I'm too old for this type of story. Probably because I'm old school with my views on being held accountable for your actions. The actual desc2.5 Stars
I'm too old for this type of story. Probably because I'm old school with my views on being held accountable for your actions. The actual description of the wildfire's spread and destruction was intense and well written. Then the 'monsters' went for the big cover up and my need for justice had me hoping their plans would be foiled. The thing is, I don't think we were meant to like these characters, just to be along for the trail of lies and deceit. It does, however, mean you don't care about any of the characters. It was very formulaic and therefore totally predictable. Lastly (view spoiler)[Hannah is an awful human being and it totally rips my nightie that she got away with it all. (hide spoiler)] Just saying.
Not gonna lie, that was a difficult read. Ansel Packer is counting down the hours until his execution after some brutal murders. I found it quite unseNot gonna lie, that was a difficult read. Ansel Packer is counting down the hours until his execution after some brutal murders. I found it quite unsettling that his story was narrated in second person. It made being with him during his last 12 hours an uncomfortably intimate experience as his inevitable death drew closer. The writing is sublime and the tension palpable.
“You are a fingerprint. When you open your eyes on the last day of your life, you see your own thumb. In the jaundiced prison light, the lines on the pad of your thumb look like a dried-out riverbed, like sand washed into twirling patterns by water, once there and now gone.”
Whilst we see Ansel's point of view, it is actually the women in his life that drive the story and peel back the layers of time so we can build a picture of how such a man came to be. Their voices are powerful and haunting because we as readers know how his life will unfold and the devastation he will bring. Their accounts are raw and they felt like real women, not just characters in a story. This move away from a typical serial killer novel to where the focus lies with the women made the story more absorbing in my opinion. What is equally hard hitting is that we aren't there to hate Ansel. In fact, I felt compassion for the boy left alone. “In most of your memories, your mother is gone. And before she is gone, always, she is leaving.” That mixed with the feelings of revulsion I felt for his actions made for a head and heart spinning experience. After all “No one is all bad. No one is all good. We live as equals in the murky gray between.”
Content warning: I want to give an open warning about the animal harm in this book. None of the harm is on page but there are gruesome descriptions of animal bodies. There is also domestic abuse....more
UPDATE: 7/12/2022 - An amazing reread. Now I finally get to read book 3!
UPDATE: 6/12/2022 - Rereading before reading book 3!
4.5 Stars rounded up to 5!UPDATE: 7/12/2022 - An amazing reread. Now I finally get to read book 3!
UPDATE: 6/12/2022 - Rereading before reading book 3!
4.5 Stars rounded up to 5!
I have never done as much hopeful/begging type muttering whilst reading a book e.g. pleasebeokaypleasebeokaypleasebeokay.
You know when you come across characters that feel 'right'? Everyone, I mean EVERYONE felt right. From the villains to the entre police cast, through to the minor characters who made brief appearances. Cyrus and Evie are such an engaging duo and I am fully invested in the father-daughter type relationship that is tentatively developing. So many feelings!
This is such an intense novel and I had to take frequent breaks throughout as there were some horrific descriptions of child abuse that had me a bit traumatised. I strongly recommend reading the content warnings for this book as the world of child sex trafficking is so disturbing and dark.
CW: descriptions of sexual abuse of a child, suicide, torture...more
Two women, world's apart, manage to escape the men who both enchant and manipulate them. Their paths cross in the most tragic of ways when on4.5 Stars
Two women, world's apart, manage to escape the men who both enchant and manipulate them. Their paths cross in the most tragic of ways when one discovers the body of the other. I love that this novel was more about the women and the new chapters they were embarking on rather than the murder itself. The unique point-of-view (the murder victim's spirit) made the story an overwhelmingly intimate experience. However, this POV also made for some uncomfortable moments as we are right there with Alice through some disturbing incidents. Through it all though, is an undercurrent of hope, which seems crazy given we know the outcome. The hope that grows and blossoms through the story is for all women needing to make a fresh start, all women taking control back and writing their own futures, all women who find people to lift them up with love, encouragement and support. A powerful and moving story....more
That was a really interesting and creative take on the legends of the Japanese Ninja and Samurai. I mean vampire ninjas is a 3.5 Stars rounded up to 4
That was a really interesting and creative take on the legends of the Japanese Ninja and Samurai. I mean vampire ninjas is a pretty cool concept. This is slightly on the longer side but as I know there is a shortage of YA action adventure books with male protagonists I would still encourage high school librarians to give this one a read and see if it would work in their library. It's a really engaging story with a blend of fantasy, action, supernatural, mystery and historical fiction. There are also some really good supporting characters in this heroes and heroine's journey.
CW: There are references to seppuku and a lot of bloody fights (including beheading) and blood drinking incidents.
On a side note, I listened to it as an audiobook and I was really disappointed that the voice actor did not pronounce some of the frequently used Japanese words correctly....more
UPDATE: 25/05/2023 - Reread. Still quite a long story but am going to try the next in series so thought I would read this again to refresh my memory.
OUPDATE: 25/05/2023 - Reread. Still quite a long story but am going to try the next in series so thought I would read this again to refresh my memory.
ORIGINAL REVIEW Oh.
I read the **Revised and Expanded 2021 Edition**.
It all makes sense now. I wish I had read the less expanded edition.
I'm sorry, the above comment makes it seem like I am about to launch in to a really negative review. I am not. There were good elements in this novel. I just wish there was less to review because, phew, that went on and on and on. At the start I didn't know if I could push through because there was a really immature enemies vibe that was starting to get on my nerve, so when hair pulling happened in a lecture I about quit right then. Yes. Actual hair pulling from 20 something year olds. That did settle down (a bit). I really enjoyed the deaf representation in the book and Ryder's experiences felt quite genuine whilst reading it, however, I've since read that Chloe has apologised for some misrepresentation in terms of experiences for deaf people so you should read some ownvoice Reader's reviews. I love novels with exceptional sportswomen so I found that aspect enjoyable. The other thing that was wonderful was the family dynamics. The Bergman's are the type of fun family that I would enjoy reading about and for that reason I will give book two a go. However, if I hear anyone called 'Lumberjack' and/or 'Sunshine' as a cutesy term of endearment again, I will straight up scream.
UPDATE: 7/12/2022 - Still gripping second time around!
UPDATE: 6/12/2022 - Rereading books 1 and 2 in preparation to read book 3!
4.5 Stars
Evie Cormac UPDATE: 7/12/2022 - Still gripping second time around!
UPDATE: 6/12/2022 - Rereading books 1 and 2 in preparation to read book 3!
4.5 Stars
Evie Cormac is the kind of character that captures my heart instantly. A traumatised and damaged child with a steel barrier around them to keep everyone out and protect what little they have left of their love and trust. I want nothing more than to watch their walls come down and for them to find someone to anchor their trust and recovery to, so I read with my heart in my throat as I turn the pages, hoping to see this unfold. Enter, forensic psychologist, Cyrus Haven. He is investigating the murder of beautiful and successful teenager, Jodie Sheehan. I did struggle to fit these two stories together as they didn't intersect enough to flow for me, however, in and of itself the murder mystery was really engaging too. I was thrilled to secure book two from the library and will be starting that tonight. It promises to be every bit as fantastic as this book.
CW: (view spoiler)[violent sexual, physical, mental, emotional abuse of child not on page but some description of injuries suffered (hide spoiler)]...more
This was a pretty entertaining YA mystery with good twists and some character development not often seen in this genre. Seasoned mystery read3.5 Stars
This was a pretty entertaining YA mystery with good twists and some character development not often seen in this genre. Seasoned mystery readers will probably pick the ending as there were some subtle references throughout that gave me the 'heads up' on how the story would play out. However, I still got a few surprises with some cleverly done bombshells. There was just enough romance to be engaging but not so much as to detract from the main genre of murder mystery.
CW: gory death scenes, dead animals posed with bodies, suicide, sexual content(view spoiler)[murder staged as suicide, (hide spoiler)]...more
That was a particularly difficult and gut wrenching read. I suppose that this is a YA novel but it tackles, very graphically, bullying and suicide. I That was a particularly difficult and gut wrenching read. I suppose that this is a YA novel but it tackles, very graphically, bullying and suicide. I expect this to be an incredibly triggering book for vulnerable people so I would suggest talking to a trusted adult first so a discussion can take place around whether it is suitable to read. This book does not hold back and you really are right there experiencing everything that led to this incredibly talented young man's suicide and the aftermath for his family. It is for this reason I am not hiding the content warnings as i think they need to be read. Raw and brutal.
CW: Suicide - described, horrific "jokes" made about suicide, vicious online bullying, physical assault, homomisia, traumatic levels of guilt, gaslighting, catfishing, anxiety, depression, body-shaming, racial slurs, racism...more
Another well crafted, atmospheric and creepy book from this author. I would have liked to see more of the elements that made the hairs on my 3.5 Stars
Another well crafted, atmospheric and creepy book from this author. I would have liked to see more of the elements that made the hairs on my arms stand up as she is truly an expert at creating tension and unease. I enjoyed the stark personality contrast between the main characters Beth and Shea with one having the appearance of being cold and distant, and the other vulnerable and relatable. I don't think there was much to work out so the mystery element fell short for me but it was still a great read.
This is a really interesting novella that requires a lot from the Reader. We are presented with a dystopic world but given next to no information abouThis is a really interesting novella that requires a lot from the Reader. We are presented with a dystopic world but given next to no information about it. It is almost like a rough sketch in which we have to visualise and fill in details making assumptions about what we might already know about the classic elements of a dystopian novel. We wonder who They are and what Their motivations are (beyond the obvious: destroy art and artists, remove creativity and emotion and that old classic chestnut of demanding conformity). What happened to Them to make Them want this world? What is Their power structure? Why cruelty to animals? (yes there are some awful incidents in the novel). There is no big uprising. Instead we just see things from an unknown person (or persons) point of view. It feels like it is one character but on a second read I realised it is likely more than one character but with so many similarities to make it unclear and confusing. I suspect this was part of the author's intent. To have us confused and unsure and as the title says, uneasy. I don't know if I liked it but if the aim was to make me feel unsettled then job well done.
Not quite as gripping as book one but I love the characters so still enjoyed this second installment.UPDATE - 28/07/2023 - Still great on second read!
Not quite as gripping as book one but I love the characters so still enjoyed this second installment. I thought it was a reasonably good whodunnit with some gruesome murders for our detective team to investigate. I went straight onto book 3!
I can't say I ever warmed to the main character in this story. I found her to be single minded and oddly arrogant given the l2.5 Stars rounded up to 3
I can't say I ever warmed to the main character in this story. I found her to be single minded and oddly arrogant given the levels of stupidity she manages to achieve. A lot of suspension of disbelief is required to get through this novel as some of it bordered on preposterous. It was still, however, an entertaining mystery and I did not manage to predict the ending which is always exciting. An entertaining YA mystery.
CW: (view spoiler)[kidnapping, death, torture, death from allergic reaction, gaslighting, domestic abuse, panic attacks (hide spoiler)]...more
This is a wonderfully atmospheric novel in which pretty much nothing happens. The characters are so interesting but they languished in what was essentThis is a wonderfully atmospheric novel in which pretty much nothing happens. The characters are so interesting but they languished in what was essentially a story filled with angsty conversations between our characters where things are hinted at but not discussed. This felt like such a missed opportunity as the set-up was right there with great writing, a riveting mystery, a dark history, and intriguing characters. It just never seemed to really get off the ground and then suddenly it ended. An author to watch out for though. A case of not enough for me.
CW: (view spoiler)[mother commits suicide over guilt for burning people to death, gun violence, loss of loved ones, cyclone (hide spoiler)]...more
A great thriller where the aggression is so insidious that you don't realise how tense you have become until you are a total ball of nerves. The paranA great thriller where the aggression is so insidious that you don't realise how tense you have become until you are a total ball of nerves. The paranoia that our main characters developed was really well written and believable. There are a few stories and films I am reminded of with this novel but I won't say as I think they will serve as spoilers. I actually won't say too much more because it's one of those stories that I think you are better off knowing very little about. A great and topical YA thriller with excellent character development.
CW: (view spoiler)[car accident, murder, racism, homomisia, public outing, gaslighting, images of unconscious girl shared, suicide ideation/attempt, drug use (hide spoiler)]...more
Look closely at the cover. If you go a little marshmallowy and say awwwww with heart eyes then you will love this book. The chemistry between Mickey aLook closely at the cover. If you go a little marshmallowy and say awwwww with heart eyes then you will love this book. The chemistry between Mickey and Jaysen was so well written and swoon-worthy. This YA book was also actually about sports and the play by plays were action packed and entertaining. I don't know if it was a case of 'the right book at the right time' but I honestly loved this. All the other amazing characters made the story rich and meaningful. It dealt with mental health issues in a respectful way. I haven't had this 'squeee' feeling about a YA romance book in a while! Yes it's predictable and hits some standard tropes but it really worked for me and I listened to it in one sitting!
CW: Sexual content but not explicit, depression/mental health, anxiety...more
A surface level read of this book will result in a slow drawn out tale about a boy, his family and survival against the odds with a tiger. A deeper reA surface level read of this book will result in a slow drawn out tale about a boy, his family and survival against the odds with a tiger. A deeper read will have you thinking about the role faith plays in providing a moral compass for humanity, the survival instincts of animals and whether we as humans can transcend our base nature when faced with imminent death. Despite being deeply religious, Pi accepts that rescue is less likely so principals and morality are washed away. For some people the abandoning of fundamental beliefs would feel like accepting the gentle turning of the tide, and for others a violent maelstrom at sea. This wonderful novel weaves in magical realism to provide a surreal experience for us as we observe Pi's internal conflict. I have just had surgery on my back so listened to much of this whilst on some fairly serious medication which made the experience quite harrowing in parts. There are some awful animal deaths in this book. Like utterly traumatising. Anyway, if you like books that explore human nature then I think you would probably enjoy this novel. As Pi's father observes, the most dangerous animal in the zoo is man. I think the ending is incredibly poignant as this novel is also about stories and the versions we accept as truth. Thoroughly recommend!
CW: Horrific animal deaths described on page....more
It's a big call to make so early in the year but this may end up being a 2022 favourite!
An absolutely lovely story with characters that were easy to cIt's a big call to make so early in the year but this may end up being a 2022 favourite!
An absolutely lovely story with characters that were easy to connect with. The novel took me to highs and lows as I was drawn into a world that is a bibliophile's dream. The author did an incredible job of illustrating how books and libraries can nurture connections. These connections became instrumental in creating positive changes in our characters' lives. A list of books makes its way through a random collection of people within a community. No one knows who wrote the list or what it might mean, but when people start reading the books they start to find their own profound meanings in the pages of these great novels.
It has inspired me to reread some of the books mentioned and have borrowed a couple I have not read from the list. Loved it.
I almost DNF'd this one a couple of times during the first half as it felt like there were too many strings for me to pull together. The story wove inI almost DNF'd this one a couple of times during the first half as it felt like there were too many strings for me to pull together. The story wove in and out of people's lives and back and forth in time. I am beyond thrilled that I hung on as it turned out to be such a magnificent story of strength, love, and the power of choosing to do the right thing. The story grew more and more compelling with every page, right until the tear inducing final moments. It is largely a dark story but I never felt weighed down with despair because as the story progressed Anthony gave me a glimmer of hope that I clung to for dear life. A wonderful intricately plotted story.
Such a lovely romance that was sweet and sizzling in equal measure. I absolutely loved both of the main characters. Elle, who belie3.5 rounded up to 4
Such a lovely romance that was sweet and sizzling in equal measure. I absolutely loved both of the main characters. Elle, who believes in star signs and destiny, and Darcy, who seems emotionally closed off and cynical about love. Probably my only gripe is that the miscommunication went on for one or two too many rounds for my liking. Still a gorgeous romantic read.
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