Review: Preparation for the Next Life

Preparation for the Next Life by Atticus Lish
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Author: Atticus Lish
Published: 11/11/2014

I received this book for free through GoodReads FirstReads competition.

I thought that this book was extremely well written, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. This book is featured around Zou Lei who is an orphan of the desert. This book is the kind of book where you don't need to know anything about it before you start to read it, you can go into the book completely blind and you will still enjoy the book.
As a début novel I think that it holds a lot of promises for the author in his future novels. It captures the readers attention and just about holds onto it, some parts of the book are a little bit bland in comparison to the rest of the novel, however the parts that were not bland made up for it, I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to read a 'unsentimental love story'. I think that the plot line could have been a little bit stronger and the book could of had more depth too it,

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Review: The Peerless Seer

The Peerless Seer by B.S. Gibbs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Emaleen Andarsan series. I thought that this book was absolutely brilliant! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and could feel myself being full submerged into the novel and the brilliant writing skill of the author.
In this book two different worlds become entwined together in a very clever way. The book features Emaleen who is just coming into her powers and is to be a Peerless Seer once she grows into her full powers. The character is described perfectly and you can really imagine her, how she moves, how she speaks and how she looks. To me this is very important as it makes the novel much deeper and makes you feel like you are part of the novel.
If you are a fan of mystical and magical novels then this is definitely the book for you! It combines them both excellently and expertly. This is an author that I will be looking out for and I will definitely be reading the next book in the series! Absolutely loved it!!!!

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Review: A Wicked Old Woman

A Wicked Old Woman by Ravinder Randhawa
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Published: 28/10/2015
Author: Ravinder Randhawa

I received a copy of this book for free through Goodreads FirstReads competition.

When I read the description of the novel I immediately thought it was my kind of book 'Drama. Masquerade, Mischief' sounds like it has all the elements I love in a novel.

However when I started to read the book it just didn't manage to keep hold of my attention very well. It is very well written however it just feels like it is lacking something. It is a rather hard book to get into and to be honest I did end up abandoning the book in favour for another one. Maybe I will return to this book, but for now I cannot do a complete review as I haven't finished the book.

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Review: Lamentation

Lamentation by C.J. Sansom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Published 23rd October 2014
Author : C. J. Sansom

I've been a fan of C. J. Sanson's work ever since I accidentally came across his book Sovereign. I really enjoy reading and learning about the Tudors and this book certainly did not disappoint. Henry VIII was suffering ill health and married to his last wife Catherine Parr who had written a confessional book Lamentation of a Sinner. It's up to Matthew Shardlake to find out who has stolen this from a locked chest in the Queen's private chamber therefore putting the Queen in danger of her life. With his side kick Jack Barak they set off into the back streets of London to solve this royal intrigue. It's one of those books that is so well written you feel as though you are dodging through the murky streets with them. Excellent book and would definitely recommend this.

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Review: The Cabaret of Plants: Botany and the Imagination

The Cabaret of Plants: Botany and the Imagination by Richard Mabey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Published 2015
Author: Richard Mabey

I received this book as a Christmas present after I'd seen an article about it in a magazine. I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Cabaret of Plants which was a combination of fact and myth I loved the vegetable lamb. There were illustrations dotted around which I thought complimented the book. Being an avid gardener this book was entertaining and informative. I'd not come across Richard Mabey before but will definitely check out his other works. If you enjoy finding out about the history of plants and trees this book is for you. It's easy to dip in and out.

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Review: A Walk In The Park

A Walk In The Park by Jill Mansell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Published 5th July 2012
Author: Jill Mansell

I love reading Jill Mansell's books she is one of my favourite chick lit writers. This book did not disappoint, I read it in two days as I couldn't put it down. Hurray for a few days off work to indulge. I enjoy Jill Mansell's style of writing its relaxing and entertaining at the same time. A gentle read but by no means boring. I loved the characters Lara and daughter Gigi and could empathise with her reluctance to trust Flynn. There were unexpected twists where I must admit I shouted out "no way" to some of the characters. Very descriptive and very well written it was a pleasure to be engrossed in this book. Thoroughly enjoyed Janice getting her comeuppance.

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Review: The Hairy Bikers Blood, Sweat and Tyres: The Autobiography

The Hairy Bikers Blood, Sweat and Tyres: The Autobiography by Hairy Bikers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Published 5th November 2015
Authors: Dave Myers and Si King

I couldn't put this book down. I love watching the Hairy Bikers on t.v and have been fortunate to see them live on one of their tours.

It was fascinating to read about their early lives and the family traumas that both Dave and Si had encountered. It was interesting to find out how their paths had crossed in relation to their work. Reading the book I could envisage both Dave and Si reading their respective chapters out loud. It was an amusing read and an entertaining one and I will probably read this book again as it was excellent. For anyone who loves the Hairy Bikers you need this book and for anyone curious, give it a go.



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Review: The Lord of Ireland

The Lord of Ireland by E.M. Powell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Published: 5th April 2016
Author E.M. Powell

The author very kindly sent me a signed copy of her new book The Lord of Ireland. Having thoroughly enjoyed The Blood of the Fifth Knight I knew that this book would also be a fantastic read and I was not disappointed.

Continuing with the story of Sir Benedict Palmer and his wife Theodosia this follows the story of John Lackland, the youngest son of Henry II on his quest to ultimately become King of Ireland. Yet again a wonderful descriptive book full of twists and turns. I would have read this in two days but unfortunately having to go to work came in between me and my reading! Once again the author transported me to the place she described in Ireland following John and his trail of destruction. In my imagination I was hiding from John and his barbaric actions,covered in mud, cold,hungry, tired and hoping to survive. This was a fast moving book with plenty of action and E.M. Powell's superb character analyzation was spot on and an absolute joy to read. A must for anyone interested in medieval history. This book deserves more than a five star rating and I hope there will be more to come from this series.



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Review: 12:07 The Sleeping

12:07 The Sleeping by L. Sydney Abel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Author : L. Sydney Abel
Published : 07/07/2015

I received a kindle version of this novel by the author in return of an honest review so here it is!

The story features a very fascinating character called James, who is described in great detail by the author which adds depth to the story and makes the character a lot more realistic. The other element of the novel is 'The Sleeping', these are guardians of the underworld who feed in the souls that have been sent there.
I found that the story drew me in straight away and I found myself reading it every spare second I had. It keeps you coming back to it and wanting to read more, find out what happens and also find out more about the characters. It is very well written and flows throughout the novel, which means I didn't find a dull part to read! I would recommend this story to fans of thrillers/horrors. The author is extremely talented and destined for big things!

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Review: Stig's Flight of Encounters

Stig's Flight of Encounters by Stephan von Clinkerhoffen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Author: Stephan Vin Clinkerhoffen
Published: 25/11/2014

I finally got to read this book thanks to the author and I just couldn't wait to dive straight into the book. I thought that this was a really great book that was beautifully written, accompanied with brilliant artwork. The characters that feature in the novel are all very well described which means that the reader can close their eyes and picture the characters for themselves.
The characters each bring their own unique personality into the novel which gives it great depth and even though it is a fantasy novel, once you have read the book you really appreciate nature more. You get characters which are good and bad but all of them are very likeable and some are relatable. The detail of description that the author uses to describe the world that he has created really brings the book alive and draws the reader into it, getting them hooked right from the beginning!

I cannot wait to read the next book!

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Review: Body In The River

Body In The River by Stuart Francis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Author: Stuart Francis
Published: 27/02/2016

I got this copy for free on the Kindle Store and with it being 26 pages long, it was perfect for them short journeys. This is a short but true story about the death of a girl called Sarah, this is an interview where her mother Carol opens up for the very first time.
Even though it is only 26 pages I found myself nearly crying through sympathy for Carol, reading what she had to go through and the questions that have been left unanswered, I cannot imagine the torment that she will have experienced. I think that the author does a brilliant job of getting the readers attention and the way he has put the interview together makes it flow throughout and so it is easier to keep your attention on it. If you enjoy true life novellas then this will be great for you. I think that the author is very talented and I can't wait to read more by him!

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Review: The Silvered Heart

The Silvered Heart by Katherine Clements
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Author: Katherine Clements
Published: 7/05/2015

I received this book for free through GoodReads FirstReads competitions.

I thought that this book was incredibly well written, and kept hold of the readers attention right from the very first sentence! This book is loosely based on the historical figure of Lady Katherine Ferrers. Katherine is an orphan who is married off, not for love but for convenience. The marriage is full of neglect and doesn't contain an ounce of love. When Katherine fails to give her husband an heir, her fortune begins to slip away and she decides to turn to a life of crime with a highway robber called Rafe Chaplin. Thing begins to turn for Katherine as the war is over and treason is rife.
If you love historical fiction novels then this is definitely the book for you! The characters are brilliantly well written and you end up feeling like you really know the characters. The book flows with a nice pace that never drops. I hope to read more books by this fantastic author!

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Review: Death Poem

Death Poem by Richard McClements
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

Author: Richard McClements
Published: 20/07/2015

I received this book for free through GoodReads FirstReads competitions.

This is Richard McClements debut novel featuring an elderly veteran of the first world war, who is revealing his secrets of a lifetime , pain and regret that he has been through. I thought that this was a brilliant novel that expands over three quarters of century. The author weaves and incredible plot throughout the novel and makes the reader want to continue reading, it is a very riveting story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It is a very powerful read that compels you to keep reading and not put it down even for a second. I think that Richard McClements is a really great author and I look forward to reading more novels by him!

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Review: The Chess Queen Enigma

The Chess Queen Enigma by Colleen Gleason
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Author: Colleen Gleason
Published: 06/10/2015

I received this book for free through GoodReads FirstReads competitions.

I thought that this was an absolutely amazing! It is the third book in the Stoker and Holmes series of crime solving novels. Even though the characters of Milna Holmes (niece of Sherlock) and Evaline Stoker are quite opposites of each other they both have the same goal, to unmask and capture The Ankh. The novel is set in 1889 London, where it starts off with a bittersweet rivalry between the two girls ends up being a partnership and a friendship.
There is plenty of banter between the two characters which adds the fun and silly element too it, aswell as being full of suspense. It blends steampunk, paranormal and history elements beautifully and there is a nice pace all the way through so their isn't a boring part to read. It compels you to read it and never want to put the book down. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes steampunk and crime novels. I hope to read more from this fantastic author!!

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Review: The Dying Place

The Dying Place by Luca Veste
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published: 04/12/2014
Author: Luca Veste

As soon as I started to read this book I was immediately hooked on it. I found it to be powerful, addictive, smart and very well written. This is the first book I have read by this author but it will definitely not be the last! The book features the wonderful detectives DI Murphy and DS Rossi, who are trying to uncover the mystery of who is taking all the young boys, when they find the body of Dean Hughes on a church step with clear torture marks on him, it is a race to find out who did it before there are more victims.
This book was extremely well written and flowed nicely throughout the whole novel, meaning there wasn't a dull or boring part to read. The fast pace of the novel makes you want to keep reading it and want to get to the end of it to uncover the secret. The people who are holding them hostage are unknown to the reader, they just go by letter of the Greek Alphabet, this was an aspect of the book that I really liked as it felt like I was part of the detectives team.
I would definitely read another book by Luca Veste and I would recommend this book to people who enjoy thrillers.

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Review: Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Published: 21/05/2008 (first published 1847)
Author: Charlotte Bronte
Recommended for: fans of classics

this wasnt my type of book at all. But however the writing and desciption is brilliant it just doesnt capture my attention and keep it. This may be due to the fact that I had to do it for an exam and so was made to read it over and over again. The characters all bring something to the story, there isn't really any secondary characters as the story wouldn't be the same if they weren't there anymore. This is an absolute classic book which I am glad to have read but I am slightly sad that I didn't enjoy it, I may give it another chance when I am older and not doing an exam.

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Review: Lancelot

Lancelot by Jack Whyte
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published: 10/10/2013
Author: Jack Whyte
Recommended for: fans of the Arthurian era

Just finished reading this brilliant book I got for Christmas. For anyone who enjoys fiction with a historial theme this book is a must. It has an excellent discriptive text that makes you feel as though you are in the book going through all the trials and tribulations and battles with Clothar. It seems they had the same cold wet weather then as we do now! Seriously I thoroughly enjoyed this book as can't wait to read The Last Stand which I also received for Christmas. You definately need to read this book.




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Review: Doctors Who Killed

Doctors Who Killed by R.J. Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published: 26/08/2012
Author: R.J Parker
Recommended for: fans of true crime
Edition: Kindle

I found this short book (74 pages) on the Kindle Store for free and it looked really interesting.
This book features alot of famour cases of doctors that have killed their patients the people that are meant to be there to help them. The cases are looked at in detail (some in rather vivid detail) and they show you some parts that the media didn't want you to know, they follow the cases closely right to the end so you find out what happened to the person in the end. It is very well written and one that is interesting to read if you have a few spare minutes to fill and prefer true crime.

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Review: Your Magic Touch

Your Magic Touch by Kathy Carmichael
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Published: 13/08/2012
Author: Kathy Carmichael
Recommended for: fan's of short novella's and romcom's
Edition: Kindle

This is a short novella written by Kathy Carmichael that I found on the Kindle Store for free and so I thought that I would give it a go. This is a rom-com type of book that is fun, lighthearted and funny. It is very well written and keeps you wanting to read on, it is a very sweet kind of book and perfect if you need that little 'pick me up'. The characters featured in the novella are likable and easy to relate to, however it is a tad bit predictable in places but it doesnt make it any less enjoyable to read. It is a good book for people who enjoy the romantic comedy genre.

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Review: Kiss a Girl in the Rain

Kiss a Girl in the Rain by Nancy Warren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Author: Nancy Warren
Published: 10/02/2014
Recommended for: fans of romance novels
Edition: Kindle

I found this novel (170 pages) on the Kindle Store for free and so I thought I would give it a try. I thought that this was a very sweet romantic lovestory, that will instantly give you a lift when you read it. It is very well written and shows how talented Nancy Warren is by how she manages to get the reader involved in the lovestory between the characters and really makes you feel like they are real people and makes you root for them. The characters that feature in the novel are likeable, easy to relate to, easy to connect to and just great characters all round! A really super novel to read.

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