Melody’s Key by Dallas Coryell

September 28, 2016September 28, 20161 Comment

Helllllo readers, hope you’re well! Another day another review. I’ve been really enjoying this slightly more relaxed schedule. It’s felt a lot more helpful for encouraging creativity and I’ve adored reading lots more books from lots more genre’s and I have a lovely YA book for you today.

“His eyes settled on her…piercing green embers of flame that revealed the ferocity of his pain and passion, yet still shrouded him under veils of ever deepening mystery that made every ounce of her ache to unravel him.”

Tegan Lockwood’s dreams were dead, sacrificed on the noble altar of duty before they ever had a chance to live. Her entire existence was disappearing into the abyss of apathy as she labored her days away keeping her family’s struggling business alive. There would be no emotion, no color, no beauty in her life. That is, until a mysterious visitor begins to draw her out of the darkness of her past towards something that will challenge the boundaries of her world, and unlock the most deeply held secrets of her heart.

The first thing to mention is I was sent this book really nicely by the author. The story follows the life of Tegan Lockwook who is a very talented and also beautiful young girl who helps with the family business – Lockwood Holiday. Tegan is not only a talented painter but she also loves to compose and write songs and due to this she is accepted into a college in New York. Through her families financial struggles Tegan must stay with them, and put her dreams on hold. However, one summer her life is about to change forever, when American pop star Mason Keane comes to the estate, everything might be turned entirely on its head.

This is a very fun summer romance and to be honest with you I really enjoyed it. It has a romance, it has a number of really likable an well fleshed out characters and it doesn’t follow the typical girl changes bad boy. I loved the fact that Mason is really presented as a ‘good guy.’ Mason does have struggles, he’s not perfect but the author really makes this clear at the beginning. I also adored tha the author wrote all of the songs in the book – it’s a lovely addition.

Delving into a problem I do tend to have with YA fiction, the character development throughout the book was JUST FANTASTIC. Tegan and Mason are constantly changing as individuals from the very beginning to the very end, learning not only about each other but learning about their own personalities too and the relationship DOESN’T HAPPEN IN A HEARTBEAT. I adored the fact that they built a friendship which leads to love – I won’t spoil the plot because that’s unfair but I really thought that this was a beautifully built relationship.

This is a really tough book to review because there’s so much going on and I don’t want to spoil any of the special bits – however I loved that the plot was full of surprises. Throughout the new story there are also glimpses into the older love story (#NOSPOILERS.) There are letters from a forbidden love that takes part during WW1 and they are mixed in with the romance of the modern world. I can’t like I wish there was more into the past love story, but that could be the historical fiction lover in me.

I think the only thing that did kind of test me was the kind of languid quite overly done descriptions. Not only did they come across a little dramatic and full of teenage angst (which is okay in small doses,) but it did make the writing a little stodgy. Through the middle of the book it does slow the pace of the book down and it does become a little slow. There are also a long of cliche’s with I’m not a big fan of (piercing eyes etc,) but I think than Dallas has written this book for the lovey-dovey one’s of us. It does have some intense descriptions, and for some readers that’a a good thing – for me a little overwhelming especially towards the end.

So, what did I think in the end. I thought that the story was really special, I thought the characters were brilliantly written, the romance was built throughout and actually happened throughout the story rather than just smushed together. I did struggle a little with the overly cliched and heavy description of the love story – it just felt a little bit over done. But if you really love a romance, with a bit of mystery, pick up a copy today.

LINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNKS

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Before the Dawn (Book Two) by Georgia Rose

February 6, 2016January 25, 20162 Comments

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Helllllo readers, hope you’re well – I’m currently writing this snuggled up on the sofa, with a hot water bottle, Pepsi Max and some rice cakes with Nandos Hot sauce. I’m on a health kick and I can’t lie My Fitness Pal has been a real life-saver. Being able to see exactly the calories and the like within each meal is really helpful. As I add these rice-cakes to today’s diary you should catch up on my latest review of Georgia Rose’s Before the Dawn.

…he moved closer and slowly ran the point of his blade along my jaw line as he spoke softly, intimately, to me.

“So, you are Trent’s woman. Now that is very…appealing.” I glared back at him silently.

There are testing times ahead for Grayson and Trent as trouble threatens Melton Manor. When an attack is made against those on the estate, Grayson gets caught in the middle finding herself and those around her in terrible danger. Terrified when she thinks tragedy has struck again she fights to protect those she now views as family and, suffering bloodshed and pain, confronts her fears – both brought by the enemy and by the one she loves.

As the blurb suggests the book follows off from the first in The Grayson Trilogy and as I was so hooked from the end of the first I just had to continue the story straight away. The second book follows the quite stressful life of Emma Grayson who although has come along bounds and bounds in her strength of character and her confidence is still struggling with her relationship with Trent. Although the trust is growing there Trent is still undeniably over-protective and it’s beginning to put large amounts of stress upon the two.

Although the Manor appears to be quite a gentle place, underneath the people who live and work there are involved in supporting MI6 with their undercover operations and when they are targeted due to Cavendish and Trent being involved in the disbanding of a Russian criminal organisation everyone is terrified that they will also be targeted. When the danger really appears can Emma and Trent hold together? What will happen to Melton Manor? All will be revealed.

I guess the biggest question when it comes to sequels is – was it as good as the first one? I did have a couple of wobbles with the first book and for that reason this one kind of worked for me more. I liked that the relationships especially between Emma and Trent were getting worn into. I think with some books the immediate connection with characters is exciting to follow but relationships don’t just happen and get maintained – they take time/effort/patience/love/acceptance/negotiation (I could go on, and on.) I like that here we continued to see the two almost evolving with each other and trying to work on their own personality traits accordingly.

The action is a really exciting addition and I thought it definitely added the action I thought was missing a little in the first. Georgia as with the first book has a really wonderful way with words and the way that she describes the characters, the landscapes and the action is beautiful. Both books are seamlessly intertwined in terms of style which is so important when moving from one book to another. A quick point also – I loved that the author openly said read the first and then this one because the first isn’t rewritten into the second to help us, instead we plow straight in.

There are still a lot of unanswered questions especially surrounding Emma’s childhood and her parents and I found that the intrigue around the manor being attacked helped to pique my interest and make me more and more involved in the tale. The plot really builds towards the third novel and I definitely found myself trying to pace myself as not to get to the end too soon because something was telling me I wasn’t going to be getting the answers I needed in this book. I think the author has really worked the information reveals well between the books as so to keep the reader intrigue and to build between the books.

I’ve found it a little difficult to review this book because there is so much more too it than a 700 ish word review. Basically if you’ve read the first book there’s no questioning you should read the second. If you’re intrigued as to whether to – I would say I’ve adored both books by this author and will 100% be reading the reviewing the next. Spot on.

Linnnnks

Once Gone by Blake Pierce

February 4, 2016February 4, 20162 Comments

Helllllllo readers, hope you’re well and all happy bunnies. I’m on day 5 of dry February which feels pretty damn awesome still although tomorrow could be a struggle after the week I’ve had. However, today, it’s still Thursday but I’ve got a fantastic book to tell you about. Without further Lizzo warbling, onto the review.

Women are turning up dead in the rural outskirts of Virginia, killed in grotesque ways, and when the FBI is called in, they are stumped. A serial killer is out there, his frequency increasing, and they know there is only one agent good enough to crack this case: Special Agent Riley Paige.

Riley is on paid leave herself, recovering from her encounter with her last serial killer, and, fragile as she is, the FBI is reluctant to tap her brilliant mind. Yet Riley, needing to battle her own demons, comes on board, and her hunt leads her through the disturbing subculture of doll collectors, into the homes of broken families, and into the darkest canals of the killer’s mind. As Riley peels back the layers, she realizes she is up against a killer more twisted than she could have imagined. In a frantic race against time, she finds herself pushed to her limit, her job on the line, her own family in danger, and her fragile psyche collapsing.

Yet once Riley Paige takes on a case, she will not quit. It obsesses her, leading her to the darkest corners of her own mind, blurring the lines between hunter and hunted. After a series of unexpected twists, her instincts lead her to a shocking climax that even Riley could not have imagined.

I’m going to do something a little less Lizzy and going to go straight into the review because I think the blurb gives enough away already. The first thing I have to mention is this book was free, and I know what you’re thinking free books are normally a little bit watery. This is full on whack – immediately we are thrown into the action; there’s barely time to take a breath and we’re in the horrifying atmosphere, tied up with a young woman who is terrified for her life. From here we’re taking on a rip-rolling adventure, with red-herrings, murders, terrifying back-stories and intriguing characters.

In terms of the characters we follow the story of Riley and her partner in the FBI Bill. Riley is struggling with her past and a terrifying event that happened on her last case. Currently taking leave from the force she is pulled back to her job needed for her intense ability to put herself in the shoes of the murderer. Her past story is fed into the tale to add intrigue and interest and I did wonder whether I was reading the second book in the series (I wasn’t I must add.) Bill is her lovable partner who has a lot of respect for Riley and constantly supports her. Both help to give the tale depth.

In terms of plot it does move quickly and I have seen a number of reviews that have commented it moves too fast. For me, I don’t think it does although I think an extra 150-200 page wouldn’t have hurt I’m not sure that it wouldn’t have reaaaaly added anything and could have been a little bit of over-waffling so I’m not complaining. The writing is really excellent; it builds suspense and mystery and also weaves in a number of sub-plots that are well-written and add to the drama. The writing is gutsy, full of intrigue and exciting elements. It honestly drew me and kept me there.

The only wobbles come towards the end which I will try to explain without spoiling the plot. We see the backstory of the main character and how it affects her and yet she follows the complete same actions knowing how dangerous it is. I did actually take a minute to stop and say to myself ‘girl – what are you doing’ because it felt like exactly the same actions all over again. Additionally there are parts that feel a little over the top and we do spend a lot of time in the main characters mind for me it worked but only just. It’s a little bit dense.

However the ending is superb and will 100% be tuning in to the next book, if it’s half as good as this one, this reader will be a happy bunny.

Linnnnnks

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The First Time & The New Arrival by Jessica Kirby

February 1, 2016February 1, 20161 Comment

Helllllo readers, hope you’re well – two books in one for you today which is always interesting. Some of you know that I adore Twitter and although I could definitely use it more I send the odd book/wine/food/hungover related tweet. I’ve been following Jessica and her wonderful fiance Pols on twitter for a little while and when I spotted that she had written a couple of short stories I thought why not get a hold of a couple and sit down to read. So I did, and this is what I thought!

The first time is a short story about a females first time – with the blurb simply stating that fact. The tale starts with a woman, dangling her feet thinking about the past. It’s an interesting way to start the plot and definitely helped to create a sense of mystery. We follow the life of the female character and learn about the introduction of a male during her childhood. Innocently taken in by the parents the male starts to wreak havoc on the girl’s life, taking liberties and treating her with contempt. Here we see the girl take her life in her own hands and the consequences in the future where the tale ends.

I guess the first thing to note is that this is a really short story which explains why there is a lack of names and has a basic build up. I did like the style of the writing – quite basic language throughout but also pinches of description woven in snippets to bulk out the tale. I thought the ending was a brilliant twist and definitely made me think – there’s a mention of a pet which definitely made me go back and re-read once I made it to the end. It takes a dark turn which upon re-reading the book made me feel a bit of a chill. For such a short tale (4/5 pages) it does pack a punch. Yes you could argue that it’s simple and we don’t have a lot of character profiling but it’s a clever little story.

The second short story is called ‘The New Arrival’ and it follows the birth of a child. We see the persona go from the comfort of the womb, to the integration into a new family. I’m assuming this is a personal story because it definitely felt special or nostalgic about the feelings of family which made me feel real warmth. There is talk about the parents being married before but the feelings of family, making things work and growing together was beautifully built.

Once again it’s a simple story, 4/5 pages isn’t a lot to work with but it’s a lovely little tale of love life and family. I would love to see this book worked into a series to find out more about the family and the child. See how they grow up together and the potential trials and tribulations that come with any family. For me, I kind of wish these books came as a collection into one book because they are so short. I would also like to read more from this author in a longer format of book – I can see real talent there but with something so short it is difficult to culture characters but I was definitely drawn in through these short tales and would love to read more. Additionally the first book I think could definitely become a longer tale and I would love to read more into and learn more about the main character.

So, overall I loved these books, I’ve spoken a lot about my three-month reading slump and these definitely helped me get back into reading. I wish they were a little longer of collaborated to create one book but overall lovely little reads that I really enjoyed!

Linnnnks

The New Arrival – Goodreads

The First Time – Goodreads

The First Time – Amazon

Jessica’s Twitter

Pols Twitter – both are definitely worth a follow!

Masquerade (Andalucían Nights Trilogy) by Hannah Fielding

January 18, 2016July 18, 2016Leave a comment

Hellllooo readers, really need to come up with a more interesting opening line. Maybe I could do a poll? Or maybe I could just be more creative *shrugs.* In other news I’m on the search for a new laptop as with this one the space bar keeps sticking and Ikeepwritinglikethisandhavingtogobackandchangeit *JIOSDKJFSDKJSDKJ* In other happier news I have a really lovely review which I hope not to write out in one long sentence!

Summer, 1976. Luz de Rueda returns to her beloved Spain and takes a job as the biographer of a famous artist. On her first day back in Cádiz, she encounters a bewitching, passionate young gypsy, Leandro, who immediately captures her heart, even though relationships with his kind are taboo. Haunted by this forbidden love, she meets her new employer, the sophisticated Andrés de Calderón. Reserved yet darkly compelling, he is totally different to Leandro but almost the gypsy’s double. Both men stir unfamiliar and exciting feelings in Luz, although mystery and danger surround them in ways she has still to discover.

Right so first things first I have to mention that this is the second novel in the Andalucian Nights series so I’m already a little behind. However the book follows the life of Luz Maria Cervantes de Rueda, the only child of Count Salvador. Luz however is far from home and has spent many years studying abroad; however the time has come to travel back home to be with her family and start a career. However she meets two men – Leandro and Andres. Who will win her heart? Either way it’s going to be a pretty wonderful summer.

So there’s the basics of the book – a little stereotypical a little tired, maybe, but the writing style really brings this tale to life. Fielding really knows how to write a historical fiction and her descriptions of the world around her is written with skill, understanding and knowledge. The scenery, the culture springs from the pages and you find yourself wrapped in the warmth and feeling of a Spanish family. I very very rarely come across books that deal with the time period of the early 70’s in this country so it was a refreshing change to see this as the main period focus during the book.

Overall Luz is a lovely character; a strong character although a little stubborn. Not always the one to make the right decisions she lives in the moment but has a pride you would be silly to mess with. I liked the fact that she wasn’t a goodie-two-shoes type of character. She gets things wrong, she picks herself up, and she carries on. I think too often we are subjected to ‘perfect’ characters that don’t quite work for me; here getting an imperfect protagonist really worked.

This book however wasn’t without wobbles for me. Firstly our two love interests – as with a lot of romance books I’m sad to say there was a lot of instant attraction, love at first sight kind of mumbo-jumbo. Now don’t get me wrong I love a good romance but this was definitely a lust fueled romance hiding as love. It just made me angry because Luz doesn’t seem at any point to know the difference between the two. The love triangle felt a little tired and I must admit I’m not a fan of love triangles because they always leave the reader hanging and leave too much to be desired between a relationship for me. If a single relationship was worked and built better that will excite me more than a less built three-way triangle.

Additionally another wobble; Fielding paints an incredible picture of Cadiz and yet the characters lacked the same level of detail and importance for me. I think that the city almost came across as more important than our characters and although I adore good, well built up environments especially in historical fiction here I wanted more from each of the characters to mimic the authors skill writing about places.

Overall however this is a lovely little beach read that I would definitely have me wishing of sangria, beach towels and sky-blue skies. I thought that the ideas were there, the scenery was there but the lack of complete character description and at time dialogue meant that the script became a little dry and not all consuming. Definitely an author I want to read more from, just maybe this one wasn’t quite for me.

Linnnnks

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Gideon and the Crimson Samurai by Ricky Baxter

January 11, 2016January 11, 2016Leave a comment

Helllllllo readers – it’s Monday which is always a bit of a struggle but I have a really exciting and interesting book for you today. Many of you will know how much I adore reading books for the younger reader because 1) they tend to be quite exciting, and 2) they often have some wacky, crazy characters. Many of you will know my Mumma B works in a primary school and when I used to help out you would often find me poring over the books when I should be cleaning up glitter or photocopying music (oops.) Without further reminiscing onto le review.

Gideon Joust is your average twelve-year-old boy, with all the growing insecurities one would expect, following the mysterious disappearance of his father. On one fateful day, the boy’s world is turned upside down – leading to a chance encounter with a brash child warrior: Kibishi the Crimson Samurai.

Gideon and the Crimson Samurai is uniquely written in play format – suited for teens and adults alike.

As the rather short blurb suggests the book follows the adventure of Gideon Joust who is, on the surface, a rather average twelve-year-old boy. However there has always been a question that has concerned him – what did happen to his father? Why and how did he disappear? Where is he now? As he begins his quest to find out what really happened he meets another young boy named Kinishi who turns out not to be a regular boy as like Gideon, but instead a warrior. They go on their mission together – one that will change Gideon’s life forever.

Enough of the blurb, onto my thoughts on the book – the format is really interesting as it’s written in play format which I was really surprised to see. I think the book is targeted at 14/15 year old’s and for me, although I found it a little difficult to get through (namely because I’m not used to seeing a children’s book in this format) I think would really work with the book’s target audience. It definitely allows you to get more into the action and get straight into the tale. The author additionally adds a lot of detail around the writing to help give more of a description and flavour to the book as a whole – for example.

After many long hours of aimless searching and journeying though much greenery and fields, the young Gideon falls flat to the ground, devoid of strength and motivation.

Gideon: I give up – what was I thinking? How big is the outside world anyway? I really need to find that crazy samurai before he gets any further, but how am I supposed to find him when he is probably miles away by now? As Gideon lay on the ground, he smells a delicious and sweet scent that lasts for only a fragment of a second. The young boy leaps to his feet in excitement, as he smells the scent once again. Gideon races onward, following the direction of the scent – desperately traversing over many hills, gasping in awe at the lush scenery of the landscape, filled with rich grass and nearby wildlife under the bright and blue sky.

As you can see this helps to flesh out the book and make it more of a story than just a play script that I think will help to engage readers .

The characters are really well-developed throughout and the friendship that develops between the two is a lovely read. It does have suspense, action and a lot of adventure and I can imagine action loving readers getting incredibly excited about the plot and the quest stile plot. For me the writing was a little basic at times and there lacked a little pizzazz. It felt a little simple and I thought more strength could have been added to the spoken parts however I do understand the target age so it does fit. I also thought the cover worked incredibly well with the story inside and definitely would intrigue readers.

Overall a lovely little read – for me a little predictable in the plot-line and in the telling and I thought the spoken parts could have been stronger but definitely an interesting book. I have heard that this is going to be made into an audio book which I think will work much better in terms of the format! One to definitely get your YA reader getting stuck into an adventure.

Linnnnnks

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Loving Lies (Dangerous Desires #1) by Tina Donahue

January 9, 2016January 8, 2016Leave a comment

Hellllllo readers, time for another review and this time it’s a lovely romantic tale and I think my first of 2016. I’ve been working my way through a stack of ARC copies and I’m working towards my Goodreads target which I’ve recently set hopefully I will hit my goal and make sure I start completing my resolution to update my Goodreads more. However, for now, onto the review of Loving Lies by Tina Donahue.

When she is kidnapped, Senorita Isabella knows the men have been sent by her uncle in a murderous attempt to control her family’s fortune. But when she is rescued by a dashing and mysterious warrior, Isabella can’t imagine why a stranger would risk his life for her—until she discovers her rescuer believes she’s someone else…

Fernando de Zayas loves nothing more than the cry of battle. Defying death is his way of life. But when he discovers his betrothed has been kidnapped, he rushes to her aid—never suspecting that spirited beauty would soothe his warrior heart…

With her uncle’s minions close on their heels, Isabella finds herself drawing closer to Fernando. But as the desire between them builds, her secret could keep them apart forever…

As the blurb suggests we follow the story of Isabella the daughter of a Spanish Grandee and a Duke – however due to the terrible deeds of her evil Uncle she finds herself in the middle of a slave auction, except Isabella’s sister was the one that was supposed to be taken! Abducted and sold as a sex slave Isabella is saved by the Holy Man Fakir. Everything however is not as it seems as it turns out that he is not Fakir but instead Fernando, a Spanish Knight. Once again a twist; Fernando thinks he is saving his betrothed but instead he is saving her younger sister. Deciding to keep the truth a secret Isabella wards off the advances of Fernando knowing she is not the one for him – but can she help herself falling in love and what will happen when he finds out the truth? All will be revealed!

So that’s the premise of the story, onto the nitty-gritty. This is a book full of love, deception, sacrifices and family. Throughout we see Isabella doing all she can to protect her sister – sacrificing her life to keep her safe. It’s a lovely passionate story and I thought the feelings that was woven between Isabella and Fernando were well written and I adored the push and pull of it. Seeing Isabella attempting to stop herself from falling for Fernando was exciting and helped to push the plot forward making it gain pace. The love story is written with power and gusto and it shows that the author really understands how to create such an all-consuming romantic plot line.

Overall the pace is strong and helps to propel the adventure forward. This is a historical fiction and the writing style definitely fits the time period in terms of the language used and makes sure that the reader continuously feels transported to a different world. During the tale we see the two travel back to the castle and they are faced by a number of adversities that helped to add to the excitement of the tale. They are written well and help to add tension and suspense to the tale.

In terms of characterisation both are built wonderfully – Isabella is gutsy and strong and yet she continuously struggles with the guilt of the love she feels for Fernando. Fernando is a sweet character and although I didn’t feel as much as I do for some fictional characters I did enjoy reading about him and following the story. The only wobble for me really was at times I felt as though the writing style didn’t match in all places – during the more passionate scenes the writing is heady and over-the-top which works but then during some of the spoken scenes the writing wavers and becomes more simple.

Overall I enjoyed reading this more – the plot moves with pace and the characters are well-built. For me the writing just lacked a little to really pull me in in places, but it may be because I found the plot a little cloying. It was a lovely little romantic read that didn’t quite do it for me (although was very close!)

Linnnnnks

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Vote for My Little Book Blog in the 2016 UK Blog Awards

January 6, 2016January 5, 201620 Comments

Helllllllo readers, bit of an exciting post today! After mentioning this award to a couple of friends in the past few months I was gently encouraged to apply and I’ve been shortlisted for the public vote *eeeee* (although I think it might be better if it was called longlisted there are a hell of a lot of incredible blogs listed!)

I’ve been shortlisted for public vote in both the Art’s and Culture and the ODEON Cinemas Best Storyteller and it would mean so much if any of you truly wonderful people that follow my little bookish blog were to vote for me. There are so many fantastic blogs out there but I would definitely do a flailing arm dance if anyone were to vote for meeee (which you can do here!)

Just a tiny little post to say this is happening – now I’ll go back to my books.

Close My Eyes Paperback by Sophie McKenzie

November 26, 2015December 4, 2015Leave a comment

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Helllllllo readers and happy Thursday – it’s an odd day of the week for me because it’s so close to the weekend but still so far away. It’s been an interesting week – a lot of ups and downs and still trying to slowly get through this quarter life crisis. I’m currently using the excuse of not yet passing my driving test but I’m getting closer and closer to passing and then I have to start making life decisions – like nuh-uh, still not ready. For now imma going to ignore all of that and bring you a review – enjoy bookworms.

It’s been eight years since Gen Loxley lost her daughter, Beth: eight years of grief in which nothing’s really moved forward, for all that her husband, Art, wills it to. Gen, once a writer of novels, has settled in to a life of half-hearted teaching, while Art makes his name and their fortune – and pressures her into trying IVF once again. For Gen, it seems a cruel act of replacement; life without Beth is unthinkable, unbearable – but still it goes on. And then a woman arrives on Gen’s doorstep, saying the very thing she longs to hear: that her daughter was not stillborn, but was spirited away as a healthy child, and is out there, waiting to be found…So why is Art reluctant to get involved? To save his wife from further hurt? Or something much more sinister? What is the truth about Beth Loxley?

As the blurb suggests the book follows the life of Gen and Art who terribly lost their little girl when she was born stillborn; something that Gen is yet to recover from. As Art moves on with his life Gen is trapped in the grief of her daughter’s death – however when a lady arrives on her doorstep tell her, her sister was there at the birth and the little girl was fine alarm bells start ringing. As Gen starts to dig into the history of the birth, her life is turned upside down as she struggles to come to terms with the fact her baby may be alive – is Art involved? How could the doctor have orchestrated anything like that? What did happen the day her daughter was born – read le book to find out.

Did I like this book? Difficult question – it did at the start pull me in, Gen is written with gusto and understanding although quite a tiring character at the beginning she begins to grow with every page turn – gutsy and determined she really grew on me as a character. Art is also really well written – mysterious, a total gentleman but quick to act he really gave this book strength and helped to cement my interest. In terms of plot the book the book does move with pace; the story kicks in very quickly and immediately we start pulling together clues as we discover what really happened in the hospital that night and I did find myself gabbling through.

Although predictable there is an original storyline and the plot moves with pace. The writing is evocative and mixes in a number of interweaving character plot-lines and the secondary characters are built up so that they become more involved with the main premise of the book. One major wobble though was the author tended to really build up a scene in a couple of chapters and then the actual scene would be over maybe in a couple of lines. I think if these scenes had been slowed down it would have created a much stronger impact and helped to tell the story better on the whole.

However, and this seems to be the same as many of the readers I’ve seen review this book it is mindbogglingly far-fetched lapsing on pretty ridiculous. As the plot grows we encounter a number of murders, attempted kidnaps and a whole lot of mixed up character relationships. It felt a little like the author thought how the hell do I sort all of this mess out. I did enjoy it but the ability to believe what was happening meant I read it without really investing in the plot or the characters which was a little tiring because I had made it so far through.

Once the story is over it’s a very abrupt ending which although underwhelming was the only way it could have really ended – we then suddenly fly a number years later and Gen is recounting all that has happened – the ending is a little dark which I liked but it was overwhelmed with the feeling of it all being too over-dramatised to really make me feel anything at all.

Overall I did enjoy reading this – but almost from the sense of what on earth is going on towards the end. Would I recommend buying a copy of this book and searing it out no, but if you saw in the library and thought I want something a little dramatic and over the top with touch of romance and suspense – maybe.

Linnnnnnks

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The Book Blogger Task: Where I answer more bookish, blogging questions

July 31, 2015August 3, 20159 Comments

Good morning readers and another Friday, another book tag. I’m working on some new features and I am looking for a number of guest posts from writers, about all things bookish. If you have something book related you’d like to get off your chest or you just fancy rambling a little on my little book blog, comment below. Would be lovely to hear from you. For now, onto le book tag.

What are your top three book hates?

Book ‘hates’ seems a little strong but I would have to pick,

1) Wishy washy characters, or female characters who fall for men that treat them terribly.

2) Books that end on definite a cliff-hanger. Nooooooo

3) Book hangovers. Nuff said.

Describe your perfect reading spot.

I think snuggled up in bed after a long day of work, pyjamas on, Eeyore close by and a mug of steaming camomile and nettle tea as you do. However, I do also adore sitting in the garden with a cider in the sunshine slowly getting a little burnt/tanned. Oh the joy.

Tell us three book confessions.

Okay,

1) I don’t get terribly sentimental about many books. I read posts about not liking giving books away; I prefer to pass the books on and let other readers enjoy them

2) I really like having books picked for me. I always get asked which books I’m really craving to read, but I prefer to have people pick ones they think I’ll like. I would rather read something you think I might like rather than pick it myself

3) I think recieving books from other people that have already been read is brilliant. I think recieving pre-loved books is just as special as newly bought.

When was the last time you cried while reading a book?

I last cried reading Leftovers by Stella Newman, I think it was because I connected with the events in the book so strongly. It was quite a refreshing cry because I related to it so deeply. It was a good cry, I must add. 🙂

What is your favorite snack while you’re reading?

When reading these tags I’ve noticed a number of readers/bloggers mention not eating whilst reading, choosing to read and then snack. However if you ever happen to bump into me whilst I’m reading, I will be most likely munching on salt and vinegar Pringles. Get in my tummy.

Name three books you would recommend to everyone.

Three books I would recommend to everyone. See readers are all different so this is a little tough. I think, anything by Haruki Murakami. His style is so intense and then so frail, it ebs and flows so gently. Second I think would be Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin, it is such a moving and classic novel. Finally I think, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. It is just, sublime.

Show us a picture of your favorite bookshelf on your bookcase.

Not quite a bookshelf, but this is an image of my book-suitcase. Which I think is a little perfect.

Write how much books mean to you in just three words.

Everything and more.

What is your biggest reading secret?

I think, maybe, that I haven’t read a lot of books that you would expect a ‘reader’ to have read. I recently got round to reading ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ ‘The Bell Jar,’ and ‘Of Mice and Men,’ but not books such as Catcher in the Rye, Great Expectations and Jane Eyre, but I’m trying to read more. I’m currently reading Gerald’s Party by Robert Coover and it is so decadent and so evocative of the time period I think I will have to read more.

There you go, some really interesting questions answered by yours truly. I now tag anyone that describes themselves as bookish to complete said quiz. Love you all 🙂