I received a copy of The Twin from Penguin Books Australia in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own. Having just finished The Twin onlI received a copy of The Twin from Penguin Books Australia in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own. Having just finished The Twin only last night, I’m definitely processing a lot of thoughts and feelings! Straight off the cuff, Natasha Preston’s writing completely drew me in and I was completely immersed in Ivy’s life! I felt so sad for her, having to cope with the recent death of her beloved Mother whom she always adored and often missed as it was Ivy who lived with her Father once her parents split up. However, enter Iris, Ivy’s identical twin sister, who comes to live with Ivy and their Father after tragedy strikes. Okay, let me say that I am all for stories with twins! Some of my favourite YA Contemporaries feature complex yet precious and sometimes fractured relationships between twins, such as Girl Made of Stars and I’ll Give You The Sun, so part of me was hoping desperately that Ivy and Iris would come together after tragedy struck their family. I really wanted to, and indeed I did feel for Iris, I mean anyone who’s having to move a town away from everything they’ve always known, start a new school and leave all their friends behind, well, I’d be nervous and scared too. I so, so wanted to like Iris! I so wanted her to open up and for her and Ivy to reconnect and be the twin that one another needed! What was the moment that made me see total warning bells within Iris? Honestly, I don’t know if it was when I first met her in The Twin and when I learnt that she refused to talk about her Mum or even go back to their old place to clear our possessions or get anything of her own? I thought, okay maybe she’s just having a hard time adjusting, I mean that would be fair enough, we all cope differently! I think what alarmed me was that Iris completely erased everything from her past when she moves to live with Ivy and their Father, I mean, who does that? Iris does! But why? Why was pretty much a recurring thought that I had as I was reading The Twin, which is the latest Young Adult Thriller by Natasha Preston! This was my first time reading her works, but I don’t think it’ll be my last! I was completely engaged and invested throughout this story! I so, so believed Ivy at every point and turn throughout this book and I became so frustrated that so many other characters were completely blindsiding her! I mean, even I must admit one night when I woke up having read this book prior to falling asleep, ‘hey, what if we’re being lead astray from Iris by Ivy?’ (which in hindsight seems slightly silly to consider, but honestly at that point I felt like anything was possible! Why was Iris being so insistent at being glued to Ivy whilst at school? She seemed excited for a fresh start and was eager to start school, but when she heard her classes would differ from Ivy she went into full blown panic! I mean, why?! Not even once at this point had Iris shown an interest in being in Ivy’s life, even when she first arrived on the scene they hardly spoke! I just couldn’t understand this break in Iris, though I knew it was going to lead somewhere questionable! To what extent though, I definitely did not know, though I had an inkling that it wasn’t going to be a good revelation…. Ivy, however, was instantly likeable! Where Iris is seemingly closed off and potentially scheming and definitely hiding something *suspicious eyebrow raise* – Ivy was very methodical, she always had her goals in her head, clear as crystal and she knew what she had to do in order to achieve them! It’s not that she doesn’t want other characters, namely her friends to succeed, quite the opposite, she’s always encouraged her best friends in their swimming, but all it takes is one whisper from a once outsider to plant thoughts in people’s heads and to make them think that maybe their best friend might be wanting them to not do well. However, I continue to stipulate that I never thought this of Ivy. Which leads me to a slightly frustrating point in The Twin, Ivy and her best friends are supposed to be so close and would see one another through anything, however, I don’t understand as to why they completely blindsided her and excluded her from their outings and how they just couldn’t be honest with their slightly jealous feelings about Ivy being the best swimmer! Granted, none of this would’ve happened were it not for that wretched Iris, who frankly makes it quite clear that she wants to take down Ivy! I just couldn’t believe such a close knit group of friends would completely snicker and turn a blind eye to her fears about Iris being jealous and wanting to get back at her for something?! Like, if some crazy situation akin to this arose in real life (yes, I know it wouldn’t but just let’s say if), I can assure you I would hear my friend out! What annoyed me too is that Iris and Ivy’s own Father wouldn’t even have a bar of Ivy trying to say what Iris is doing and what she did indeed do in the past (part of this I must admit I totally suspected right away but even so it doesn’t make it any less horrifying!), oh, everyone’s reaction to Iris just made me so frustrated! Truly, I hope there’s a second book following the pure cruel climatic event of The Twin, because frankly I feel so betrayed!
I reached a certain point in The Twin when I realised that the remainder of the story would either go one way or another – and okay I know things can’t always go the way we want as readers but truly! Ivy and Iris were just written so brilliantly and convincingly I literally found myself wincing any time the girl popped up on the page I would be like:
It’s funny though, I’m still slightly bemused as to what Iris’s agenda was. I mean, I totally get what she was always plotting, but even now as I learnt as to why she felt compelled to do what she did, it just made me so surprised that this book took the path that it did! I just really really feel for Ivy…. I cannot urge you all enough to read The Twin, honestly if there is a YA Thriller that I need a sequel for (aside from Foul Is Fair), then it is absolutely The Twin! It would just be a revenge novel of epic proportions with discoveries and reveals to be found aplenty! I’m finding the idea of it happening so satisfying already so I am really keeping my fingers crossed!
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I received an ARC of She from HarperCollins Australia/Harlequin Books Australia in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own. What can I sI received an ARC of She from HarperCollins Australia/Harlequin Books Australia in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own. What can I say about She? I was instantly drawn into this story, my brain straight away wondering what in the name of Dickens was going on with this perfect woman, Bella, who’s literally had a supposed random encounter with our main character, Ben. Only, we learn that it’s not random at all, as the story progresses and true agendas come to light. The narration of this book was actually really clever! The book itself is broken down into 4 parts, part one is of course narrated by Ben – see, he’s a very likeable character! I felt sorry for him that Charlotte broke his heart, in turn, I felt bad for her that she may be lamenting breaking up with him. But of course, in saunters Bella, her unique but heart stopping beauty instantly drawing Ben to her. Initially, I thought she was totally genuine towards him, but honestly the way she was acting!! I didn’t know what to think!! What I did know though, was that I needed to know what was really going on!! So much so, that I finished this book in one sitting!! I started it at 8:15pm thereabouts last night and here I am, 11:50pm, still reeling about what was revealed!! She actually felt quite uncomfortable to read at times, honestly! But at the same time it’s just so well written in my opinion, I was just so drawn into this …well, mess, really. See, ever since Bella entered Ben’s life he’s finding himself having to succumb to her, quirks, shall we say. It all happens so fast, honestly the pacing of this novel was just so quick and I felt like I could see everything play out as I was reading!! See, even before we get into the real cusp of the story, at the very start we are presented with a letter from a Father to his Daughter, apologising for not being present in her life, yet assuring her, even though it won’t be possible that she’ll read this letter, that he always loved her. This instantly lead me to think that the letter was from Ben, I wondered perhaps did his impromptu marriage to Belle take a concerning turn? Well yes, absolutely it did, but not at all how I was anticipating!! As Bella first meets Ben’s parents, I felt like she was putting on some sort of farce…yet, I didn’t quite know why?! Why?! definitely became a recurring feeling and question of mine as I was reading She. In Part One with Ben narrating, I definitely felt for him as he is faced with Bella announcing that she’s pregnant and on top of that, that she wants to get married right away! I initially felt that it all seemed to be a bit quick, literally the night that they met was the night that Bella became pregnant…which I know does happen but I did briefly wonder if she had fleetingly had a previous rendezvous and was trying to say that Ben was the Father. In addition, I wondered what triggered Bella’s deathly temper! I mean, she’d practically abuse Ben when he announced he’s invited his closest friends over, I mean I get her wanting to spend time with just him but it was so horrible how she practically cuts him off from everything that he knows!! I mean she has zero sympathy when his own Dad dies….. why?! See, this is where it gets really interesting. Part Two was narrated by Bella herself, telling her side of their first meeting and everything- and I loved getting to see the mind to the madness, as it were. To me, Bella was absolutely mad….but…when the truth was revealed I was absolutely shocked at what had transpired in her past, I felt horrified for Ben, disappointed for his Mum…and just downright sorry for Bella! I never would have envisioned what was revealed as the truth but there it was!! Furthermore, in Bella’s narration, we learn about how and why everything in Bella and now Ben’s life came to be, and the repurcussions. Trust me, there’s definitely plenty of them! I just felt so bad for Bella during the time where she thought she was so happy in love in her life prior to Ben, honestly if she just did some deep breathing and thought about moving on, maybe things may have become less grizzly. Alas, that certainly wasn’t the case with Bella, for her narration just goes to show the extreme levels obsession some people go to when they want to exact revenge!! I was just so shocked by the sheer carelessness of Bella!! I mean I don’t at all doubt that she didn’t love Elodie, but honestly when that fiery anger consumed her…I was pretty terrified! I just felt so uncomfortable that Bella was trying to play the victim in all this, her thoughts just being so malicious towards Ben’s family! I don’t blame them for thinking so badly of Bella, she was truly so conniving!! This was just such a unique read, truly unlike anything I’ve ever read before! I will definitely be recommending She to anyone who loves a great, twisted Thriller and I know this book and it’s characters will be staying with me for a long while yet!
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All of my reviews can be found on my book blog: brooklynthebookworm.wordpress.com
I recieved a copy of The Institute in exchange for an honest review fAll of my reviews can be found on my book blog: brooklynthebookworm.wordpress.com
I recieved a copy of The Institute in exchange for an honest review from Hachette Australia, all thoughts are my own. The Institute had a really intriguing opening premise, with former Police Officer Tim Jamieson picking up work for the local Sheriff in a small town in South Carolina, just wanting to quietly go about his newfound work and trying best he can to keep himself busy. I was definitely intrigued to see where Tim’s storyline would go as the book proceeded! As it happens, Stephen King then introduces his secondary main character, young Luke. I was definitely intrigued by his character and loved how he was a young pre-teen prodigy, of sorts! So smart, with a clear cut memory for anything and everything and the ability to retain knowledge of everything under the sun! And he had such an enthusiasm and zest for it, as well, I couldn’t help but get caught up in his excitement at the idea of him being so young yet being able to learn at not one, but two of America’s high Tech learning Institutions. Suddenly, and I say suddenly because there was no way I could even envision what was about to hit Luke’s life! The poor kid, who was adored and equally adored his Parents in return, is literally kidnapped from his home whilst sleeping!! He’s bundled into a van and taken to a high tech Government facility in rural Maine, where he’s no idea what’s coming! It was so horrifying to learn about what Luke and the other kids at The Institute face! Essentially, they are all there because they possess incredibly rare talents, powers, of sorts, and The Institute staff practically run brutal, traumatizing experiments on them!! It was so horrible to read about, the detail that was enclosed in how these poor kids were prodded and poked and examined and had all the horrifying things done to them! I just felt so bad as I was reading what Luke and everyone else was subjected to! Luke is just such a likeable kid too, I just wanted him and his friends to get out of there! As anticipated, the staff at The Institute were awful! Well, not all of them. There was definitely one who it felt like really had the interests and safety of the kids at heart, especially Luke’s, seemingly giving him warnings about what’s going on and everything. Other staff definitely did not have any heart at all, it was clear that they were awful and enjoyed their jobs of conducting these monstrous experiments on these kids, it was just even more unnerving! The dialogue between staff and studies was just full of threats, with the malicious staff there threatening the kids to keep quiet and not speak out of turn, for they’d be harmed even more! I wondered, as I was feeling a constant stream of nerves throughout Luke being at The Institute, where Tim’s character would make a reappearance. I mean, I felt like their paths would have to intersect, but I didn’t know when or even how! As much as I felt the urge to keep reading and see how their paths would align, I felt as the story progressed, that the detail of the everyday antics of those awful Institute staff and Luke and the other kids just getting brutally tested on became slightly repetitive and almost unnecessary to the story itself. To me, I felt like we didn’t need to constantly be informed that Luke and the kids were heavily experimented upon and even when Luke makes a break for it and is able to seemingly escape The Institute, I felt like the minute detail of every little thing became slightly deterring to the plot. I absolutely love a lengthy tome, don’t get me wrong! At 485 pages, this initially packed a punch and was unnerving to read as I mentioned, but it was really at the halfway point to me where the story felt like it wasn’t moving along nearly as quick as the first fraction of the book. I’ve read a fair few Stephen King books in my time thus far: Carrie, Cujo, Misery, The Shining and a fair few of his short stories, I just thought this would be more jumpy horror than details about children being experimented upon. Although, I do admit this is a whole different sort of discomfort and horror aspect, as it made me wonder what secret Agencies get up to. I’ve heard scary things that the FBI have done to people they experiment on, and this novel just added a whole new aspect to that!!...more
I recieved a copy of this book from Walker Books Australia in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own. If you’re looking for a perfect, I recieved a copy of this book from Walker Books Australia in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own. If you’re looking for a perfect, spooky read with every chill-inducing element then Rules For Vanishing is definitely for you! I haven’t read a great deal of Horror as a genre in YA Fiction but this is perfection! The mystery aspect too will keep you guessing right until the end! Sara has felt like she’s lost a part of herself when her sister, Becca, disappears. Becca, who Sara idolised. Sara knows that her sister was fascinated with the lore story of Lucy Gallows, a young girl killed in a forest who’s ghost is rumored to be seen still, and supposedly communicates with those who seek her! The perfect backstory for a perfectly haunting, chilling, atmospheric read! What a page turner Rules For Vanishing is! The mixed media narrative is absolutely brilliant, adding so much mystery to the story! Just when I thought I knew one thing, just when I thought I had the notions of what might come next, BAM something else was added or revealed and just made me wonder possibly what would be revealed next, what could have happened between Sara’s narrative and the interview transcripts which take place after everyone’s daring ventures into the woods. For Becca. It’s curious, after learning about her fascination with Lucy Gallows and her supposed forbidden rendezvous with a guy her parents and Sara didn’t particularly like and them then supposedly taking off into the forest, my pre conceptions of Becca’s character were definitely mixed. I enjoyed her fascination with the local lore, I wanted to like her as much as Sara did, but to really take off like that and leave not a sign for your family? It’s harsh. However, I’m being slightly judgemental because there is much more to it, really. I honestly don’t want to go into what happens when Sara and her friends trek through the woods and find themselves in explicable danger, because it’s best to get into the heart of this mystery with as little known information, because as everyone started to make their way through the horrifying gates, where they faced obstacles that were honestly so flipping frightening, that the forest would take them and not return them home, the fact that it’s quite possible that not everyone would be returning, just gave me all the chills! And what happened really to little Lucy Gallows? What about another deadly mystery interwoven with the forest too? Why were Sara’s thoughts and experiences about what happened getting so vague and patchy? Was she remembering things wrong? What really happened? What was coming next? These were just some of the thoughts and questions I had when I was reading this book, and what followed was just an unforgettable and incredible and altogether haunting reading experience that will be staying with me for some time to come! You must, must pick up a copy of Rules For Vanishing! I daresay I won’t read anything like this again!...more
I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Bloomsbury Australia, all thoughts are my own. Equally fantastical, equally dark bI recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Bloomsbury Australia, all thoughts are my own. Equally fantastical, equally dark but completely magical and bittersweet, Pan’s Labyrinth: The Labyrinth of the Faun is a novel which is, of course based on the film of the same name. The collaboration between Guillermo Del Toro and Cornelia Funke is so masterful! Both are master storytellers and this novel is just epic proof of that! Among all the fantastical creatures, the wicked trickster faun, the menacing soldiers, there is a lot of heart within this book, especially within that of our main character, Ofelia. Anyone who is familiar with this story knows how tragic the penultimate climax is, filled with so much magic and hope at the start, with Ofelia believing so firmly in her beloved fairy tales, only to experience adventure, promises, deceit and more heartbreak! The structure of this book was absolute perfection, within each chapter featured a fairy tale set within the same world and I feel like they mirrored what was happening in the story, what some of the main characters were going through, too. Ofelia was just such a precious main character, I mean I couldn’t help but just feel so sad for her! She lost her beloved Father and her Mother is newly pregnant to her second husband, a man Ofelia dubs The Wolf, for fear of him. He’s utterly menacing and horrible throughout, but it was definitely satisfying reading about his penultimate part in this tale, though after what happened with Ofelia, it was just so tragic! Another amazing character is Mercedes, a hose worker that works in The Wolf’s employ, and only has all of the love in her heart for Ofelia! I love how she did her best to look after the girl when she could, and I feel like, especially at the end, Mercedes wasn’t at all scared of him, which just made things completely satisfying even more! Throughout this book too there are some perfectly illustrious illustrations throughout, capturing the emotive, melancholy and dark tonethroughout this book! If you love dark fantasy with exceptionally vivid, lyrical and emotive prose, you definitely don’t want to miss this one!...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
I recieved a copy of Initiate, along with book two (Unholy), and the forthcoming (September 3rd release) Beast from Penguin Books Australia in exchange for honest reviews, all thoughts are my own. Initially, I wasn’t too sure about this book, but by halfway I was well and truly hooked! I loved the changing points of view and I must admit I instantly adored Lily, our main character, who finds herself having to come to terms with some very shocking and not at all welcoming news! All Lily wants is her Mother back with her safely, so my heart instantly went out to her! I loved the mystery surrounding Angela’s disappearance and learning how a specifically dark sect of witches were after both Angela and Lily’s soul! It was so chilling reading about the supposed priest character, who would stop at nothing to ensure that he would deliver both girls to his Satanic master. However, the priest definitely isn’t the only ruthless player in this cast of white witches and dark witches, Kritta, a pint sized young lady with murder and malice on her mind, with ferocity at every turn and two familiars who she can wield at any point, she equally terrified and irritated me! I say irritated because I feel like I don’t quite understand why she longs to deliver both Mother and Daughter to her Master? I feel like I just wanted to shake her and be like “girl, chill!” – but she honestly had such a fierce and steel resolve and wouldn’t stop at anything to see that she would capture Lily, I must admit I did get a bit of a kick out of her determination and I do feel that she relied on her familiars, Andi and Bess (who I must admit had some fabulous banter, the two being jealous of one another and how both wanted to vie for Kritta’s attention). Do not get me wrong though, I’m definitely team Lily here! There was a scene where she is being guided by elder witch Luna, who warns her that in order to fulfill her destiny, Lily will need to face demons most deadly, forsake all her worldly goods, but she’ll have the potential to be one of the strongest witches in her lineage! I was loving it! I also utterly adored their worship ties to the Goddess Artemis and how they drew on her wisdom and guidance for strength and power too! Lily’s character growth was utterly magical! *pun intended* – this was just so much fun to read and so addictive throughout! At the start, Lily feels alone in the world, I mean, she loves her mum but she’s a bit weary of her mother’s constant packing up and moving around as soon as they got settled somewhere, but as the plot and mystery unfolds, I just felt like it was so satisfying learning about Lily’s magical heritage and about her fierce fight against the dark witches that would see her family lineage obliterated! This book is presented in third person narration, told from manga different points of view and as the story unfolded I just think it worked so brilliantly and vividly! Of course, we have Lily’s, Kritta’s and The Priest, but also there was Kevin, a school mate of Lily’s and someone who finds himself drawn in by her quiet mystery, but also finds himself deeply excited by Kritta’s wicked ways and after a specific scene where Lily has a vision of Kevin in the cave during a rather integral part of the story…well, let’s just say I’m very intrigued to see how their paths intersect! There was also a POV from a character appropriately titled The Hag, a witch who hates children with a passion and adopts stray cats with a rapid streak. I really enjoyed her chapters too, especially her utter lack of tolerance of Kritta and her familiars, something which definitely worked both ways, that’s for sure! Overall, a very exciting first installment in a very unique trilogy all about witchcraft, with a very unique mystery hidden below the depths! I know I’ll be getting into the second book in this series before long too!...more
Wow! I’m not even sure where to begin withWilder Girls!I can definitely say though that it’s one of the most bizarre, creepily atmospheric tales I have ever read and that I don’t think I’ll read anything of it’s brilliant like ever again! Truthfully, I didn’t know what to expect from this book, but as soon as I started reading it I found myself utterly enamoured with the characters, especially Hetty and Byatt! I adored their friendship so much, just how much they are wholly there for one another, and with Reese, another fierce (and delightfully queer) character, I just couldn’t help but cheer for these girls in their sheer efforts of survival! I found Rory Power’s writing to be utterly phenomenal and so atmospheric, I felt constant chills and goosebumps as I was reading, and I definitely couldn’t predict anything that was to come! I desperately wanted Byatt and Hetty and Reese and everyone to be okay – but seeing the damage of the Tox, with Byatt’s closed over eye and Reese’s extra limbs protruding from her back, bone and all – I felt like I could easily visualise all of this, which all added to such a dark and twisty reading experience!! The story at times was told from both Hetty and Byatt’s points of view, which I absolutely loved! Without being too spoilery, because I feel like it is best that this book is read and enjoyed without knowing a great deal, but what follows and is revealed is just too horrifying and dark and thrilling, in the sense that I hoped and hoped (and hoped) that Byatt would be okay *cries* and that somehow Reese and Hetty could be happy and safe! I loved the pacing of this book too, I feel like it didn’t have one slow moment and it kept me constantly on the edge of my seat, needing to know what would come next! I wish I could reread Wilder Girls for the first time already, purely because I’ve not read anything like it before and I’ll miss these characters so much, I can’t wait to read what’s next from Rory Power!!!!...more
I recieved an Uncorrected Proof copy of this book from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own. This was utterly phenomI recieved an Uncorrected Proof copy of this book from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own. This was utterly phenomenal! I feel like saying it was thrilling (pun gloriously intended) is a total understatement! I was instantly intrigued from the get go and could hardly put the book down!! I found the main character, Libby, to be perfectly relatable! Essentially she finds out on her 25th birthday that a house has been bequeathed to her from her birth parents, who seemingly died in a very strange murder suicide, or was it truly? I was instantly horrified but equally intrigued and couldn’t wait to learn more! Through Libby’s perspective at the start, we learn (as she chats with the solicitor about the house and the strange history behind it, let alone the mysterious circumstances of her supposed biological parents deaths), we learn that Libby also seemingly has a half brother and sister, but where are they? Then the utter genius continued! The next point of view was from Henry, who I learnt was one of Libby’s half siblings!! And he narrates his early years, which just had me even more on tenderhooks because it meant that we’d get a first hand look at what happened all those years ago! We then also have a third narrator, which, looking back, took me slightly longer to figure out who it was – but I think that possibly may have been part of the authors’ genius to keep me reading! During Henry’s early chapters, he keeps referring to his sister as exactly that, so I was wondering all about her! Where was she now? Just brilliant! Lucy, wonderful Lucy! I think her character just had the best character growth and development! And what she went through, my goodness! I was completely in awe of her throughout! When we first meet her she is a homeless, single mother of two children, a young boy and an infant girl! I knew she was more connected to Libby, or should I say…no, you really must read this book! It truly has everything in it and I was left wanting more but in the best way! Now I can’t wait to read all of Lisa Jewell’s other books!!...more
I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own. This was quite a perplexing read, I felt like I couldn’t enviI recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own. This was quite a perplexing read, I felt like I couldn’t envision what may come next and I couldn’t help but feel a complete sense of unease as I read it! I couldn’t help but wonder if Molly, our main character, was completely imagining everything or just living in an extreme state of paranoia! The narration was completely engaging, the chapters being quite short so as I was reading this, I felt like I couldn’t put it down! There were some aspects of this book that were done so well and I found them to be so spooky, such as when Molly finds an intruder in her home, decked in a turtleneck sweater, track pants and scarily enough, an antler head! The imagery here was so unnerving, I just couldn’t get enough! I couldnt help but wonder what would come next! I admired Molly’s love for her children, I do think she is a great mother to young Vivi and Ben, effectively raising them herself whilst managing her demanding career as a paleobotonist, whilst her husband is away. I felt like a lot of the mystery, for me, in this book was that Molly often found herself slipping between what was real and what wasn’t, such as was that the footsteps of someone in the house? Or was it just Vivi or Ben? I feel like I never really knew, and it was just constantly unsettling throughout! If you’re looking for a unique and dark book, I definitely recommend this book! It’ll stay in your mind for sure!...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
It’s always rewarding hearing an author speak about their book and what drives them to tell stories, I must say I hadn’t heard much at all about My SiIt’s always rewarding hearing an author speak about their book and what drives them to tell stories, I must say I hadn’t heard much at all about My Sister The Serial Killer until a friend made me aware of it, and after hearing the author speak about her characters and read an excerpt of her novel, I knew I was already invested! The premise of the novel is given to us in the title, as you might have imagined – we start our journey alongside Korede, dinner interrupted, as she receives a call from her younger sister saying she killed someone, and she needs Korede’s help to clean up the scene and to dispose of the body, naturally. What struck me has firstly mesmerising, is Korede’s immense loyalty to her sister, I mean of course she questions her actions, demanding to know what happened and why, but Korede’s loyalty has always been to Ayoola. As soon as I started reading this book, I was hooked! I couldn’t even envision what might come next or what might be revealed, so I honestly was happy to go along reading this book as Korede, although I do lament that this wasn’t told from dual points of view – it would’ve been interesting to see what really went on in Ayoola’s mind, but reading about her from her sisters’ point of view was sufficient, too. The sisters were a parallel of one another, Ayoola was all limbs and beauty, perhaps possessing very little conscience about what she does – it is Korede who is haunted by her sister’s actions and by her victims- it’s funny, thinking back to what Ayoola did- I don’t blame her, because I do think it was self defence, but I do wonder in regards to the climax of the book near the end, it was so surprising how the last few scenes played out, and the aftermath of that – I definitely wanted more once the book had ended! I also found the setting quite unique too, I have hardly read anything set in Nigeria so this was really refreshing! I felt that the authors’ writing was so effortless and descriptive, so I could clearly picture scenes as I was reading them- from the descriptions of bumper to bumper traffic, to Korede being interrogated by a ruthless police officer, to the description of their home compound. The emotions too, leapt across the page too, from the horror that Korede felt at her sister getting up to her antics, to Korede’s angst and worries, forever hoping she’s covered all basis at making sure crime and evidence had been covered – how she is the one that grieves more for her sister’s victims, how she always feels secondary to her younger sister – her mother would always scold her for what accidents might have happened to Ayoola. The flashbacks were so powerful too, where Korede remembered when her mother and sister, along with herself, were ruthlessly beaten by their father- I found myself flinching in these parts, horrified for how this man would treat his own family! But I was so glad that Ayoola and Korede weren’t blind about him (we learn that he died prior to the events of this book), so they know what he was like and don’t bother with the facade of crocodile tears or anything when it comes to remembering him. Aside from the mystery that was presented at the start of the book, there were plenty of twists and turns throughout that I did not see coming! I was left so surprised at one revelation which involved Korede’s favourite patient (another fascinating part was just reading about the everyday interactions between Korede and her workmates, some of which I definitely didn’t think would play such an integral part in the story! So yes, you can definitley say that this one was packed full of the element of surprise! Wholly memorable and utterly powerful!...more
Okay wow. I’m not actually even sure how to politely word this but I’ll try. It’s 12:47AM and I stayed up all night waiting to see how this book wouldOkay wow. I’m not actually even sure how to politely word this but I’ll try. It’s 12:47AM and I stayed up all night waiting to see how this book would climax. Insanity much, considering even after finishing it that I’m not sure that I even liked it? Although I must say in my opinion, the word like and Joe Goldberg don’t flow that well together. Or Beck or any of these other characters truthfully. Initially I was drawn in by the plot, the initial eerie narration from stalker Joe (He is that! Not a freaking God send like he has foolishly convinced himself that he is, but just a deluded fool!) And honestly his sexual fantasies about Beck were horrific to read about- and I hated how he was mindlessly flirting with another to take his mind of Beck being distant! (Or was she?). I found myself needing to know how this madness was going to conclude, but I also found myself getting tired of the sameness to Joe’s character – the errant sexual fantasies and his godly complex it’s like no what he did was just horrible and yes the other character’s aren’t saints but come on, Joe is just insanity personified! I praise the Author though for delivering such a chilling narration, honestly. I won’t read the sequel but this one won’t leave my mind for some time yet, I fear....more
When I finished this book firstly back in 2016, I remember feeling so devastated that it was the final book in the unique series that is Miss PeregrinWhen I finished this book firstly back in 2016, I remember feeling so devastated that it was the final book in the unique series that is Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children, and then when A Map of Days was announced, I was ecstatic! I feel like I have a whole new appreciation for this first trilogy after the second time that I’ve read them, I just relished every moment in Library of Souls, I felt Emma and Jacob’s deaparation as they were separated from their Peculiar friends, and the writing in book 3 was much more spooky and atmospheric than its predecessors! I felt on the edge of my seat throughout, and I was definitely proud of Emma’s choices near the end of the book, and seeing Jacob’s parents again definitely makes me excited and intrigued as to how much they’ll be involved in the new series! I will definitely be starting A Map of Days soon, I cannot wait for the new era of the Peculiars!...more
This was my third time reading this book, and honestly, it was every bit as thrilling as the first two reads, giving me all of those amazing CresswortThis was my third time reading this book, and honestly, it was every bit as thrilling as the first two reads, giving me all of those amazing Cressworth swoony feelings, and so much more! When my copy of the third book featuring these amazing characters arrived, I couldn’t help but indulge in a re read of the first two installments, and I’m definitely going to start Hunting Prince Dracula right away!! I love Maniscalco’s eerie prose, how she has weaved such a heartbreaking but equally mysterious and most definitely chilling tale, set against the backdrop of Victorian London amidst the Whitechapel Murders. What I enjoy the most about re reads is the foreshadowing! Well, and Thomas and Audrey Rose, of course. Both characters are exceptionally exquisite, and their banter and chemistry just leap off the page! Even though I knew what was to come, it was just such a pleasure to re read! The mystery was every bit as thrilling as the first two times, and Nathaniel’s story ARC still gives me feels, I swoon for Thomas and admire Audrey Rose always!...more
I recieved a copy of this book from Pan Macmillian Australia in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own. The Three Dark Crowns series isI recieved a copy of this book from Pan Macmillian Australia in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own. The Three Dark Crowns series is one of my all time favourites, so when I was approached to review this I was over the moon!! Kendare Blake weaves an epic, wicked story, about three triplet queens, two to devour and one to be queen. After the massive cliffhanger that was One Dark Throne, I couldn’t wait for this book! By far, I feel like this is the best installment so far! I was so on edge throughout, Katharine ruling and hearing of plans to thwart her crown, and what are these unusual powers that seem to command Katharine to do not what she would? I was so feeling the intensity! Katharine was once my favourite, and part of me still loves her the most out of the triplet Queens, but honestly what epic revelations and twists throughout! There were so many dark moments, with inklings of foreshadowing, yet I was well and truly floored by the end! I have all of the need for book 4, what a conclusion that will be! With the weaving of Arsinoe’s nightmares (or are they?) in the story, seeing a girl called Daphne in them, I was constantly wondering where things would tie together, and the results were epic! Not to mention chilling! And oh so fabulous! I loved learning more about Jules, her and her familiar, Camden, have always been two other favourite characters in this series, Jules’ friendship with Arsinoe always made my heart happy, and I love how in general that these characters all intersect together, without it ever being overwhelming, its just perfection. This world is so beautifully crafted and full of darkness and wickedness and I cannot get enough! I am continually impressed by everyone’s character growth, namely Mirabella, Jules, Pietyr and Bree! It was just perfection seeing the part everyone had to play in this epic third installment! All throughout, I was wondering who to trust and who would play the next move and what would be the outcome, it was just too epic! And what an ending, I am still shooketh!...more
Traditionally, I used to review my re reads, but then I stopped because I found, with my favourites such as HP and Throne of Glass, I had the same feeTraditionally, I used to review my re reads, but then I stopped because I found, with my favourites such as HP and Throne of Glass, I had the same feelings as I did the first time around, and I couldn’t express my love for the books enough in words! I am re reading Throne of Glass now, well, I’m up to Empire of Storms, and Clockwork Princess in my Shadowhunter re read, and I realise I miss gushing about them! So I am gladly going to assume my re reviews, but from these points in the series. Also, when I first read Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children, I wasn’t as in to book blogging as I am now! So I just wanted to write the above, which will hopefully explain why I haven’t been as active here, but I will be once more! I was, to my surprise but delight, sent an ARC of Ransom Riggs’ new book, A Map of Days, which continues the story of Jacob and his peculiar friends. I immediately thought to myself that I would need to re read the original trilogy, in order to fully appreciate A Map of Days, and refresh my mind with all the fabulous and spooky occurrences that happened throughout these books, and just reunite with these amazing characters. I first read this book back in 2016, and loved every moment! I remembered thinking that I hadn’t read anything like it before, and loved immersing myself in this amazing story, where there were chills aplenty and I never knew what was around the corner! As soon as I started my re read, I found all those emotions and feelings were coming back to me! I loved reading about Jake, trying to come to terms with the loss of his grandfather, and trying to figure out the history of his life, perhaps a life that he lived full of curious and peculiar people, Jacob initially didn’t know what to believe, and he was put through psychiatric meetings which left him more confused than not! But when he meets Emma, he knows life has always had an adventure in store for him! And oh, what a pleasure this was to re experience! Just like the first time, I fell in love with Emma, Millard, Hugh and Bronwyn, and Olive once again! I just love all these peculiar characters and I loved reading about their funny abilities, from Bronwyn’s super human strength, to Emma’s fire power, and to Millard’s invisibility! And wow, the time loops awed me just as much as the first time, loving from going from the present day to 1940’s! And I especially loved Miss Alma Peregrine, I admire all of the ymbrene’s fierce devotion to their charges! And the writing is just as captivating as the first time! I felt like I was watching an epic movie play out in my mind as I read it (sidestepping over the film adaption, which was a bit of a let down…well, a lot). But with Riggs’ writing, I felt like I had as many chills as the first time, and I couldn’t put this book down once again! I am well and truly rediscovering a favourite series here! The character development made me so happy! At first, Emma was unsure about Jacob, and I didn’t blame her, putting myself in her thoughts, but I love how they progressively bonded, and I love how open and friendly Millard is, and how loyal and brave Bronwyn is, and just how these Peculiars embrace their oddities! And how they eventually all accepted and grew so fond of Jake! This book series definitely makes me happy! I will be diving into Hollow Cityonce again, I can’t wait to re experience what’s in store! I am so excited to read A Map of Days, and equally excited to re discover what is in store in books 2 and 3! I am so glad I get to relive all these moments!...more
I had so been looking forward to this book! Victoria Schwab has been a recent discovery for me, I mean, A Darker Shade of Magic was my first read of 2I had so been looking forward to this book! Victoria Schwab has been a recent discovery for me, I mean, A Darker Shade of Magic was my first read of 2018 and made me fall in love with her stellar writing, and I can happily count both her Shades of Magic and Monsters of Verity series among my all time favourites, so you can definitely imagine I had high hopes for this book and was waiting with baited breath for my copy to arrive!  As soon as I started this book, I felt like I was in for a treat! A strange, spooky, wonderful treat! I instantly felt drawn to the plot, just as Cassidy feels drawn to ghosts. I mean, even at the first page, this story felt so memorable, and I couldn't help but feel attached to Cass right away! She is just such a precious character and I wanted to hug her and Jacob throughout! I loved their friendship, I mean, they are both so endearing! I was literally grinning because they had some of the most fun banter and they just care about one another so much!  And I mean, Jacob, he felt so complex, but in a good way? I felt like I wanted to know more about him, and I still do! I say complex, well, you will know what I mean when I read the book, for he's not exactly human....but I love how loyal he is to Cassie, and vice versa! He's hilarious too, there was a scene where he was saying a part of Edinburgh reminds him of Tumbledore and The Magic Hat (actually he meant Dumbledore and the Sorting hat), Cassie being a Harry Potter fan! That was another thing that I love, Cassie and Lara are Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, respectively, and although I was unsure about Lara's character at first, I ended up loving her by the end! And of course Cassidy herself is so likeable, honestly, I need the next book now! Her family are just amazing and I loved their curiosity and passion for ghosts and all things spooky, seeing her folks film their tv series was so fabulous, Schwab's writing was so vivid, I felt like I was there! And coupled with such spooky Scottish lore, this made for such a delightfully strange, spooky read! There was even a black cat in the book, by the name of Grim, who made me chuckle with his ticked off look! I definitely feel like I could already read infinite stories about Cassidy, so I'm definitely counting this book as a new favourite! I cannot wait to see what's in store for everyone next!...more
Wow, is all I can say. Honestly, that was such an emotional and addictive read, paying homage to the classic (And one of my favourite books only ever)Wow, is all I can say. Honestly, that was such an emotional and addictive read, paying homage to the classic (And one of my favourite books only ever), Frankenstein. You know, I think Mary Shelley would be proud of what Kiersten White did with this beauty of a book. I fell utterly in love with the authors’ writing in her Conquerers’ Saga and couldn’t resist diving into Elizabeth Frankenstein right away! I was instantly drawn in – I loved the structure of the book, flashbacks from the past to the present, instantly making me wonder what might have happened to the perfect friendship square that seemed to be Victor, Henry, Elizabeth and Justine – with Elizabeth lamenting at her heartbreak and hurt regarding losing Henry as a friend (if only she knew!), to the mysterious Victor that White completely made her own, in my opinion. I mean, whilst staying utterly loyal to the original tone of the story and utterly chill inducing elements of this story with emotions aplenty, Kiersten White took a minor character from the original Frankenstein text and gave her a tale which for me, ran high with (as the title might suggest), darkness, heartbreak but also beauty too, I feel. Elizabeth Frankenstein’s bravery is honestly so admirable, she’s always had to act as a certain version of herself, having to please the one that would seemingly protect her above anything else. One of my favourite parts, and this is wholly bittersweet, is the friendship between Justine and Elizabeth herself- the flash backs just conveyed so many emotions from the sad situation to how they met, to the greatness they were to one another- I mean, Justine was an embodiment of everything good in Elizabeth’s world, and I love the former’s interactions with her charges, young Will and Ernest, it was just so endearing! I admired Elizabeth’s dedication to Victor throughout, I loved (she types whilst being equally horrified), how Elizabeth knew (the girl is wise and brave), how to react to Victor, the flash backs to their childhood – Victor’s obsessive and mad, clever nature was in full bloom even then. It was such a wild, mad, brilliant, addictive and emotional driven read! I could hardly put it down! From the very start, I felt like I was part of Elizabeth’s own Dark Descent, and I didn’t want it to end! I cannot get enough of Kiersten White’s writing, it is just so powerful and I could easily picture everything I was reading and it was perfect! But oh, it did, and brilliantly too! Desparatley hoping there’s future books to come with these memorable characters! But if not, here we have a new favourite stand alone!...more
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