Take a photo of a barcode or cover
serendipity_viv's reviews
762 reviews
The Restorer by Amanda Stevens
5.0
From the first line of this book, I was sucked in, it was just so powerful. I don't think I have ever read a ghost book quite like it, in fact I am positive I haven't read one like this.
Amelia Gray is a cemetery restorer who can see ghosts. However, unlike other ghost stories, her father has pleaded with her not to acknowledge them. By not acknowledging them she stops them from infecting her life and making it hell. She has always managed to keep by her father's rule until she meets Devlin, a haunted policeman, who walks alongside his dead wife and daughter.
She is drawn into a world where murder investigations are priority, if not brutal. Amanda aids the policeman, she is struggling to resist by trying to solve the mystery surrounding the symbolism found on each new grave. Can she help to solve the murders without the ghosts realising she can see them. Can she keep the spirit world separate from reality.
I love that the ghosts in this book take on such a sinister role. Amanda's resistance to acknowledging them adds an extra chill to this spine tingling novel. This is spookiness at its best. The book is set in Charleston, which gives it its rich Deep South flavouring. There is something intriguing about the blending of the Deep South and the spirit world. Especially with the introduction of cults and orders. Each character's background brings you closer to the killer.
The relationship between Devlin and Amelia is unbelievable. You can feel the sexual tension between them dripping off the pages. The intensity of their relationship intertwines effectively with the murder investigation.
This book will suck you in on impact. Imagine walking into a book, where all of a sudden, vines start shooting up and wrapping themselves tightly around your body in all different areas as you are pulled down into the plot. Each vine a new twist or a new layer you just were not expecting, until you are gripped so tightly in the story, you have to reach the end for release. That is how this book made me feel. With each new layer, I was on the edge of my seat. In my mind, the same sentence kept repeating, 'Well, I didn't see that coming!' Nearing the end of the book, the plot is so thick, you haven't a clue who the murder is and I felt like I was sinking in a quagmire, never knowing what to expect next or whether I would ever find out the truth. At one point, I thought I knew who the killer was, but the author soon put pay to my theories.
The ending of the book tied up all the loose ends beautifully as the killer was discovered. However, the two main characters have unfinished business and I can't wait to watch their paths cross again. This book is brilliantly thrilling, crossing the paranormal novel with a murder investigation.
Amanda Stevens admits to being a taphophile (lover of tombstones) and her extensive knowledge of graveyards and gravestones is obvious throughout the book and I found it fascinating the information I learnt whilst reading it.
This is a powerful start to a great new series which I love already and I can't wait to read the next installment. I haven't been this excited about a teen series since Twilight!
Amelia Gray is a cemetery restorer who can see ghosts. However, unlike other ghost stories, her father has pleaded with her not to acknowledge them. By not acknowledging them she stops them from infecting her life and making it hell. She has always managed to keep by her father's rule until she meets Devlin, a haunted policeman, who walks alongside his dead wife and daughter.
She is drawn into a world where murder investigations are priority, if not brutal. Amanda aids the policeman, she is struggling to resist by trying to solve the mystery surrounding the symbolism found on each new grave. Can she help to solve the murders without the ghosts realising she can see them. Can she keep the spirit world separate from reality.
I love that the ghosts in this book take on such a sinister role. Amanda's resistance to acknowledging them adds an extra chill to this spine tingling novel. This is spookiness at its best. The book is set in Charleston, which gives it its rich Deep South flavouring. There is something intriguing about the blending of the Deep South and the spirit world. Especially with the introduction of cults and orders. Each character's background brings you closer to the killer.
The relationship between Devlin and Amelia is unbelievable. You can feel the sexual tension between them dripping off the pages. The intensity of their relationship intertwines effectively with the murder investigation.
This book will suck you in on impact. Imagine walking into a book, where all of a sudden, vines start shooting up and wrapping themselves tightly around your body in all different areas as you are pulled down into the plot. Each vine a new twist or a new layer you just were not expecting, until you are gripped so tightly in the story, you have to reach the end for release. That is how this book made me feel. With each new layer, I was on the edge of my seat. In my mind, the same sentence kept repeating, 'Well, I didn't see that coming!' Nearing the end of the book, the plot is so thick, you haven't a clue who the murder is and I felt like I was sinking in a quagmire, never knowing what to expect next or whether I would ever find out the truth. At one point, I thought I knew who the killer was, but the author soon put pay to my theories.
The ending of the book tied up all the loose ends beautifully as the killer was discovered. However, the two main characters have unfinished business and I can't wait to watch their paths cross again. This book is brilliantly thrilling, crossing the paranormal novel with a murder investigation.
Amanda Stevens admits to being a taphophile (lover of tombstones) and her extensive knowledge of graveyards and gravestones is obvious throughout the book and I found it fascinating the information I learnt whilst reading it.
This is a powerful start to a great new series which I love already and I can't wait to read the next installment. I haven't been this excited about a teen series since Twilight!
The Goddess Test by Aimée Carter
5.0
Kate's mother is dying. She has one last wish before she relinquishes her life; to return to her childhood home. Kate as her soul carer, carries out her last wishes, scared that her mother may not survive the journey home.
Kate instantly becomes the new girl in a new school with no friends and family to support her and each day is a struggle. After Ava decides to play a trick on new girl Kate and everything goes wrong, Kate finds herself making a bargain with Henry who claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld. After watching Henry bring a young girl back to life, Kate hopes that by agreeing to Henry's wishes she may be able to save her mother from death too. Kate consents to live with Henry for six months of the year, whilst trying to pass seven trials. Will she be able to save her mother from dying?
This book is a modern retelling of the Greek mythical story of Persephone, who originally was kidnapped by her uncle and taken to live in the Underworld. In the original myth, Persephone was rescued but only after agreeing to spend six months of the year as Queen of the Underworld, after eating six pomegranate seeds. I found this new version of the story to be original and refreshing in its adaption for modern times.
From the prologue, I was lost in the book. Straightaway, you are thrust into a beautiful story. You finish the prologue with a head full of questions and enough temptation to continue. You are instantly caught up in Kate's immense sadness, as she tries to squeeze more treasured moments with her dying mother, hoping that she can keep her alive just a little bit longer.
As the story progresses, you feel Kate's every emotion as she struggles with her decision and need to keep her mother alive. She will do anything for her. She agrees to live with Henry for six months of the year, hoping that her mother will be given extra time to live in order for her to say goodbye.
Henry may be the King of the Underworld, but he appears as nothing but gentlemanly and charming. He reminded me immediately of Cole Turner from the Charmed Series (who was also Head of the Underworld). He comes across as one of those wonderful male characters you can imagine effortlessly rescuing you from a burning building.
This book has a slight air of Beauty and The Beast about it, which gave it a fairytale quality. Henry is such a feared character, yet so loving and caring to Kate. He will do anything to save her life, which is under threat from the moment she agrees to live with him. The whole story is just beautiful written and delightfully charming.
As you get pulled more and more into the story, you are filled with shocks and surprises as the plot thickens. However, by the end of the book, I was left with such a warm feeling of contentedness and completeness, as Kate's world changed forever. I find that I want to tell you so much, yet I have to stay really quiet for fear of giving away any of the plot.
I adored this book and read it in two settings. Even though the book is the first part of a series,this story is complete, there is nothing left floating around to leave you pondering. You can put it down content that all the loose ends have been tied up.
My only niggle with this book is the title. It appears too clunky to me. For some reason, I feel such a beautiful book should just be called 'Goddess' and nothing else, the word 'test' instantly makes me think of school and the trials she faces are so much more than that..
Other than that, I loved it completely and was happy to be lost in Kate's world for a few hours. This is definitely one of those books, you want to keep. Now I will sit here waiting rather impatiently for the second book in the series.
Kate instantly becomes the new girl in a new school with no friends and family to support her and each day is a struggle. After Ava decides to play a trick on new girl Kate and everything goes wrong, Kate finds herself making a bargain with Henry who claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld. After watching Henry bring a young girl back to life, Kate hopes that by agreeing to Henry's wishes she may be able to save her mother from death too. Kate consents to live with Henry for six months of the year, whilst trying to pass seven trials. Will she be able to save her mother from dying?
This book is a modern retelling of the Greek mythical story of Persephone, who originally was kidnapped by her uncle and taken to live in the Underworld. In the original myth, Persephone was rescued but only after agreeing to spend six months of the year as Queen of the Underworld, after eating six pomegranate seeds. I found this new version of the story to be original and refreshing in its adaption for modern times.
From the prologue, I was lost in the book. Straightaway, you are thrust into a beautiful story. You finish the prologue with a head full of questions and enough temptation to continue. You are instantly caught up in Kate's immense sadness, as she tries to squeeze more treasured moments with her dying mother, hoping that she can keep her alive just a little bit longer.
As the story progresses, you feel Kate's every emotion as she struggles with her decision and need to keep her mother alive. She will do anything for her. She agrees to live with Henry for six months of the year, hoping that her mother will be given extra time to live in order for her to say goodbye.
Henry may be the King of the Underworld, but he appears as nothing but gentlemanly and charming. He reminded me immediately of Cole Turner from the Charmed Series (who was also Head of the Underworld). He comes across as one of those wonderful male characters you can imagine effortlessly rescuing you from a burning building.
This book has a slight air of Beauty and The Beast about it, which gave it a fairytale quality. Henry is such a feared character, yet so loving and caring to Kate. He will do anything to save her life, which is under threat from the moment she agrees to live with him. The whole story is just beautiful written and delightfully charming.
As you get pulled more and more into the story, you are filled with shocks and surprises as the plot thickens. However, by the end of the book, I was left with such a warm feeling of contentedness and completeness, as Kate's world changed forever. I find that I want to tell you so much, yet I have to stay really quiet for fear of giving away any of the plot.
I adored this book and read it in two settings. Even though the book is the first part of a series,this story is complete, there is nothing left floating around to leave you pondering. You can put it down content that all the loose ends have been tied up.
My only niggle with this book is the title. It appears too clunky to me. For some reason, I feel such a beautiful book should just be called 'Goddess' and nothing else, the word 'test' instantly makes me think of school and the trials she faces are so much more than that..
Other than that, I loved it completely and was happy to be lost in Kate's world for a few hours. This is definitely one of those books, you want to keep. Now I will sit here waiting rather impatiently for the second book in the series.
Delirium by Lauren Oliver
5.0
Lena Halloway has always looked forward to the day when she will be cured of the disease amor deliria nervosa. She remembers quite clearly how it affected her mother and she doesn't want to die from the same disease.
As the day of her cure grows ever closer, Lena is shocked to find herself changing her opinion of the cure. Especially when she meets Alex. Lena begins to wonder if the cure really is the best thing for society. Surely love is the answer and not the disease.
When I began to read this book, I found myself in awe of Lauren Oliver's world building abilities. Through her vivid descriptions, she has created a believable society with a hint of Big Brother lurking in the background. Lauren Oliver clearly spent a long time researching and developing this book in order to give it such an authentic reality. Her detailed descriptions of the effects of love on the innocent, were uncannily accurate,leaving me shuddering with a possible premonition of love being outlawed throughout the world.
It took me a little while to warm to Lena, as she came across as rather childish to begin with and only interested in her own self importance. However as her character grew and the society controlled blinkers fell away from her eyes, I could not help but grow to love her. She became a devious and feisty young woman, my favourite kind of female protaganist!
The relationship between Lena and Alex took a little while to ignite,slowly burned, then exploded on to the pages. The forbidden boundaries of their relationship, intertwined with recurrent whispers of Romeo and Juliet, created such an intensity that I found it impossible to put the book down.
I felt that the characters who had been cured were extremely well written. The fact that they were unable to exhibit any signs of emotion at all, was clearly shown through their disregard to crying children and injured pets. They gave me the distinct impression of androids, unable to comprehend feelings or reveal emotions.
The story ended with an unexpected yet powerful cliffhanger, that left me bewildered and breathless. I feel helpless in my lack of knowledge of their futures and can only wait with anxiety until the release of the second book in the series, Pandemonium.
Having read Matched, I found I couldn't leave this review without a comment about it in relation to Delirium. I will not compare them as from my personal perspective there is no comparison. Within Delirium love is a virulant disease, whereas in Matched, love isn't the main issue; finding the perfect match is. Out of the two dystopian worlds, Delirium was definitely more realistic and scarily achievable than Matched. Delirium didn't leave me feeling suffocated in the same way that Matched did.
For all lovers of dystopian fiction, I do feel Lauren Oliver has created a new world for us to step into.
As the day of her cure grows ever closer, Lena is shocked to find herself changing her opinion of the cure. Especially when she meets Alex. Lena begins to wonder if the cure really is the best thing for society. Surely love is the answer and not the disease.
When I began to read this book, I found myself in awe of Lauren Oliver's world building abilities. Through her vivid descriptions, she has created a believable society with a hint of Big Brother lurking in the background. Lauren Oliver clearly spent a long time researching and developing this book in order to give it such an authentic reality. Her detailed descriptions of the effects of love on the innocent, were uncannily accurate,leaving me shuddering with a possible premonition of love being outlawed throughout the world.
It took me a little while to warm to Lena, as she came across as rather childish to begin with and only interested in her own self importance. However as her character grew and the society controlled blinkers fell away from her eyes, I could not help but grow to love her. She became a devious and feisty young woman, my favourite kind of female protaganist!
The relationship between Lena and Alex took a little while to ignite,slowly burned, then exploded on to the pages. The forbidden boundaries of their relationship, intertwined with recurrent whispers of Romeo and Juliet, created such an intensity that I found it impossible to put the book down.
I felt that the characters who had been cured were extremely well written. The fact that they were unable to exhibit any signs of emotion at all, was clearly shown through their disregard to crying children and injured pets. They gave me the distinct impression of androids, unable to comprehend feelings or reveal emotions.
The story ended with an unexpected yet powerful cliffhanger, that left me bewildered and breathless. I feel helpless in my lack of knowledge of their futures and can only wait with anxiety until the release of the second book in the series, Pandemonium.
Having read Matched, I found I couldn't leave this review without a comment about it in relation to Delirium. I will not compare them as from my personal perspective there is no comparison. Within Delirium love is a virulant disease, whereas in Matched, love isn't the main issue; finding the perfect match is. Out of the two dystopian worlds, Delirium was definitely more realistic and scarily achievable than Matched. Delirium didn't leave me feeling suffocated in the same way that Matched did.
For all lovers of dystopian fiction, I do feel Lauren Oliver has created a new world for us to step into.
West of the Moon by Katherine Langrish
5.0
You know when you read a book and you dread reaching the last page, because you instinctively you will miss the characters and the fantasy world they live in, well this is one of those books. I felt emotionally attached to the characters and wanted to know whether they ever returned to their original lives.
As an abridged version of three books,the book is an epic 614 pages, allowing you to have plenty of time to make yourself comfortable in a world where Vikings, Trolls and Yetis all coexist, if not always happily together. The book is split into three parts with follow different events in Peer's life. The first part deals with Peer's relationship with his uncles and his need to escape their evil clutches before being handed to the Troll King as a slave. The second part shows Peer's desperation to appear more grown up in front of Hilde, by trying to bring the mill back to life. The last part follows Peer and Hilde as they travel to the land that is east of the Sun and west of the Moon. Each part, blends beautifully into the next one, leaving me disappointed at the end to find out there was no more.
The first pages of the book lift you up and throw you straight in the horror that is to become Peer Ulfsson's new life. His father has died and his uncles whom he has never met before take him home to use as a slave. It is heart wrenching to read how they treat them. You find yourself gasping with horror with each incident. The darkness envelops you and you become desperate for Peer to escape his miserable life.
Peer's only salvations are his dog, Loki and his new found friend, Hilde. Peer's relationship with Hilde is beautiful to watch as it blossoms from childhood friendship to love. Throughout the book they are constantly thrown into difficult situations to tackle and work together to solve each problem. You are repeatedly urging Peer and Hilde to rebuild their friendship with love,as you can see they are suited to each other.
Kathleen Langrish has created a beautiful landscape through her extensive world building. The attention to detail gives this fantasy land such an air of authenticity. You can easily picture the mill, the farm and Troll Hill as the hill becomes raised for each special occasion.
There is a character within the book called the Nis, who I adored on contact. In my eyes, I viewed him to be a bit like Dobby from the Harry Potter films, only smaller. He helped with the cleaning and looking after the babies. He also becomes a sailor in the last part of the book. He is just a wonderful character to meet and definitely my favourite within the book.
Out of the three parts of the book, I would say that I loved the first part the best. The introduction of the Troll King and his family had me enthralled. In this part, we also see that Peer's uncles get just what they deserve, after such ill treatment of Peer. I hated his uncles as soon as they turned up in the book and couldn't wait to see them suffer.
I have never read anything about Vikings and trolls before, but Katherine has left me with a thirst for more information. I will be seeking out other Viking books to help calm my curiosity.
I am also very curious about Katherine Langrish's future books as she will definitely be an author I will want to read again.
As an abridged version of three books,the book is an epic 614 pages, allowing you to have plenty of time to make yourself comfortable in a world where Vikings, Trolls and Yetis all coexist, if not always happily together. The book is split into three parts with follow different events in Peer's life. The first part deals with Peer's relationship with his uncles and his need to escape their evil clutches before being handed to the Troll King as a slave. The second part shows Peer's desperation to appear more grown up in front of Hilde, by trying to bring the mill back to life. The last part follows Peer and Hilde as they travel to the land that is east of the Sun and west of the Moon. Each part, blends beautifully into the next one, leaving me disappointed at the end to find out there was no more.
The first pages of the book lift you up and throw you straight in the horror that is to become Peer Ulfsson's new life. His father has died and his uncles whom he has never met before take him home to use as a slave. It is heart wrenching to read how they treat them. You find yourself gasping with horror with each incident. The darkness envelops you and you become desperate for Peer to escape his miserable life.
Peer's only salvations are his dog, Loki and his new found friend, Hilde. Peer's relationship with Hilde is beautiful to watch as it blossoms from childhood friendship to love. Throughout the book they are constantly thrown into difficult situations to tackle and work together to solve each problem. You are repeatedly urging Peer and Hilde to rebuild their friendship with love,as you can see they are suited to each other.
Kathleen Langrish has created a beautiful landscape through her extensive world building. The attention to detail gives this fantasy land such an air of authenticity. You can easily picture the mill, the farm and Troll Hill as the hill becomes raised for each special occasion.
There is a character within the book called the Nis, who I adored on contact. In my eyes, I viewed him to be a bit like Dobby from the Harry Potter films, only smaller. He helped with the cleaning and looking after the babies. He also becomes a sailor in the last part of the book. He is just a wonderful character to meet and definitely my favourite within the book.
Out of the three parts of the book, I would say that I loved the first part the best. The introduction of the Troll King and his family had me enthralled. In this part, we also see that Peer's uncles get just what they deserve, after such ill treatment of Peer. I hated his uncles as soon as they turned up in the book and couldn't wait to see them suffer.
I have never read anything about Vikings and trolls before, but Katherine has left me with a thirst for more information. I will be seeking out other Viking books to help calm my curiosity.
I am also very curious about Katherine Langrish's future books as she will definitely be an author I will want to read again.
One Hundred Candles by Mara Purnhagen
4.0
Charlotte comes from a rather infamous family who are well known as being paranormal investigators.She is just getting to a place in her life where she feels she can actually be a normal teenager. She has started a new school and made new friends who don't seem to be obsessed with her family's chosen career. She has even got a hot date with Harris, the school football star.
Yet things don't seem to want to run smoothly for Charlotte and after Harris takes her to a party where a spooky game called One Hundred Candles is played, things start to wrong. Rather creepy and sinister events begin to occur at school, frightening everyone. Can Charlotte get to the bottom of it, without putting herself in danger.
Although this book is the second in the series, I never felt for one minute that I needed to read the first book beforehand, a huge plus in any book for me.
I love a book that can send shivers up my spine and have me constantly checking that no one is lurking behind the sofa and this one did not disappoint. All the way through, you were just waiting for the bad things to happen and scaring yourself silly.
Charlotte is a rather feisty go getting girl who for some reason reminded me of a cross between Nancy Drew and Velma from Scooby Doo. I think it might be her super sleuthing ways to discover the truth. She is feisty and fearless and goes through hell with a lot of dignity. She has no special powers to deal with the ghosts, she is just an ordinary girl with a family with an unordinary career.
The other characters didn't really stand out to me. I felt they were a little two dimensional and I would have liked to have got to know them a lot better. Avery and Noah really captured my interest but they just didn't stand out as much as Charlotte did. This may be more defined in the first book but as I haven't read it, I can't really say.
I found the action moved swiftly through the book and the build up of tension kept me reading. It is definitely one of those books you quickly get lost in and feel an urgency to find out what is going on. I thought the pacing was excellent and I found myself finishing this book in two sittings.
If you like ghost stories with a hint of mystery then this book will really appeal to your inner Nancy Drew!
Yet things don't seem to want to run smoothly for Charlotte and after Harris takes her to a party where a spooky game called One Hundred Candles is played, things start to wrong. Rather creepy and sinister events begin to occur at school, frightening everyone. Can Charlotte get to the bottom of it, without putting herself in danger.
Although this book is the second in the series, I never felt for one minute that I needed to read the first book beforehand, a huge plus in any book for me.
I love a book that can send shivers up my spine and have me constantly checking that no one is lurking behind the sofa and this one did not disappoint. All the way through, you were just waiting for the bad things to happen and scaring yourself silly.
Charlotte is a rather feisty go getting girl who for some reason reminded me of a cross between Nancy Drew and Velma from Scooby Doo. I think it might be her super sleuthing ways to discover the truth. She is feisty and fearless and goes through hell with a lot of dignity. She has no special powers to deal with the ghosts, she is just an ordinary girl with a family with an unordinary career.
The other characters didn't really stand out to me. I felt they were a little two dimensional and I would have liked to have got to know them a lot better. Avery and Noah really captured my interest but they just didn't stand out as much as Charlotte did. This may be more defined in the first book but as I haven't read it, I can't really say.
I found the action moved swiftly through the book and the build up of tension kept me reading. It is definitely one of those books you quickly get lost in and feel an urgency to find out what is going on. I thought the pacing was excellent and I found myself finishing this book in two sittings.
If you like ghost stories with a hint of mystery then this book will really appeal to your inner Nancy Drew!
The Guardian Angel's Journal by Carolyn Jess-Cooke
4.0
I am a complete sucker for an angel story and this one sent me straight to heaven. The idea behind this story is so original it blew my mind. I felt like I had stepped into a quantam physics experiment, where I could bend time backwards and forwards like an eraser.
Margot dies at the age of forty and is sent back to Earth to be her OWN GUARDIAN ANGEL! I kid you not. Doesn't that just defy mentality? Margot is renamed Beth and forced to accompany herself as she relives every minor detail of her past. Beth is allowed to encourage Margot into making the right decisions, but Margot is a force to be reckoned with and isn't about to listen carefully to her former self.
I refuse to give away any spoilers for this book. You just have to read it. I am actually rather desperate for someone else to read this book, so that I can talk about it openly without giving away any of the storyline.
This book felt like a 'before' and 'after' scenerio. Just imagine being able to try and alter all of those incidents that you now know had disasterous effects on your life. Beth knows exactly how Margot's life will turn out and does her utmost to try and change her actions, often without any change occurring. Margot's younger years are probably some of the worst you can imagine. So it is not surprising at all, the way Margot's life unfolds. The events of her son's life were definitely a direct consequence of Margot's emotional rollercoaster of a life. You could just envisage this vicious barbed wire circle of circumstances continually playing over and over again.
I found the writing to be utterly beautiful and often very poignant. Carolyn Jess-Cooke is extremely good at pulling your heart strings and twisted them into knots. This book is a real gut wrencher and a couple of times I felt my eyes welling up at some rather emotional and violent scenes. I felt every last tear and pain that the young Margot experienced right alongside her guardian angel Beth.
As Margot moves into adulthood, I wanted to dislike her, but everytime I reminded myself of the childhood she had led, I stepped away from those feelings.
Carolyn Jess-Cooke has been compared with Audrey Niffenegger and I can understand why. Her book is a fresh approach to angels with an original idea developed thoroughly, leaving you desperate to read more of her work.
The only thing I don't like about this book is that I didn't write it first! Only joking. I just can't wait to see what Carolyn writes next.
If you love angels like I do and believe that everything is not as it seems, then trust me when I tell you that you are going to want to read this book.
Margot dies at the age of forty and is sent back to Earth to be her OWN GUARDIAN ANGEL! I kid you not. Doesn't that just defy mentality? Margot is renamed Beth and forced to accompany herself as she relives every minor detail of her past. Beth is allowed to encourage Margot into making the right decisions, but Margot is a force to be reckoned with and isn't about to listen carefully to her former self.
I refuse to give away any spoilers for this book. You just have to read it. I am actually rather desperate for someone else to read this book, so that I can talk about it openly without giving away any of the storyline.
This book felt like a 'before' and 'after' scenerio. Just imagine being able to try and alter all of those incidents that you now know had disasterous effects on your life. Beth knows exactly how Margot's life will turn out and does her utmost to try and change her actions, often without any change occurring. Margot's younger years are probably some of the worst you can imagine. So it is not surprising at all, the way Margot's life unfolds. The events of her son's life were definitely a direct consequence of Margot's emotional rollercoaster of a life. You could just envisage this vicious barbed wire circle of circumstances continually playing over and over again.
I found the writing to be utterly beautiful and often very poignant. Carolyn Jess-Cooke is extremely good at pulling your heart strings and twisted them into knots. This book is a real gut wrencher and a couple of times I felt my eyes welling up at some rather emotional and violent scenes. I felt every last tear and pain that the young Margot experienced right alongside her guardian angel Beth.
As Margot moves into adulthood, I wanted to dislike her, but everytime I reminded myself of the childhood she had led, I stepped away from those feelings.
Carolyn Jess-Cooke has been compared with Audrey Niffenegger and I can understand why. Her book is a fresh approach to angels with an original idea developed thoroughly, leaving you desperate to read more of her work.
The only thing I don't like about this book is that I didn't write it first! Only joking. I just can't wait to see what Carolyn writes next.
If you love angels like I do and believe that everything is not as it seems, then trust me when I tell you that you are going to want to read this book.
Blackwatch by Jenna Burtenshaw
5.0
Jenna Burtenshaw has a very dark mind! And I for one, LOVE IT!
This is the second book in the Wintercraft trilogy and I found that it was a much darker fantasy than the first one. Jenna Burtenshaw is excellent at creating a Gothic style world that slowly envelops you until you cannot escape. From the first pages, you are handcuffed and instantly engulfed with a fear of foreboding.
The Skilled have captured Kate and imprisoned her. They fear the power she now has at her fingertips. She is stronger than any other Walker who has held the Wintercraft book before her, she is also volatile as she is unable to cope with the power sweeping through her. Whilst the Skilled decide upon Kate's future, others are keen to find her. Blackwatch, a sinister and elite force who fear nothing, will not stop until they have brought Kate to Dalliah Grey, a rather well known character from the past who has constantly defied death for two centuries.
The author has successfully brought back the feisty Kate, the dark, brooding, dangerous Silas and the sarcastic, slightly annoying Edward from the first book. Along with these familiar faces, there are two new characters. Dalliah Grey, a quietly determined woman who gives off an air of benevolence and Banderman, the leader of the Blackwatch, who seems to be constantly defying death; a malignant growth that needs to be surgically removed. Kate worried me as a character, as I felt she on the verge of following a macabre pathway; she is now so unpredictable with the power she holds inside her. Silas is still one of my most favourite characters. As unpleasant and cold as he tries to appear, there is a heart hidden deeply within and occasionally he has to give in to it. He suffers physically and emotionally in this book, which shows a more humane side to his character. Thankfully neither Dalliah or Banderman appear as openly posionous as Daru did in the first book, yet looks can be deceiving and I think Dalliah is yet to reach her full potential of evilness.
Yet again, Jenna Burtenshaw breathes originality in to the fantasy genre. The veil and the spirit wheels are unique to her writing style. Within this book, we are given a deeper understanding about how they came to be, their origins were a lot darker than I would have ever expected.
What I love about the Wintercraft books is the author's use of descriptive language. I find myself getting lost in the world she has built as her descriptions come to life. I find her use of imagery quite outstanding. Within this book, we discover the underground caverns that appear endless, a whole world beneath your feet, ready to be explored. Although the darkness of the underground setting does gives off a claustrophobic feel to the reader. I felt Kate's immense relief on reaching the surface and seeing the stars light up the evening sky.
Within the actual writing, there is never a trace of a clunky phrase or unsuitable word, the prose just continues to flow beautifully. This storyline wasn't as intense as the first book, allowing me to breathe easier this time. Some of the spoken passages by the characters were brilliantly written and eloquently said.
I found myself reading this book in two sittings,as once I had reacquainted myself with Kate and Silas, I didn't want to leave their company. I think if I had to choose between the two books so far in the series, I would have to say that Blackwatch is my favourite, but it is a difficult choice to make as I have enjoyed them both.
This book ends on a cliffhanger, yet the story within the book is wrapped up leaving only the last chapter with loose ends. I can't wait for the final part of the trilogy in order to discover how it all will end.From reading the last pages of this book I can only imagine an apocalyptic finale to the series,
This is a fantasy series I would highly recommend, especially if you are new to this genre. Each book is just under three hundred books and quick to lose yourself in.
This is the second book in the Wintercraft trilogy and I found that it was a much darker fantasy than the first one. Jenna Burtenshaw is excellent at creating a Gothic style world that slowly envelops you until you cannot escape. From the first pages, you are handcuffed and instantly engulfed with a fear of foreboding.
The Skilled have captured Kate and imprisoned her. They fear the power she now has at her fingertips. She is stronger than any other Walker who has held the Wintercraft book before her, she is also volatile as she is unable to cope with the power sweeping through her. Whilst the Skilled decide upon Kate's future, others are keen to find her. Blackwatch, a sinister and elite force who fear nothing, will not stop until they have brought Kate to Dalliah Grey, a rather well known character from the past who has constantly defied death for two centuries.
The author has successfully brought back the feisty Kate, the dark, brooding, dangerous Silas and the sarcastic, slightly annoying Edward from the first book. Along with these familiar faces, there are two new characters. Dalliah Grey, a quietly determined woman who gives off an air of benevolence and Banderman, the leader of the Blackwatch, who seems to be constantly defying death; a malignant growth that needs to be surgically removed. Kate worried me as a character, as I felt she on the verge of following a macabre pathway; she is now so unpredictable with the power she holds inside her. Silas is still one of my most favourite characters. As unpleasant and cold as he tries to appear, there is a heart hidden deeply within and occasionally he has to give in to it. He suffers physically and emotionally in this book, which shows a more humane side to his character. Thankfully neither Dalliah or Banderman appear as openly posionous as Daru did in the first book, yet looks can be deceiving and I think Dalliah is yet to reach her full potential of evilness.
Yet again, Jenna Burtenshaw breathes originality in to the fantasy genre. The veil and the spirit wheels are unique to her writing style. Within this book, we are given a deeper understanding about how they came to be, their origins were a lot darker than I would have ever expected.
What I love about the Wintercraft books is the author's use of descriptive language. I find myself getting lost in the world she has built as her descriptions come to life. I find her use of imagery quite outstanding. Within this book, we discover the underground caverns that appear endless, a whole world beneath your feet, ready to be explored. Although the darkness of the underground setting does gives off a claustrophobic feel to the reader. I felt Kate's immense relief on reaching the surface and seeing the stars light up the evening sky.
Within the actual writing, there is never a trace of a clunky phrase or unsuitable word, the prose just continues to flow beautifully. This storyline wasn't as intense as the first book, allowing me to breathe easier this time. Some of the spoken passages by the characters were brilliantly written and eloquently said.
I found myself reading this book in two sittings,as once I had reacquainted myself with Kate and Silas, I didn't want to leave their company. I think if I had to choose between the two books so far in the series, I would have to say that Blackwatch is my favourite, but it is a difficult choice to make as I have enjoyed them both.
This book ends on a cliffhanger, yet the story within the book is wrapped up leaving only the last chapter with loose ends. I can't wait for the final part of the trilogy in order to discover how it all will end.From reading the last pages of this book I can only imagine an apocalyptic finale to the series,
This is a fantasy series I would highly recommend, especially if you are new to this genre. Each book is just under three hundred books and quick to lose yourself in.
A Year Without Autumn by Liz Kessler
5.0
If you are looking for an awesome time travel novel, then this is the book for you. Liz Kessler introduced time travel so smoothly into the story that I never doubted its credibility once. The author has managed to breathe reality into science fiction.
I know book reviews are not meant to be personal, but I cannot help but love a book that instantly catapults me back to my past and that first paragraph had me travelling in the back of the car with my parents on numerous long journeys to Devon. Not the best traveller and long before travel sickness pills came into fashion, I was Craig!
The book is written is present tense which I normally whinge about as it is one of my pet hates, but I cannot say it affected my enjoyment of the story at all. In fact, I didn't notice it after the first page, which is amazing for me. The story is extremely well written and highly polished allowing the story to just flow off the page.
This book may only be 246 pages, but it has a lot packed into it. I was completely captivated from the first page and ended up reading it in one sitting. I was desperate to discover how Jenni would deal with her unusual situation. There is no sign of predictability within this book and I found myself constantly surprised by the route the story took.
I loved all the characters within the book and instantly felt their anguish when their personal situations changed. Jenni was my favourite character and I loved how her desperation changed her character for the better and made her so much stronger. She dealt with the time travel situation thrust upon her with maturity and grace.
One of the main themes dealt with in this book is friendship; the author explores how a cross word can turn friendship to hate. The story provides a strong reminder of how we should treat the people close to us. Liz Kessler also focuses on the possibility of small random acts changing your future forever. The theme reminded me of a short story I read during secondary school which was called The Butterfly Effect, where one minor choice can have major effects on the future. The whole theory is quite mind boggling. This book will definitely make you look closer at the choices and actions you make in life and how little things can escalate into bigger issues.
This is the first book I have read by Liz Kessler and I can say with absolute certainty that it won't be the last. I love her descriptive style of writing. The way she conjured up nostalgic memories of my own childhood caught me by surprise. This book may be aimed at 9 to 12 year olds, but I found it to be ageless. I know without a doubt that readers in my age bracket will love it.
When you read this book, expect the unexpected and freeze reality for a while in order to believe in the unbelievable!
I know book reviews are not meant to be personal, but I cannot help but love a book that instantly catapults me back to my past and that first paragraph had me travelling in the back of the car with my parents on numerous long journeys to Devon. Not the best traveller and long before travel sickness pills came into fashion, I was Craig!
The book is written is present tense which I normally whinge about as it is one of my pet hates, but I cannot say it affected my enjoyment of the story at all. In fact, I didn't notice it after the first page, which is amazing for me. The story is extremely well written and highly polished allowing the story to just flow off the page.
This book may only be 246 pages, but it has a lot packed into it. I was completely captivated from the first page and ended up reading it in one sitting. I was desperate to discover how Jenni would deal with her unusual situation. There is no sign of predictability within this book and I found myself constantly surprised by the route the story took.
I loved all the characters within the book and instantly felt their anguish when their personal situations changed. Jenni was my favourite character and I loved how her desperation changed her character for the better and made her so much stronger. She dealt with the time travel situation thrust upon her with maturity and grace.
One of the main themes dealt with in this book is friendship; the author explores how a cross word can turn friendship to hate. The story provides a strong reminder of how we should treat the people close to us. Liz Kessler also focuses on the possibility of small random acts changing your future forever. The theme reminded me of a short story I read during secondary school which was called The Butterfly Effect, where one minor choice can have major effects on the future. The whole theory is quite mind boggling. This book will definitely make you look closer at the choices and actions you make in life and how little things can escalate into bigger issues.
This is the first book I have read by Liz Kessler and I can say with absolute certainty that it won't be the last. I love her descriptive style of writing. The way she conjured up nostalgic memories of my own childhood caught me by surprise. This book may be aimed at 9 to 12 year olds, but I found it to be ageless. I know without a doubt that readers in my age bracket will love it.
When you read this book, expect the unexpected and freeze reality for a while in order to believe in the unbelievable!