Take a photo of a barcode or cover
serendipity_viv's reviews
762 reviews
Reckless by Cornelia Funke
5.0
I can always tell when I am reading a Cornelia Funke book. You could take away the front cover and hide her name but I would still know she had written it. She has such a uniqueness to each fantasy world she creates. She is fantastic at creating a fairytale world that has the darkness of Grimms Fairytales hidden within it. I could easily place this book in the same world as the Inkheart series as those books have that similar fairytale darkness. I really enjoy Cornelia Funke's unique development of portals into her imaginary worlds. This world is reflected through a mirror which transports you to the other side just by touching it. Wouldn't if be lovely if we could really step into another world with such ease and quite by accident.
I loved this book as soon as I read the first chapter. Jacob is definitely a character that is reckless by name and nature. He is dangerous and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. With his brother's arrival in the strange world he sees as home, Jacob has to deal with emotions he hasn't coped with for years. He is in a difficult quandary which sets him off on a perilous journey to save his brother.
I found the characters all to be so well written and unique. I loved Evenaugh Valiant, the dwarf who had nearly led Jacob to his death. I couldn't help but imagine Martin Short playing the part in a film version of it. The character had so many of his comical tendencies I have seen brought to life so many times before. The Fox was a gorgeous character too; her loyalties to Jacob are so strong, she will stop at nothing to protect him.
I thought the creation of the Goyl was thoroughly originally. This breed' s appearance was made of different precious stones and could be recreated by the Dark Fairy who had the ability to turn humans into stone people. I haven't read anything similar to this before and I found it fascinating.
The story was extremely fast paced. Jacob could give Jack Bauer from 24 a run for his money as he raced against time to stop his brother from dying. I found that the action never let up leaving you quite breathless by the end.
This is a fast, action packed read in a dark fairytale world that has the classic uniqueness of Cornelia Funke sewn in.
I have just discovered that this is the first book in a trilogy, which I am really excited about now. Cornelia is excellent at tying up any loose ends within her books, so I am no intrigued as to where the story will go from here.
I loved this book as soon as I read the first chapter. Jacob is definitely a character that is reckless by name and nature. He is dangerous and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. With his brother's arrival in the strange world he sees as home, Jacob has to deal with emotions he hasn't coped with for years. He is in a difficult quandary which sets him off on a perilous journey to save his brother.
I found the characters all to be so well written and unique. I loved Evenaugh Valiant, the dwarf who had nearly led Jacob to his death. I couldn't help but imagine Martin Short playing the part in a film version of it. The character had so many of his comical tendencies I have seen brought to life so many times before. The Fox was a gorgeous character too; her loyalties to Jacob are so strong, she will stop at nothing to protect him.
I thought the creation of the Goyl was thoroughly originally. This breed' s appearance was made of different precious stones and could be recreated by the Dark Fairy who had the ability to turn humans into stone people. I haven't read anything similar to this before and I found it fascinating.
The story was extremely fast paced. Jacob could give Jack Bauer from 24 a run for his money as he raced against time to stop his brother from dying. I found that the action never let up leaving you quite breathless by the end.
This is a fast, action packed read in a dark fairytale world that has the classic uniqueness of Cornelia Funke sewn in.
I have just discovered that this is the first book in a trilogy, which I am really excited about now. Cornelia is excellent at tying up any loose ends within her books, so I am no intrigued as to where the story will go from here.
The Abandoned by Amanda Stevens
5.0
I just can't get enough of this series! Amanda Stevens is seriously becoming a favourite author of mine. I loved The Restorer and I love The Abandoned just as much too.
Amanda can write Southern Gothic with style. There is a real darkness to this book, and is just as gripping as The Restorer.
Two of the main characters from The Restorer make an appearance in this book, which takes place just after Amelia has been commissioned to work on the local graveyard,where The Restorer is set. Amelia and Devlin don't meet in this story, so we don't see their blossoming romance begin. However, we don't miss out on the romance side, as Ree and Hayden are a hot topic in this book. They shouldn't be together, but neither can resist the pull of lust.
There are ghostly apparitions as Ree seems to be haunted after sitting with Violet whilst she passed over. Amanda Stevens is just so good as giving ghosts a realistic and sinister appearance in her books. I get a chill every time I read about them.
This book is only 108 pages and is easily read in one sitting. I just couldn't stop myself reading it all in one go.
If you are looking for a spiritual sensation enveloped in Southern charm, then I urge you to read The Abandoned and The Restorer. I cannot wait for The Kingdom. These books are not published in the UK yet, but you can buy used copies of The Restorer on Amazon co.uk and you can buy The Abandoned online.
Amanda can write Southern Gothic with style. There is a real darkness to this book, and is just as gripping as The Restorer.
Two of the main characters from The Restorer make an appearance in this book, which takes place just after Amelia has been commissioned to work on the local graveyard,where The Restorer is set. Amelia and Devlin don't meet in this story, so we don't see their blossoming romance begin. However, we don't miss out on the romance side, as Ree and Hayden are a hot topic in this book. They shouldn't be together, but neither can resist the pull of lust.
There are ghostly apparitions as Ree seems to be haunted after sitting with Violet whilst she passed over. Amanda Stevens is just so good as giving ghosts a realistic and sinister appearance in her books. I get a chill every time I read about them.
This book is only 108 pages and is easily read in one sitting. I just couldn't stop myself reading it all in one go.
If you are looking for a spiritual sensation enveloped in Southern charm, then I urge you to read The Abandoned and The Restorer. I cannot wait for The Kingdom. These books are not published in the UK yet, but you can buy used copies of The Restorer on Amazon co.uk and you can buy The Abandoned online.
Fallen Grace by Mary Hooper
5.0
This book is one of those that targets all your senses with it rich descriptions that bring Victorian London to life. From the very first chapter, you discover the unexpected and find yourself wanting more. The book is written in third person and you get to see the story from a range of characters viewpoints, with Grace being the most dominant character in the story.
Poor Grace has suffered for most of her life. She is strong and courageous,even when her life can't get any worse. Her mind is always jumping one step ahead, as she tries to calculate how she can improve their situation. She may be the younger of the two sisters, but she takes control of their lives, as poor Lily is not strong in her mind. In fact, Lily reminded me of Lenny from Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, with her simple views on life.
Deceit plays a huge part of this story. You begin to be thankful that you didn't live during the Victorian era, where everyone appears to be on the make. The Unwins are the most devious and unscrupulous family I have ever come across. The lengths they will go to ensure their wealth expands are extreme. They basically conned many grieving families to purchase a funeral, far outside of their financial limits, by making them feel guilty.
I was fascinated by the descriptions of the full mourning period. It had never occurred to me that grieving families would go to such great lengths after a beloved family member had passed. I understood the need for mourning clothes, but to be worn for such a long time, seems absurd now.
I had never heard of mutes being part of a funeral before. I was fascinated by their roles in the proceedings. The following sentences piqued my interest and had me searching for more information.
'Mutes are very much in demand at society funerals,' Mrs Unwin said. They can come with hooded cloaks, or appear as Grace is now: with black bonnets and trailing ribbons. 'Weepers', we call the ribbons- they symbolize the tears shed.'
'They usually come in pairs,' Mr Unwin went on smoothly, ' and spaced each side of a front door can look very tragic.'
I love the way the author has intertwined so many facts within the story. I had no idea that Marble Arch had been moved from its original home. I was also surprised to discover that the Necropolis Railway actually existed. You can tell that this book was thoroughly researched, especially with the inclusion of extra historical information at the back, which I found fascinating.
At the beginning of each chapter, there were informative boxes which added to the story and showed examples of life in Victorian England. I was extremely pleased to discover the inclusion of Victoria and Albert in the story, which gave it an air of authenticity.
I really really loved this story. It was just so rich in description and atmosphere that I found myself lost in the Victorian streets of London. The story was well paced and developed with twists that I had not been aware of.
If you like historical fiction, especially books set in Victorian London, then I would highly recommend this book, which is full of Victorian flavour. A book that will find you researching to discover more. I honestly can't wait to read more of Mary Hooper's books.
Poor Grace has suffered for most of her life. She is strong and courageous,even when her life can't get any worse. Her mind is always jumping one step ahead, as she tries to calculate how she can improve their situation. She may be the younger of the two sisters, but she takes control of their lives, as poor Lily is not strong in her mind. In fact, Lily reminded me of Lenny from Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, with her simple views on life.
Deceit plays a huge part of this story. You begin to be thankful that you didn't live during the Victorian era, where everyone appears to be on the make. The Unwins are the most devious and unscrupulous family I have ever come across. The lengths they will go to ensure their wealth expands are extreme. They basically conned many grieving families to purchase a funeral, far outside of their financial limits, by making them feel guilty.
I was fascinated by the descriptions of the full mourning period. It had never occurred to me that grieving families would go to such great lengths after a beloved family member had passed. I understood the need for mourning clothes, but to be worn for such a long time, seems absurd now.
I had never heard of mutes being part of a funeral before. I was fascinated by their roles in the proceedings. The following sentences piqued my interest and had me searching for more information.
'Mutes are very much in demand at society funerals,' Mrs Unwin said. They can come with hooded cloaks, or appear as Grace is now: with black bonnets and trailing ribbons. 'Weepers', we call the ribbons- they symbolize the tears shed.'
'They usually come in pairs,' Mr Unwin went on smoothly, ' and spaced each side of a front door can look very tragic.'
I love the way the author has intertwined so many facts within the story. I had no idea that Marble Arch had been moved from its original home. I was also surprised to discover that the Necropolis Railway actually existed. You can tell that this book was thoroughly researched, especially with the inclusion of extra historical information at the back, which I found fascinating.
At the beginning of each chapter, there were informative boxes which added to the story and showed examples of life in Victorian England. I was extremely pleased to discover the inclusion of Victoria and Albert in the story, which gave it an air of authenticity.
I really really loved this story. It was just so rich in description and atmosphere that I found myself lost in the Victorian streets of London. The story was well paced and developed with twists that I had not been aware of.
If you like historical fiction, especially books set in Victorian London, then I would highly recommend this book, which is full of Victorian flavour. A book that will find you researching to discover more. I honestly can't wait to read more of Mary Hooper's books.
By Midnight by Mia James
4.0
As soon as I discovered that this book was set in Highgate Cemetery I had to read it. Highgate Cemetery is just one of those places that is a character in itself and one I am desperate to visit. This book did not disappoint in giving it its own omnipresent character status, looming supernaturally over the whole story, shrouding it within darkness and weaving ghostly threads throughout the whole book.
This book has the creep factor, leaving you shivering at the thought of it. I loved the fact that it was a vampire book set in the UK for a change and I am really pleased to see that it can be pulled off and feels authentic. Mia James has managed to give this book a Gothic Victorian atmosphere in modern day London.
Mia is a bit like Buffy but with a twist. This book is definitely more Buffy than Twilight. She begins the book as a typical teenager with all the anger against her parents for spoiling her social life. Yet as the book progresses, Mia has to do a lot of growing up very quickly, as events take a serious and sinister turn.
Ravenwood has just as much presence as Highgate Cemetery and probably wouldn't be my first choice of school for my kids. Eeep!
The tension within the story builds with each following chapters and you begin to feel a little fearful for Mia's safety. However Gabriel is on hand to sweep her off to safety and actually gives 'love conquers all' a whole new meaning. Definitely one to make your heart leap. Although I did struggle a bit with the instant love between them.
This book has some surprising twists and turns throughout the book and as I neared the end, I began to panic as I could not see how it would end happily. So much seemed left unsaid and then...... Bam! The true identity of the murderer is revealed. Safe at last.
I did enjoy reading this book and feel quite at home in its dark and stifling atmosphere. I am really looking forward to the second book in the series 'Darkness Falls' which comes out very soon.
This book has the creep factor, leaving you shivering at the thought of it. I loved the fact that it was a vampire book set in the UK for a change and I am really pleased to see that it can be pulled off and feels authentic. Mia James has managed to give this book a Gothic Victorian atmosphere in modern day London.
Mia is a bit like Buffy but with a twist. This book is definitely more Buffy than Twilight. She begins the book as a typical teenager with all the anger against her parents for spoiling her social life. Yet as the book progresses, Mia has to do a lot of growing up very quickly, as events take a serious and sinister turn.
Ravenwood has just as much presence as Highgate Cemetery and probably wouldn't be my first choice of school for my kids. Eeep!
The tension within the story builds with each following chapters and you begin to feel a little fearful for Mia's safety. However Gabriel is on hand to sweep her off to safety and actually gives 'love conquers all' a whole new meaning. Definitely one to make your heart leap. Although I did struggle a bit with the instant love between them.
This book has some surprising twists and turns throughout the book and as I neared the end, I began to panic as I could not see how it would end happily. So much seemed left unsaid and then...... Bam! The true identity of the murderer is revealed. Safe at last.
I did enjoy reading this book and feel quite at home in its dark and stifling atmosphere. I am really looking forward to the second book in the series 'Darkness Falls' which comes out very soon.