Its been five years since I read 'The Last Family in England' and it made the same impact now as it did then, based on Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part 1...moreIts been five years since I read 'The Last Family in England' and it made the same impact now as it did then, based on Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part 1 with the protagonists as dogs, which I enjoyed reading. Prince is such a devoted and loving dog and he is confused about the Labrador Pact because he is questioning its motives, he has the best of intentions, which is to protect his family, and as hard as he tries, he has successes and makes mistakes, which was sad to read because you want Prince to succeed.
A book narrated by a dog may sound strange but it works effectively, you cannot help but like Prince and his devotion to his family, a great read but with sad parts and if you have a soft spot for animals like I have, it may upset you (it upset me).
I am a big fan of Matt Haig, he has a wonderful gift of showing the different sides of people (and animals), if you get the chance, read the rest of his books. (less)
This is my second reading of 'The Book Thief' and I enjoyed reading it this time as much as I did the first time.
'The Book Thief' is the story of Lies...moreThis is my second reading of 'The Book Thief' and I enjoyed reading it this time as much as I did the first time.
'The Book Thief' is the story of Liesel Meminger, the book thief of the title who is taken by her Mother to Molching beyond the outskirts of Munich to be fostered by Rosa and Hans Hubermann who live at 33 Himmell Street ('Himmell' means heaven) until her Mother returns for her, tragically as the story begins, Liesel and her Mother have lost a loved one, its at this point that Death (our narrator) sees Liesel and witnesses her stealing her first book, which is called 'The Gravedigger's Handbook'.
Liesel begins her life with Rosa and Hans, who she now calls Mama and Papa, Hans teaches Liesel to read, which opens a whole new world for her in books, the first book she reads is 'The Gravedigger's Handbook'. Liesel also finds a friend in Rudy Steiner, her next door neighbour, the boy famous for 'The Jesse Owens Incident' when Rudy covered his body in charcoal and ran around the local park to be like his hero, Jesse Owens (who won various medals at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany), unfortunately this is also Rudy's first lesson on what is right in Germany, something he struggles with as the book continues.
'The Book Thief' is an amazing book, it shows the powers of words, books, love, strength and everything else that makes us human, something the narrator Death finds somewhat confusing at times, he is there to take the souls and not to think or ask the reasons why.
‘The Hunger Games’ tells the story of Katniss Everdeen born and raised in District 12, formerly a coal-mining area of the Appalachians, North America...more‘The Hunger Games’ tells the story of Katniss Everdeen born and raised in District 12, formerly a coal-mining area of the Appalachians, North America is now known as Panem following several devastating disasters, and there are now 12 districts under the control of the Capitol, all of the districts are poor and all children aged between 12 and 18 are forced to participate in The Hunger Games, punishment for the uprising of the districts in the past, there are no excuses, if you are chosen, you must participate in The Hunger Games.
The story begins with Katniss hunting illegally outside of the fences of the Seam, part of District 12 where Katniss lives with her widowed mother and younger sister, Prim (short for Primrose) with her friend, Gale, both Gale and Katniss’s families depend on them, to survive they must hunt, they must make deals, they do what they can, because of her responsibilities, Katniss is a mature 16 year old. It’s the day of the reaping, the day when one boy and one girl are chosen for The Hunger Games, to Katniss’s horror, Prim is chosen to participate, ironically the first year she is part of the reaping, Katniss steps up and requests to go into Prim’s place, the rules allow this, and now Katniss and Peeta (the son of the local baker) are going to the Hunger Games, where they have to fight to the death, their survival is for population’s entertainment and Katniss’s ultimate goal is to win and her and family to live on the benefits.
If you enjoy the dystopia genre (like I do), you will enjoy ‘The Hunger Games’, the premise is not original (it will remind you of ‘Battle Royale’) but the story is brilliantly written, two strong characters who are fighting to survive whilst at the same time retaining their humanity. I enjoyed how the story explored everything about the games, games which have children kill each other to win an endless supply of food and how the games were used for entertainment value, a reality television with a brutality, no one is voted out of the Hunger Games.
There was also a sinister edge to ‘The Hunter Games’ especially about the Capitol, the creators of the games which as the story progresses, Katniss and Peeta are more than aware of, they play the game but they don’t like it.
A young adult book for adults, an excellent read and I am looking forward to the second book of the trilogy.(less)
‘The Hunger Games~Catching Fire’ is the sequel to ‘The Hunger Games’ and the second book in the trilogy, the third book in the series is due for relea...more‘The Hunger Games~Catching Fire’ is the sequel to ‘The Hunger Games’ and the second book in the trilogy, the third book in the series is due for release (as stated on amazon.co.uk) on the 24 Aug 2010 and on the basis of books one and two, I cannot wait for the third book.
‘Catching Fire’ begins after the events of ‘The Hunger Games’, Katniss and Peeta barely survived the games, and because of their final act to end the games, they are now under close surveillance from the Capitol and the terrifying President Snow.
Life has become easier for Katniss, her Mother and sister, Prim, they are enjoying the benefits of winning the games whilst helping families who live in the Seam which is part of District 12, one of the poorest districts in Panem. As victors Katniss and Peeta visit all of the districts, facing the families of the children who died in the games, which is difficult for both of them, during their visit at District 11, Katniss sense a change, people are starting to fight back against the Capitol.
‘Catching Fire’ is as good as ‘The Hunter Games’, if not, better, you know the characters and you know what they have went through, you feel their pain, their frustration, their sadness as they become pawns again in The Hunger Games.
Initially the story was slow but excellent, building up the tension, you did not know what would happen next but you want Katniss and Peeta to exceed, keeping each other safe and their families and friends to be safe.
You see how cruel the Capitol can be in their pursuit of entertainment.
An excellent read for adults and young adults like, the story is brilliantly done.(less)
‘Shiver’ tells the story of Grace, attacked and bitten by wolves when she was eleven years old, and now six years later still finds herself drawn to t...more‘Shiver’ tells the story of Grace, attacked and bitten by wolves when she was eleven years old, and now six years later still finds herself drawn to the yellowed wolf who watches her all winter, there is a connection between them and as the story progressed you find out how strong the connection is.
I enjoyed ‘Shiver’, it was a different take on the werewolf genre and the story was well written. Grace, the main character was a likeable character, I liked that she was sure of herself, how quickly she has grown up. Sam, the other main character, was also a likeable character, the tortured soul who is fighting to keep some fragment of humanity.
Parts of the book reminded me of ‘Twilight’, and readers of ‘Twilight’ will know what parts I mean but given that, ‘Shiver’ as a story stands on its own and gains its own merit.
A good read, enjoyable and different, looking forward to the sequel ~ ‘Linger’.(less)
I read ‘Skellig’ because it is being screened this Easter Sunday on Sky One and I always like to read books before I see the film. I also did not read...moreI read ‘Skellig’ because it is being screened this Easter Sunday on Sky One and I always like to read books before I see the film. I also did not read any of the reviews either, my husband brought it home and I started reading it.
What can I say about ‘Skellig’? despite it being a children’s book, it will appeal to adults as well.
The story is narrated by Michael, a young boy who is dealing with changes in his life, moving house and the illness of his new born baby sister. Michael feels very isolated and then he meets Skellig, a man he finds living in Michael’s family garage, Skellig changes Michael’s life.
‘Skellig’ is a lovely book, the story is wonderfully written, you feel Michael’s turmoil and you want everything to work out for him. I also loved Mina, Michael’s friend, she was such a lovely wee character, a very forthright young lady.
A bit of a cliché I know but reading ‘Skellig’ helps you to remember that there is some good in the world.(less)
'Monsters of Men' is the final book in the Chaos Walking trilogy.
What can I say without giving too much away about 'Monsters of Men', well firstly, y...more'Monsters of Men' is the final book in the Chaos Walking trilogy.
What can I say without giving too much away about 'Monsters of Men', well firstly, you must read the first two books in the series, 'The Knife of Never Letting Go' and 'The Ask and the Answer' both phenomenally brilliantly written books, shocking, heartbreaking, exciting, confronting issues. 'Monsters of Men' is exactly the same, if not better.
Patrick Ness has written the perfect ending to a brilliant series, you will care about the main characters Viola and Todd, you will want to know what happens to them next, you will not be able to put the book down because I could not. 'Monsters of Men' (all of the books in the series) are a roller-coaster ride of emotions, I had a lump in my throat a few times, the power of a good book.
An excellent and through provoking read and as I mentioned before in my previous reviews, one of the best YA series around, not to be surpassed. (less)
I am a massive fan of Clive Barker and reading ‘The Adventures of Maximillian Bacchus & His Travelling Circus’ was like catching up with an old fr...moreI am a massive fan of Clive Barker and reading ‘The Adventures of Maximillian Bacchus & His Travelling Circus’ was like catching up with an old friend, I love his style of writing, the possibilities that anything and everything can happen within his universe.
All of the characters are wonderfully written, glorious in fact, my favourite character was Malachi the crocodile, I loved his stories, he was quite the traveller and I loved the fact he was not what you expected a crocodile to be. All of the characters were vibrant, likeable, individual and fantastic to read.
The illustrations by Richard A. Kirk are wonderfully done.
I hope I get read more tales of Maximillian Bacchus & His Travelling Circus.(less)
'The Awakening' is the second book in the YA series, 'The Darkest Powers' by Kelley Armstrong.
'The Awakening' begins where 'The Summoning' ended, Chlo...more'The Awakening' is the second book in the YA series, 'The Darkest Powers' by Kelley Armstrong.
'The Awakening' begins where 'The Summoning' ended, Chloe, Derek, Simon, Rae and Tori have left Lyle House behind them, they now know they were genetically altered at birth to control their power by the Edison Group, unfortunately Chloe's and the others powers are stronger than the group imagined and now the Edison Group want Chloe and the rest dead.
'The Awakening' is more exciting than 'The Summoning' but just as good, the twists are well done and unexpected, you see Chloe slowly changing as well, as she becomes more and more frustrated with not being allowed to look after herself because of Simon and Derek.
The experiences are interesting to read but you get the general impression that members of the team are film fans, a lot of experience were apparently...moreThe experiences are interesting to read but you get the general impression that members of the team are film fans, a lot of experience were apparently similar to experiences in 'Ghostbusters' and various films. (less)
As with his previous books. ''Tales of Terror from the Black Ship' and 'Uncle Montague's Tales of Terror', Chris Priestley brings another collection o...moreAs with his previous books. ''Tales of Terror from the Black Ship' and 'Uncle Montague's Tales of Terror', Chris Priestley brings another collection of tales of terror to scare school children everywhere. The stories are definitely for sharing.(less)
Another excellent collection of stories by Chris Priestley, with illustrations by David Roberts. I really enjoyed 'Tales of Terror from the Black Ship...moreAnother excellent collection of stories by Chris Priestley, with illustrations by David Roberts. I really enjoyed 'Tales of Terror from the Black Ship', a wonderful collection of stories from the sea with a twist at the end. A joy to read.(less)
I read a few reviews of the trilogy which were varied and then I read the whole series in a weekend, in all honesty, I did not think they were up to m...moreI read a few reviews of the trilogy which were varied and then I read the whole series in a weekend, in all honesty, I did not think they were up to much, I could not relate to the characters and I really did not like the 'development' of Ana, the writing was okay, forgettable but I read them to the end and I don't think I will read them again.(less)
This is the 9th outing of barmaid and friends of supes (supernaturals) everywhere ~ Sookie Stackhouse. 'Dead and Gone' begins with the aftermath of ev...moreThis is the 9th outing of barmaid and friends of supes (supernaturals) everywhere ~ Sookie Stackhouse. 'Dead and Gone' begins with the aftermath of events from the previous book, Sookie's life is as back to normal as possible until a body is found at the back of Merlotte's, Sookie's workplace. Sookie finds herself again in the middle of the crossfire.
'Dead and Gone' started well but as the story progressed it seemed to lack the familiar punch of the previous books in the series, Sookie seemed different, she was still as humorous but she seemed to be lacking with regards to the situation around her, unless of course she has become so used it all, she has become complacent.
Bill was a more prominent character this time around but in all honesty, he did not seem to do a whole lot, even Eric (the head vampire in the district) seemed to be lacking, in fact most of the familiar characters seemed to be make a brief appearance either physically or mentioned in passing (even Bubba!) and then disappear.
There were a few shocks, one in particular was unexpected.
'Dead and Gone' is not the best book in the series, I enjoyed it to a point, it was a lot darker than the previous books, Sookie's world is changing and it shows, the story had loads of potential and I felt it was not reaching that potential, which is unfortunate because I really enjoy the series but I am hoping the next book will be better.(less)
As many of you know I enjoyed 'Shiver', the story of Grace and Sam and their fight to be together due to Sam's struggle to stop becoming a werewolf fo...moreAs many of you know I enjoyed 'Shiver', the story of Grace and Sam and their fight to be together due to Sam's struggle to stop becoming a werewolf forever. Shiver' finished on a positive note with more of Sam and Grace's story to come.
I enjoyed 'Linger', it was much more intense than 'Shiver' and with the additional view points of Isabel and the new wolf, Cole added to the mix, it made for great reading, I found Isabel hilarious at times because she was so straight to the point but at the same time so wounded by her recent loss, I felt sad for her. Grace and Sam were as memorable as ever, they are both well written and lovely characters, in 'Linger' they are both going through changes which are difficult for the both of them to cope with, and at the same time showing how much strength of character they both have. Cole, the newest wolf and character I did not warm to initially but my view of him did change as I read.
For me, 'Linger' was a lot sadder than 'Shiver' (and I had a lump in my throat at the end of 'Shiver' the second time I read it), so you can imagine what was I like at the end of 'Linger'. A powerful story which I think will appeal to everyone who enjoy a well written story with a difference.
I am looking forward to the next and final instalment, 'Forever', which is due for release next year.(less)
‘Induction’ tells the story of fifteen year Timmy Hewittson (or ‘Tim’ as he prefers to be called) who lives in a world where superheroes ex...moreThe Story ~
‘Induction’ tells the story of fifteen year Timmy Hewittson (or ‘Tim’ as he prefers to be called) who lives in a world where superheroes exist and save the world on a daily basis.
Tim is an outcast, a misfit, he feels that he does not fit in anywhere, he has trouble at home and at school and he is also living with Synaesthesia (which means he does not see or hear the same way as other people do, he sees people as shapes, and does not taste food the same way as other people do), following his diagnosis at the age of twelve, he is harassed at school and despite Tim’s efforts to fight back, he always ends up looking the bad guy. Tim’s life takes a different turn when one day during another detention, a Mr Clarkson appears, who tells Tim that he must go with him, when Tim questions this, he is told that the Head Teacher and his parents have given their permission, Tim remains sceptical but decides to go when he realises Mr Clarkson is a superhero, could this be what Tim is waiting for? To be a superhero? To finally be accepted by the world around him?
What I thought of ‘Induction (The Blue Jackets)’ ~
I enjoyed ‘Induction’, it has a great comic book feel to it and I loved how Tim developed as a character and he was easy to read and identify with but despite what he is happening in his life, I got the impression he was not beat yet and whatever happened he would cope with. The other characters were great to read, Mercedes (the daredevil of the story I thought) and Dave, who despite being the most boring man on earth, he’s good in a fight. I would like to see how all the characters develop and with ‘Induction’ there is potential, not because there is going to be a part 2 but because they are well developed who deserve more of their story to be told.
A definite must read for any comic book fan or anyone looking for a different spin on the superhero genre, there is plenty of twists and excitement. I also think it would be great as graphic novel, a story I could definitely see on shelves with the greats.
I discovered 'Uncle Montague's Tales of Terror' whilst looking for the synopsis for 'The Graveyard Book' by Neil Gaiman and I am glad I invested in it...moreI discovered 'Uncle Montague's Tales of Terror' whilst looking for the synopsis for 'The Graveyard Book' by Neil Gaiman and I am glad I invested in it because ''Uncle Montague's Tales of Terror' is a quirky, wonderful book, scary tales told to Edward by his mysterious Uncle Montague, are his stories true or are they are imaginary? read and find out.
An excellent read, great stories, memorable characters, lovely illustrations and loads of twists in the tales, something to share in the future with my nieces and nephews.(less)
'Grave Sight' is the first book in the graphic novel collection based on the Harper Connelly series. Harper travels around the country with her step-b...more'Grave Sight' is the first book in the graphic novel collection based on the Harper Connelly series. Harper travels around the country with her step-brother Tolliver using her skill to make money, Harper's skill being she can sense dead bodies and knows how the person died. Harper also uses her power in the hope that she will find her sister who mysteriously disappeared years before. Can Harper find the answers she seeks?
'Grave Sight' was slightly darker than the Sookie books and was action packed from the start, a great mystery but at the same time you get to know the characters of Harper and her step~brother, Tolliver and their background.
The illustrations are superb, bright, eye~catching and an impressive vision of Harper.
'Grave Sight' will not leave you disappointed if you enjoy this type of book, an easy, fun read which draws you in.(less)
'A Monster Calls' is the story Conor O'Malley, a thirteen year old boy who is trying to cope with his Mum's illness whilst experiencing a terrible nig...more'A Monster Calls' is the story Conor O'Malley, a thirteen year old boy who is trying to cope with his Mum's illness whilst experiencing a terrible nightmare and bullying at school, Conor feels invisible and isolated. One night Conor wakes from his nightmare, its 12.07 am and he is surprised to finds the Yew tree which he has seen from his window in the church's graveyard his whole life is walking towards his house, Conor is surprised but not scared, much to the monster's chagrin. The monster tells Conor he will tell three stories and Conor must tell the monster the fourth story, a true story if Conor wants to survive.
As the monster tells the stories on each visit and also appears to Conor during the day, Conor finds it more difficult to cope with the risk of losing his Mum, the frustration and anger he feels at the world around him. Conor needs help and he hopes that the monster in some small way will help him.
'A Monster Calls' is a beautiful book, Conor's character will feel familiar to so many people who have experienced grief and the book unfolds in such a way that you share the journey with him.
The saddest part of the book is the fact that Siobhan Dowd, who originally thought of the story never got to see it in print but Patrick Ness has done an amazing job of bringing the story to life and left a memorable and heart warming legacy.
You will have a wee tear in your eye at the end, I did. (less)
'Dark Lover' is the first book in the 'Black Dagger Brotherhood Series' by J.R. Ward.
'Dark Lover' introduces us to the world of the Black Dagger Brot...more'Dark Lover' is the first book in the 'Black Dagger Brotherhood Series' by J.R. Ward.
'Dark Lover' introduces us to the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, vampires who exist in secret, fighting against their foes the Lessening Society. Wrath their leader and unwilling King of the Brotherhood prepares to help the half-breed daughter of his recently deceased Brother Darius, Beth to complete her transition into a vampire, if she survives of course.
'Dark Lover' is definitely a fun read, there is enough excitement to keep you entertained and although somewhat cheesy at times, its has a good story. I am looking forward to the next book, 'Lover Eternal'. A series for adults everywhere who enjoy supernatural stories.(less)
‘Every day is Mother’s Day’ is the story of Evelyn and Muriel Axon, a mother and daughter who live a reclusive life in the hou...moreAnd along came Muriel...
‘Every day is Mother’s Day’ is the story of Evelyn and Muriel Axon, a mother and daughter who live a reclusive life in the house that Muriel was born. Evelyn has raised Muriel alone since the death of her husband, Clifford when Muriel was 6 years old, Clifford unfortunately saw Muriel as an ‘inconvenience’ and not having any more children because it would ‘risk repetition’. Evelyn, not in the best of health will not accept help and when social services come into their lives, Evelyn finds that Muriel is changing, something which scares Evelyn, Muriel attends a community day care centre and life becomes worse when Evelyn discovers that Muriel is in fact pregnant and is unable (or unwilling) to tell Evelyn who the father is, Evelyn decides to keep the baby a secret and lock Muriel in their house.
Meanwhile, Isabel Field their latest social worker is having problems of her own, she is having an affair with a married man, Colin Sidney, his sister Florence is the Axons neighbour (unknown to Isabel) and she has also lost Muriel’s file. Colin, Isabel, Florence, Muriel and Evelyn finds themselves coming together and no one knows what the outcome will be.
It’s hard to describe ‘Every Day is Mother’s Day’ without giving too much away, it is full of dark humour, Evelyn’s ideas are questionable, Muriel is manipulative, scary, not what she seems, Isabel and Colin, two very different people, I found it hard to believe why they would have an affair (which was the point), there is constant feeling of something about to happen, you find yourself becoming more and more suspicious of Muriel and despite Evelyn’s actions, you do feel sorry for her and in some ways, you feel sorry for Muriel. There is also the paranormal aspect, what exactly is in the spare room? And what does Evelyn see?
The book also highlights how people can be missed, how sometimes the system does not work.
The ending is left open, there is more to come from Muriel.(less)
I am a massive fan of John Ajvide Lindqvist, I have loved all of his books so far and I cannot wait for his next one to be released. ‘Let the Old Drea...moreI am a massive fan of John Ajvide Lindqvist, I have loved all of his books so far and I cannot wait for his next one to be released. ‘Let the Old Dreams Die’ is a collection of stories which are surreal, complex, dark and as always, gives you an insight into the human psyche, where ordinary people experience the extraordinary.
I was particularly looking forward to the stories ‘Let the Old Dreams Die’, where you find out what happened to Oskar and Eli from ‘Let The Right One In’ alongside a story of great love and ‘The Final Processing’, which continues the story of ‘Handling The Undead’, I enjoyed ‘The Final Processing’ more than ‘Let the Old Dreams Die’ , it was more focused on the characters from the original story which I enjoyed, I wanted to know what had happened to Flora, Elvy and Hagar and the ‘reliving’.
All of the stories are individual and interesting, all of the characters are easy to relate to, which made the book even more of a pleasure to read.
An excellent book written by an amazing writer. (less)
'Far to Go' is the story of the Bauer family, Pavel, Anneliese and their six year old son Pepik, along with Pepik's governess, Marta, they live a quie...more'Far to Go' is the story of the Bauer family, Pavel, Anneliese and their six year old son Pepik, along with Pepik's governess, Marta, they live a quiet life in Sudetenland, Czechoslovakia. Their lives are changed forever with the arrival of Adolf Hitler and his government in 1939, the Bauer family, who are Jewish but chose not to practice their religion believe they will be safe because of this. Pavel is outraged by the fall of the Sudetenland and the fall of the government but he still believes his family will be safe but as the situation becomes more frightening and Pavel's own views changing, he realises he must flee with this family while he still can but its too late for Pavel and Anneliese but not too late for their beloved Pepik, his parents and governess must be prepared to let him go on the Kindertransport, to go to Great Britain where he will be safe until he can return home.
What I thought of 'Far to go' ~
I was very lucky to be able to read 'Far to Go' before its release on the 12th May 2011 and I recommend it highly.
The story is told from the point of view of Marta, Pepik's beloved governess, who stands by the Bauer family for different reasons but ultimately she stays because she loves the family. Marta's point of view is full of emotion, there is sadness, happiness, strength and love, emotions that are shown so well that you are immersed in the story from the first page. Marta is a well written and realistic character, she is a young girl, who at times is confused and makes wrong decisions.
Pavel and Anneliese are also well written characters, their fear as people and parents are heartbreaking to read, their frustrations and sadness, what they are facing, what they sacrifice to ensure their son's safety. Pepik is a lovely character, you can visualise a sweet, gentle little boy who does not understand the harshness of the world but quickly learns, which was sad to read because you want him to be happy.
The story interweaves between the past and the future, the aftermath of the Kindertransport and what it meant for so many children, some who were lucky enough to see their parents again and the children who did not see them again.
I enjoyed 'Far to Go', it was a powerful story and you can see the love and commitment that went into telling the story by Alison Pick, a story which is part of her own family history. (less)
'Lover Avenged' is the seventh book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.
'Lover Avenged' is the story of Rehvenge, who is not part of the Brotherhoo...more'Lover Avenged' is the seventh book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.
'Lover Avenged' is the story of Rehvenge, who is not part of the Brotherhood but is related to them by marriage (his sister Bella is married to Zsadist, the main characters in 'Lover Awakened', book three of the series) and he also had dealings with Wrath, the leader of the Brotherhood. Rehvenge has always been a secondary character, mentioned throughout the books because he owns SumZero, the nightclub where the brothers are regulars. You do not know much about Rehvenge except that he is half symphath which he has to keep secret because sympaths are seen as evil and have been banished to the symphath colony.
Rehvenge struggles with both his vampire side (from his Mother) and his symphath side (from his Father), he has many secrets which has led to blackmail and misery for Rehvenge but everything he does, he does for his family and his friends, if his secret is revealed, there will be a ripple effect with more secrets being revealed.
Rehvenge's life changes somewhat for the better when he meets Ehlena, a nurse who works in the clinic which Rehvenge attends for medication which helps to hide his symphath side, Ehlena is different because she is not caught up in the politics which consume Rehvenge's life but can Ehlena accept Rehvenge's lifestyle?
As you know from my previous reviews I have enjoyed all of the books in the series so far but with 'Lover Avenged', J.R. Ward has taken the series to a new level, the story is exciting,there is more drama with the Lessening Society and issues being addressed (something which has been done in the previous books, which I forgot to mention) which makes for interesting reading, it shows that the characters are not perfect and have flaws. There are also political issues within the vampire society being addressed and you cannot help but breathe a sigh of relief that Wrath is in charge.
My review does not really show how great the books are, so read them as soon as possible.(less)
This is the third book in the ‘Odd Thomas’ series by Dean Koontz and although not as good as the previous two books in the series, it does keep you in...moreThis is the third book in the ‘Odd Thomas’ series by Dean Koontz and although not as good as the previous two books in the series, it does keep you interested. This time around Odd has left his home of Pico Mundo to find peace and solace in St Bartholomew’s monastery in the High Sierra on the California side of the border. Odd finds some peace and solace until a bodach shows up (a Scottish Gaelic term for ‘old man’ and a mythical spirit or creature, rather like the bogeyman), Odd knows they are not actually bodachs but it is a word he uses after learning it from a friend who also saw the living dead like Odd.
As always Odd has the company of the spirit of Elvis and a spirit dog called ‘Boo’ who he meets at the monastery, Odd finds himself again facing things that are difficult to understand but Odd does what he can.
I enjoyed ‘Brother Odd’, I found the premise of the monastery particularly interesting, there was something calming reading about the nuns and brothers of the monastery and the good work they did, plus the isolation of the monastery read well, you could feel the isolation, at times, I did think, ‘how will they get away’. The downside of the book was that it wavered slightly at certain parts, it was readable but under duress readable but it did not put me off the book, and it was a good read.(less)
'The Wind in the Willows' is just a lovely tale and it has stood the test of time.
I always remember from the first time I read it, the chapter called...more'The Wind in the Willows' is just a lovely tale and it has stood the test of time.
I always remember from the first time I read it, the chapter called 'The Piper at the Gates of Dawn' (but I did not know the name of the chapter until I read the book this time around). I loved that chapter so much, the idea of Pan helping Little Portly and Rat and Mole hearing the music was just magical to me, secret music that they seem to forget but it stayed with them in a small way.
I am a fan of the film ‘A Boy and his Dog’, which was adapted from the book, ‘Vic and Blood’. The book is slightly different from the film and in all...moreI am a fan of the film ‘A Boy and his Dog’, which was adapted from the book, ‘Vic and Blood’. The book is slightly different from the film and in all honesty ~ better, especially the ending of the film which Harlan Ellison hated and I can see why.
Blood the dog is telepathically connected to Vic, a young boy who survives with Blood’s help in the vast wasteland following numerous wars, Blood’s telepathy was inherited from an experiment on his ancestors, he is unable to do what dogs should be able to do, which is hunt but he cannot, so he depends on Vic, while Vic depends on Blood to cope with the world around him.
Vic and Blood’s relationship is shown well and is heartfelt and humorous at times. (less)
I first read 'Elidor' when I was 10 years old in Primary School (so I am really showing my age) and the story always stuck with me, so it was a trip d...moreI first read 'Elidor' when I was 10 years old in Primary School (so I am really showing my age) and the story always stuck with me, so it was a trip down memory lane when I read it again. I love 'Elidor' for various reasons, the story is well told, the characters unforgettable, the only downside of the story is how short it is, you want to read more. Definitely a book to share with my nieces and nephews and I know I will go back to 'Elidor' again and again.(less)
‘Vacant Possession’ is the sequel to ‘Every Day is Mother’s Day’ by Hilary Mantel.
‘Vacant Possession’ begins 10 years after the events at the Axon’s...more‘Vacant Possession’ is the sequel to ‘Every Day is Mother’s Day’ by Hilary Mantel.
‘Vacant Possession’ begins 10 years after the events at the Axon’s house which ultimately led to Muriel being placed in Fulmers Moor in the Greyshott Ward as part of her rehabilitation to eventually return to society, which she does, but Muriel has changed, she can now mimicry (mimic) and is a mistress of disguise, one of Muriel’s hidden traits is that she watches people and for ten years she has been watching everyone in Greyshott Ward.
Colin Sidney is now living in the Axon’s old house, his sister Florence still lives next door, his wife, Sylvia has reinvented herself, she has become more confidence, more sociable. Isobel Field is now married and no longer a social worker, everyone is living their lives but unknown to them, Muriel is amongst them.
‘Vacant Possession’, I felt was the stronger of the two books, you find out more about Muriel and also how devious (and scary) she is, with ‘Vacant Possession’, you find out the lengths which Muriel will go to, to get her revenge.
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