Review: The Book of Unholy Mischief

The Book of Unholy Mischief by Elle Newmark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published:30/12/2008
Author: Elle Newmark
Recommended for: fans of mystery books


This was a very intriguing book, full of mystery and secrets. It took about 2pages to get into the story and get hooked on it, it was fast paced and kept you wondering what the 'unholy book of mischief' was about. It was brilliantly written and you learn alot from the book. The books it's self is like a book of unholy mischief. I would recommend it for anybody who likes books full of mystery, secrets, intrigue and adventure. You feel like your in the book and doing what they are doing with the great description of the setting, surroundings and characters you feel like you know them all.
I couldn't put this book down at all! I thought it was absolutely amazing and when I did put it down between chapters it was still on my mind, the characters are amazing, very well described and fit perfectly in the story and setting. I would recommend this book to anybody who is wanting to try this genre out, I don't think you'll be disappointed. I cant fault this book at all.
This book is set in 1498, it features a orphan boy called Luciano who is chosen to be an apprentice chef at the doge's palace. He goes from living on the streets of Venice scrounging for food and causing mischief, to helping in the doge's palace, this gives the book a feel good factor straight away as you already feel happy for Luciano. While he is learning the art of cooking he suddenly finds himself on the hunt with his maestro for an ancient tomb. but is the head chef hiding important information from him? This book is full of mystery, twists and turns, and a little hint of romance!
This is by far one of the best books I have ever read, I am so glad that I managed to come across this book and I would definitely look out for more books by Elle Newmark

View all my reviews

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.


View all my reviews

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!

View all my reviews

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!

View all my reviews

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!

View all my reviews

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!

View all my reviews

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!

View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews

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!

View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews

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!

View all my reviews

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!!!!!

View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews

Review: The House of Silk: A Sherlock Holmes Novel

The House of Silk: A Sherlock Holmes Novel by Anthony Horowitz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Published: November 2011
Author: Anthony Horowitz
Recommended for: fans of detective novels

I got this book as a present and as soon as I saw it I started to read it, I thought that it was an absolutely amazing book to read. It is very well written, keeps hold of your attention. Anthony Horowitz does an amazing job of reviving Sherlock Holmes, he does Arthur Conan Doyle proud,he has captured the style of writing perfectly and makes the storyline really enjoyable. It is a must read for people of all ages.
When I was reading this book I was totally glued too it, it is the sort of books that when you have put it down and walked away, your mind is still thinking about it and still trying to work out what is going to happen next. I spent many nights up late reading this novel, it was just impossible to stop reading. Anthony Horowitz has definitely breathed new life into the Sherlock Holmes novels and opened it up to a whole new age group of people.
The pace and the tense that is featured in this novel is kept at a perfect balance all the way through right until the very last word, which means that there isn't a boring bit too read. I think this book is great for people who have read the original books by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and also people who have haven't given the books a chance yet.

View all my reviews

Review: George's Marvellous Medicine

George's Marvellous Medicine by Roald Dahl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published: 1981
Author: Roald Dahl
Recommended for: children and pretty much everybody

This is one of the absolute classic childrens books by the wonderfully talented Roald Dahl and teamed up with the outstanding Quentin Blake for the illustrations. This book features George Kranky who ends up taking care of his Grandma who is possibly one of the most selfish people in his life, so when George gets a change to makes up his Grandma's medicine it is his turn to try and get the poisionous attitude out of her. It is a brilliant and funny book for children and one that is most probably a firm favourite with most families.

View all my reviews

Review: Equal Rites

Equal Rites by Terry Pratchett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published: 13/09/2005 (first published 1987)
Author: Terry Pratchett
Recommended for: fan's of fantasy novels

First of all I love Terry Pratchett books, alothough this book was incredibly well written by one of the most talented fantasy writers, it isn't my favourite one in the 'Discworld' series. This book features Granny Weatherwax, The Librarian, and Eskarina Smith. Eskarina was born a wizard even though it is very very rare for there to be a female wizard, Eskarina wants to become one and with everything possible in her way to stop her, her determination keeps her going. It is set in Bad Ass where we start the adventure. The characters are very well described and the writing style of Terry Pratchett makes it easy for the readers imagination to be let loose in the amazing and wonderful world that he has created. Even though it isn't my favourite book it is still a really brilliant read and perfect for fan's of Terry Pratchett.

View all my reviews

Review: An Unholy Alliance

An Unholy Alliance by Susanna Gregory
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published: 31/12/1998
Author: Susanna Gregory
Recommended for: fans of historical fiction

In this book we get to go on the second adventure of the 'Matthew Bartholomew' series of stories. Matthew Bartholomew is a physican with amazing ideas that are far advance for his time (two years after the Black Death) who ends up trying to find out who the killer is before he strikes again, he is joined by his friend the portly monk Brother Michael. We go on the hunt with them to find out who the killer is, eavesdrop on a secret conversation in an abandoned church, end up on a chase on horse back to try to save their lives.
Susanna Gregory is an incredibly talented author who engages with the reader and draws them into the mysteries she creates, the characters that feature in the novel are all very well described you get a real sense of who they were and what it was like for them to live at that time. This is a perfect book for fans of historical mystery fiction!

View all my reviews

Review: The Dress

The Dress by Kate Kerrigan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published: 10/09/2015
Author: Kate Kerrigan
Recommended for: fans of YA

I received this book through GoodReads FirstReads competitions for free.

I thought that this book was brilliantly and beautifully written by a clearly very talented author. I was so happy when I found out I had won this book as the storyline had hooked me in straight away and the beautiful front cover made me want to read it even more.
This book is set in the wonderful period of the 1950's in the stunning setting of New York, Joy is trying to hunt down a dress, but not just any dress....the most wonderful and beautiful dress in the whole world, in the hope that it may save her marriage. Her life has always been pretty easy with looks and wealth, however she finds that her life is now a struggle as she starts needing a drink of alcohol in the morning to face the day that lays ahead of her, to make things worse she also feels her husband is drifting away from her but cant think why.
Then there is Honor who is an unknown steamstress who doesnt believe in the talents that she has been blessed with. She has the beautiful setting of Ireland and has the incredible task of doing the dress for Joy but is worried she wont be good enough or skilled enough for the high demanding socialite.
Then we also meet another wonderful character who is Lily, she is a vintage fashion blogger (in the modern day) who comes across the picture of Joy who shares the same last name as her, after abit of investigating she finds out that she is loosely related to Lily. This news has a really good effect on Lily's life.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, it was a real pleasure to be able to read it. It is Kate Kerrigan's debut novel and I think that it is an amazing way to kick off her career, I look forward to reading more books by her in the future!

View all my reviews

Review: You

You by Zoran Drvenkar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published: 12/02/2015
Author: Zoran Drvenkar
Recommended for: fans of thrillers

I won this book for free on the GoodReads FirstReads competitions.

I thought that this book was a little bit tricky at first to get my head around the writing style of the author as it is written in the second person, but once I could get my head around it I thought that it was a relly good book. It is a very easy book to get hooked on, some of the characters maybe should have been involved more often as it would have been nice to have more strong main characters, the descriptions in the book were great it was very easy to imagine what the author was writing about.
Zoran Drvenkar is a very talented books and this is one of a few books writen by him that is in English, I am really glad this one is as I really loved reading it, the storyline was great and was very easy to get absorbed into. It is a very good read for anyone who likes mystery thriller books.

View all my reviews

Review: The Longest Ride

The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published:
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Recommended for: fans of romance novels

Another good book from Nicholas Sparks. It is two stories one about a lifetime of love and the other about the beginning of love, they have an unpredicatable way of coming together at the end.There stories will make you smile, fall in love with them, they are so beautiful and will leave there mark on you and your mind.

This book features the story of Ira Levinson a sweet 91year old man who is stranded and injured after a car accident, his wife died 9 years ago who appears to urge him to remain alert as he is going in and out of consciousness.

The other story is about Sophia Danko who has recently split up from her boyfriend when she meets Luke who is a young handsome cowboy, as they fall in love she finds herself imagining a future that is far away from her previous plans but will Luke's secret come out to destroy all the plans.

The is a really truly amazing books with two very different storylines that will pull at your heart strings and maybe even make you tear up a little bit. It is an unforgetable novel.

View all my reviews

Review: Origins Rising

Origins Rising by Eric Andreas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published: 08/09/2014
Author: Eric Andreas
Recommended for: I would recommend this book to anybody and everyone not just fans of sci-fi


I received this book in return for an honest review by the very kind Eric Andreas :).


I thought that this book had a very unique storyline which appeals to me as it means it wont be predictable. It is a extremely well written book, with interesting characters and it keeps the same pace which means that there isn't a dull moment to be read. The characters develop throughout the book which is what keeps them interesting as you get to find out more about them, it a layered and very well structured book that keeps hold of your attention and keeps you wanting to read more.

The characters of Himmel, Cirrus and Cetus are three that I really want to keep reading about and i really hope there might be more from them in another book.

Overall a really amazing and great book by a clearly extremely talented author.

View all my reviews

Review: The Champion

The Champion by Elizabeth Chadwick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Author: Elizabeth Chadwick
Published: 01/12/1998 (first published 1997)
Recommended for: fans of historical romances

I absolutely loved this book! It was one that intrigued me straight away with its beautiful cover, it stood out on the shelf. This book is not my normal type of book with it being a sort of historical romance novel.
The characters that are featured in the novel are very well described so that when you close your eyes you can imagine them and image the places they live in. The novel is set in the 1100's in Normandy, and see's the adventures, the ups and the downs of a girl called Monday. This book quickly captured my mind and was one that I could easily get caught up in, the characters are all very likeable and realistic which makes it all that bit easier to get caught up in Mondays life and you feel for her when she has to suffer through hard parts of her life.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and..... it certainly wont be the last one I read by her, it has me completely hooked on this genre. I thought that this book was brilliantly written and keeps a great pace throughout making you want to keep on reading the novel.

View all my reviews

Review: The Brutal Art

The Brutal Art by Jesse Kellerman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Author: Jesse Kellerman
Published: 2008
Recommended for: fans of crime fiction

This book took me a little while to get into it and understand it, but once I did I was hooked on it! I haven't read a book by Jesse Kellerman before or his parents so I was new to his style of writing but it certainly kept my attention throughout the book and it is one that does stick in your mind.
The pace of the book is kept up throughout it doesn't have a lull in it where you think if you should continue with it or not. It does contain alot of unexpected twists and turns which keeps you on your toes and keeps you guessing. Even though this book contains two stories that at first seem seperate end up twisting together nicely at the very end, you have the story of Ethan Muller who is an art dealer and then you also have the story of Victor Cracke, who is one of the most essential characters in the book.
The way that Jesse Kellerman has described the characters gies you a real sense of who they are, they have alot of depth too them which draws the reader in as it makes the characters seem real. It is excellently written and one that I would happily read again and again. I am glad that I stumbled across this book and I would definately recommend people to read this book!

View all my reviews

Review: Waiting For Columbus

Waiting For Columbus by Thomas Trofimuk
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Author: Thomas Trofimuk
Published: 03/09/2010
Recommended for: fans of historical fiction/romance

When I started reading this book it immediately caught hold of my attention and just wouldn't let it go at all! This book was extremely addictive I just wouldn't put the book down. This is the first book that I have read by this author and it really showed how amazingly talented the writer is.
This book is set in an insane asylum (which is what first drew me into this book), where there is a man who is claiming that he is Christopher Colombus, and is taken care by a caring nurse called Consuela. It is a very intriguing book to read and it is very easy to get wrapped upto it as you hear 'Christoper Colombus' telling his life story, you look forward to reading more of what he believes is happening in his life. It shows a nice caring side of the nurses that worked in insane asylum at that time.
All of the characters are very vividly described and they make the book all that bit more exciting and realistic. The author has done an amazing job in describing the characters, the setting in such a way that it makes the reader feel like you are actually there. I also loved how the author manages to tie up all of the loose ends so that it nicely finishes the book. The character of Consuela was my favourite one I found her easy to get along with and easy to read about, she was a character that could easily have been a real people, her feelings toward 'Christopher Colombus' are totally believable and relatable. A truly excellent read and one that I could happily read over and over again without getting tired of it.

View all my reviews

Review: Teaching The Boss

Teaching The Boss by Mallory Crowe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published: 11/03/2015
Author: Mallory Crowe
Recommended for: fans of billionaire romances

I saw this novel on the Kindle Store for free and so I thought I would give it a try. This is part of the Billionaires in the City series of books, it is a story about a college student (April) who is in love with her 'hunky' boss Sam Hunt. This book takes us on the journey with April through quitting college, losing Sam then working for his nemesis. It is a good story to read and one that will keep your attention, the characters are well developed and are realistic. I will definately be reading the rest of the series to see the characters develop even more.

View all my reviews

Review: Dogfight

Dogfight by Craig Simpson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Author: Craig Simpson
Published: 07/02/2008

I received this book for free through GoodReads FirstReads competitions.

This book is the first in the Special Operation series, and what a start to the series it is! This novel is set in 1940 in Norway when the country has been invaded by the Nazis and taken over. However best friends Finn and Loki (both only 15 years old) are determined to fight back against it. The two boys must take on the might of the Nazi's and succeed in steal an enemies plane to fly to freedom.
This book was very well written and described by the author making all of the scenes seem realistic and like you are right there in the action with them trying to escape. This is the first book I have read by Craig Simpson and I will definitely be reading the rest of the series. When a book says that it is about the Second World War they are mostly about either Britain or Germany so it is refreshing to find that this one is set in Norway, it makes it more unique. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy action adventures set during the Second World War. It kept hold of my attention right until the end, it wasn't weighed down with lots of technical words, it held a good pace throughout.

View all my reviews

Review: Dreamland

Dreamland by Robert L. Anderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Author: Robert L Anderson
Published: 24/09/2015

I received this book for free through GoodReads FirstReads competitions.

This book features the fascinating Odea Donahue who has been able to travel through people's dream since she was just 6 years old. She follows her mothers rules about walking in dreams until there is a new boy Connor in town. She opens up to him and begins to wonder whether she should tell him about walking through dreams. Then for the first time Odea breaks the rules and suddenly the boundary between the dreamland and the real world, she finds herself not sure of what is real and what is dream.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I was absolutely completely addicted to the novel, I just couldn't put it down. The way that the author uses the words he has carefully picked opens up the readers mind and makes the images vivid, almost like it is happen too you. The descriptions he uses for Odea make her seem extremely realistic and like you are reading a biography, even though the thought of walking through dreams seems far-fetched it feels like that it could be real.
This is a unique book, I have never read a book like this before but I would definitely read more like this and read more by this author. There are some rather chilling moments, which made me grip onto the pages and not let it go. I can tell this is a book that I will read many times and pass on to people so they can also enjoy it. I truly loved this book and I am so happy that I got to read this novel.

View all my reviews

Review: The Seven Natural Wonders Of The EARTH

The Seven Natural Wonders Of The EARTH by Anna Othitis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Author: Anna Othitis
Published: 16/04/2014

I received this little book for free through GoodReads FirstReads competitions.

I thought that this was a really brilliant and fun little book. I did actually learn quite abit about the seven natural wonders of the earth, which I will be able to use in quizzes in the future! This book is perfect for children who are wanting to know more about the seven wonders, it has plenty of pictures for them and facts in short sentences which will help the children to learn the facts without feeling like they are being bombarded. In this book we go on the journey with Captain Frankie which adds abit of fun too the book.

View all my reviews

Review: Everything, Everything

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Author: Nicola Yoon
Published: 03/09/2015

I received this book for free through GoodReads FirstReads competitions.

I thought that this book was brilliantly and expertly written, that grabbed hold of the readers attention from the very first word. This book is about Madeline Whitter who is actually allergic too the outside world, it is so bad that she hasn't left the house in all of the 17years on this earth. When things are looking down for Madeline suddenly there is a little bit of light that enters her life when Olly moves in next door too her, the protective bubble that her mother has put round her starts to disappear bit by bit.
This is an amazing book with thrills, heartbreak/heartache that shows the reader just what crazy things can happen when you do it for love. It is a beautiful book that opens up the readers mind and makes the lives of Madeline and Olly seem real, the way that the author describes what is happening creates a very vivid image into the readers mind. I really really did love reading this book and would definitely read more books by this author!

View all my reviews

Review: The Girl Who Ignored Ghosts

The Girl Who Ignored Ghosts by K.C. Tansley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Author: K.C Tansley
Published: 01/08/2015

I received this book for free through GoodReads FirstReads competitions.

I thought that this book was absolutely brilliant! I absolutely loved reading it and found it very hard to put down even for a second. This is the first book in The Unbelievable series and I will definitely be reading more books in this series.
This series features the wonderful Kat Preston who is trying to not believe in ghost and refusing to believe is the only way that she can stop the ghost that tried to steal her life. This is an amazing and magical book that takes you on a journey with Kat, with the powerful words that the author uses it creates a unique and mesmerising world in the readers mind. I think this is perfect for readers who enjoy books with a bit of magic and fantasy in it.
This book isn't a particularly long book to read (256 pages) but it is one that has a very memorable space in the readers mind and I am sure it will become a firm favourite with a lot of readers and it is suitable for young adults and older readers.


View all my reviews

Review: The End-Of-The-World Delusion: How Doomsayers Endanger Society

The End-Of-The-World Delusion: How Doomsayers Endanger Society by Justin Deering
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Author: Justin Deering
Published : 29/05/2012

I received this book for free through GoodReads FirstReads competitions.

I thought that this book was a very good take on the doomsayers, there are some very good points that a featured in this book and there is also some points that I think are quite debateable. However I thought that it was a very good read, even though it isnt my normal kind of book to read but it didn't stop me from enjoying the book and appreciating how talented the author is.

View all my reviews

Review: Between Two Rivers: A Story of Life, Love and Marriage from an English Woman in Baghdad

Between Two Rivers: A Story of Life, Love and Marriage from an English Woman in Baghdad by Dorothy al Khafaji
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Author: Dorothy al Khafaji
Published: 01/11/2013

I received this book for free through GoodReads FirstReads competitions

I thought that this was a really brilliantly written novel, that grabs hold of the readers attention and does very well to keep hold of it all the way through until the very last word. This novel shows you the reality of what it is like for an English woman to marry a man from Baghdad, how the two very different cultures manage to forget their differences and focus on their love for one another. This book is a very inspirational and uplifting type of novel, it is one that shows you that no matter what might be 'in the way' of two people being together love conquerors all.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I would definitely happily read more books by this wonderful and talented author! This shows you the truthful and raw inside story as to what really happens in a relationship with mixed faiths. I was extremely happy when I won this book and just couldn't wait to dive into it and start reading and this book did not disappoint me at all I absolutely loved it and would definitely recommend it too other people.

View all my reviews

Review: Love Caters All

Love Caters All by Nicci Carrera
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Author: Nicci Carrera
Published: 26/11/2014

I received this novel for free through GoodReads FirstReads competitions.

I thought that this was an absolutely brilliant novel to read, I really enjoyed it and didn't really want it to end, it is a very entertaining novel to read. The descriptive words that the other uses really help to capture the readers attention and to keep hold of it right through until the end of the novel. The characters that feature in the book (Maya and Rick) are very realistic and are very easy to get along with and like.
It is a very good modern romance tale that that flows nicely and keeps the same pace through out meaning that there isn't a part where you want to put the book down or even consider stopping reading it. Sparks soon fly between Maya and Rick as it shows that opposites do attract. This is the first book I had read by Nicci Carrera but it most certainly will not be the last one! I think I have most definitely found myself a new author to love. Definitely worth the 4star rating! I don't want to say much about the plot of the story as it would ruin it for you I would rather you read the novel as it is the most wonderful novel that I have read.

View all my reviews

Review: Murder In School

Murder In School by Bruce Beckham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Author: Bruce Beckham
Published: 07/02/2014

I received this book for free through GoodReads FirstReads competitions.

I hadn't read any of the Inspector Skelgill Investigations but after reading this one (the second one in the series) I will definitely be reading more of this series.I thought that it was expertly written by a clearly very talented author. In this book he is investigating a suspicious drowning that occurs in the local Bassenthwaite Lake.
This novel is full of all the essentials that are needed for a great mystery novel, the characters are very well described so that while you are reading the novel you can picture them in your mind and try to figure out who the culprit is. The style of writing in this book is slightly different from any other murder mystery book that I have read as this one doesn't have flashbacks it is all in chronological order. This does make the novel easier to read as it flows very nicely.
This book is one that is very hard to put down as you can't wait to find out who did it, the ending of this book kept up to the excellence of the rest of the novel. If you like murder mystery books then this one will definitely be one that you will enjoy. I have found myself a new author and I cannot wait to read more books by this author!

View all my reviews

Review: Lovers Take Up Less Space

Lovers Take Up Less Space by Rosemary J. Kind
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Author: Rosemary J. Kind
Published: 16/01/2012

I received this book for free through GoodRead FirstReads competitions.

I hadn't ever read a book by this author before but it sounded like a really good and fun book to read and so as soon as it got through the letter box I started reading it. It is a good book to read as you can dip in and dip out of it, so it is great if you only have a few spare broken minutes to read during the day.
This book definitely shows you how talented the author is and how her writing style manages to grab hold of your attention throughout the whole book. I found that it was a very easy book to read and adjust to. The novel flowed nicely and at a good pace so there wasnt a moment where you wondered if you wanted to continue with it or not.
When you read this book you will find yourself laughing out loud at some of the humorous points in the book, I love books that make me laugh and so I got on really well with this one. If you are someone who uses the underground that I think that you will definately be able to relate at alot of the things that are written in here. I am very glad that I got the chance to read this book and I hope to read more from this author!

View all my reviews

Review: The Sign of Four

The Sign of Four by Arthur Conan Doyle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published: 1/10/2001 (first published 1890)
Author: Arthur Conan Doyle

ahh i love a good Sherlock Holmes book and this one does not disappoint. Expertly written by the brilliant Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, we get transported into the world of Sherlock Holmes, the way it is written makes you feel like you are there with the characters. I thought I had worked out who has done it....until the end when I realised how wrong I had been. An amazing book for fans of who done it books!
Some of the amazing characters that are featured in this book are: Sherlock Holmes, Dr John Watson, Athelney Jones and Mary Morstan. All of these characters are brilliantly described by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, he makes them seem so realistic which means that when the reader is reading about them you can see a vivid picture of them in your mind. This is a real skill as it helps to draw the reader in further and makes the book much more deeper as the reader can feel like they really connect to the characters.
This is the second book in the Sherlock Holmes series of novel, I think that it is a brilliant book that will keep you hooked onto the Sherlock Holmes series, if you have just watched the programmes and not read the books then I would recommend that you give the books a try! Nothing can capture the images that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle can put into the readers mind.

View all my reviews

Review: Apple Tree Yard

Apple Tree Yard by Louise Doughty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Author: Louise Doughty
Published: 02/01/2014 (first published 2013)
Recommended for: people who enjoy psychological thrillers

I have being wanting to read this book for ages, so when I found it at a charity book sale I just knew that I had to start reading it. It is a book that can easily and effortlessly grab hold of your attention and mind making you get caught up in the book.
The main characters in the book are fasinating, you see the story playing out as Yvonne Carmichael I going over what happened in her life. She is someone that is quite easy to relate to and is portrayed in a way that makes it seem like you are reading about someone's actual life. The other man character remains nameless until nearly the end when we find out his name, this makes him seem alot more intriguing, interesting and mysterious which hooks you as you want to find out who the person is, what their name is, what they do. You feel like you are reading through someones diary reading what happened, how everything came about.
The book runs in a very smooth pace meaning that there isnt a dull bit to read through, it is one that will make you glad that you read it and it is most definately worth the wait to read it. When I had finally put the book down I still kept thinking about what might happen next, what might happen to the characters...this continued when I had finished the book I kept thinking about the characters this is how you can tell it is an amazing book when you just cannot stop thinking about it.
It is incredibly well written and shows how amazingly talented the author Louise Doughty is and I would definately read more books by her, this is an absoultely fantastic book to read. In my opinion I wouldn't recommended this book for under 16's as there are quite a few remarks and quotes that aren't for young people to be reading.

View all my reviews

Review: Early One Morning

Early One Morning by Virginia Baily
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published: 23/07/2015
Author: Virginia Baily

This book is first set 1943 in Rome where the main characters meet for the very first time. One of the characters Chiara is just about to flee the city of Rome when she see's a women, her husband and their young children being loaded onto a truck at gunpoint. Chiara makes a rather rash desicion (which she will late on have to live the consequences of) and says that the young boy is her nephew which releases the boy from the truck and into the possession. Only three decades later does Chiara realise just what she had done, we learn of the heart ache that the little boy (Daniele) caused her and the havoc he filled her life with.
This is an incredibly well written book by a clearly very talented author. At first when you read that she has rescued this little boy you think that it is going to be a touching and heartwarming story about the good deed that she did...but that couldn't be further from the truth! Although this book is about Europe in the war time and the effect i made, it is also about how the choices we make in our lives had a impact on how the future will turn out for us. It is a very powerful, moving and inspiration novel that really makes you think. Chiara is forced to face upto her past and face upto the fact that she knows she will never be able to replace the other that Daniele once had.
When reading this novel I found it very hard to put down and it was one that lost me alot of sleep as I just had to keep reading it and finding out what would hapen next and what else we would uncover from Chiara's past

View all my reviews

Review: The Miniaturist

The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Published: 26/08/2014
Author: Jessie Burton

I absolutely adore this book!!!! I was so so happy when I got this as a present I started to read it straight away. I thought that it was brilliantly well written, the description in the novel truly transported you there to Amsterdam, there with Nella. All of the characters were great none of them blended into the background they all brought something different to the novel.
The character of Nella is one that is very realistic and very likeable. I think that my favourite author is definately Otto (or Toot), his character really spoke to me and I found myself feeling for him. The book was incredibly hard to put down and when I did put it down it wasn't long before I went back too it. When reading it the hours just fly by because you get that sucked into the book and into the story. The thing that drew me to the novel in the first place was the unique and interesting storyline it had. Anyone who wants to read this book you definately should do! I know this book was very hyped up and generally books that are hyped up tend not to live upto your expectations but this book definately does live upto the hype.
This is the type of book that will make you think back too it after you have finished reading it, it engraves itself into your mind, which to me show you just how amazing and powerful a book it is. Every part of the book is relevant, the author doesn't go off talking about nothing making you feel that maybe she had lost where she was going with the book. It is extremely well written the words that are used are powerful and realistic, when reading the words they transport you in your imagination to where the author whats you to be, to see the world she has created in the book. It is one that is very easy to get attached to. It is one that I will definately never be parting with and will pass it down my family.

View all my reviews

Review: The Hunter

The Hunter by Tom Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Published: 12/05/2011
Author: Tom Wood

Wow..I thought that this was a really amazing book and just my type, my brother-in-law lent me this book as I love these kind of books, I hadn't read a book by Tom Wood before but would definately read all of his books! It featured the amazing Victor, who even though he is an assassin he is definately my favourite character! It is a fast paced and unpredictable book with plenty of twists and turns, just when you think you know what is going to happen next it has an unpredictable turn and throws you offguard.
It is expertly written by the outstanding Tom Wood, he is definately one of my favourite authors now! This is part of a series that takes your mind on the adventure with Victor. It is a very addictive book that is nearly impossibly to put down even for a minute. I absolutely love this book and it definately deserves a 5star rating. The writting style of Tom Wood is so easy to adjust and just draws you into the storyline.
Victor is an assassin, possibly one of the best assassins you will read about (in my opinion), he doesnt do things that you would expect an assassin to do, which keeps the reader on their toes and keeps them interested in the storyline, keeps them hooked and makes this novel stand out amongst other novels of the same genre. In this book we follow Victor across 4 continents when a job he is doing goes spectacularly wrong! The pace in the book as we follow Victor keeps the suspense up and keeps the novel interesting. It really is a great book for fans of crime thriller novels

View all my reviews

Review: The Gatecrasher

The Gatecrasher by Madeleine Wickham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published: 10/07/2007
Author: Madeleine Wickham

This book was light hearted, fun, sweet and had a little bit of mystery in it. Madeleine Wickham (Sophie Kinsella) doesn't disappoint with this book. In my opinion it is one of the best written by Sophie Kinsella. The was the first one of the Madeleine Wickham books that I read as soon as I finsihed it I purchased the rest of the books and couldn't wait to read them. It is a must read for anyone who loves Sophie Kinsella books and anyone who loves romantic and rom-com books.
This was one of them kind of books where you just cannot put it down, I had many sleepless nights due to being so hooked on to the novel. Fleur (the main character) has made her money and life out of crashing peoples funerals in order to work her way into the widows life to get them to spend all their money on her. I quite liked the character of Fleur I thought that she was very intriguing as to how she managed to worm her way into these mens lives. The characters that are featured in the novel are all very well described and the surroundings/setting is painted perfectly by the author so that when you close your eyes you can actually see it in your eyes and imagine everything that is happening.

View all my reviews

Review: Six Geese A-Laying

Six Geese A-Laying by Sophie Kinsella
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Published: 16/12/2011
Author: Sophie Kinsella
Edition: Kindle

I found this very short story (27 pages) on the Kindle Store for free and so as I love Sophie Kinsella books I just had to read it! I thought that this was a very sweet little story to read. In this book Ginny is looking foward to the arrival of her baby, she joins an antenatal class with 5 other women but the class isnt quite what she thought it was going to be like. It is a fun read, one that is perfect if you have a few spare moments. This novella was perfect to read while I was waiting for the next book by Sophie Kinsella it just filled the gap nicely.
I dont generally like novellas as it sometimes feels like the author could have made it into a full length novel, and this one definately fits the ticket I think that this novella would have worked really well as a full length novel as it would have been nice to have known more about the characters and know them more in depth. It isn't a novella that is too christmassy it is just set around christmas time but it still gives you a nice warm christmas feeling!

View all my reviews

Review: Black-Eyed Susans

Black-Eyed Susans by Julia Heaberlin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published: 13/08/2015
Author: Julia Heaberlin

This novel is mostly centered around a 17year old girl called Tessa who has been nicknamed 'Black-Eyed Susan' due to the fact that she survived a vicious attack from a serial killer. This story has a twist in store for Tessa as when she has helped to put the killer behind bars she didn't realise that years down the line the killers case will be reopened. Black-eyed Susans flowers begin to appear outside her bedroom window seeming to be a message from the dangerous killer that she helped to put behind bars. It is a quest against time as she helps with the investigation and has to relive the moments from her past.
This novel is very well written and captures the readers attention right from the very first sentence and it keeps hold of it right until the very last word in the book. The author does a great job in keeping the book flowing throughout and keeping up the pace so there isn't a slump where you don't want to read it or you even think of putting the book down. The words that the author uses helps the reader to picture the events playing out and the people that were involved in the event.
The novel is told in the point of view of 2 people, one is 17 year old Tessa and the other is the present day Tessa, in alot of books I would have found this very confusing but the author has seperated the two different views by using chapters which helps to keep track of which one the author is telling you about. The characters that feature in the book I thought were really great. I especially like young Tessa, I really felt for her with her going through such a vicious attack that left the other three 'Black-Eyed Susans' dead, you really get a sense of the damage that the event made on Tessa's life.Even though a couple of the twists were predictable it doesn't make this any less of a truly brilliant book to read!

View all my reviews