I recieved a copy of The Blessed Girl in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own. Blessed (adj). – pronounced bles-id – meaning: The state of being blessed, often referring to a person, usually female, who lives in a luxurious lifestyle funded by an older, often married partner, in return for sexual favours. Wait, what? Yes, you read that correctly. Bontle, our main character, is a 20-something powerhouse, of sorts: building business from scratch, which I can definitely admire, although her choice in idol seems questionable (Trump, really?), but still, Bontle on the surface read as mildly likeable character, she has indeed works hard to keep her business going, she’s a celebrated figure, deeply admired and sought after by many men, all while having her own string of men indulging her, giving her fancy clothes, handbags, Mercedes Cars, even around the world expenses paid trips! I personally though could not envision this lifestyle, I mean Bontle makes it quite known that her various blessers are indeed married! It just seems so strange! Like, these men can’t leave their wives (are they scared? Or do they just not want to?) I mean, there’s a scene towards the latter part of this book where one of Bontle’s men is confronted by their wives, who essentially just hurls a violent rage of words at Bontle herself and threatens her, to me, the whole notion of sleeping around seems so uunnecessary! Like, really? I definitely am no expert on men, but it just seemed a bit strange that they’d cry back to their wives for forgiveness and in turn beg Bontle for forgiveness too! What I also couldn’t quite understand was why Bontle was so stubborn to admit that she still loves her husband, well, her soon to be ex. I mean, she cheated on him when he was too busy with work and getting caught up in drugs and practically begs him for a divorce, but then when things start to go downhill for Bontle and her many men, she realizes that her former husband was the only one to get her heart a-flutter! It’s like, honey, you tell us that we’ll be thankful for your tips on winning over men, but really? I must admit though, I found this book to be laugh out loud, outrageously addictive and frankly honest! Bontle truly has no filter, honestly! She’s so blatant in her descriptions and actions! Like, she meets and instantly determines that she’s wanting to conquest Mr Emmanuel, even if he’s sleeping with one of her closest friends! It just felt so extreme and petty, in a sense! Like, why? Oh, because Mr Emmanuel is rich and drop dead gorgeous, it’s like, c’mon. As pretty as he may be, he has a temper that isn’t and I just couldn’t believe how enraged he got! He was so annoyed even at the mere thought of Bontle sleeping with someone else, and when he hears that his other girlfriend is sleeping around, he gets even more annoyed! It’s like, hypocritical, much? Yet, in a sense, the book was so addictively engaging in its outrageous ways! I felt like I was drawn into Bontle’s opulent lifestyle, and as she starts her downward descent, I did find myself hoping that everything would be okay for her, even if some of her grief was self inflicted, in my opinion. That’s not to say that I didn’t feel sorry for her, no, not at all – especially when we learn that not all is what it seems with her relationships with certain family members….though yes, I’m utterly trying to be mysterious here because I just didn’t see that reveal coming! I can definitely easily say that I’ve not read anything like this before, that is for sure! I finished it in two days, as well! It’s definitely a roller coaster of excessive indulgence and a pampered lifestyle, with doses of a harsh reality thrown in, too! It’s definitely a great Silly Season read, something to read over Summer where you can just relax and float along with the indulgence!...more
**spoiler alert** A huge thank you to Pan Macmillan Australia for providing me with a finished copy ofThe Queen’s Tigerto read and review and also an**spoiler alert** A huge thank you to Pan Macmillan Australia for providing me with a finished copy of The Queen’s Tiger to read and review and also an Author interview opportunity with Peter Watt, stay tuned for that coming soon :). I was definitely excited to dive back into the world of Ian Steele, I absolutley found myself adoring his character in The Queen’s Colonial and equally loved the supporting characters, especially Alice and Peter Campbell. In turn, I found myself loathing Charles and hoped that he’d befall a perfectly fitting, wicked fate that he deserves! I definitely found my dislike for Charles quite strong during this second book too, I mean the man is so ripe with villainy, even I was surprised with his lack of heart when he finds out his younger brother is killed in the war, let alone seething when their Father openly mourns his youngest son. It’s like, c’mon, where’s your heart, Charles? Instead, he’s filled with time consuming hate for his brother, Samuel, I mean, heavens forbid that Samuel get his fair share of the inheritance that he’s entitled to. Although, what I’m actually quite curious to know is what Charles and Samuel’s Father thinks of the rumours that had been circulating about Samuel not actually being Samuel. I mean when Charles presents his not so wrong theory, his father completley scoffs, it’s quite ironic, really, given how he blatantly disregards this notion. Which brings me to another point – it is just incredible that the real Samuel Forbes and Ian Steele have not been officially been outed as imposters of one another, how many close shaves can they get? Also, I felt like Samuel was being exceptionally risky, putting his and his lover’s life in danger, to: A) Farewell his first love – okay, I get that but the fact that he kept it a secret from James just wasn’t cool! James constantly expresses his worries over Samuel being seen and the latter is just so chill about it all! It just really frustrated me, it’s like Samuel wanted to be safe and just spend time with his beloved James, then he just sabotages it, essentially? and risks everything that he and Ian worked towards! What I did appreciate though, is that Rebecca Wilberforce (twin sister to Jane), has a burning hate for Charles – she knows, truly, that he is the reason Jane is no longer of this world and she wants him dead! It’s like yay, finally someone sees what the wretched beast is capable of! I really hope Charles gets his comeuppance! I also loved how much page time Alice was given, how much she grew as a character – how her experiences coming face to face with a beautiful but beastly tiger whilst in India changed her (truly, the title significance there was quite a powerful surprise meaning too!). What I didn’t like though was Peter’s sudden initial jealousy of Alice and his own beloved brother?! Like, really? After everything that Peter and Alice went through in The Queen’s Colonial, I couldn’t believe that he was just acting so chchildish! Alice obviously loves him and he just throws around accusations! I just felt like it was really unnecessary! However, Peter realises how Alice does love him and cherishes him and helps him in his Surgeon work! I was literally cheering for Alice when she takes on the role of Doctor, too. She even amputates someone’s leg to save their lives – mind, not to scorn. This is during a time where even the notion of a Female Doctor is laughable, but honestly, I loved it! I’m definitely curious to see where Peter Watt takes these characters next, I truly hope that there will be another book in this series – there’s so much yet to be revealed! If you love Historical Fiction, then I definitely recommend The Queen’s Colonial and its sequel, The Queen’s Tiger!...more
**spoiler alert** I picked this one up at Target a little while ago, always being a longtimeDisneyfan and always keeping my eyes out for theseTwisted**spoiler alert** I picked this one up at Target a little while ago, always being a longtime Disney fan and always keeping my eyes out for these Twisted Tales. I’ve found some to be amazing, As Old As Time is absolute perfection, although I didn’t at all enjoy The Beast Within. So I suppose some of them can definitely be hit and miss, like anything else. Let It Go, was definitely a hit! Firstly, I loved that Anna and Elsa were unknown to one another! The sisters that we know and love in the Frozen canon, haven’t even met in this reimagining of it! It worked so well and definitely heightened Elsa’s vulnerability as she was expected to take on the the Throne after her parents of course perish tragically at sea. Of course, enter everyone’s favourite warm hug loving snowman and Elsa has whispers of a red haired girl accompanying her every moment as a child, memories of playing with snow and ice, but Elsa can’t remember much else. Who is the girl? Of course, I pieced it together and it was just a lot of fun and angst reading about both Anna and Elsa trying to find their way to one another, once things are revealed! See, Elsa and Anna’s parents had to put the safety of both girls at the highest priority, naturally and so Anna was adopted by Queen Iduna’s best friend after Grand Pabbie removed all traces of one another from Anna and Elsa’s mind. Elsa, cursed with these snow powers, if she goes near Anna, her beloved sister will freeze! Knowing how close these sisters are in the canon Frozen world, I just couldn’t wait for them to remember one another and for the icy vortex which was taking over Arrendale to be over! There were definitely some bittersweet and emotional times throughout this novel, too. I mean, of course there were Anna and Elsa practically being strangers to one another, but there were also parts with Anna growing up with her adopted family, longing of Arrandelle! The irony, when she eagerly awaits her parents dear friend Freya, asking her if she’s ever seen the Royal Palace…. I’ve never once been a fan of Hans, I loathe him in his villainous ways! It was so ridiculous of him to try and win over Elsa, it was so clear that he only ever had power on his mind, being one of thirteen brothers, knowing he’ll never rule the Southern Islands, so he tries to reassure Elsa that she’s not alone, only to blackmail her and essentially does the same to Anna! He’s just so infuriating! This was just written so well and was so addictive to read! Every character was just written so well, they just leapt off the page! I feel like Jen Calonita wrote the characters we know and love so well absolutely wonderfully, she definitely did them justice! If you love Disney then you definitely don’t want to miss Let It Go!...more
I recieved an Uncorrected Proof and a final copy ofThe Starless Seafrom Penguin Random House Australia in exchange for an honest review, all thoughtsI recieved an Uncorrected Proof and a final copy of The Starless Sea from Penguin Random House Australia in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own. To put it plainly, The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern, did not disappoint me! This had long been an anticipated read ever since I read and loved The Night Circus and if it’s possible, I think I love The Starless Sea even more! To me, The Starless Sea is an ode to those that have felt lost, hopeless and helpless, to wanderers and lovers of the written word alike. To those that recognize themselves in stories and to those that love to immerse themselves in stories. The blending of reality and fiction in this book was executed PERFECTLY, in my opinion. There were fairytales interwoven after the chapters about the present day, where Zachary Ezra Rawlins starts his journey when he stumbles across a beguiling book, one which in fact mirrors his own childhood! These fairytales just added so much intrigue and magic in equal measure to The Starless Sea, where stories are saved and cherished and shared, yet equally fractured at times, pages torn out and scattered, only to be forgotten. But is a story ever forgotten? Do we ever finish a story?
A huge thank you to the amazing team at Pantera Press for sending me a beautiful finished copy ofWeaponand inviting me on the review tour to celebrateA huge thank you to the amazing team at Pantera Press for sending me a beautiful finished copy of Weapon and inviting me on the review tour to celebrate the finale in Lynette Noni’s Whisper duology – all thoughts are my own. If you’ve been following my blog and/or bookstagram, then you’ll well know that Lynette Noni captured my heart in the first two installments of her The Medoran Chronicles, so even before I realised I was on the review tour for Weapon, Whisper had long been on my radar. There’s eternal mixed emotions when reaching a climax of a series, a final installment. There’s excitement, of course, but sadness at knowing that this indeed will be the last novel to feature such beloved characters. Every moment of reading Weapon was perfect! Often I am a pretty fast reader, but I found myself reading this beautiful book so very slowly, not wanting it at all to end, and now that I have, I just feel all of the feels! All of the best ones, of course! For Lynette Noni has captured such an amazing, unique, unforgettable reading experience and I just did not want to say goodbye to Alyssa! Her transformation into a seemingly nameless girl when I first met her in Whisper, where she was subjected to such monstrous treatment, my heart just went out to her! Alyssa Scott has become one of my new favourite characters, that’s for sure. I love her sheer determination and fierce protective nature and loyalty to her friends, as well as her yearning to know what happened to her and her family all those years ago. How did she come to be at Lengard? I was just so entranced and on the edge of my seat to find out! I feel like there was a lot riding on Weapon and throughout the novel I was constantly thinking “How can this all get wrapped up with such a number of pages left?” Just when things seemed clear and I thought I knew what might be coming:  I’m still at a loss for words, truthfully. Weapon might just be my favourite book that I’ve read this year! Not only the character developement of Alyssa was mesmersing, but after the cliffhanger ending with a certain character, seeing them interact with Lyss definitely had my feelings…well, feeling! I loved the notion of not at all being able to predict what would come next, to say this was a roller coaster of a finale feels like an understatement! Quite possibly not since Raelia, had I been filled with such an etheral hope, despite Alex’s predicament in that book and Alyssa’s situation in Weapon, there were definitely times when I was worried for Lyss, Cami and Ward. But the hope, that there could and would be a world where Speakers could live and not have to worry about every word they uttered, where they didn’t have to feel fear at every turn, I so longed and hoped for this, too! In turn, the Whisper duology has just been one of the most unique and vivid books I’ve read! I shall cherish so many memories from reading these books and I know that my mind will often wonder back to these characters and think about what they’re up to. Definitely one of the very best duologies I’ve read, and I know I’ll reread them many times over. Honestly, if you’ve not yet read these books, go for it! Pick them up, they’ll grab you right away and not let go!...more
Review to come on October 15th, which is the publication date in Australia of The Grace Year (in paperback). Thank you Penguin Books Australia forReview to come on October 15th, which is the publication date in Australia of The Grace Year (in paperback). Thank you Penguin Books Australia for sending me a gorgeous finished copy of this book to read and review :)...more
I’m so glad I picked this book up. I cannot express how much it’s opened my eyes – what happened to Sierra is completely real and tragic and horrifying. Look, I know the internet can be a safe place sometimes, if the user knows what they’re doing and that sort of thing- I mean I have connected with some of my very closest friends online and I’m grateful for them. We hear horror stories on the news regularly enough, whether it’s a Tinder meet up gone wrong or just a tragic chance meeting gone horribly wrong, women and young girls are falling tragically victim to prey of men who use proxy boxes to disguise themselves as supposed dream hunks, making these young girls think they’ve met Mr Right and are just basking in their attention and the fact that someone could actually think they’re beautiful, which is sad in itself too. This is our slight premise for Risk, which was our @AusYABloggers buddy chat book for this month – the link is above if you’ve read it and would like to join in ;). Risk follows two best friends, Sierra and Taylor – Sierra, who has been banned from using her laptop or smartphone or any form of technology, logs onto a seemingly fun and harmless chat site, only to meet one J. Jones and quickly become smitten with him and determined to meet up with him, lying to her parents in the process and not keeping her friends posted about the date initially, until she tells them that she wants to stay the night with him. Danger bells instantly went off in my mind as Sierra was chatting to J Jones, I could just tell that he was baiting her and I found it so sad that Sierra, this bright, albeit sometimes naive and careless to the repercussions of her actions without thinking as to how others may be left feeling, but altogether a charming, bright girl who like so many others should just have the world at their feet and their futures ahead of them, only to have their lives tragically cut short by the actions of horrible filth. How dare these men do this? It’s utterly despicable! The chain reaction that is set off from Sierra’s apparent silence just creeps into a feeling most horrifying and unsettling, a feeling that stayed with me throughout reading this book and one that will be staying with me for a long, long time to come. Risk is Fleur Ferris’ debut novel and every once of it just felt so raw and real and frankly I think that’s one of the most potent aspects of it – the fact that what happens in this book does indeed happen in real life. It’s just awful, I just felt so sad for Taylor throughout this book, having to deal with the aftermath of what happens next- I felt like her feelings, her rage, her sadness, everything, were mine throughout this novel and the utter grief and pain that she and Sierra’s family have to go through was just conveyed so raw and I couldn’t not be moved by this book! As I was reading Risk, it struck me as to how vital I think this book actually is, and how I think everyone needs to read it! It haunted me to my utter core, the lead up to what happened to Sierra was so chilling and that tragic announcement which I felt was coming but hoped wasn’t…the aftermath, Taylor wanting to see the scumbag locked up, creating a website not only as an ode to Sierra but displaying warning signs about how girls can so easily get tricked into falling for these guys, I just admired her so much for this! I feel like I haven’t read a book that was written and felt so vivid and real for a long time, actually. I polished it off in 2 days, having started it last night and staying up late, only to wake up a few hours later and be horrified at the events in the book that I’d read. Initially I was going to give this book a 4, however, upon further reflection I cannot fault this book, from how it made me feel when I was reading it to the fact that stories like Sierra’s are real and completely tragic and happening in this world. I just wish more could be done to help these girl see they are worth so much more!...more
I received a finished copy of this book prior to publication in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own. This is such a moving and moreI received a finished copy of this book prior to publication in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own. This is such a moving and more often than not, a heartbreaking read! At its core, The Afterwards is a story about friendship and the extent one would go to save one’s best friend, as Ember does when she learns Ness tragically passes away during a terrible accident. It’s also a story of acceptance too, and coming to terms with something tragic. In that sense, I definitely think that this book is quite an important one, I haven’t personally come across a lot of Middle Grade Fiction that deals with addressing the death of a friend, but I was definitely moved quite considerably by The Afterwards. Yes, Ember does absolutely act irrational and dangerously when she believes she can bring back Ness from the dead, but did I blame her? Absolutely not – all throughout this book, I felt like I was in her shoes, if my best friend died horribly and if I felt there was a way to bring them back, would I try? Of course, who wouldn’t? All Ember has in life is her best friend, Ness, and her Dad, Harry. She and Ness do everything together, they walk to school and play and even share their lunches and equally divide a single chocolate biscuit. It was so precious and endearing reading about their young friendship and their cute interactions and sharing! Then, one day at school, Ember doesn’t see Ness, she doesn’t know what’s happened to her best friend, only she senses a not so great feeling within her being. Then one of her Teachers announces that one of their classmates has passed away after hitting their head whilst playing on the swings, not initially saying who, but of course we know, as Ember knows too, it’s her Ness who has passed away. Enter Ember’s odd Uncle, I say odd because initially I just thought he was just everyone’s quirky Uncle, but it soon became evident that there was more darkness than odd under the surface with him. See, it’s revealed that he lost his beloved Canine companion, and he wants to get her back too. When Ember finds herself unexpectedly but perhaps not surprisingly reunited with Ness, things definitely take a darker turn here. See, Ember finds Ness sort of in a state of limbo, neither fully alive but not fully dead in this gap between the present and reality. What follows is a profoundly moving journey, of friendship, acceptance, family and a helpful talking cat who’s wisdom definitely won’t be forgotten. There was also one twist in this book that I definitely didn’t see coming, focusing on Ember’s character, that it was definitely hard not to be equally horrified and moved by! I definitely recommend The Afterwards, I finished it in the space of a couple of hours, read it and I’m sure you’ll be moved, too.
A huge thank you to Pan Macmillian Australia for providing me with an early copy of this book to read and review, all thoughts are my own. Wayward Son was a dream come true! I fell utterly in love with Simon Snow, Baz and Penelope aka Bunce, in Carry On, which became one of my all time favourite books! I remember immediately longing for a sequel, this was prior to Wayward Son being announced! So to say that this has been one of my most anticipated reads of the year is definitely accurate! When I first picked up Wayward Son, I felt like I’d reunited with dear friends after a long time apart! I thought about rereading Carry On prior to getting stuck into this sequel, but ultimately decided against it (also lack of reading time lately has certainly been a thing). However, it turns out, everything that happened in Carry On, came racing back to me in all its wonderful, glory of feelings! In terms of our main characters, Baz, the vampire and of course our hero Simon Snow, and his best friend Penelope, they remained as engaging as ever as narrators! I just felt so sad for Simon and Baz, after the climatic events in Carry On, Simon is definitely feeling useless and melancholy, as if he had lost his purpose. I just wanted to give him a huge hug! What’s more though, I wanted Baz to give him a huge hug! They’re all kinds of perfection, as individuals (not without their flaws of course, as Baz faces some personal demons and obstacles throughout this adventure). What an adventure it was, too! So wild and often dangerous, I cannot even begin to express how fearful I was for our gang! Even the usually confident-headed Bunce had some troubles throughout this book, I felt so sad for her at first, though I’ve always admired her steely loyalty to Simon (Agatha too) and her determination to see a mission out until the end. When Penelope detects that something is amiss with Agatha, as well as not liking seeing her best friend (Simon), in such a sad state, she initiates a road trip across America, in order to rescue Agatha from the trouble she may have got herself into, as well as rejuvenating Simon. I loved everyone’s points of view being carried across during their adventure, I could feel everyone’s determination and angst! As a result of Simon’s melancholy state, his relationship with Baz definitely took a tumble, which was so sad! However, I did enjoy both characters’ angst and could easily feel their love for one another, their just so precious! I need more of them in life! I honestly delayed finishing this book because I didn’t want it to end! I found myself surprised (in a pleased way), about Agatha’s story arc in Wayward Son, she’s never been a huge fan of her magic (or magic in general), and was trying to escape what is always going to be a part of her! I hoped she would see sense, I don’t think she ever bought into Braden’s insane ideals, (him being of an organisation with really not great intentions). The chapters with Agatha though were really engaging (and slightly unnerving, but wholly enjoyable, for I couldn’t decect anything that was coming! Who could our friends trust? I truly didn’t know! There was especially one character who enters our friends lives, I was so weary of him! I felt like he was earnest but I really wasn’t sure, and it kept me so curious throughout! I think that’s just one of the many engaging aspects of Rainbow Rowell’s wonderful writing! Also, how whimsical are their spells? I just love the odd incantations! I’m missing everyone already! Wayward Son is the perfect follow on to Carry On, with a whole lot of magic and excitement throughout! You will love this book!...more
I recieved a copy of this book from Walker Books Australia in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own. If you’re looking for a perfect,I recieved a copy of this book from Walker Books Australia in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own. If you’re looking for a perfect, spooky read with every chill-inducing element then Rules For Vanishing is definitely for you! I haven’t read a great deal of Horror as a genre in YA Fiction but this is perfection! The mystery aspect too will keep you guessing right until the end! Sara has felt like she’s lost a part of herself when her sister, Becca, disappears. Becca, who Sara idolised. Sara knows that her sister was fascinated with the lore story of Lucy Gallows, a young girl killed in a forest who’s ghost is rumored to be seen still, and supposedly communicates with those who seek her! The perfect backstory for a perfectly haunting, chilling, atmospheric read! What a page turner Rules For Vanishing is! The mixed media narrative is absolutely brilliant, adding so much mystery to the story! Just when I thought I knew one thing, just when I thought I had the notions of what might come next, BAM something else was added or revealed and just made me wonder possibly what would be revealed next, what could have happened between Sara’s narrative and the interview transcripts which take place after everyone’s daring ventures into the woods. For Becca. It’s curious, after learning about her fascination with Lucy Gallows and her supposed forbidden rendezvous with a guy her parents and Sara didn’t particularly like and them then supposedly taking off into the forest, my pre conceptions of Becca’s character were definitely mixed. I enjoyed her fascination with the local lore, I wanted to like her as much as Sara did, but to really take off like that and leave not a sign for your family? It’s harsh. However, I’m being slightly judgemental because there is much more to it, really. I honestly don’t want to go into what happens when Sara and her friends trek through the woods and find themselves in explicable danger, because it’s best to get into the heart of this mystery with as little known information, because as everyone started to make their way through the horrifying gates, where they faced obstacles that were honestly so flipping frightening, that the forest would take them and not return them home, the fact that it’s quite possible that not everyone would be returning, just gave me all the chills! And what happened really to little Lucy Gallows? What about another deadly mystery interwoven with the forest too? Why were Sara’s thoughts and experiences about what happened getting so vague and patchy? Was she remembering things wrong? What really happened? What was coming next? These were just some of the thoughts and questions I had when I was reading this book, and what followed was just an unforgettable and incredible and altogether haunting reading experience that will be staying with me for some time to come! You must, must pick up a copy of Rules For Vanishing! I daresay I won’t read anything like this again!...more
I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Bloomsbury Australia, all thoughts are my own. Equally fantastical, equally darkI recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Bloomsbury Australia, all thoughts are my own. Equally fantastical, equally dark but completely magical and bittersweet, Pan’s Labyrinth: The Labyrinth of the Faun is a novel which is, of course based on the film of the same name. The collaboration between Guillermo Del Toro and Cornelia Funke is so masterful! Both are master storytellers and this novel is just epic proof of that! Among all the fantastical creatures, the wicked trickster faun, the menacing soldiers, there is a lot of heart within this book, especially within that of our main character, Ofelia. Anyone who is familiar with this story knows how tragic the penultimate climax is, filled with so much magic and hope at the start, with Ofelia believing so firmly in her beloved fairy tales, only to experience adventure, promises, deceit and more heartbreak! The structure of this book was absolute perfection, within each chapter featured a fairy tale set within the same world and I feel like they mirrored what was happening in the story, what some of the main characters were going through, too. Ofelia was just such a precious main character, I mean I couldn’t help but just feel so sad for her! She lost her beloved Father and her Mother is newly pregnant to her second husband, a man Ofelia dubs The Wolf, for fear of him. He’s utterly menacing and horrible throughout, but it was definitely satisfying reading about his penultimate part in this tale, though after what happened with Ofelia, it was just so tragic! Another amazing character is Mercedes, a hose worker that works in The Wolf’s employ, and only has all of the love in her heart for Ofelia! I love how she did her best to look after the girl when she could, and I feel like, especially at the end, Mercedes wasn’t at all scared of him, which just made things completely satisfying even more! Throughout this book too there are some perfectly illustrious illustrations throughout, capturing the emotive, melancholy and dark tonethroughout this book! If you love dark fantasy with exceptionally vivid, lyrical and emotive prose, you definitely don’t want to miss this one!...more
A huge thank you to Pan Macmillan Australia for sending me an Uncorrectee Proof copy of one of my very most anticipated reads of this year,SupernovainA huge thank you to Pan Macmillan Australia for sending me an Uncorrectee Proof copy of one of my very most anticipated reads of this year, Supernova in exchange for an honest review – all thoughts are my own. This was such an exciting roller coaster of emotions! As with any beloved instalment of a final series, I definitely wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these characters- and honestly I hope that there’s going to be more set in this world, because that epilogue was such a wicked teaser, too! Nova, one half of our main characters and narrators, had always thought that the Renegades were to blame for the tragic death of her parents and little sister, where were they, with their always promises to protect their people? They’re meant to be the Superheroes! So when we first meet her in Renegades, I completely felt her anguish throughout, her want to exact revenge. See, Nova has a particularly wicked power as one of the Archenenies, sworn to exact revenge on the Renegades, she’s even given herself an alias as one of them too! Between Renegades and Archenemies, things had been building up to one huge, epic finale of completely wild proportions! Every moment of Supernova was just that! Every moment was a race of not even knowing what would come next- see, chemistry has definitely bloomed between Nova and Adrian, two of our main characters, who still keep their aliases under wraps from one another – and everyone. I was honestly on such tenderhooks throughout, I felt that surely they would finally discover the truths about one another, and even though I knew there would be devastating repercussions from this, it needed to happen! But what was even more amazing, as is always the case with Marissa Meyer, who has longtime been a favourite author of mine, she spins a story one way, just as she had established a wicked build up of epic proportions, just when I thought everything was starting to make sense (which it had been, but I mean, just when things appeared to come to the surface and truths would arise), then BAM! Marissa Meyer weaves even more plot twists and brilliance into Supernova! What makes this final instalment so memorable and completely epic to me though, is just that Adrian and Nova have always been such likeable characters! Adrian, the son of two of the strongest Renegade gentlemen, who lost his beloved Mother at such a young age, who is so dedicated to justice in the world, who adores his little brother and will try his hardest to see that he can have as regular upbringing as someone in his fragile condition, his blind adoration of Nova, his utter dedication to his friends, he’s just amazing! Nova too, who just always wanted to bring her beloved Uncle back to fruition, who always thought that he was the only one who understood her, the only family she has left – Ace Anarchy, who wants nothing more than to reign havoc on the Renegades and end their supposed brainwashing reign, where they have always, according to him, called the shots in the town, as they’re the ones who people listen to, but Ace Anarchy thinks people shouldn’t have to put up with the seemingly contradictory ways of the Renegades, who preach about always delivering justice fairly but would speak of ending the lives of enemies without a hitch! Something which has also been prevalent throughout all three novels, I’ve found, but most specially in this one, is that Marissa Meyer always made me think about good versus evil, honestly, Nova especially has this weighing on her throughout the finale and her actions throughout are completely stellar! Even at times, I didn’t even know what she may do next, but it was an absolute wild reading experience finding out! Supernova is definitely going into my all time favourite books list, and frankly I think that I’ll be living in this one for a good while yet! Every one of those five hundred and sixty pages were freaking brilliant and had such excitement, the build up and final battle and of course aftermath were one I will NEVER forget! I really hope that we get more set in this world at a later stage, honestly, I would read an infinite number of books set in it!...more
A huge thank you to Penguin Random House Australia for having me on this review tour! Review included below, accordingly:
This is a follow up novel to the author’s The Gilded Hour but I feel like it certainly sits comfortably on its own. I certainly think that the story of cousins Dr Sophie Savard and her dearest cousin, Anna Savard, is more of a character journey rather than plot, although there is a lingering mystery underlying throughout this book, too. As a genre, I really enjoy Historical Fiction, the ability to transport the reader to another time and place, immersing them in a completely different setting! Sara Donati’s hugely vast setting of Nineteenth Century New York, where her Dr Sophie Savard returns after suffering a personal loss. I did feel so sad for Sophie having to grieve her husband, I feel like her characters, namely Sophie and Anna, were really strongly fleshed out and I absolutely adored their dedication and determination to help the impoverished women that society would generally frown upon. Furthermore, both ladies utterly adored one another and relied on one another through thick and thin, Anna providing comfort to Sophie as they mourned together and attempt to figure out what, or whom, is causing these young women to fall victim to foul play. Whilst the characters were absolutely fascinating and engaging to read about, I found the writing to be highly filled with every little detail, from Anna and Sophie’s day to day activities, to just every little detail. Unfortunately, this is where it fell flat for me, I found myself getting lost amongst the description, it taking away from the main plot and mystery of the story. This shall conclude my review, but if you continue to read on, which I hope you will, you’ll find my interview with Sara Donati. Thank you again to Penguin Random House Australia for this review and author interview opportunity....more
I absolutely adore this book with all my being! The writing is just jam packed with absolute powerful emotions and grabbed my heart and did not let go once! I really found Frank to be an amazing narrator and couldn't help but feel his angst, his distance from his parents (what with his dad only really speaking fluent Korean and not much English and Frank not being fluent in Korean). His pseudo dating fellow Korean, Joy, was really fun to read about too and I loved reading about their developing bond as they both dealt with the fact that their parents wouldn't approve of their preferred partners and just everything that unravelled was so emotionally captivating! I practically finished this book in less than a day for not wanting to put it down and I wanted to reread it as soon as I finished!...more
I recieved a copy of Beast, along with Initiate and Unholy, from Penguin Books Australia in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own. I can hardly believe that The Palace of Fires trilogy has now concluded! This trilogy completely gripped me by surprise in the best ways, and I definitely feel like I’ll miss these characters! It’s funny, I found myself not being the biggest fan of Baphomet priestess Kritta during Initiate, but I found myself feeling so emotional for her and what she goes through in this book! All throughout, I was wondering what would happen with her character and her two precious familiars, Andie and Bess, all of whom embrace their ferocity so boldly! Her chapters were so engaging as they have been in the previous two books, though there was definitely reminisce of Kritta’s banter with The Hag, which took place in Initiate, only now in Beast, she is finding herself up against a potentially even more dangerous and powerful enemy! The development of Beltane was quite interesting to read, meeting her in Unholy as The Hag’s protege, who would teach her all her endless wealth of knowledge, and I found myself enjoying their scenes in Unholy, but in Beast, I couldn’t wait for Belt to meet her end! After her crucial ploy in the fate of Angela Maguire, I couldn’t believe her character and how much hatred she must have built up within herself against goodness and her sheer determination to take the world over in her dark ways. This statement actually brings me back to Kritta, thinking that if the two weren’t so proud and competitive, they definitely would have been fierce allies! Their other common factor is that they’re both competing for the affections of Kevin Johnstone, who’s overall character development definitely took a pleasant turn as we find out where his true loyalties lay all along! Lily, as per always, remained every bit as fierce and brave as she always has been and to see her develop from just a young teenage girl to fully fledged Witch was just so thrilling and satisfying!! In Beast, Lily finds herself facing the titular demon that has been haunting her dreams for so long, the very same creature who was at the dealing exchange of Lily’s ancestor, the founding member of Cygnet, Jeanett Maguire. But it’s not just The Beast that Lily needs to worry about, there’s someone hot on her heels, promising to kill her when Lily is a worthy warrior, brave enough to fight this person to the death, for the Book of Light, which is of course the Cygnet spellbook which gets handed down from generations to generations, containing all of their worldly magic. Definitely all throughout this book, whether it was the page time of Lily, Kritta, Belt, or even the newly introduced The Pull (who literally pulls his victims limb from limb, honestly, the descriptions leave little to the imagination, it’s insane!), or of course Oliver and Marley, Cygnet’s recent recruits, or geek Gummi and spy extraordinaire, Kee, this one was a final installment that I could not put down! The writing all throughout felt like it was building up to one epic battle of good vs evil, dark vs light, and truthfully, whilst from the very beginning I have always been team Cygnet, I was so scared for Lily as she was going up against some pretty terrifying opponents! She never once wavered in fear though, which is pretty commendable, and this trilogy will be still staying in my mind for time to come! I had not heard of it, truthfully, until that day when the parcel arrived on my doorstep containing these three books, so once again a huge thank you to Penguin Books Australia for sending me the trilogy to read and review!...more
**spoiler alert** This is tricky to write, because practically for the past evening and right up until I finished this book about 15 minutes ago,**spoiler alert** This is tricky to write, because practically for the past evening and right up until I finished this book about 15 minutes ago, every fibre of my being was wholly invested in both of these girls, their alternate world of escapism that they created, their unique relationship that was blooming between them both, the hope that both of them grew to develop, their sense of identity that both grew into... Yet, after everything, I can't help but feel disappointed? I mean I love Audrey Coulthurst's Of Fire and Stars and absolutely cannot wait to read her Inkmistress and newly released Of Ice and Shadows, so maybe I was expecting Sam and Zoe to have more of a Mare and Denna type relationship? I mean, don't get me wrong though, their friendship was absolutely adorable and completely heartfelt, I just feel amazed that Zoe was able to confide so much in Sam without establishing any sense of feelings for her? I mean, Zoe had refused to open up to her own closest friends because she feels like all of their lives are perfect, compared to her own sense of not being wanted by her birth mother, not being the miracle child that her little brother is, not belonging anywhere - then in sweeps the amazing Sam with her fantastical imagination, I mean I felt right away how much Sam was instantly head over heels mad for Zoe, I mean she creates these gorgeous interactions between them both, Starworld (title significance on point, my heart!), where they create worlds and galaxies fuelled by a love of escapism and a dragon named Humphrey. I utterly loved their escape from reality into their intergalactic realm, and I absolutely adored the seemingly robotic at heart Sam, I loved how she spoke in integers, I mean she reminded me of a female and far less obnoxious Sheldon Cooper! However, as I reflect about Starworld, I feel that despite Zoe divulging everything that there is to know about her troubles family and her seemingly lack of significance in life, despite her saying how much she loves her brother (and struggles to come to terms with his disability, saying to the reader and Sam that she laments not being able to have friends over, doesn't like the idea of him going to a specialist care home, but knowing her life can resume some sense of being), I feel that Zoe just took Sam for granted! I'm going to a bit spoilery now, so if you haven't read this novel yet and don't want to be spoilt, then by all means don't read on. I just don't understand how Zoe didn't see the kiss coming! I think, okay I know that Zoe didn't ever say she was straight or bi or anything, and I mean I tell my friends that I love them, because I do - but what I don't do is do what Sam did and blurt it out right in the middle of one of their Starworld escapades! It's no wonder Sam was compelled to think that maybe the girl that she found herself pouring her heart out to, creating these worlds and even drawing a majestic bird image for her Zoe's brother, might feel the same way! I will admit though that the friendship was beautiful, I mean it's what had me so invested throughout! Zoe finds herself opening up to Sam, and vice versa too, I think Sam is able to address the fact that her mum's OCD is not a traditional way of living, and I just thought it was super cute that Zoe makes symmetrical numbered biscuits for Sam as a peace offering for when the former's friends start making fun of Sam and her seemingly freakish ways. Like, I personally thought Zoe's friends were so self indulgent, only wanting to have parties and get hammered and worry about what their wearing to the dance (okay I'm pointing fingers here because Zoe's best friend did try to help her and I think she may have meant well initially, but still!). Also, I didn't see Zoe stand up for Sam when her friends were making fun and that just wasn't nice at all! Despite my seemingly disgruntled tone, Starworld is a story that will definitely stay in my mind for a while to come! And now I'm even more excited to return to my favourite gay Princesses, Denna and Mare!...more
Wow. This was next level wild! Firstly, thank you Penguin Books Australia for sending me this trilogy to read and review - it's penultimate finale isWow. This was next level wild! Firstly, thank you Penguin Books Australia for sending me this trilogy to read and review - it's penultimate finale is out on the 3rd of September, and I'm so on edge after reading this second installment! That cliffhanger ending was UNBELIEVABLE! I honestly cannot believe what went down on the last page, but it definitely feels like a battle of epic proportions is nigh for Cygnet and Baphomet- I feel so nervous for this finale! These books have been such a pleasure to binge, I found book 1 to be such a pleasant surprise and love how Bill Bennett wrote about different forms of magic, about that eternal battle of good and evil - and just seeing Lily develop from young, innocent girl to fierce and driven witch, has just been brilliant! This was such a nail biting second installment in The Palace of Fires series, I now have so many expectations for the final installment and will be reading it ASAP!
I remember when I first readSky(check out my review here:https://wp.me/p82sSb-ll), I was just instantly filled with a hope that this wouldn’t be theI remember when I first read Sky (check out my review here: https://wp.me/p82sSb-ll), I was just instantly filled with a hope that this wouldn’t be the only novel where we’d hear about Sky. Mind you, this was before I was aware of Snow, so you can only imagine how excited I was to learn that there’s a second and third installment coming! Snow was everything that I hoped it would be, even more! My admiration for Sky and her gorgeous, compassionate, raw heart with her undying passion and love for animals, her voice saying “why can’t people understand that they feel things too?” just shone right through and I just can’t help but be in awe of this amazing young girl! I loved how, as she was flying to Alaska for the first time, leaving her best friend Lucy, her beloved dog Bella and her loving Aunt and Uncle behind, not to mention her new boyfriend, Oliver, behind, Sky reflected how she knows she’ll miss everyone whilst she’s away, knowing that initially she didn’t want to live with her Aunt and Uncle, but acknowledging how she grew to love and appreciate them back! It just brought back so many memories from Sky! I felt Sky’s apprehension, fear, nervous excitement when it came to meeting her Father for the first time – she had an image of what he’d be like, but truthfully didn’t really know at all who to expect! It was great seeing them have page time together, and it was completley heart wrenching when Sky finds out what her Father does for a living. I kind of had a hunch that it was something perhaps more slightly sinister than Sky envisions, purely because he would always evade the question when Sky would ask what he did! I feel like, personally, he should have sat her down and just been honest and upfront, because when it comes to Sky finding out about what her Father does, she reacts…well, let me just say that I don’t blame her for reacting how she does! I don’t think her reaction was at all unjustified either, I mean animals are a huge part of her life, so I don’t blame her at all for lashing out and ignoring her Father, even if it puts her in a tricky situation at one point, but if I were Sky, I wouldn’t know what to think either! Horrific realizations and family conflict aside, I loved Sky’s interaction with Adam (her father), and I just loved seeing their bond develop! And in reflecting about their arguments and Sky’s weariness to trust him or not even being sure she wants to be a part of his life, there are a selective number of things that happen throughout this book that make them both realise that they do want to be a constant in one another’s life, it was just so heartwarming to read! I really enjoyed also how Sky got to reunite with her beloved Melody! Sky, initially infuriated with her Mother’s best friend for keeping so much hidden from her, and for also sleeping with Adam all those years ago! So it was great to see Sky talk to Melody about everything and the fact that Melody clearly shows that she has Sky’s back no matter what, just shows how much she loves her! I also enjoyed Sky’s page time with her super sophisticated grandmother, too. It was just so lovely seeing Adam’s parents well and truly embrace Sky as their own family, and it was just super sweet seeing Sky experience things she wouldn’t have done before, such as getting a manicure and pedicure with her Grandmother, and listening to Mozart with her family too. Now, Sky befriends a friend of her Father’s, Jaxen, who plays in a band and has a tricky relationship with his alcohol-addicted Father, but honestly, I was sort of conflicted about some of his actions throughout the book, but then again, I feel like if Sky had have maybe told him a bit about her life back home, about Oliver, then Jaxen perhaps wouldn’t have professed his feelings for her during a live performance! I just felt super uncomfortable for them both, given what they’d both been through, it felt like the last thing they needed in life was more drama! However, by the end of the book, I feel like hope had presented itself to Sky and her Father, a continuing fresh start in Australia, Adam getting to see his daugter’s home, and I am absolutely so excited for the third installment in Animal Allies, Star....more
Absolutely thrilling! Review to come upon Australian Publication Date (August 27th), thank you so much Pan Macmillan Australia for sending me a copyAbsolutely thrilling! Review to come upon Australian Publication Date (August 27th), thank you so much Pan Macmillan Australia for sending me a copy to review!...more
A huge thank you to Harper Collins for sending me a proof of this to read and review - I loved it! I finished it in one sitting. Review to come uponA huge thank you to Harper Collins for sending me a proof of this to read and review - I loved it! I finished it in one sitting. Review to come upon Australian Publication Date!...more
I recieved a copy of Initiate, along with book two (Unholy), and the forthcoming (September 3rd release) Beast from Penguin Books Australia in exchange for honest reviews, all thoughts are my own. Initially, I wasn’t too sure about this book, but by halfway I was well and truly hooked! I loved the changing points of view and I must admit I instantly adored Lily, our main character, who finds herself having to come to terms with some very shocking and not at all welcoming news! All Lily wants is her Mother back with her safely, so my heart instantly went out to her! I loved the mystery surrounding Angela’s disappearance and learning how a specifically dark sect of witches were after both Angela and Lily’s soul! It was so chilling reading about the supposed priest character, who would stop at nothing to ensure that he would deliver both girls to his Satanic master. However, the priest definitely isn’t the only ruthless player in this cast of white witches and dark witches, Kritta, a pint sized young lady with murder and malice on her mind, with ferocity at every turn and two familiars who she can wield at any point, she equally terrified and irritated me! I say irritated because I feel like I don’t quite understand why she longs to deliver both Mother and Daughter to her Master? I feel like I just wanted to shake her and be like “girl, chill!” – but she honestly had such a fierce and steel resolve and wouldn’t stop at anything to see that she would capture Lily, I must admit I did get a bit of a kick out of her determination and I do feel that she relied on her familiars, Andi and Bess (who I must admit had some fabulous banter, the two being jealous of one another and how both wanted to vie for Kritta’s attention). Do not get me wrong though, I’m definitely team Lily here! There was a scene where she is being guided by elder witch Luna, who warns her that in order to fulfill her destiny, Lily will need to face demons most deadly, forsake all her worldly goods, but she’ll have the potential to be one of the strongest witches in her lineage! I was loving it! I also utterly adored their worship ties to the Goddess Artemis and how they drew on her wisdom and guidance for strength and power too! Lily’s character growth was utterly magical! *pun intended* – this was just so much fun to read and so addictive throughout! At the start, Lily feels alone in the world, I mean, she loves her mum but she’s a bit weary of her mother’s constant packing up and moving around as soon as they got settled somewhere, but as the plot and mystery unfolds, I just felt like it was so satisfying learning about Lily’s magical heritage and about her fierce fight against the dark witches that would see her family lineage obliterated! This book is presented in third person narration, told from manga different points of view and as the story unfolded I just think it worked so brilliantly and vividly! Of course, we have Lily’s, Kritta’s and The Priest, but also there was Kevin, a school mate of Lily’s and someone who finds himself drawn in by her quiet mystery, but also finds himself deeply excited by Kritta’s wicked ways and after a specific scene where Lily has a vision of Kevin in the cave during a rather integral part of the story…well, let’s just say I’m very intrigued to see how their paths intersect! There was also a POV from a character appropriately titled The Hag, a witch who hates children with a passion and adopts stray cats with a rapid streak. I really enjoyed her chapters too, especially her utter lack of tolerance of Kritta and her familiars, something which definitely worked both ways, that’s for sure! Overall, a very exciting first installment in a very unique trilogy all about witchcraft, with a very unique mystery hidden below the depths! I know I’ll be getting into the second book in this series before long too!...more
Short, sharp and wholly powerful. "Mika and Max" tells the story of teenage girl, Mika, feeling lonely during a time that her parents thought they'dShort, sharp and wholly powerful. "Mika and Max" tells the story of teenage girl, Mika, feeling lonely during a time that her parents thought they'd all be celebrating, enjoying the sights and sounds of a music festival. In fact, Mika feels isolated from her friends at school, often feeling left out from hearing on social media that they were having a blast of a time without her. It's never fun feeling left out or that one is being excluded from anything, so I instantly felt really hurt on Mika's behalf and I was excited for her to get to know Max, the young son of family friends. Max has Autism and doesn't speak at all, I felt like this was really captured very powerfully! I really enjoyed his scenes with Mika too, his little gestures that I personally think told her that everything would be okay and that Max enjoyed her friendship, even though he couldn't perhaps tell her that in the clearest way! In the short time that the two titular characters got to know one another as well, I felt like both grew close to one another too, with Max helping Mika learn a few things about herself as well, which was really satisfying to read about!!
I definitely recommend this book, it’s so powerful and just such a quick read (I wish it were longer!) and it’ll definitely leave its mark on the reader! Friendship can be found in the most unexpected situations and I’d like to think Mika and Max’s newfound friendship is something that has altered both of them for the better and that it’s a friendship that’ll last a lifetime!
Thank you Walker Books Australia for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review....more
I recieved a copy of this book from Bloomsbury Books Australia in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own. This was my first foray intoI recieved a copy of this book from Bloomsbury Books Australia in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own. This was my first foray into Brigid Kemmerer's books and sufficed it to say I am definitely excited to read more of her books! Her writing is so engaging and powerful, I definitely found myself instantly addicted to the story and excited to read what would come next! I was instantly drawn into both our main characters worlds and I found myself feeling so sad for them both! I mean, I felt like both of them definitely weren't completley at fault for what went wrong in their situations - okay, Maegan was, she did cheat on a very important test, causing her fellow students to retake the test too, but as for Rob...wow! I found his chapters to be so emotional, like, I couldn't not feel terrible for him! He honestly had no idea of the nasty business that his Dad was conducting, though I definitely thought it was interesting how the storyline regarding what his Father actually did wound up, I definitely didn't see that coming and it definitely left an impact! With Rob as a character though, he knew that everyone hated him for what his Father supposedly did and he definitely doesn't blame them! But what he also is determined for people, namely Maegan to know that he isn't like his father, his namesake. By no means though is this easy for him, absolutely not and he struggles with some decisions that he makes, but I definitely felt his angst! He feels like he's doing something right with an action that's technically not right at all (but still making a difference to the people that he's helping), so I really enjoyed Brigid Kemmerer's use of what is right and wrong? throughout Rob's character arc! I really enjoyed the developing friendships throughout this book, especially the interactions and scenes that Maegan and Robert shared- see, Maegan is carrying a family secret that's weighing her down and she struggles to confide in anyone. In turn, I really enjoyed Robert's unexpected friendship with school student Owen and I really found myself appreciating that Owen didn't judge Robert based on what his father did and I liked that Robert would share his lunch with Owen and even his reading! Which brings me to say now I can't wait even more to read An Ember in the Ashes! (For those who have read this book, you'll understand ;). What also made my heart happy was how much Robert found himself enjoying reading, not just as escapism, but a new beloved hobby, a new pastime and also just his friendly relationship with the school Librarian is just so endearing!! Meagan and Robert eventually find it easy to confide in one another though, you know, once they break down their initial barriers (they're initially not at all happy at being paired up for an assignment, but after some frustrating communications between the two (what with Maegan needing a solid grade on this assignment). I just loved how much both of them developed as individual characters, Maegan's fierce loyalty towards her sister throughout was utterly admirable (let's just say Samantha finds herself in a less than ideal situation, but Maegan supports her all throughout, its just wonderful and heartwarming!). Both Maegan and Robert are aware of what the other had done too, but Maegan sees first hand what Rob has to live with as a result of his Father's actions after being caught (so raw and haunting and powerful, learning about what Rob went through and I was definitely wishing no one should have to be in his shoes ever!). There were moments where I was teary right along with these characters, there were moments when I was feeling their angst, their embarrassment, everything they separately and mutually went through, I felt it! This for me was the absolutely most powerful first book to read by Brigid Kemmerer and I'm definitely excited to read another of hers before long!...more
A huge thank you to Hachette Australia for providing me with a copy of Candace Bushnell’s new memoir to read and review! I absolutely loved this bookA huge thank you to Hachette Australia for providing me with a copy of Candace Bushnell’s new memoir to read and review! I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t put it down – I finished it in one sitting!! I’ve longtime been a fan of Candace Bushnell’s work, Sex in The City is a book that I often enjoyed many times over, as well as her The Carrie Diaries and Summer In The City too! But there was just something all the more impressive and addictive that was this book, I think, for me, it was just that the author spared no filters in this book, it was just completley upfront and open and honest and I couldn’t put it down and found myself instantly fascinated by Candace’s exploration of life as an older woman, navigating dating circuits and lifetime friendships and life in New York City, before and again, after overcoming various difficult obstacles in her life! I must admit, I’ve never been wholly interested in the whole dating scene and I can happily admit I’m asexual- but even so, I found myself chuckling at the utter relatable that was Candace Bushnell’s journey using the interesting dating app that is Tinder and chats with her fellow older friends (and a couple of younger ones, all of whom have very varying and unique interpretations of the app and men!) I would read excerpts of this book to my mum and we’d discuss the comments about the men and women in detail, remarking on how accurate and pleasantly real Candace Bushnell’s narrative is! I just throughly enjoyed reading about her life, from when she started a seemingly regular day walking her beloved Ibizan Hound to tragedy unfurling and leading her to retreat away from the city, only to return with a fresh perspective (Which I found so interesting too, how the lifestyle of people in New York City works, how glitzy and costly the high end stores are, it really felt like another world in itself and I could picture it all so vividly!). It was impossible not to get swept up in this book and what happened in Candace’s life as she explores the titular notion Is There Still Sex In The City? as her writing is so wonderfully articulated and reads very intimately, it honestly felt like I was catching up with a friend having a cocktail or a rose, being entertained and moved by what she’d been through and just generally what had occurred in her life! I especially enjoyed not only her every day accounts of her and her friends, but the part where an old partner of hers came to stay with her, along with his young son – which essentially leads to Candace thinking about her own life, how she’s never had children of her own (something I admire, truthfully), but I also enjoyed reading about her taking the young lad shopping and teaching him diving! All in all, I definitely think there’s something in this book that everyone will enjoy! It’s definitely one of my favourite non fiction books that I’ve read lately and I can’t recommend it enough! Thank you again Hachette Australia for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review!!...more
Review to come on my posting date of the AusYABloggers blog tour of this book. A huge thank you to Walker Books Australia for providing me with a copyReview to come on my posting date of the AusYABloggers blog tour of this book. A huge thank you to Walker Books Australia for providing me with a copy of this book and AusYABloggers for having me on the tour!...more
Anytime I finish reading a Lynette Noni novel, her books always just fill me with a magical sense of awe and wonder, I mean I've only read the firstAnytime I finish reading a Lynette Noni novel, her books always just fill me with a magical sense of awe and wonder, I mean I've only read the first two installments in her Medoran Chronicles but I can't wait to resume them and I definitely count them among my all time favourite books and Whisper is definitely joining! I had long been so curious to read this beauty, only ever hearing the most glowing things about it from readers and just this year it was announced as the Gold Inky Awards Winner! So I knew that Whisper was going to be memorable! And when I found out I am on the review tour with Pantera Press for Weapon, I knew I had to dive right in! The first 100 pages were so fast paced and epic, filling me with so many questions! My heart instantly ached for Agent 684/ Jane Doe, as I instantly felt like she was such a likeable character and should just not be subjected to this horrible, beyond inhumane treatment that no one should be subjected to! But why? Who is she? What did she do? I had all of the questions just going through my mind as I first met our Jane Doe, wondering why she was so silent, wondering why she refused to utter even a single syllable, what must she have done in her past? Her narrative (by the way, I love how Whisper is told from her point of view, it really propelled me into the mind of her, being able to perceive her surroundings ever so aware as she was. I couldn't stop turning the pages, itching to know what was coming next! The reveals, as I read them were crazy insane good and had me shocked! Just when I thought I knew something, Lynette Noni would, as she does in her majestic way, spin it on its head and just leave me wanting more, in the best way, of course! I also loved the introduction of the other characters too, trying to figure out if they were trustworthy or what their true agendas were - Lynette Noni honestly creates such human characters, they all just feel so real! I loved the interactions between Jane Doe and Cami, Kael,her (Cami's) little cousins, namely Abby in all her childlike innocence, and Ward...he who nicknamed her Chip, as he was determined to chip away at her exterior, wanting to know her, wanting her to open up to him. From the get go, I absolutely loved their chemistry! Without going into it too much, I felt like I didn't know what his true instincts were, though I hoped and wanted to firmly believe that he does care for her, and I think, especially after that cliffhanger reveal, that he does! I felt that Whisper will remain one of the most unique books that I've read! I found the concept of Creators and Speakers to be so immersive! As Chip finds more about her abilities, why she is so integral to Vanik's plans.... I have chills as I think about this first installment of what I'm sure is going to be a knockout finale! I feel like the stakes were risen so high as Whisper unfolded, and we are truly set for a jaw dropping finale in Weapon! If you haven't yet picked up Whisper, do so because it is among the most unique, exciting, fast paced and addictive books that you'll read!...more
Wow! I’m not even sure where to begin withWilder Girls!I can definitely say though that it’s one of the most bizarre, creepily atmospheric tales I have ever read and that I don’t think I’ll read anything of it’s brilliant like ever again! Truthfully, I didn’t know what to expect from this book, but as soon as I started reading it I found myself utterly enamoured with the characters, especially Hetty and Byatt! I adored their friendship so much, just how much they are wholly there for one another, and with Reese, another fierce (and delightfully queer) character, I just couldn’t help but cheer for these girls in their sheer efforts of survival! I found Rory Power’s writing to be utterly phenomenal and so atmospheric, I felt constant chills and goosebumps as I was reading, and I definitely couldn’t predict anything that was to come! I desperately wanted Byatt and Hetty and Reese and everyone to be okay – but seeing the damage of the Tox, with Byatt’s closed over eye and Reese’s extra limbs protruding from her back, bone and all – I felt like I could easily visualise all of this, which all added to such a dark and twisty reading experience!! The story at times was told from both Hetty and Byatt’s points of view, which I absolutely loved! Without being too spoilery, because I feel like it is best that this book is read and enjoyed without knowing a great deal, but what follows and is revealed is just too horrifying and dark and thrilling, in the sense that I hoped and hoped (and hoped) that Byatt would be okay *cries* and that somehow Reese and Hetty could be happy and safe! I loved the pacing of this book too, I feel like it didn’t have one slow moment and it kept me constantly on the edge of my seat, needing to know what would come next! I wish I could reread Wilder Girls for the first time already, purely because I’ve not read anything like it before and I’ll miss these characters so much, I can’t wait to read what’s next from Rory Power!!!!...more
Thank you Hachette Australia for providing me with an Uncorrected Proof Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own. Thank you Hachette Australia for providing me with an Uncorrected Proof Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own. This book was so engaging and nail biting throughout!! The concept is so unique too! I’ve never read anything about something known as a cobot to this extreme! The reader is presented with Abbie Cullen, but not as she knows herself! Supposedly, her grieving husband is informing her that she’s returned from the cusp of death, defying all the odds! Instantly I was weary of Tim, I must admit, and was not at all surprised when its announced that Tim may have been suspected of harming his darling Abbie! This instantly made me need to know what would come next and it was just so intriguing as pieces of Abbie’s life came back to her, as she relived her wedding day and tried to get back into her every day life! There were definitely twists aplenty here, just when I thought I had an idea about what was happening, something else came along and totally threw me unexpectedly, but it was great! Even as Abbie finds herself receiving cryptic messages on her old phone, I never would have guessed who they were being sent from: warning Abbie that Tim is not to be trusted! This book was told in such a unique and different narrative too! It rotates between third and second person, so that the reader, I feel, is projected into the mind of Abbie, being dubbed you, so for me, it felt like I was right there as her, which made this all the more unique!! I really enjoyed too how the narration jumped to third person, in the tone of one of Tim’s colleagues, which bought to my attention how ruthless the man is at work, how he’ll stop at nothing to ensure his vision is captured! I also felt it was interesting that these flashbacks told us about how Tim was in his personal life too, struggling with women (truthfully, I thought he came across as a slight git, its revealed that he belittles a woman for not wanting to sleep with him after he spoils her), but after he meets Abbie, he becomes seemingly the devoted Husband and Father, cherishing Abbie so much and worrying to no end when she seemingly has her accident!! All throughout, I never knew his true instincts and intentions and it definitely made for more unsettling reading and a wholly unique reading experience!! The Perfect Wife is out now! Fans of any good, twisty page turner will not want to miss this!! A huge thank you again to Hachette Australia for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review!...more
I recieved an Uncorrected Proof copy of this book from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own. This was utterlyI recieved an Uncorrected Proof copy of this book from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own. This was utterly phenomenal! I feel like saying it was thrilling (pun gloriously intended) is a total understatement! I was instantly intrigued from the get go and could hardly put the book down!! I found the main character, Libby, to be perfectly relatable! Essentially she finds out on her 25th birthday that a house has been bequeathed to her from her birth parents, who seemingly died in a very strange murder suicide, or was it truly? I was instantly horrified but equally intrigued and couldn’t wait to learn more! Through Libby’s perspective at the start, we learn (as she chats with the solicitor about the house and the strange history behind it, let alone the mysterious circumstances of her supposed biological parents deaths), we learn that Libby also seemingly has a half brother and sister, but where are they? Then the utter genius continued! The next point of view was from Henry, who I learnt was one of Libby’s half siblings!! And he narrates his early years, which just had me even more on tenderhooks because it meant that we’d get a first hand look at what happened all those years ago! We then also have a third narrator, which, looking back, took me slightly longer to figure out who it was – but I think that possibly may have been part of the authors’ genius to keep me reading! During Henry’s early chapters, he keeps referring to his sister as exactly that, so I was wondering all about her! Where was she now? Just brilliant! Lucy, wonderful Lucy! I think her character just had the best character growth and development! And what she went through, my goodness! I was completely in awe of her throughout! When we first meet her she is a homeless, single mother of two children, a young boy and an infant girl! I knew she was more connected to Libby, or should I say…no, you really must read this book! It truly has everything in it and I was left wanting more but in the best way! Now I can’t wait to read all of Lisa Jewell’s other books!!...more
This was so intriguing and addictive! I couldn't put it down- I was instantly wanting to know what happened all those years ago to the poor child, andThis was so intriguing and addictive! I couldn't put it down- I was instantly wanting to know what happened all those years ago to the poor child, and who may be living among Joanna's potential circle as a former child killer! Where was Sally McGowan now? Who was she? I had so many questions that I needed answers too - so I definitely found that I couldn't put this down! Full review can be found here on my blog: https://brooklynthebookworm.wordpress......more
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