Author Archives: keithbwalters

Halloween Reads!

Last year, when I wasn’t blogging as frequently as I do now, I tasked myself with reading only Halloween-themed titles- and I failed miserably. I was a really slow reader last year- not getting around to half of the books, and not getting round to reviewing them either! This year, though, I’ve decided to read more horror books for Halloween, one of the best holidays of the year, and to also have a proper blog event for this! Say hello to…

So, above is my meme banner for the next fortnight-ish, that I made last week! Click on it for a bigger picture. You’ve already seen this, as it’s my header, but I love what Books For Birds made for my header banner too, because I couldn’t work out how to fiddle with it at first:

What’s going to be in Halloween Reads?

Firstly, reviews of only horror/spooky/paranormal books up until the 31st! I’ve read half of the list I’ve made- and I’m planning to get through the rest very soon. Here are all of the books I’m hoping to read and review for the fortnight!

The Screaming Staircase (Lockwood & Co., #1) Zom-B Baby (Zom-B, #5) Coraline Escape from Furnace 1: Lockdown Solitary (Escape From Furnace, #2)

Something Wicked This Way Comes White Cat (Curse Workers, #1) Unrest Frankenstein

Also, I’m attending a talk by the awesome Darren Shan very soon (at the Guildford Book Festival), so I’ll have an event account of that up for Halloween- as well as possibly an author guest post or two, if I have them ready in time. If the guest posts don’t go ahead, then there’ll definitely be a couple of discussion posts!

I’m also contemplating on doing a twitter chat about (mainly YA) horror books- If you’d be interested, please let me know!

What do you think of Halloween Reads? Have you read any of the books on my list above, or are you going to the at the Darren Shan event? Leave a comment! (:

New Books! #27

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Yay! I’m really excited about all of these books from this week. I bought most, but thank you to Random House for the proof copy I received in the post!

Received in Post:

The Queen of Dreams

The Queen of Dreams by Peter Hamilton: This looks so great! It came as surprise book-post. And surprise book-post is always awesome. It’s a fantasy published in 2014, for Children. It looks so great- I can’t wait to see what it’s like, as I haven’t read anything by Hamilton before. He normally writes sci-fi, so this was a bit experimental for him, I think. Thanks again, Random House!

Bought:

Storyteller: The Life of Roald Dahl

Storyteller: The life of Roald Dahl by Donald Sturrock: Firstly, this caught my eye in The Works today because of the super-pretty cover, with the David Quentin illustrations! I also wanted to buy it because it looks like an amazing biography of Roald Dahl, possibly the most amazing children’s author, ever. I don’t normally read biographies, or autobiographies, really, but I’ve made an exception here! This looks like such a great read; I’m really looking forward to it.

Soulless (Parasol Protectorate, #1) Blameless (Parasol Protectorate, #3)

Soulless and Blameless by Gail Carriger: These look awesome! They keep coming up in my Goodreads recommendations because I’m a bit of a Steampunk nerd, and I’ve been meaning to look out for these for ages. Nina (Death Books and Te a) were chatting about them on twitter yesterday- and spookily enough #1 and #3 turned up in a local charity shop today! I’ll be on the lookout for #2 as well, now! 😀 Also, the very awesome Nina is lending me the manga adaption of this next weekend when we meet up, so yay! 😀

What did you buy or receive this week? Leave a comment, telling me what books you got, or linking back to your own book haul! (:

Fearsome Dreamer

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By Laure Eve, published by Hot Key Books.

Fearsome Dreamer (Fearsome Dreamer, #1) Goodreads Synopsis: There is a world where gods you’ve never heard of have wound themselves into hearts, and choice has led its history down a different path.
This is a world where France made a small, downtrodden island called England part of its vast and bloated empire.
There are people here who can cross a thousand miles with their minds. There are rarer people still who can move between continents in the blink of an eye.
These people are dangerous.
And wanted. Desperately wanted.
Apprentice hedgewitch Vela Rue knows that she is destined for more. She knows being whisked off from a dull country life to a city full of mystery and intrigue is meant to be. She knows she has something her government wants, a talent so rare and precious and new that they will do anything to train her in it. But she doesn’t know that she is being lied to. She doesn’t know that the man teaching her about her talent is becoming obsessed by her, and considered by some to be the most dangerous man alive…

My Review: Fearsome Dreamer is one of those books where you finish reading it, then stare at for a while thinking Why didn’t I think of that idea? I SO wish I’d written that. Fearsome Dreamer’s a rich mixture of fantasy and sci-fi, with a pinch of romance. Whatever genre you prefer, I’m sure you’d love this! I’ve left a huge gap between reading and reviewing this, so I’m not entirely sure if I can explain how awesome this was…

The book is told from different perspectives in every chapter; alternating between characters in World- a virtual reality many people have migrated to- and Angle Tar, a beautiful, fantastical place in which our main character, Vela Rue, lives. The story kicked off with a great insight into Rue’s life and occupation. I really loved how I was plunged straight into the story, though it meant I was a little too confused at some parts. However, I adjusted to this unique and imaginative world, and got hooked after less than a quarter of the story! The plot was beautiful, and the ending left a cliffhanger that’s gotten me so excited for Fearsome Dreamer‘s sequel, an extract of which is in the back of the book-yay! I’m really excited to read another installment of this original piece.

Rue was a really interesting character. She’s a hedgewitch, and I found her profession really interesting. Her Talent was so cool! I’m not entirely sure why, but I kept comparing her to Paige from the Bone Season by Samantha Shannon. I think it was because Rue was this amazing, almost super-natural person, who’d been taken away to others like her by overpowering forces. I loved her as a protagonist! Our male main character was White, a teenager boy who changes a lot in the book. He was probably the character who developed the most, and I really loved him. In fact, I may have enjoyed reading about him a tiny bit more than Rue!

I’m probably going to need to re-read this book at some point. It was brilliant, but I think I could have enjoyed it even more for one reason: I was reading this in-between lessons and on the tram to/from school, as I was reading this during schooldays. I really think I should’ve waited until the weekend! As I was only reading small snippets at a time, I don’t think I got to enjoy the story fully enough. I’d have preferred to devour it in a couple of sittings. This isn’t the author’s fault, obviously. I’m definitely going to have another read of this when I have the chance!

Overall, Fearsome Dreamer was a pacy, thrilling read. Laure’s YA novel is just amazing for a debut- you’d think she’d written million of books before this, thanks to her beautiful writing style and imaginative worlds! The setting(s) were really great, and there was also a little bit of romance growing between the two main characters- I can’t wait to see how that evolves in the sequel! One word to describe this book? Original. It’s hard to place this in one genre- it’s a perfect blend of every type of book I love! Recommended to fans of fantasy, sci-fi, action, romance… the list goes on.

My Rating:

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I received a copy of Fearsome Dreamer from the publisher, in exchange for a review. In no way at all did this affect my thoughts.

She Is Not Invisible

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By Marcus Sedgwick, published by Orion.

She Is Not Invisible Goodreads Synopsis: Laureth Peak’s father is a writer. For years he’s been trying, and failing, to write a novel about coincidence. His wife thinks he’s obsessed, Laureth thinks he’s on the verge of a breakdown.He’s supposed to be doing research in Austria, so when his notebook shows up in New York, Laureth knows something is wrong.

On impulse she steals her mother’s credit card and heads for the States, taking her strange little brother Benjamin with her. Reunited with the notebook, they begin to follow clues inside, trying to find their wayward father. Ahead lie challenges and threats, all of which are that much tougher for Laureth than they would be for any other 16-year old.

Because Laureth Peak is blind.

My Review: She Is Not Invisible is one of those books that was stuck in my head for ages after reading the last page. It was such a beautiful, gripping story, and I just wanted to read it over an dover again! Marcus Sedgwick creates such magical, mesmerising stories, and She Is Not Invisible is definitely one of his best yet.

The idea for this story is so original! It’s one of those rare ideas that you come across, that’s never been done before. It doesn’t seem to have taken any inspiration from anything, making it so unique in a world where a lot of books are following genre trends at the moment. Laureth’s dad has disappeared, and Laureth has run away to New York, taking her little brother with her for guidance, as her mum is away and doesn’t believe he’s in danger… and Laureth is blind. I don’t think I’ve ever read a story where a blind character has taken the lead role before, aside from in the Maximum Ride series by James Patterson. One of the reasons that I loved this story is because of the main character, as I admired her bravery to set out into an unknown world!

The main theme of the book was Coincidence, which was a very individual theme. I’ve never read a book based around something like Coincidence before, and wasn’t sure how it would go. It was so clever! One of the things this book had me wondering about after I’d finished was whether coincidences were real… and whether the stuff in Laureth’s dad’s notebook could come true… *shiver*

One word to describe the plot? Misleading. There were loads of twists and turns to this book that I was not expecting! The story was complex, but not confusing, and a really enjoyable read. I was on the edge of my seat, totally hooked on the story as Laureth and Benjamin were searching their way around New York, with a notebook full of terrifying notes on a cult with ties to mysterious coincidences. I was so scared for the characters, and very interested about the places they were led to- Edgar Allan Poe’s house, for one! I could also visualise them really well in New York, as I’ve been there before, and so it was really easy for me to slip into their shoes. Even if you haven’t been there, Sedgwick’s writing will transport you into their world, and make you feel like you don’t want to come out.

Laureth, as I’ve already said, was a really brave character. I know that Marcus spent a lot of time with blind peoplee, so he could get experiences correct. I’m pretty sure he got it spot on. It was so interesting to be in Laureth’s shoes, to imagine what it was like to travel halfway across the world to find a father when you’re only relying on four senses. Not only was she brave, but she was also very realistic. Benjamin was, too; her little brother who she took with her! He was so sweet and obeying, and I just loved him to bits. Both of them were so great! (Also, there’s a pretty funny background to Laureth’s name- Marcus, is that how you came up with it??).

Ah, I’ve ranted on too much about this! So I’ll wrap up now, but I could go on forever about this book… Overall, it was an amazing read, and very unique, too. A thrilling search for a lost father, who’s obsessed with an idea for a story? It was just so great! Laureth was a brilliant leading character who anyone will connect to. She Is Not Invisible is written so well, and I definitely think this book’s going to be big. Sedgwick fans, grab a copy now! Or if you’re someone looking for a read that’ll blow you away, you go grab a copy now, too! (: (Bonus: the cover is really pretty) It’s hard to compare this to anything… I can’t recommend this enough.

My Rating:

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I received a copy of She Is Not Invisible from the publisher, in exchange for a review. In no way at all did this affect my thoughts.

Geek Girl: Model Misfit

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By Holly Smale, published by Harper Collins.

Model Misfit (Geek Girl #2) Goodreads Synopsis: “My name is Harriet Manners, and I am still a geek.”

Harriet knows that modelling won’t transform you. She knows that being as uniquely odd as a polar bear isn’t necessarily a bad thing (even in a rainforest). And that the average person eats a ton of food a year, though her pregnant stepmother is doing her best to beat this.

What Harriet doesn’t know is where she’s going to fit in once the new baby arrives.

With summer plans ruined, modelling in Japan seems the perfect chance to get as far away from home as possible. But nothing can prepare Harriet for the craziness of Tokyo, her competitive model flatmates and her errant grandmother’s ‘chaperoning’. Or seeing gorgeous Nick everywhere she goes.

Because, this time, Harriet knows what a broken heart feels like.

Can geek girl find her place on the other side of the world or is Harriet lost for good?

My Review: (This first paragraph MAY be viewed as a SPOILER. Tread carefully, if you haven’t yet read this sequel). About a year ago, I read and fell in love with Geek Girl. After seeing in the back of my copy that there was to be a sequel, I was literally crying with joy that I’d get to read about Harriet again! And Nick! And them as a couple! Yay! So, when this came in the post, I dived in, thinking Harriet And Nick Were Happy Together And Everything Was Going To Be Fine. And then, Holly Smale, you SMASHED my dreams and everything fell apart and I may have shed a tear. Holly! Why! However, it did make an epic plot twist- which made for a very beautiful ending!
Spoiler-ish paragraph over 🙂

Speaking of the plot for this novel: flawless. I loved it so much! It was just as great a Geek Girl’s… Maybe… Better. Harriet, upset about being cast aside as the baby’s on the way, takes up a modelling shoot in Japan so she can get away for the summer. I think the change of setting made for a very different read! I also loved the setting because I’m a manga/anime nerd, so a little obsessed with Japan :). As well as the plot twist with Nick, there were lots of surprises in store- most, were hilarious.

Harriet! I love you so much. Please come to the real world someday and be my friend? We can geek out over facts and watch some documentaries together. And we can do physics!!
Harriet’s so much like me, and that’s a main reason I love the story so much. I have a Toby friend, and a best friend whose dream is to be a model, and I’m a geek, and she’s described to look like me (YES, Harriet! High fives for the Strawberry Blondes Who Are NOT Gingers Contrary To Popular Belief). A lot of other people have said similar things, too! Holly’s invented an unforgettable character who we’re all like in one way or another. All of the other characters are unique and brilliant. Most of them (Bar Alexa and a couple of others.) I just wanted to hug because they make me smile so much!

Whilst I was reading this, even though their stories are quite different, I couldn’t help but feel that Holly Smale’s writing is in the same vein as Louise Rennison’s; another huge UK teen comedy author. Holly’s books are similar because they’re laugh-out-loud-embarrass-yourself-on-public-transport-because-you-snorted-with-laughter type books, (yes. That happened okay.) and are really feel-good reads.

Overall, Geek Girl: Model Misfit loved up to my expectations- and more. The plot was brilliant, pretty much unpredictable, and the setting for the story was perfect. I didn’t think it was possible to love Harriet more than I did in the first book… Well, I was wrong! Go read the Geek Girl books, whoever you are. If you’re a geek, hugely or slightly, you’ll love this because you’ll relate all too much to it. If you’re a fashion lover, read it, and you’ll love it for Harriet’s funny teen career. If you’re neither, I can guarantee you’ll still love this. Geek Girl is one of the best contemporary series I’ve ever read, definitely!

My Rating:

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I received a copy of Geek Girl: Model Misfit from the publisher, in exchange for a review. In no way at all did this affect my thoughts.

That Burning Summer

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By Lydia Syson, published by Hot Key Books.

That Burning Summer Goodreads Synopsis: Romney Marsh, July 1940. When invasion threatens, you have to grow up quickly. Sixteen-year-old Peggy has been putting on a brave face since the fall of France, but now the enemy is overhead, and the rules are changing all the time. Staying on the right side of the law proves harder than she expects when a plane crash-lands in the Marsh: it’s Peggy who finds its pathetic, broken pilot; a young Polish man, Henryk, who stays hidden in a remote church, secretly cared for by Peggy. As something more blossoms between the two, Peggy’s brother Ernest’s curiosity peaks and other secrets come to light, forcing Peggy and Henryk to question all the loyalties and beliefs they thought they held dear.

In one extraordinary summer the lives of two young people will change forever, in a tense and gripping historical drama from Lydia Syson, the author of the acclaimed A WORLD BETWEEN US.

My Review: That Burning Summer definitely lived up to my expectations! I loved Lydia Syson’s A World Between Us and it’s felt like an age, waiting to read her next book, because I was so excited for it! We’ve moved away from the Spanish civil war, onto the Second World War as the backdrop for this book, and it was just as intriguing. As well as a really interesting time period for the book, I also loved it because it was set in a place I’ve visited a few times- Romney! I’ve been on holiday a couple of times round there, so I could envision it in the World War quite well, which I think made me enjoy reading it a lot.

The writing was just beautiful. I was transported to the world so easily, and didn’t want to pull myself out of it. I read huge chunks of this in school at my library… multiple times I was almost late for class, because I just couldn’t stop reading! It was written so well in third person, though I think first person would’ve suited this book well, too. Between every few chapters, there was an Rule from a guidebook on what to do should the enemy invades. I really loved having those extracts in there, as it compared to what Peggy was doing for the fallen flyer. Well, it was the opposite really, but technically he wasn’t the enemy!

Peggy was such a great main character. She was a believable teenager, and I adored the love story between her and Henryk, the pilot who fell out of the sky. I think I loved her because even though she had no proof that Henryk was who he said he was, she would still help him by stealing food from her own farm, when they needed it. I also adored her little brother! Ernest was such a sweet little kid, and he played an unexpected part towards the ending, involving a pretty shocking birthday present for a twelve year old.

Henryk was also a really great character. We only really get to know him through his conversations with Peggy, that take up a lot of the book, as he’s hiding out in the Church. His story was heart-breaking and makes you want to go jump into the story and give him a hug. Lydia Syson has created a book that’s like a window into the lives of people in the second world war. I felt like I was there, living through what Henryk did!

Overall, That Burning Summer was a second brilliant YA novel from one of my favourite historical fiction authors! It was set in a time period that I really love learning about, so that attracted me to it, and Lydia’s created yet more unforgettable characters that I enjoyed reading about so much. The ending was very satisfying and sweet, and left me imagining for days about how Peggy and Henryk were getting on. One word to describe this? Unputdownable. It was such a great read, that I’m definitely going to be recommending to anyone I know who likes historical fiction!

My Rating:

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I received a copy of That Burning Summer from the publisher, in exchange for a review. In no way at all did this affect my thoughts.

Because It Is My Blood

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By Gabrielle Zevin, published by Macmillan.

Because It Is My Blood (Birthright, #2) Goodreads Synopsis:

“Every time I think I’m out, they pull me back in.”- Michael Corleone, The Godfather.

Since her release from Liberty Children’s Facility, Anya Balanchine is determined to follow the straight and narrow. Unfortunately, her criminal record is making it hard for her to do that. No high school wants her with a gun possession charge on her rap sheet. Plus, all the people in her life have moved on: Natty has skipped two grades at Holy Trinity, Scarlet and Gable seem closer than ever, and even Win is in a new relationship.But when old friends return demanding that certain debts be paid, Anya is thrown right back into the criminal world that she had been determined to escape. It’s a journey that will take her across the ocean and straight into the heart of the birthplace of chocolate where her resolve–and her heart–will be tested as never before.

My Review: *I may accidentally drop spoilers about book one in this series here! You have been warned!*

What an awesome sequel! I was really worried that this wouldn’t live up to the sheer perfection of the first book, All These Things I’ve Done, but it really did! Because It Is My Blood is a book I’ve been so excited for, all of this year, since I read the first one back in January, and have been impatiently tapping my foot, waiting to read about what Anya Does Next. This book has definitely disproved that statement about Sequels of books not living up to their predecessors. Because It Is My Blood was just as brilliant; a real roller-coaster-ride of a book. It was a perfect blend of thriller, dystopia, and family drama!

Anya was, and still is, one of my favourite female dystopia protagonists. She’s so three-dimensional, and despite living so far off in the future, very relatable. It was very interesting to see what she’d do after the ending of All These Things I’ve Done- as, boy, that was an evil cliffhanger! I loved her just as much in this installment: She’s a very down-to-earth character. I enjoyed following her as she was thrown back in Liberty- a rehabilitation facility for children; then as she escaped, assisted by awesome supporting characters, to Mexico to lie low for a while.

Gabrielle Zevin really played with my emotions in this book! Firstly, Anya’s brother. He was a loveable character in book one, who was then taken away for safety. Oh, was I upset at that- I thought I wouldn’t hear of him in this book! Fortunately, I did, but, I can’t say what happens to him in this book. All I can say is: Gabrielle! That plot twist made me cry and want to throw the book across the room, then made me laugh and do a little happy dance at the end. The author’s also made me learn not to trust any minor character in this book. I’m really scared as to what may happen in book three, now.

The plot was very different, to All These Things I’ve Done! I was ever so slightly annoyed at the fact that another love interest made his way into Anya’s life. I was pretty terrified that that might take over the rest of the book- but, luckily, it didn’t, so yay! The new love interest (Well, I guess he is. It seems that Anya sees him as a friend, but he’s competing with Will a bit, to me) was a very likeable character, though, and he and his family, who run the plantation Anya hides in, opened the gateway to yet more conspiracy theories and drama. I loved that! This sequel was pretty much unpredictable.

Overall, Because It Is My Blood was a really strong sequel to an amazing book. I don’t think I could pick out any major flaws! This series is an amazing thrill ride, and any crime/drama/romance/dystopia loving teen will also love it, I’m very sure. I loved reading more about Anya, and I think the book was great, but too short for me (maybe that’s just because I was so immersed in it, and wanted more!). With some new characters I’ve grown to love, and some old characters I’ve grown to hate (thanks to some double-crossing and plot twists!), I really can’t wait for the next book, which is called In The Age of Love and Chocolate.

You can check out my review of ALL THESE THINGS I’VE DONE, HERE!

My Rating:

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I received a copy of Because It Is My Blood from the publisher, in exchange for a review. In no way at all did this affect my thoughts.

New Books! #26

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I normally have pretty small book hauls… but this one’s pretty big, mainly thanks to the Bath Kids Lit Fest, which meant I was scouring Bath bookshops and swapping with Lucy; and the Waterstones Piccadilly event I went to on Wednesday, where the lovely Debbie swapped some books with me!

Bath weekend book haul:

Blood Red, Snow White

Blood Red, Snow White by Marcus Sedgwick: I absolutely love all of the Sedgwick books that I’ve read so far: And this has been the top of my to-hunt-down-list for his titles I haven’t yet got. I’m so glad I found this, in a lovely, huge, Oxfam bookstore in Bath! I’m also really hoping to go to an event with Marcus at the end of October. Fingers crossed! (:

The Night Circus

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern: This looks like a really magical read! I loved the pretty cover, and I’ve seen it on a lot of blogs and I’ve also seen a lot of great reviews of this in various places. Though really I mainly bought it because of that mysterious blurb and gorgeous cover. (ALSO, MORGENSTERN IS A SURNAME IN THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS. This bears no relation to that. But that’s such an awesome surname).

Shipwrecked

Shipwrecked by Siobhan Curham: I’ve loved Siobhan Curham’s previous two books so much, and the only times I’ve ever seen this in bookshops is when I’ve had no money! Thankfully I spotted this in Waterstones in Bath as Lucy pointed it out to me. Hooray!

Swapped with Lucy:

Across the Universe (Across the Universe, #1)

Across The Universe by Beth Revis: The majority of reviews I’ve seen for this have been raving about its amazingness. I’ve had my eye on it for a while, and also the cover is so stunning! The very awesome Lucy bookswapped this with me. So thank you, Lucy!

Die for Me (Revenants, #1)

Die For Me by Amy Plum: Another gorgeous looking book! I hadn’t heard of this previously, but I swapped with Lucy for this, too, as I went and read the synopsis on Goodreads and it doesn’t sound like anything I’ve read before. Thanks again, Lucy! 😀

Swapped with Debbie:

Siege

Siege by Sarah Mussi: I met Sarah at a Hot Key event for her book, Angel Dust. I only recently discovered what else she’d written under different publishers: And I’ve been wanting to find a copy of this for ages! It seems like my kind of twisted book, and I’m really excited to start this. Thank you, Debbie!

The Future of Us

The Future Of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler: I really loved Thirteen Reasons Why, when I read it last year. This seems like a very different concept to that: but a very interesting one, too! Imagine going online in the 90’s to find your Facebook profile in the future… oh, that would be awesome. I’m very interested to read this! Thank you again, Debbie! 😀

Bought/Received:

Zom-B Baby (Zom-B, #5)

ZOM-B: BABY by Darren Shan: Oh, how I adore this series! Gory and terrifying and twisted and… oh, I could rant on about these forever. I’m so glad my dad went out and bought the newest one for me! (Thank you dad :D) I was really intrigued as to how the killer babies that haunted B’s past dreams would play a new role in this. I only got this a couple of days ago, but as it’s quite short and I really couldn’t wait any longer, I devoured it today and loved it. Review soon!

Have you read any of the books above? What books did you buy or receive this week? Leave a comment! 🙂

Mini Reviews: All Our Yesterdays and Doll Bones

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I’m very behind on netgalley reviews- eek! I’ve decided to catch up on Netgalley titles I’ve forgotten to review, in my mini reviews posts, which may start getting more frequent! Here are two really different books! One covers time travel and sci-fi in a mind-blowing concept; the other an eerie quest to search for answers about a doll that may or may not be entirely made of bones. *ducks behind couch*

ALL OUR YESTERDAYS (By Cristin Terrill, published by Bloomsbury)

All Our Yesterdays was, quite simply, mind blowing. The concept was really original and a one-of-a-kind, fresh take on a time travel novel. I was really scared that I’d not like this, maybe because I’d find it too confusing, and I was really afraid I’d be the first of many readers, not to like this. Ah, I was too worried. This book was awesome! I delved into it knowing only that it involved a lot of time travel and action and drama. I was definitely right there. There was never a dull moment in this book: Right from the beginning, when Em finds a note from a version of herself in a different time, telling her she has to kill her best friend if she wants to save the world. I was a little bit confused as to why Em loved Marina so much as first, as I thought she didn’t know her, but then some extremely clever connections were made. *spoiler alert!!!* Marina is Em’s past self. *spoiler over!!!* That was just really clever, and I’ve honestly never seen a plot twist like it in a book before. Whilst the ending was quite a bit too fast paced for me, I really did love the ending. It’s the kind of last chapter that you have to read over and over again- not because you didn’t understand it, but because it was just so unpredictable and genius that it’s hard to get over it. Just… ahh! Amazing, amazing book. Go find a copy, now!

DOLL BONES (by Holly Black, published by Random House)

Doll Bones was such a fun, and relatively quick, read, that I’d really recommend to kids and teens alike! Holly Black is an absolutely brilliant author, though before this I’d only read her writing in the Spiderwick Chronicles. I was really glad that I got an ecopy of this book! It wasn’t exactly the story that I’d expected. It turned out differently than I’d guessed it would, but it really was a fun read. Three best friends, Zach, Poppy, and Alice, are whisked away on an adventure to bury a doll to put its spirit (the ghost of the girl its bones were made of) to rest. The whole thing was hugely eerie, and even though it was targeted at quite a young audience, it definitely sent shivers up my spine at some points! The other side to the story was quite unexpected. Really, if you stripped away the horror story and the ghostly aspects, the story was about growing up. Zach’s dad threw his toys away, saying he should stop playing with dolls, and that’s really what sparked their whole expedition. I really liked that aspect of the story, because it was quite emotional, too, seeing how Zach would cope with that on the side of their mystery. The characters were relatable, and the story was well structured, haunting and mysterious… what’s not to love about this?

My Ratings:

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To All Our Yesterdays

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To Doll Bones (This seems like a low rating… but check out my rating system page and it’s really not! :))

I received both of these titles from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a review. In no way at all did this affect my thoughts.

September’s books, and October’s to read list!

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Gah! I nearly forgot to write this post. Anyway! I guessed that this September I’d only have read a couple of books, as I’d be starting and settling into year nine as a GCSE student (Yep, a year early. Eep.). Turns out, that I got quite a lot read! I’ve read so many great books this month- but there were a couple that I didn’t really like. Click on the covers of the books to bring you to my review of that book, if I have written the review yet (Which is only a few of them. I must catch up on my reviewing)!

Read In September:

She Is Not Invisible That Burning Summer Because It Is My Blood (Birthright, #2) The Name On Your Wrist The Boy with Two Heads Model Misfit (Geek Girl #2)
Fearsome Dreamer (Fearsome Dreamer, #1) The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish MirrorMask

To-Read In October:

There are too many books now, on my TBR pile, to list a few! So, I’ve decided to take a picture of the top of my TBR- though I also have two storage boxes collectively full of about forty books, too. Eek. There’s no way I’m going to get through all of these books, pictured, anyway!

Also, I just had a look at the picture and aside from two that I received from Lucy, these are all books I have brought over the last three quarter of September. I BUY TOO MANY 0_0.

Click on the image for a closer look!

So, those were the books I read last month, and the books I want to try and read this month! (: I’ve read a lot of great wrap-up posts already, like Charli’s, but if you think I’ve missed yours leave a link in the comments, or comment with your favourite thing you read in September! (: