Book Review: Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake

*Please note this is only a two book series.

Cas has survived his battle with his father’s killer, but now suffers from taunting dreams of Anna trapped in Hell. As a ghost hunter he’s supposed to forget about the ghosts he encounters, not fall in love with them. Anna is everywhere, in more pain through each encounter. Cas refuses to forget about her and embarks on a journey to bring her back.

Yet there’s more to his father’s knife than Cas is aware of. When a mysterious picture arrives in the post, Cas knows he’s going to do whatever it takes to open the door to hell and rescue Anna from the torture she doesn’t deserve. Even if it means killing himself.

It took some time to process how I felt about this book. I was expecting it to be a part of trilogy and was epically sad that there are only two books in this series.

However, I really liked that there are only two books. It’s so different from everything else currently being published. With characters are so full of personality that it’s impossible not to fall in love with this series.

There is love on a (somewhat) real scale, scary scenes and adventure that waits across the pond. I praise Blake for creating such a fantastic series that can blend both a realistic teenage life along with a paranormal existence that hasn’t been conquered yet. I wish there was more but am glad there isn’t at the same time.

Be warned however, there is a lot of swearing and some scary scenes that are truly terrifying. I loved every single sentence! Give it a go if you dare!

Book Review: Evermore by Alyson Noel

Apr30

Ever Bloom used to be the popular cheerleader. Tall, blonde and living the spoiled life in Oregon, looking good was her main responsibility. That is until her entire family died in a car crash. Ever survived, but can now read people’s thoughts and see the colour of the auras. Human touch creates thoughts and feelings that make life unbearable. Living with her Aunt in California is only the beginning of this new life.

Hiding from the world as much as she tries to hide from herself, Ever is confronted by the hot new guy Damen in school. His mind calms hers and he can make scarlet red tulips appear before her when he wishes. Falling in love is the least of Ever’s interests, but try as she might to ignore him; he always creeps up when she needs him the most. Can she find the strength to accept who she now is? Or will she fade into nothingness to reunite with her family?

For a paranormal romance, Evermore follows most of the traditional YA rules, making this first in a series one that teens and tweens will love to swallow up. I really liked Ever as a character. She’s not oblivious and has a good head on her shoulders. She’s still selfish and native about things, but she’s 16 and that’s to be expected.

Ever has guts and it’s nice to read about a strong female character in a romance YA book. It’s a rarity. Ever doesn’t even want a boyfriend, that’s not a concern of hers and it’s a refreshing thought to see that she understands she doesn’t need a man to consider herself worth something.

There’s a lot more to these books and I can’t wait to see here Noel takes this type of genre.

Book Review: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Apr25

“The monster showed up at just after midnight. As they do.”

Thus begins the emotional story of 13-year-old Conor, who struggles to come to terms with his mother’s illness in England. This work of art is blended beautifully with the realistic story that no child should ever endure. Conor’s harsh reality includes everything a present day child can face. A father who remarries in America, a cold grandmother and bullies at school along with facing how terminal cancer affects his mother.

Written for a slighter younger audience this book transcends age limits. The monster, a creature comes to Conor in the form of a Yew tree is evil, scary and has a sense of humour. Telling Conor three tales, the monster will force Conor to see the truth that he’s been avoiding.

The late Siobhan Dowd, who unfortunately passed away before the story was finished but Ness has done an outstanding job, inspired this story. The result is a piece of work that anyone can relate to.

Crafted with amazing illustrations of shadow and shapes A Monster Calls is an important book to be on everyone’s bookshelf.

Book Review: Teeth by Hannah Moskowitz

Apr16

Rudy is 16, lives with his parents and terminally ill five-year-old brother Dylan. He needs a lung transplant. Their parents learned of an isolated island that grows a miracle fish. It doesn’t spoil, it doesn’t smell and whoever eats it magically becomes well over time.

There are other things that live in the water, and secrets about the people that reside on the island. When Rudy rescues Teeth from a fisherman he embarks on a journey of discovery about human nature and the ethics of power. Alone on this freezing piece of Earth, Rudy must choose between family and what’s right.

What a fantastic read! Although parents – be forewarned there is a lot of swearing in this book. The language aside, this book was interesting, different and held my attention the likes I haven’t come across in a few weeks. Full of inner conflict this book will hook you into debating what you would choose to do in Rudy’s situation.

Can I also say that one of the characters is male and gay? Absolutely fantastic to get some diversity in the genre! You’ll feel the cold wind blow and smell the salty air. Give Rudy’s story a chance and open your heart to Teeth. Everyone deserves to explain their own point of view.

Book Reviews: Black Door by Evans Light

Apr13

Eleven-year-old William, his father and two younger brothers are on their way to a new Summer Camp as their local favourite is out of operation.

What starts as a long car trip turns into a journey through an unknown environment with a starkly painted black door…

What’s behind the door? Why are the campgrounds abandoned? Several questions that might be answered should William take that first step through the black door.

This is a short story perfect for reading to eight-year-olds and above around the campfire. But be warned – there will be a lot of questions!

It’s such a short read that most of my review is really in my rating. I obviously wanted more, but for it’s age range it’s great to kick start imaginations. A good example for kids looking for the next step up in a reading challenge Black Door will keep them turning the pages!

Book Review: The S-Word by Chelsea Pitcher

Apr9

Angelina (Angie)’s life is instantly changed on Prom night. Her best friend Lizzie is caught sleeping with her boyfriend. Pretty and popular cheerleader Angie – the victim of the biggest scandal at Verity High School. The ultimate betrayal between girlfriends is the only the beginning. After the weekend fun and drama, four little letters appear in black permanent marker on Lizzie’s locker – SLUT. Unable to bring herself to speak to Lizzie, Angie fades into the background as a spectator to witness as this word grows all over her locker. It continues to spread to her backpack, notebooks and etched like wallpaper onto her car.

The fascination was supposed to fade, but Lizzie kills herself leaving only behind her diary for Angie to sort through. The word SUICIDE appears in Lizzie’s handwriting above SLUT. Angie becomes obsessed with discovering who has written these words, the catalyst to her best friend’s death. The truth can be more painful than reality and Angie must live with her choices. In the matters of the heart in high school there is more than just what everyone sees.

The S-Word is brutal, but so brilliant in it’s depiction of modern High School drama. Angie is essentially the popular girl that everyone loves to hate, but through her story readers grow to learn about the insecure girl that rose to be a Princess Bee. She’s real with flaws and passion. Angie’s voice is amazing. She’s harsh and cruel and I loved everything she said. It’s hard to explain unless you give this book a read.

Although this novel deals with sensitive topics, it’s so honest that’ll you’ll be hooked from the first chapter. I loved that this wasn’t about romance and that this also isn’t a series. It’s a breathe of controversial air that will have you reliving those painful high school days but will also be able to shed some light as to why people act the way they do. Everyone has secrets. The S-Word is a brilliant set of words. Well written and realistic to a fault this is a stand out for the Young Adult genre.

This book was provided by the publisher Simon and Schuster from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to the author Chelsea Pitcher for book! This book will be published May 7^th. Buy your copy in advance today!