Review: Big Magic

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Author: Elizabeth Gilbert
Published: 22/09/2015

I received this book for free through Goodreads FirstReads competitions.

I thought that this is a very inspiring and charming book too read. It manages too be mystical and also very pragmatic, it offers advice that applies too anyone who is thinking of, or is currently embarking on a creative pursuit, whether it be for your own fun or to make a living, this book is full of advice for you that can help you with it. This book is not a 'self-help' type of book but rather a series of essays on some of the challenges that are involved when you are on a creative pursuit.
I did really enjoy reading this book and I thought that it had a lot of good points and advice that could help a lot of people in what they are doing. The first couple of paragraphs feel to read more like magic realism but as the book goes on to become more down-to-earth and sensible. I would recommend this book to anyone who is needing some advice to help them with their creativity.


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Review: Wintersmith

Wintersmith by Terry Pratchett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published: 27/09/2007
Author: Terry Pratchett
Recommended for: fans of fantasy novels

This is another amazing book in the Discworld series (number 35), in this book we meet the character Tiffany Aching. She is a really wonderful, likeable and funny character who adds a great amount of fun to the novel. In this book we go on the adventure with her when the spirit of winter (the wintersmith) falls in love with her! If she doesnt figure out a way to deal with him there will never be spring again, however she gets the help of the Nac Mac Feegles (whether she wants it or not!), they are determined to help her out.
Terry Pratchett describes the characters in such great detail that you feel like they are actually real, the Nac Mac Feegles are so funny they will definately have you laughing! The way he describes the setting of the world they are in makes you feel like you are there with them, like it is a real place. It has great depth too it, it is a really good book to read and got lost it. It is one that is classed as 'young adult' but I think it doesn't matter what age you are when reading this book you will still enjoy it just as much!

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Review: Anything But Mine

Anything But Mine by Barbara Justice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Author: Barbara Justice
Published: 15/06/2015


I won this book for free through GoodReads FirstReads and this is my review after reading it. I thought that this was a very well written book that also contained a brilliant and captivating storyline. When I entered the competition for this book I knew it wasn't my normal kind of book to read but I thought I would have a change and see if I do like it....it turns out that I really do!The way that the author has described the characters in detail makes them seem more realistic and they are easy to understand and relate to throughout the novel. It was easy to adjust to the writters style and technique and it was a real pleasure to read the novel. I would definately read more by this author!

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Review: Incriminating Evidence

Incriminating Evidence by Rachel Grant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published: 24/03/2015
Author: Rachel Grant
Recommended for: fans of romantic suspense novels

I received this book through GoodReads FirstReads competition for free.

This is the first book that I have read in the Evidence series and so I thought that maybe I might feel like I had missed loads out and that I would be completely lost...but this didn't happen, I still enjoyed reading the book even though I hadn't read the other 3 novels in the series.
The books focuses on the characters of Isabel and Alec who you can feel the romantic chemistry growing between throughout the book. It is packed with suspense, action and romance which for me is the perfect combination! I was very well written by Rachel Grant who manages to write in such a way that the reader gets completely caught up in what happens in the story and what is going on between the characters it is as if we are stood watching it all play out. Both Isabel and Alec are very likeable characters who are fun to get to know and who are realistic. The Point of View switches between Isabel and Alec which adds that bit more depth too the characters. I am definately going to read some more books in the series!

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Review: Lies Ripped Open

Lies Ripped Open by Steve McHugh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Author: Steve McHugh
Published: 25/08/2015

I received this book for free through GoodReads FirstReads competitions.

This is the 5th book in the Hellequin Chronicles, even though I haven't read any of the other books, yet, I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything, the book was easily to get into and easy to get lost in. This book features the character of Nate Garrett aka Hellequin, who finds out that the group he thought was dead are very much alive and are looking for him so they can take out their revenge!
This is an amazing and fascinating book too read, I would definitely recommend this book to pretty much anyone, it has an amazing pace that keeps up right throughout the novel, it keeps on springing surprises at the reader when you are reading them. It is a perfect Urban Fantasy book and it definitely makes me want to read the rest of the series, I think I have found a new author to love!
Nate is a truly great character to read about he is possibly the most arrogant character you will even read about.... but he is extremely loyal too his friends and is determined to makes everything right again in the world. Everything about this book made me want to keep on reading and makes me want to read more books in this series. Steve McHugh is a extremely talented author and when you read this book I am sure you will agree with me!

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Review: The Last Continent

The Last Continent by Terry Pratchett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published: 01/03/1999
Author: Terry Pratchett
Recommended for: fans of fantasy novels

This is another great book in the famous Discworld series, in this book we are transported to the magical, mystical world that Terry Pratchett has created. We meet characters such as: Rincewind, Luggage, The Libarian, DEATH and Mustrum Ridcully.
In the book we go on another great adventure with Rincewind (the wizard who can't quite spell wizard) and his faithful companion Luggage, this book can be read as a stand alone book which is great if you havent managed to track down all of the series yet. It is full of funny moments that will have you laughing and maybe even crying with laughter, the writing style is done in a way that makes you be able to visualise the conversations that the characters are having with each other as if you are actually there in the room with them. This is a great book for young adults and adults, it is sure to make your imagination stretch and expand. It is one that is also very hard to put down and step away from, you are sure to find yourself back reading it. I love this book!

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Review: Old Venus

Old Venus by George R.R. Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published: 06/03/2015
Author: George R.R. Martin
Recomended for: fans of sci-fi novels

I won this book through the GoodReads FirstReads competitions. I love George R.R. Martin books his writing style is amazing and when I sat that this book was edited by him I just knew I had to read it and so I was thrilled when I found out that I had won it.
This book is one of the best books I have read this year, this is a book that is full short stories, there wasn't one that I thought was bad they were all very good and they all gripped hold of the readers attention, the amount of description that was packed into the stories were outstanding they really expanded your mind and imagination letting it wonder into the weird and wonderful worlds the authors had created.
After reading this book I found my self with many more favourite authors, i think it would definately be suited for ages 13 and up. I would most certainly recommend giving this book a try even if you dont enjoy all of the stories I am sure there will be atleast one that you do really enjoy.

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Review: The Book of Fires

The Book of Fires by Jane Borodale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Published: 2010
Author: Jane Borodale
Recommended for: fans of historical fiction

First off...I fell in love with this book! It is set in 1752 where poor Agnes Trussel runs away to London after falling pregnant due to a rather horrible man, she doesn't want to bring shame or disappointment upon her family or make them have another mouth to feed so she feels it is her best option.
On her journey down to London she meets the mysterious woman called Lettice Talbot who gives her an address as to where she can find somewhere to live, but while looking for it she stumbles across a residence looking for someone to hire, she ends up the assistant to a firework maker called Mr J Blacklock. The book is based in the point of view of Agnes, who is a really wonderful character and who you can easily feel for as she is going through the unwanted pregnancy and wondering what will happen to her life and going through the turmoil with her as she tried to find someone to marry so the child wont be born in shame. Each other the characters bring something strong to the book and without them the book just wouldn't work, they add a great depth to the novel and helps you to get lost in the book easily. I love this and would recommend it to everyone!

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Review: Broken World

Broken World by Kate L. Mary
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published: 02/07/2014
Author: Kate L Mary
Recommended for : I would recommend this book to anyone who likes books with zombie's in them.
Edition: Kindle

I found this book on the Kindle Store for free and so I thought I would give it a try. It is very well written by Kate.L. Mary .

I thought that it definately deserved 4star's, it is a brilliant zombie novel. This is a very well written book that the world that is the setting is very realistic and a very interesting place to be. The author describes the setting very well and sets a very vivid image in your mind of the world they are in. This is a book that is not very much about zombies eating people.....but more about how a group of people try to survive zombies taking over. This is part of an incredible series of books that are all incredible.

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Review: Kaleidoscope City: A Year in Varanasi

Kaleidoscope City: A Year in Varanasi by Piers Moore Ede
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published: 26/02/2014
Author: Piers Moore Ede
Recommended for: I think pretty much everyone should read this book it would be good for fans of all different genres.


I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads competitions.

This book is a very beautiful and touching insight into India and what it is like there. This book is an honest account of what it is like to live in India, I will admit there was parts of it that made me tear up which just shows what an amazing author Piers Moore Ede is, the writing style and the way he uses words evokes your emotions and makes you see things from their perspective. This book shows the life of the millions of people that are living a life in poverty and how hard they work to be able to take care of their family and the length's they will go to in order to make sure their family is happy,well and fed. This book will make you look at your life again and make you see just how lucky we are and how different their life is, for there still to be families, baby, old people living in poverty, on the streets in the 21st century isn't right and this book shows just how much they are still struggling now. It is a truly thought provoking book that is sure to bring a tear to your eye. An outstanding book to read!

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Review: The Mystery of Mercy Close

The Mystery of Mercy Close by Marian Keyes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published: 11/04/2013
Author: Marian Keyes
Recommended for: fans of chick lit

Well another excellent book from Marian Keyes. Loved the book with its quirky Irish humour. It follows the trials and tribulations of Helen Walsh private investigator and her battles with depression. The way Marian Keyes describes the main character with such depth makes it feels as though you know her personally. Helen's family especially her mother is hilarious to read about. The book is hard to put down once you have starting reading: about Helen losing her flat, her ex boyfriend's reappearance and current boyfriend Artie complete with kids and ex wife Vonnie popping in and out. Will Helen find Wayne the missing member of The Laddz who are having a come back concert? Will she get together with Artie or ex Jay Parker? And who hit Helen over the head and tried to knock her out? Read this book...it's a must!!!!!

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Review: The Do-Over

The Do-Over by Kathy Dunnehoff
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Published: 28/08/2011
Author: Kathy Dunnehoff
Recommended for: fiction
Edition: Kindle

I saw this book on the Kindle Store for free and so I thought that I would give it a try.

This book is quite a fun book to read, and I found that the characters are easy to relate to, and I am sure alot of readers will be able to relate better to them than I did. To me isn't wasn't the greatest book ever written however I did think it was a good book.
I would say that women who have been married for 10 years or more, have children and find that life is suddenly become mundane and not what you expected, would definitely be able to relate too the main character, Mara Jane Mulligan. Her sudden road trip makes her realise that her life is missing the abundance that she thought her life would always have.

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Review: Freaks

Freaks by Tess Gerritsen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Published: 31/08/2011
Author: Tess Gerritsen
Recommend For: fan's of Rizzoli and Isles, fans of crime novels and fans of short stories
Edition: Kindle

I love books by Tess Gerritsen so when I saw this book on the Kindle Store for free I knew I had to read it.

This is a very good novella by the amazing Tess Gerritsen, it keeps up a good pace throughout the novella, some part of it weren't very believable at all but it still is quite a good book. However I do much prefer the full length novels. I think that this would be a good book to recommend for fan's of Tess Gerritsen and Rizzoli and Isles. If you love books that involve vampires, good cop bad cop and female cops in designer clothes then this is definitely the type of book for you as there will be alot that you love.This is good if you are needing something to read in between the TV series or if you have a few spare minutes.

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Review: The Amber Room

The Amber Room by Steve Berry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published: 2007
Author: Steve Berry
Recommended for: fans of mystery and history fiction


This book caught my attention straight away from the cover to the first paragraph. it was a joy to read it. It was fast paced and kept you guessing as to what was going to happen next. I wouldnt say any of it was predictable it had alot of twist and turns in it. I would recommend it for anyone who likes adventure stories and who has an interest in history. It is very well written, and keeps the reader right until the very end. It doesnt skimp on the description, it paints a very good picture in the imagination and makes you feel like your their seeing everything happen.

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Review: Viking For Hire

Viking For Hire by Jo Grafford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published: 06/02/2015
Author: Jo Grafford
Recommended for: short historical romance fans

I received this book through the GoodReads FirstReads competition and here is my honest review for it.

I thought that the book was a very good short (59 pages) read. The main character of Branwyn was really fun to read she was funny, smart and very well decribed by the author you got a real sense of who she was even though the book was fair short you still felt like you knew her. This book gives the reader a real sense of how talented Jo Grafford is and I will definately be looking out for more book by her! I really enjoyed reading it, it is a really good read for fans of historical romance books that also feature a hint of magic.

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Review: The Quiche of Death

The Quiche of Death by M.C. Beaton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published: 07/03/2006
Author: M.C Beaton
Recommended for: Fans of comedy dectective novels

This books is part of a series of books featuring the amateur sleuth Agatha Rasin, this is a very funny detective fiction novel, the characters that feature in this are described well and you get a really sense of the characters and the surrounding areas. M.C Beaton takes us on the detective adventure with Agatha as we try find out who did it, it isn't always easy to figure out who did it. In this novel Agatha is new to the area and finds out there is going to be a quiche contest to see who is the best, so she decides to buy one from a shop but then things go all down hill for her and she ends up trying to find out just who the poisoner is. A great book for fans of Agatha Christie type novels.

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Review: Wanted

Wanted by Nick Stephenson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published: 16/10/2013
Author: Nick Stephenson
Recommended for: fans of suspense thrillers
Edition: Kindle

I saw this book on the Kindle Store for free and so I thought that I would give it a try. I thought that this was a really great suspense thriller novel that keeps up the pace throughout it. This book is in the Leopold Blake series which can be read in any order so if you only find this one you wont feel like you have missed out on something important. This is a very well written novel with great characters featured, particularly the dialog between Leopold and Mary is funny. This is the type of book that manages to keep your attention held right until the very end of the novel this is mainly due to the writing style of Nick Stephenson. I will definately be reading more books of the series and more by this author.

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Review: Raising Steam

Raising Steam by Terry Pratchett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published: 09/10/2014
Author: Terry Pratchett
Recommended for: fans of fantasy novels

This is another book written by the most amazing fantasy writer Sir Terry Pratchett. This is book number 40 in the discworld series, this one is set in Ankh Morpork and features the wonderful characters: Nobby Nobbs, Rincewind, Moist von Lipwig, Sam Vines and so many more, each of the characters bring something to the novels. In this book a new invention arrives in Ankh Morpork which brings crowds of people, when Lord Vetinari makes Moist von Lipwig a job offer he just cannot refuse is (as he quite likes being alive). This book brings out the humorous side of the characters and you will find yourself laughing loudly at this book as Terry Pratchett brings you into the wonderful world he has created. A great novel for people of all ages.

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Review: Murder at the Vicarage

Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Author: Agatha Christie
Published: 01/09/2006 (first published 1930)
Recommended for: fans of murder mystery novels

A really great Miss Marple novel, no matter how many time I read Miss Marple books I can never guess who was the one that did it. They are expertly written and such brilliant novels! I thought that this was an amazing first book in the Miss Marple series you get such a great sense of who Miss Marple is and how her mind works to piece everything together. I love the character of Miss Marple as she seems like a sweet kind old lady just with a huge thing for gossip and sticking her nose in things! She isnt afraid to ask the questions that we as the readers are desperate to find the answer to. I think the book really is a good book for readers of all ages, Agatha Christie is a truly amazing author and one that I think should be enjoyed by everyone who loves murder mystery books.

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