thank you Bloomsbury Publishing for sending me an ARC and final copy to read and review! I can’t wait reread already! ...more
A huge thank you to Pan Macmillian Australia for providing me with an early copy of this book to read and review, all thoughts are my own. Wayward Son was a dream come true! I fell utterly in love with Simon Snow, Baz and Penelope aka Bunce, in Carry On, which became one of my all time favourite books! I remember immediately longing for a sequel, this was prior to Wayward Son being announced! So to say that this has been one of my most anticipated reads of the year is definitely accurate! When I first picked up Wayward Son, I felt like I’d reunited with dear friends after a long time apart! I thought about rereading Carry On prior to getting stuck into this sequel, but ultimately decided against it (also lack of reading time lately has certainly been a thing). However, it turns out, everything that happened in Carry On, came racing back to me in all its wonderful, glory of feelings! In terms of our main characters, Baz, the vampire and of course our hero Simon Snow, and his best friend Penelope, they remained as engaging as ever as narrators! I just felt so sad for Simon and Baz, after the climatic events in Carry On, Simon is definitely feeling useless and melancholy, as if he had lost his purpose. I just wanted to give him a huge hug! What’s more though, I wanted Baz to give him a huge hug! They’re all kinds of perfection, as individuals (not without their flaws of course, as Baz faces some personal demons and obstacles throughout this adventure). What an adventure it was, too! So wild and often dangerous, I cannot even begin to express how fearful I was for our gang! Even the usually confident-headed Bunce had some troubles throughout this book, I felt so sad for her at first, though I’ve always admired her steely loyalty to Simon (Agatha too) and her determination to see a mission out until the end. When Penelope detects that something is amiss with Agatha, as well as not liking seeing her best friend (Simon), in such a sad state, she initiates a road trip across America, in order to rescue Agatha from the trouble she may have got herself into, as well as rejuvenating Simon. I loved everyone’s points of view being carried across during their adventure, I could feel everyone’s determination and angst! As a result of Simon’s melancholy state, his relationship with Baz definitely took a tumble, which was so sad! However, I did enjoy both characters’ angst and could easily feel their love for one another, their just so precious! I need more of them in life! I honestly delayed finishing this book because I didn’t want it to end! I found myself surprised (in a pleased way), about Agatha’s story arc in Wayward Son, she’s never been a huge fan of her magic (or magic in general), and was trying to escape what is always going to be a part of her! I hoped she would see sense, I don’t think she ever bought into Braden’s insane ideals, (him being of an organisation with really not great intentions). The chapters with Agatha though were really engaging (and slightly unnerving, but wholly enjoyable, for I couldn’t decect anything that was coming! Who could our friends trust? I truly didn’t know! There was especially one character who enters our friends lives, I was so weary of him! I felt like he was earnest but I really wasn’t sure, and it kept me so curious throughout! I think that’s just one of the many engaging aspects of Rainbow Rowell’s wonderful writing! Also, how whimsical are their spells? I just love the odd incantations! I’m missing everyone already! Wayward Son is the perfect follow on to Carry On, with a whole lot of magic and excitement throughout! You will love this book!...more
A huge thank you to Pan Macmillan Australia for sending me an Uncorrectee Proof copy of one of my very most anticipated reads of this year, Supernova A huge thank you to Pan Macmillan Australia for sending me an Uncorrectee Proof copy of one of my very most anticipated reads of this year, Supernova in exchange for an honest review – all thoughts are my own. This was such an exciting roller coaster of emotions! As with any beloved instalment of a final series, I definitely wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these characters- and honestly I hope that there’s going to be more set in this world, because that epilogue was such a wicked teaser, too! Nova, one half of our main characters and narrators, had always thought that the Renegades were to blame for the tragic death of her parents and little sister, where were they, with their always promises to protect their people? They’re meant to be the Superheroes! So when we first meet her in Renegades, I completely felt her anguish throughout, her want to exact revenge. See, Nova has a particularly wicked power as one of the Archenenies, sworn to exact revenge on the Renegades, she’s even given herself an alias as one of them too! Between Renegades and Archenemies, things had been building up to one huge, epic finale of completely wild proportions! Every moment of Supernova was just that! Every moment was a race of not even knowing what would come next- see, chemistry has definitely bloomed between Nova and Adrian, two of our main characters, who still keep their aliases under wraps from one another – and everyone. I was honestly on such tenderhooks throughout, I felt that surely they would finally discover the truths about one another, and even though I knew there would be devastating repercussions from this, it needed to happen! But what was even more amazing, as is always the case with Marissa Meyer, who has longtime been a favourite author of mine, she spins a story one way, just as she had established a wicked build up of epic proportions, just when I thought everything was starting to make sense (which it had been, but I mean, just when things appeared to come to the surface and truths would arise), then BAM! Marissa Meyer weaves even more plot twists and brilliance into Supernova! What makes this final instalment so memorable and completely epic to me though, is just that Adrian and Nova have always been such likeable characters! Adrian, the son of two of the strongest Renegade gentlemen, who lost his beloved Mother at such a young age, who is so dedicated to justice in the world, who adores his little brother and will try his hardest to see that he can have as regular upbringing as someone in his fragile condition, his blind adoration of Nova, his utter dedication to his friends, he’s just amazing! Nova too, who just always wanted to bring her beloved Uncle back to fruition, who always thought that he was the only one who understood her, the only family she has left – Ace Anarchy, who wants nothing more than to reign havoc on the Renegades and end their supposed brainwashing reign, where they have always, according to him, called the shots in the town, as they’re the ones who people listen to, but Ace Anarchy thinks people shouldn’t have to put up with the seemingly contradictory ways of the Renegades, who preach about always delivering justice fairly but would speak of ending the lives of enemies without a hitch! Something which has also been prevalent throughout all three novels, I’ve found, but most specially in this one, is that Marissa Meyer always made me think about good versus evil, honestly, Nova especially has this weighing on her throughout the finale and her actions throughout are completely stellar! Even at times, I didn’t even know what she may do next, but it was an absolute wild reading experience finding out! Supernova is definitely going into my all time favourite books list, and frankly I think that I’ll be living in this one for a good while yet! Every one of those five hundred and sixty pages were freaking brilliant and had such excitement, the build up and final battle and of course aftermath were one I will NEVER forget! I really hope that we get more set in this world at a later stage, honestly, I would read an infinite number of books set in it!...more
I absolutely adore this book with all my being! The writing is just jam packed with absolute powerful emotions and grabbed my heart and did not let go once! I really found Frank to be an amazing narrator and couldn't help but feel his angst, his distance from his parents (what with his dad only really speaking fluent Korean and not much English and Frank not being fluent in Korean). His pseudo dating fellow Korean, Joy, was really fun to read about too and I loved reading about their developing bond as they both dealt with the fact that their parents wouldn't approve of their preferred partners and just everything that unravelled was so emotionally captivating! I practically finished this book in less than a day for not wanting to put it down and I wanted to reread it as soon as I finished!...more
You can find all my reviews on my book blog, the latest being Ruth Ware's "The Turn of the Key" - https://wp.me/p82sSb-rb
thank you Penguin Random HouYou can find all my reviews on my book blog, the latest being Ruth Ware's "The Turn of the Key" - https://wp.me/p82sSb-rb
thank you Penguin Random House for sending me a copy of this book to read and review. This was everything that I needed and more! Once I started reading it, I was so engaged and on the edge of my seat throughout and honestly so unnerved as the mystery unraveled and found myself needing to know more! This was so unreal! The perfect Thriller, I mean…. Are you unsettled by children who act menacingly, a slightly (no, wholly) unnerving little girl who speaks in riddles, of sorts? Who spells out threatening messages to the new Nanny, saying we hate you? Are you intrigued by the idea of a supposedly dream house, crafted by two noted Architects? One that can be programmed (and everything within it), from an app, no less? Something that can conjure music or cull the lighting at a mere finger tap? I cannot even stress enough how unsettling even the image of this house with its beyond insane technological intricacies were! Like, it was even wired with video cameras! It’s no wonder Rowan was feeling unnerved even at her orientation night at the house. I would have too! See, The Turn of the Key follows twenty-something Rowan as she stumbles upon an advert for a live-in Nanny role, far away from the London she knows and loves, to Scotland, the grassy and vast plains where this immaculate house is located, with gardens aplenty for the little mites to run about. Let me back up a bit though, for I feel like I can say this as it’s on the back of the book… A child is murdered in The Turn of the Key. Rowan is in jail for said crime, though she professes her innocence and the book brilliantly starts with Rowan trying to muster up the strength to tell the story of what not only happened that night, but the stream of events leading up to that night, too. See, knowing prior that a child had been murdered too was even more chilling! Of course I’m not going to say who it was that was slain, see, the family that Rowan is hired to work for has 4 daughters- baby Petra, teenager Rhiannon, 5 year old Ellie and slightly elder Maddie… Where do we begin with these girls? Honestly, I felt like Rowan was really trying her best with them! She had Ellie slowly warm up to her – but the real issues lay with Maddie. The little girl was so mysterious and completley unnerving and literally scary at times in her intense ways and bizzare cryptic messages. She definitely made it clear that she was not a fan of Rowan at all, she didn’t want to have to listen to her and made it clear that she wasn’t going to. I digress, slightly. Rowan, trying to handle (and not always successfully doing so), the three chidren (Rhiannon for a time was boarding at her School), finds herself hearing creaks and whispers not only throughout the house, but also rather in close proximity to her bedroom! And she notices that her room has a surveillance camera! I mean, how scary! I definitely didn’t blame her for sealing over the camera itself…even if that’s something that was to affect the whole mystery! So clever! As Rowan’s narrative, her plea, was rapidly coming full circle, I found myself even more on tenderhooks and on the edge of my seat! I was so addicted to this frankly insane book! It’s honestly fast become a favourite of 2019! I’m actually disappointed that it didn’t win the 2019 Goodreads Choice Awards for Best Mystery/Thriller – I mean I enjoyed The Silent Patient throughly but The Turn of the Key is something else entirely! Definitely a must read for anyone who loves an engaging, page turning Thriller! One of the very best that I’ve read!...more
Anytime I finish reading a Lynette Noni novel, her books always just fill me with a magical sense of awe and wonder, I mean I've only read the first tAnytime I finish reading a Lynette Noni novel, her books always just fill me with a magical sense of awe and wonder, I mean I've only read the first two installments in her Medoran Chronicles but I can't wait to resume them and I definitely count them among my all time favourite books and Whisper is definitely joining! I had long been so curious to read this beauty, only ever hearing the most glowing things about it from readers and just this year it was announced as the Gold Inky Awards Winner! So I knew that Whisper was going to be memorable! And when I found out I am on the review tour with Pantera Press for Weapon, I knew I had to dive right in! The first 100 pages were so fast paced and epic, filling me with so many questions! My heart instantly ached for Agent 684/ Jane Doe, as I instantly felt like she was such a likeable character and should just not be subjected to this horrible, beyond inhumane treatment that no one should be subjected to! But why? Who is she? What did she do? I had all of the questions just going through my mind as I first met our Jane Doe, wondering why she was so silent, wondering why she refused to utter even a single syllable, what must she have done in her past? Her narrative (by the way, I love how Whisper is told from her point of view, it really propelled me into the mind of her, being able to perceive her surroundings ever so aware as she was. I couldn't stop turning the pages, itching to know what was coming next! The reveals, as I read them were crazy insane good and had me shocked! Just when I thought I knew something, Lynette Noni would, as she does in her majestic way, spin it on its head and just leave me wanting more, in the best way, of course! I also loved the introduction of the other characters too, trying to figure out if they were trustworthy or what their true agendas were - Lynette Noni honestly creates such human characters, they all just feel so real! I loved the interactions between Jane Doe and Cami, Kael,her (Cami's) little cousins, namely Abby in all her childlike innocence, and Ward...he who nicknamed her Chip, as he was determined to chip away at her exterior, wanting to know her, wanting her to open up to him. From the get go, I absolutely loved their chemistry! Without going into it too much, I felt like I didn't know what his true instincts were, though I hoped and wanted to firmly believe that he does care for her, and I think, especially after that cliffhanger reveal, that he does! I felt that Whisper will remain one of the most unique books that I've read! I found the concept of Creators and Speakers to be so immersive! As Chip finds more about her abilities, why she is so integral to Vanik's plans.... I have chills as I think about this first installment of what I'm sure is going to be a knockout finale! I feel like the stakes were risen so high as Whisper unfolded, and we are truly set for a jaw dropping finale in Weapon! If you haven't yet picked up Whisper, do so because it is among the most unique, exciting, fast paced and addictive books that you'll read!...more
There was nothing about this book that I didn't love! It gave me alll the feelings, and then some! It has everything that I love in it, including a shThere was nothing about this book that I didn't love! It gave me alll the feelings, and then some! It has everything that I love in it, including a sheer exquisite f/f romance and a stunning fantasy setting with incredible magic!! I could not get enough of this book and Denna and Mare! I felt like I was living for their interactions! I loved their initial chemistry, I found myself dying for when they'd meet again - I love how Mare initially found Denna frustrating and tiresome, tired of her weary ways when it came to horse riding, but what I loved even more is how much the two grew to care for one another deeply! This book and these characters just wholly have my heart, and I'm lamenting that the sequel is so close but feels so far away!! I cannot wait for it! I need all the books about Mare and Denna, they've easily become one of my very most top beloved ships ever! And this book is hands down, one of my very most favourites ever! There was never not a time when I didn't feel engaged with this story! I love how it was told from both Denna and Mare's points of view, there were moments when I was able to get into their minds as they addressed their feelings towards one another, both internally (when they realised what they felt about the other, and physically, just when the two shared these perfectly delicious angsty scenes together, I just couldn't get enough! They're such a perfect contrast to one another, Denna, with her undying love and loyalty to her people, wanting to be an amazing Queen, wanting to help serve her people, wanting to help! Not being content (same as Mare), with just being confined to the general Queenly tasks of correspondence. Then there's Mare, so brash and unafraid to say what she thinks, determined not to be cast aside by the men in her family, determined to live a life of her own accord! She spoke up against the men in her family, her brother and Father, and I was so proud of her for doing so! When a member of the royal family is killed, she will stop at nothing to find answers, I just admired her determination so much!! I felt like how Coulthurst described Denna's magic was so unique! I felt like I could easily visualise those sparks, those licks of flames as Denna fought so valiantly to snuff them out, to even be rid of them (magic is really not supported by her new Kingdom), and Denna knows the risks are high if she's found out! But when Denna found herself not being able to control her powers, I was just loving these scenes! She never did anything bad with her magic, I mean, it did have not great consequences but I was all for it, as she was protecting Mare! My heart! The build up of both Denna's powers and Mare and Denna's romance just had me on tenderhooks throughout! I'm already so so excited to reread this!! Honestly, if you like fantastical fantasy with fabulous magic and a glorious female/female pairing, look no further! This beauty is definitely for you! And it has a prequel and a sequel! I'm so so excited for the next installment, I'm counting down the days! Thank you so much to the lovely Rachel for recommending this masterpiece to me!...more
I'm not even sure that I can ever find words to fathom how much I absolutely adored this book and how I just utterly loved its powerful message and hoI'm not even sure that I can ever find words to fathom how much I absolutely adored this book and how I just utterly loved its powerful message and how close I felt to these amazing female characters! But I'm sure as anything going to gush about the wholly amazing reading experience that was this book! Firstly, the diversity! The main character is a female bisexual, who had recently gone through a painful breakup with not just her girlfriend but her best friend, who admits she doesn't feel quite comfortable as a female and whilst she is indeed comfortable with the she pronouns, she identifies as neither gender too. Charlie and Mara, wow! My heart was just utterly captivated from both of them, feeling Mara's absolute angst at having broken up with her girlfriend, but still having such a longing for her, I felt like I also could feel Mara's jealousy when she sees Charlie with a new potential girlfriend, but just the chemistry the both of these shared, their friendship is so precious and I could just tell so much how warmly they still see one another, like, I could feel their chemistry! I absolutely also adored the initial precious bond between Mara and her other half for all infinity, Owen, her twin brother! I loved their initial storytelling under the stars, the boy and girl under the stars, bound by an infinite adoration for one another! It's just when Owen is accused of raping his girlfriend, that things just won't be the same again. It hurt so much! Not just the visible cracks that Mara felt after her brother is accused of this, but the fact that Mara herself (which I totally understand), is so torn up by what her brother did, as one would be, but it's just the fact that, okay, I'm not going to lie, it was hard to read throughout as Mara was trying to accept what she had to understand happen, but also - she knows her brother, well, she thinks she does and whilst she doesn't want to think differently of her brother, she knows his actions are unforgivable and isn't willing to turn a blind eye too it! I mean, their parents are a total solid support network, but oh so stubborn! I completely saw this novel from Mara's point of view (well, it was told from her perspective), but I knew as I was reading this that I was right alongside her throughout her journey! There were so many powerful moments throughout this book, where I was just aching for Mara and Hannah (Owen's former girlfriend), who had to go through so much pain after the incident (there's a scene where she tells Mara about the rape test that she takes at the hospital), whilst I found this so heartbreaking to read, it just felt so real! But what I also loved so so much about this book, was Mara's firm belief that girls shouldn't be silenced! This took such an emotional turn in itself too, as we learn about a particularly brutal action that Mara had gone through, treated in such a disdainful way by and of her own Teachers! The fact that no one was there for her to confide in was just so heartbreaking, but I love how she confided in Hannah, and vice versa! They are not alone, they had such a beautiful friendship too, I mean, they had always been close, but their grief over what they had went through just bought them together more! They're not damaged or broken, they're amazing and I just honestly count this book as one of my very most all time favourites! It carries so many important messages, I cannot urge everyone to read this enough!...more
Review copy provided by UQP books in exchange for an honest review- all thoughts are my own. This was honestly just such a heartfelt, raw and emotionalReview copy provided by UQP books in exchange for an honest review- all thoughts are my own. This was honestly just such a heartfelt, raw and emotional read - I felt like I was actually living as the main character, Samantha, or SJ, as she's determined to reinvent herself as. I totally didn't judge her for wanting to keep her eczema and allergies a secret - they're not fun, having to hide your own skin for fear of being shunned and laughed at for one's flaky and red skin- but it's hard sometimes, one has an itch, you can try and distract oneself from it, but that want, no need, to scratch just overpowers one sometimes and you just gotta itch that scratch! I myself relate, though I admit I'm definitely better than what I was, scratch wise- but yet, when I was reading this book, I felt completely projected into Samantha's soul, her inner thoughts, as she went through not great patches of allergies and eczema, 'I'm ugly,' and 'unnatural', my heart just hurt for her so much! I just wanted to leap inside the pages and give her a huge hug! I really love the growth that Samantha went through during the different points in this book - at the start, she's feeling considerably lonely after moving away from her home to another country town (extra points that this book has a South Australian setting! Allayne is a local author, so all the more reasons to support this book and her!) and Samantha is hell bent on being recognised as someone cool at her new school - she'll make friends and they won't be aware of what she suffers through, she hopes. I just wanted to tell her though, you're an absolute treasure of a girl (she's 13, the poor love), and you can be cool, and you are! Does everything go smoothly for SJ during her new term at school? Will she be able to reinvent herself? Well, you'll just have to pick up the book and find out *wink wink*. No but in all earnest, there's so much heart in this book - the relationship between Samantha and her brothers, who I think are slightly too young to fully understand what Samantha is going through - and her parents, her Dad in his chocolate loving ways, and her mother, who constantly worries about Samantha - as one would, of course, but worrying is often done out of love, in my opinion - as Samantha learns too. Of course her own mother would be affected by what she sees her daughter go through, the panic that she would go through at having to promptly get her daughter to a Hospital or Doctor's, after a severe reaction- which SJ definitely has during this book - and the way they're depicted just is so well done- its so rare that I come across characters that suffer from allergies and eczema, it's amazing and heartfelt that Allayne Webster has poured so much of her soul into this book, I could feel every aspect of it! It's a true credit to how amazing an author she is, I'll never not sing her praise! I also adore the friendships in this novel, that Samantha makes with Livvy (there's such a gorgeous scene between Samantha herself and Livvy's mum, it's so heartfelt seeing the two open up to one another, well, at any rate, seeing Samantha talk so openly, seeing how Livvy's mum struggles too). There's also a very special bond that surfaces between Samantha and another girl that is in Hospital, it was so precious! I feel like Samantha's story, and in a sense, Allayne's, will stay with me for a long long time and I'll be telling everyone about how amazing and essential this book is!...more
This had been one of my most anticipated releases, since, well, since its announcement. Magnus and Alec are hands down, one of my absolute favourite cThis had been one of my most anticipated releases, since, well, since its announcement. Magnus and Alec are hands down, one of my absolute favourite couples in the Shadowhunter world, so to say I had high hopes and anticipation wasn’t wrong at all. And was I satisfied? You bet! I desperately tried to stretch this book out for as long as I could, I mean, a whole year to wait now until the next installment? After everything these gorgeous babies were put through, and after that HUGE revelation at the end?! I am speechless! I so would have never seen that coming! The very icing on the cake as to how many twists and turns there were in this one! It’s funny, I never really knew if I could trust one character in particular, and of course I won’t say who, but honestly, as we learnt more about them, I was definitely feeling for them, but now I’m so conflicted and I love it and have all of the need for the second installment in this series! I cannot wait to see where everything goes from here, but I bet it’s going to be a continuous wild ride of feelings! Another thing I love about this is that it’s set during The Mortal Instruments, which just brought back so much nostalgia for me! Anything Cassie Clare writes is an instant favourite of mine, and I read The Mortal Instruments series twice in the space of less than a year, so to see these amazing characters was just like being reunited with friends! I mean, not just Malec, but there was loyal, sassy Izzy (there was a scene where she attempted to give romance advice to Alec and I snorted, literally. You’ll see why 😉 and then the surprise appearance of my favourite bisexual part faerie, part Shadowhunter, all gorgeous, Helen! For my fellow Shadowhunters that are all caught up on the series, Helen is one of the Blackthorn siblings, the eldest, in fact, so not only was it lovely to fleetingly hear her talk about them, but I just loved Helen’s interactions with Aline! There’s just something so satisfying knowing what I know, having read the heart wrenching but heart soaring Queen of Air and Darkness, yet still getting these novels set long before that time, and reading about everyone before various things happen! It’s just wild! I loved the writing in this book, of course! It was so exciting and action packed from the word go, I feel like I could picture everything, from Malec’s romantic date going slightly askew, to travelling on the famed Orient Express, fighting demons along the way (so nail biting!), and just everything in between! Oh, and I also adored the surprise cameos from some of my other favourite characters, Tessa (my heart!), Catarina (her friendship with Magnus is always glorious), and Raphael! (My favourite ace vampire!) All in all, the perfect start to what I’m sure will be another glorious series by Cassandra Clare!...more
I had so been intrigued to read this book, having been recommended it by a friend of mine (you know who you are! Thank you!) and had one of those glorI had so been intrigued to read this book, having been recommended it by a friend of mine (you know who you are! Thank you!) and had one of those glorious bookish impulses to pick it up and delve in to the story, when the book came into my mind one afternoon! rawn in by the sypnosis, I could not wait to find out what lay inside! Pretty much my reactio! As soon as I started reading this book, meeting the utterly brilliant and wholly beguiling narrator and main character that is Hayden, I instantly found myself drawn into this unique and stunning debut! I could hardly put it down, and loved learning about Hayden as a younger girl, reading about her mentality and her general interactions and consequences of these interactions with other kids, in particular one Rebecca Rickman, and why Hayden felt as she did as a younger girl, and how her mind from then and now has developed, and what connection does she hold to her hometown of Promise? Exactly how I felt all throughout reading this book! I don't think I've ever read something so chilling, unique and intriguing before! Even as I was reading on, I NEVER could have anticipated all of the reveals that were to come! I loved and was gasping about them all! Firstly, I loved how Hayden's brilliant mind worked, crafting her thoughts from a fully logical point of view, backing them up with a science fact - it was brilliant! I felt like it definitely gave me an extra gateway into her mind, I mean, given how she must've felt about what happened to her Mother, and her Father often being secretive, to what she learns about her Mother's bequest to her once Hayden turned 18, and her reaction to going back to her hometown, I felt like I was right there with Hayden experiencing all her emotions, sharing all her questions and feelings too. Feelings of conflict about her Father, who was a respected Professor until he was fired for allowing his obsession with other-worldly beings to creep into his work life, whilst still wondering what part did Hayden's dear mother play in everything? Who was she? Oh, but what a page turning, phenomenal ride! I loved how important Hayden and Del's friendship was too, they both had such fabulous friendly banter, and even when their banter turned ugly, I love how they just always had one another's back! And that they were just so there for one another, and especially how Del was willing to accompany Hayden back to her hometown of Promise, whilst Hayden was trying to figure out what it was that her mum wanted her to finish, what Ella never could complete, and what was Hayden feeling awaken within her every being, a pull that she found hard to resist?! I enjoyed Shannon's scenes too, I always enjoy characters that have known one another for most of their lives, then tragedy occurs, pulling one away from the other, only to be reunited among mysterious circumstances! Hayden and Shannon did have some wonderful scenes, and I just loved seeing them interact! I also thoroughly enjoyed the unsettling feeling I got when I was reading about the other side characters- Gabriel and his beguiling daughter, Elspeth, and Shannon's colleague and friend, Santiago. I say unsettling feeling because I didn't know who to trust throughout, though I did enjoy the cameo appearance by Hayden's Father, I felt like I liked him a bit more after hearing him speak, not just seeing him as a former Professor who would try and constantly keep an eye on Hayden's every action (pre return to Promise). The description of Promise was flawless! So perfectly chill inducing! It truly had it's own mind! I love reading about towns' where people have a constant memory of someone, and how that all tied to Hayden was just divine! The description of the Manor was brilliant too, I could visualise everything from the runes etched onto the door (I do love a rune!) to the unique white ravens that kept an eye over occurrences! And the climax! Oh my wow! To say it was thrilling and gasp-rendering would be an understatement! I was in awe of the last couple of chapters and honestly couldn't even fathom how everything would resolve! And then that ending! I desperately hope that there will be a sequel to this book, this is one I definitely won't be forgetting any time soon!...more
Review copy provided by NewSouth Books Australia in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own. I will forever be in awe of the amazing thaReview copy provided by NewSouth Books Australia in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own. I will forever be in awe of the amazing that is VE Schwab, eternally one of my favourite authors, she just wonderfully evokes such glorious emotions when reading her books, as well as forever feeling those goosebumps and chills! The Near Witch, in my opinion, was flawless! I instantly loved the appeal of the story of The Near Witch, and instantly found myself wondering, is it just lore to scare children, as residents of the town of Near scorn at, or is there much more to it than a bedtime myth? Finding out was such a delightful and often chilling reading experience, filled with perfectly glorious atmospheric writing, I just love how Schwab depicted everything what from the creepy Moors and the movements of the wind itself, to the forest where sat in wait was a creature that I was so intrigued to meet! And slightly horrified too but naturally. I couldn’t get enough of Lexi’s character too, so brave and daring, determined to follow in her Father’s footsteps, wanting to find out what is it that’s making these children disappear, fiercely protective of her sister Wren, (such cute character too, who definitely had an important part to play in the climax of everything, I was on the edge of my seat!), yet unable to resist the allure and mystery of a strange boy she had dubbed Cole, wondering what is his connection to everything but also feeling a rather personal tether to him! There was just so much magical glorious to this book, I couldn’t get enough! Nor can I fault it, once again Victoria Schwab has crafted a gorgeous, witchy tale with a dash of romance, and a lot of intrigue! A big thank you to NewSouth Books for providing me with a copy of The Near Witch in exchange for an honest review....more
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