This novella follows from the first book in The Darkest Minds trilogy. At just under 100 pages I wasn't really expecting a lot, but wow. Bracken reallThis novella follows from the first book in The Darkest Minds trilogy. At just under 100 pages I wasn't really expecting a lot, but wow. Bracken really knows how to write a novella!
This is centered around Gabe's perspective, a character not featured in the original series. Gabe represents the average American citizen, attempting to struggle through the economic repression that has ripped through America in the wake of the mutant abilities suddenly conjured in almost all teenage and pre-teen children. An old knee injury means he cannot join the forces controlling these 'freaks' and there is little place left for him in society: he is a collateral victim in this futuristic community. His subsequent hatred for the 'freaks' that caused his current state is almost palpable. That is, until a small, mute 'yellow' makes his acquaintance...
Whilst short, this managed to incorporate a well-rounded story, featuring characters both new and beloved, in a well-formulated world. The action and intrigue was kept at a maximum, and there were so many places where I was reading this with my heart in my mouth. This is a great addition to the series, providing further details to the main plot, as well as maintaining itself as a single spin-off story.
Merged review:
This novella follows from the first book in The Darkest Minds trilogy. At just under 100 pages I wasn't really expecting a lot, but wow. Bracken really knows how to write a novella!
This is centered around Gabe's perspective, a character not featured in the original series. Gabe represents the average American citizen, attempting to struggle through the economic repression that has ripped through America in the wake of the mutant abilities suddenly conjured in almost all teenage and pre-teen children. An old knee injury means he cannot join the forces controlling these 'freaks' and there is little place left for him in society: he is a collateral victim in this futuristic community. His subsequent hatred for the 'freaks' that caused his current state is almost palpable. That is, until a small, mute 'yellow' makes his acquaintance...
Whilst short, this managed to incorporate a well-rounded story, featuring characters both new and beloved, in a well-formulated world. The action and intrigue was kept at a maximum, and there were so many places where I was reading this with my heart in my mouth. This is a great addition to the series, providing further details to the main plot, as well as maintaining itself as a single spin-off story....more
How could you not want to read a book whose synopsis begins: "Farway Gaius McCarthy was born outside of time. The son of a time traveler from 2354 AD How could you not want to read a book whose synopsis begins: "Farway Gaius McCarthy was born outside of time. The son of a time traveler from 2354 AD and a gladiator living in ancient Rome". I was immediately sold! The story-line develops from here to include red pandas, rainbow-hair, parties in Vegas, trips to the Titanic, and pirating some of history's lost artefacts from aboard a time-travelling spaceship.
The actual narrative was instantaneously compelling. There are little foundations to the plot laid, for the reader to gain their bearings in this futuristic world, before we are whisked to times past and back again. I found this intense plot pacing worked well within the confines of this story, and added an intense edge to all of the proceedings.
What really compelled me to read this almost 500 page book in just two sittings, however, were the family dynamics that were focused on. I always find myself drawn in by intense friendships that form in books, rather than by budding romantic relationships. The intrepid crew that man the Invictus space ship were motley and varied, but their opposite natures worked well together, both inside the metal confines of the ship and to form a enthralling cast of characters I cared equally for. This is an extremely action-centred narrative, but the individuals were also given their own space to grow, in both character and the reader's heart.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Ryan Graudin, and the publisher, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, for this opportunity.
Merged review:
How could you not want to read a book whose synopsis begins: "Farway Gaius McCarthy was born outside of time. The son of a time traveler from 2354 AD and a gladiator living in ancient Rome". I was immediately sold! The story-line develops from here to include red pandas, rainbow-hair, parties in Vegas, trips to the Titanic, and pirating some of history's lost artefacts from aboard a time-travelling spaceship.
The actual narrative was instantaneously compelling. There are little foundations to the plot laid, for the reader to gain their bearings in this futuristic world, before we are whisked to times past and back again. I found this intense plot pacing worked well within the confines of this story, and added an intense edge to all of the proceedings.
What really compelled me to read this almost 500 page book in just two sittings, however, were the family dynamics that were focused on. I always find myself drawn in by intense friendships that form in books, rather than by budding romantic relationships. The intrepid crew that man the Invictus space ship were motley and varied, but their opposite natures worked well together, both inside the metal confines of the ship and to form a enthralling cast of characters I cared equally for. This is an extremely action-centred narrative, but the individuals were also given their own space to grow, in both character and the reader's heart.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Ryan Graudin, and the publisher, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, for this opportunity....more
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Christopher Byford, and the publisher, HQ Digital, for this I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Christopher Byford, and the publisher, HQ Digital, for this opportunity.
Can we just acknowledge how mesmerising this cover is!? In all honesty this is where my excitement for this book stemmed. And once I had then read the synopsis, which was remarkably cryptic and alluring, I just knew this was going to be the book for me!
The Gambler's Den brings a brief night of respite to the poverty-stricken and hard-working individuals who have made a home upon the desert's vast and windswept plains. The train arrives in each town laden with beautiful women, alcohol, gambling, and the promise to make, at least for one night, all your fears disappear.
Other reviewers have stated their discontent at the slow-build of this novel, but this is the section I most admired. The dark atmospheric qualities of this book grew until the setting became almost a character in itself. From there, I became absorbed into the realm of the mystical and belief was suspended, as I was borne across the desert along with the cast of theatrical individuals this circulates around.
This bore similarities to two previous books I have thoroughly enjoyed: The Night Circus and Caraval. All three books evoke a dark whimsy and a building sense of foreboding that haunts the narrative. Neither of the three are easily classifiable and it is this indefinable quality that truly captivated my attention.
This book bears a resemblance to classic Western literature, due to the setting and the lawless and heady feel aboard the illicit train, but is also clearly fantastical in nature. The adventurous elements combine into an almost dystopian plot-line, that had me constantly guessing and second-guessing the outcome. This book was many things, but the one that is for certain is that it was an unforgettable journey that I am keen to revisit in the second instalment in this thrilling new series.
Merged review:
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Christopher Byford, and the publisher, HQ Digital, for this opportunity.
Can we just acknowledge how mesmerising this cover is!? In all honesty this is where my excitement for this book stemmed. And once I had then read the synopsis, which was remarkably cryptic and alluring, I just knew this was going to be the book for me!
The Gambler's Den brings a brief night of respite to the poverty-stricken and hard-working individuals who have made a home upon the desert's vast and windswept plains. The train arrives in each town laden with beautiful women, alcohol, gambling, and the promise to make, at least for one night, all your fears disappear.
Other reviewers have stated their discontent at the slow-build of this novel, but this is the section I most admired. The dark atmospheric qualities of this book grew until the setting became almost a character in itself. From there, I became absorbed into the realm of the mystical and belief was suspended, as I was borne across the desert along with the cast of theatrical individuals this circulates around.
This bore similarities to two previous books I have thoroughly enjoyed: The Night Circus and Caraval. All three books evoke a dark whimsy and a building sense of foreboding that haunts the narrative. Neither of the three are easily classifiable and it is this indefinable quality that truly captivated my attention.
This book bears a resemblance to classic Western literature, due to the setting and the lawless and heady feel aboard the illicit train, but is also clearly fantastical in nature. The adventurous elements combine into an almost dystopian plot-line, that had me constantly guessing and second-guessing the outcome. This book was many things, but the one that is for certain is that it was an unforgettable journey that I am keen to revisit in the second instalment in this thrilling new series....more
This short issue largely focuses on a parallel timeline in which Susan, Daisy, and Esther did not befriend each other on theActual rating 3.5/5 stars.
This short issue largely focuses on a parallel timeline in which Susan, Daisy, and Esther did not befriend each other on their first days at university and, instead, belonged to different and more troublesome friendship groups, or none at all. This was a fun and short read, even if the conclusion to the girls' issues was a little predictable.
Once the main focus was over, the final few pages featured a short tale during Esther's Christmas at home with her family and seemed a random addition to what had previously featured. I liked this short anecdote rather less than the story delivered before it.
Merged review:
Actual rating 3.5/5 stars.
This short issue largely focuses on a parallel timeline in which Susan, Daisy, and Esther did not befriend each other on their first days at university and, instead, belonged to different and more troublesome friendship groups, or none at all. This was a fun and short read, even if the conclusion to the girls' issues was a little predictable.
Once the main focus was over, the final few pages featured a short tale during Esther's Christmas at home with her family and seemed a random addition to what had previously featured. I liked this short anecdote rather less than the story delivered before it....more
Actual rating 3.5/5 stars. This is the first instalment in the Queen of Coin and Whispers series.
This story focused on Lia, an idealistic and new younActual rating 3.5/5 stars. This is the first instalment in the Queen of Coin and Whispers series.
This story focused on Lia, an idealistic and new young queen, and Xania, her rule-breaking and new young spymaster. As they grow into their new roles they also grow in the heart of the other. They came from opposing worlds and yet find themselves thrust together, forced to work through their feelings and against the enemies at their door.
I did really like both protagonists and also the Sapphic elements of this storyline but, unfortunately, this wasn't enough to have me whole-heartedly loving all of what unfolded. I found the stakes never felt that high, even when the events were described as deadly, and also the viciousness in the characters was hinted at yet never really explored.
This book was, in a word, tame. Not in an unenjoyable sense but it did feel like a gentler and softer story to the one I anticipated reading. Once I figured this out and adjusted by expectations, I found my enjoyment remained intact to the conclusion, which tied this adventure together perfectly....more
Autumn and Finn were best friends as children but all that changed when they grew up and entered into different social circlActual rating 4.5/5 stars.
Autumn and Finn were best friends as children but all that changed when they grew up and entered into different social circles. Now they all but ignore each other, despite living right next door and their mothers remaining the best of friends. But the what ifs haunt them both. What if they never stopped talking? What if their mothers' plans for their joint futures were the right ones all along? What if there was another way they could return back to where they started?
This was beautiful and tragic in equal measures. I felt the author accurately portrayed teenagers throughout, in their dialogue, their actions, their thoughts, and their suffering. I guessed somewhat what the ending would be yet still closed this book feeling entirely hollowed out and bawling for a good hour afterwards....more
Actual rating 4.5/5 stars. This is the third and final instalment in the Shades of Magic.
Four Londons might soon become zero as magic begins to seep tActual rating 4.5/5 stars. This is the third and final instalment in the Shades of Magic.
Four Londons might soon become zero as magic begins to seep through into the other parallels. A common thief and an adopted royal are all that stands between chaos and destruction or a return to the ordinary.
This entire series has been one beautiful and tragic wild ride, with its conclusion aptly following suit. I remained unsure of the plot's trajectory throughout and was forever on the lookout for Schwab delivering another brutal blow by maiming or removing one of my favourites. It ensured this a book that was forever easy to immerse myself in and one I was always eager to dive back into, no matter the often harrowing scenes that featured....more
This is the fifth instalment in the Heartstopper series.
This black and white graphic novel series has my entire heart. It centres around teen couple, This is the fifth instalment in the Heartstopper series.
This black and white graphic novel series has my entire heart. It centres around teen couple, Nick and Charlie, and the challenges they face, both personally and as a young, gay couple.
There were two central issues the pair were confronting in this volume, the latter of which did not conclude at its close and will, I presume, form the forefront of the focus for the FINAL INSTALMENT. I'm not so sure a happy ever after will be granted to us anymore and I am not well!...more
This is the second instalment in the Shades of Magic series.
I tore through this book in under 24 hours, despite a recent reading and life slump, so imThis is the second instalment in the Shades of Magic series.
I tore through this book in under 24 hours, despite a recent reading and life slump, so immersed was I in the intriguing magic system, the politics of these worlds, the tournament that took place, and in continuing to understand these characters.
I also found the writing to be more elevated in poetic quality with many quotes hitting me in my feels as squarely as the often tragic events did. This book walked the fine line between pain and pleasure, beautifully.
I really enjoyed the first series instalment but was utterly captivated by this one! Onto book three!...more
This is the fourth instalment in The Inheritance Games series.
Grayson and Jameson Hawthorne are brothers raised inside the same household, playing theThis is the fourth instalment in The Inheritance Games series.
Grayson and Jameson Hawthorne are brothers raised inside the same household, playing the same games for money and affection, and have grown to become opposite personalities. Whilst one was raised as the heir the other became the spare and it moulded the people they became, the way they valued themselves, and what they were willing to sacrifice to win. Now they most work both alone and together as a new puzzle has arisen. They must do what both do best to conquer it - be Hawthornes.
This did not follow all of the Hawthorne brothers for much of the storyline and I missed those not featured more than I thought I would have. It made me realise how much of my enjoyment was linked to the interactions between all the personalities that feature in the initial trilogy.
Avery joined the two brothers and we got to see how she now fits into their world, which I did enjoy. New characters also featured here and I didn't bond with them like I thought I would have. None were dislikable as such but I think I had preconceived notions that they would disappear from the page after this novel was done, as book five begins a new storyline. This is, of course, entirely my fault and I was also entirely mistaken. It would be interesting to revisit this book, with this knowledge, just before the release date for the next instalment to see if my connection to the unfurling events alters. The final pages were full of twists and really amped up my excitement for book five! Let the new games begin!...more
Actual rating 4.5/5 stars. This is the first instalment in the Above the Black series.
Conrad once resided in wealth but lost it all and became a Low, Actual rating 4.5/5 stars. This is the first instalment in the Above the Black series.
Conrad once resided in wealth but lost it all and became a Low, after his father's death at his uncle's hands. His mother was first weakened by her sickness in the squalor far below his once family home and then fell at the hands of the monstrous gorgantauns who invaded the sector. He made a vow to himself to avenge the death of his parents and kill the one who took them from him. To do so, however, he must first strike a deal with the very same figure, and enter the Selection of the Twelve Trades in his uncle's name.
I loved the blend of fantastical and scientific elements in the unique lands that this author created. Seeing Conrad fight his way through all sections of it allowed the reader to understand what life was life for those living on both ends of the social hierarchy, as well as to the understand the politics that governed them and the horrors that haunted them.
I was immediately intrigued by all that occurred but became enamoured once Conrad entered into the Selection and the competition elements of the novel were introduced. Conrad fought alongside his peers but did not allow himself to care for them, for how much he had already lost in his short life. Seeing him soften to them and allow light into his life again was a wonderful journey to be on with him and I enjoyed reading about it just as much as I did the competition elements.
He was a wonderful central character and I am already eager for more adventures with him, in the second series instalment.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Marc J Gregson, and the publisher, Peachtree Teen, for this opportunity....more
Lucy Michaels lost her little brother years ago, to the flood waters and broken dam that also nearly ruined the town she lives in. They all rebuilt anLucy Michaels lost her little brother years ago, to the flood waters and broken dam that also nearly ruined the town she lives in. They all rebuilt and time moved on. She was not prepared to lose another brother, however, or to have old traumas and secrets reappear and threaten to bury them all again.
Damn, that was a twisted final quarter! Everything that occurred before that point had me engaged and enthralled, but the concluding events proved, yet again, that Court Stevens can pen an emotionally taut and truly twisted novel.
I felt like I knew the town and all its inhabitants, by the novel's close, and Stevens had me not only invested in the outcome but feeling like I was a part of the drama unfolding so truly did she recreate the events occurring in both the characters' present and in their pasts.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Court Stevens, and the publisher, Thomas Nelson Fiction, for this opportunity....more
Ten teen influencers travel to a remote island to discover what life is like when lived without their phones constantly glued to their hands. They encTen teen influencers travel to a remote island to discover what life is like when lived without their phones constantly glued to their hands. They encounter more than they bargained for when challenges begin and the consequences for the losers mean getting cancelled... permanently!
I adore thrillers with social media stars at the centre of them. There is something about discovering who the real individual - behind the filtered, online presence - really is that is endlessly alluring to me. This one allowed me this voyeuristic insight to all of the teens here and it was a wild ride to the truth!
Every last one of them had a secret to hide which meant my mind was swarming with possibilities on what they could be and how all gathered here became connected, as it dually sought to discover who the menace behind the cancelling and murdering of them truly was. I was forever a few steps behind the plotting and thought Worley crafted a very clever plotline - fast-paced, twisted, and full of depth. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Olivia Worley, and the publisher, Hodder Children's Books, for this opportunity....more
When a beautiful and popular influence goes missing whilst vacationing with her boyfriend, her fans immediately notice her online absence. Pretty soonWhen a beautiful and popular influence goes missing whilst vacationing with her boyfriend, her fans immediately notice her online absence. Pretty soon #WhereisAmeliaAshley is trending and everyone is looking into her past and where she could have possibly disappeared to.
Thrillers surrounding influencers are some of my favourite as I love delving below the seemingly perfect and filtered life the individuals put out online, to the real and juicy heart below. This novel did just that!
I read it at a time when I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to read but required thrills and chills alongside twists and turns to keep me engaged. This is another front where this novel delivered and I thought it the perfect fast-paced and slump-executioning read....more
Jade lost her boyfriend and best friend to each other and after an excruciating summer of watching them build their perfect Actual rating 2.5/5 stars.
Jade lost her boyfriend and best friend to each other and after an excruciating summer of watching them build their perfect life together on social media she is ready to escape and start working on her own. The Campus on Board shop allows her to study whilst visiting 11 countries in 4 months but when she arrives on her first day, however, the two figures she was least hopeful to see seem to have followed her there. It isn't just their presence that ruins her time on board though, it is the murders that soon start occurring.
This had a vast cast of intriguing characters and I thought the author did a great job of imbuing them all with an unique personality and back-story. I really liked how all were constructed and this element, despite the trajectory of the storyline not being suited to my literary tastes, would see me return to this author's work in the future.
Another element that drew me to this book was the at-sea setting and I really wished this had been given more page-time. I thought it such a unique creation and would have loved to see the mechanics of how it actually functioned, rather than just seeing the characters explore various landmarks across the globe. I did like these travel element but I had anticipated more of a darkly academic vibe to be present throughout.
The bones of the story, however, were too initially drama-filled and later crazily convoluted for me, personally. I like how the author centred this story around one of Agatha Christie's infamous murder mysteries but it ensured I guessed the final reveals far too soon and found no joy in being proven correct at the fast-paced conclusion.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Diana Urban, and the publisher, Razorbill, for this opportunity....more
This is the first instalment in the Twin Crowns series.
Wren resides with the witches, in hiding from the crown and his soldiers, who would kill her peThis is the first instalment in the Twin Crowns series.
Wren resides with the witches, in hiding from the crown and his soldiers, who would kill her people and abolish their practises. Rose lives inside the palace walls, believing herself in training to one day wear this crown but, in reality, as a pawn unwittingly involved in a game she didn't know she was playing.
The two do not cross paths but, instead, exchange them. The decision is made as the alternative, for Wren, is death but, for Rose, this results in her having to face that every facet of the life she has lived is based upon lies. Will she acknowledge the truth and the power within herself? Or will she return to the comfort she has been raised in, cushioned upon the backs of the oppressed?
I loved exploring the magic of this world. It was slow to reveal itself but it aided in my bonding with Rose's character, as both she and the reader often learned the truth in tandem. Wren was an individual immediately loveable for her feisty nature and fierce spirit, whereas Rose felt like a far tamer version and I needed this understanding in order for my love to grow as naturally as it did for the other perspective also presented.
Once this was established I could focus on the mechanics of the world. A political focus was presented with the magical one throughout and I loved garnering an understanding for the kingdom through the eyes of both those in power and those they feared and sought the demise of the most. It became a bleak and bloody read as it progressed due to this.
Romance flourished as blood bloomed. The couples I thought were obviously constructed ones, from the first moment they interacted, and whilst I did root for all I also found that my interests lay more in other areas. This did not impact my overall enjoyment and does have me yearning to return to all characters in the sequel, very soon.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the authors, Katherine Webber and Catherine Doyle, and the publisher, Electric Monkey, for this opportunity....more
