I tried really hard to enjoy this one, but it's just not good, in my opinion. I made it to forty percent before I got very uncomfortable. The aliens aI tried really hard to enjoy this one, but it's just not good, in my opinion. I made it to forty percent before I got very uncomfortable. The aliens are clearly manipulating the hybrids - I mean, really obviously, they're not even trying to hide it - and I sincerely doubt their plans are as benign as they claimed, but I couldn't bring myself to keep reading to find out. I'm sorry, it's a DNF from me....more
A hilarious guide to Ankh-Morpork and its' many wonders and delights. This is not a book for a PTerry newbie, but established fans will adore reading A hilarious guide to Ankh-Morpork and its' many wonders and delights. This is not a book for a PTerry newbie, but established fans will adore reading through the ads and articles and poring over the map to find all their favourite spots. Just remember to pay your Guild fees and don't go into the Shades alone!...more
I really enjoyed this one. I'm only vaguely familiar with Tristan and Iseult, but the story was brilliant on its own, if somewhat heartbreaking.The maI really enjoyed this one. I'm only vaguely familiar with Tristan and Iseult, but the story was brilliant on its own, if somewhat heartbreaking.The main four characters were very well done. A fantastic read and one I'll definitely recommend to people when it publishes.
I received a proof in exchange for an honest review.
The cold air nips at us as we circle the reservoir. In the distance, the reservoir's fountain shoots into the air, the powerful gush of it shattering on the wind as it falls. It's early enough that there are still dogged runners doing their laps around the water, and I get the abrupt urge to join them. I swallow my last bit of sandwich and take Izzy's elbow, pull her into a trot with me. She's reluctant at first, dragging me back to a walk, but I smile at her, coaxing without words. and she relents. We break into a slow jog. We go on like this for a minute maybe, our backpacks thumping against our hips, our breath coming harder. The fountain shifts shape as we round the curve of the reservoir. It is a feather, a mountain, an icy staircase, an arched doorway. Then Izzy speeds up, and then I speed up, and we run faster and faster, until we are passing people and out panting turns into laughter and everything but her face is a blur. We are leaving the world behind us. It is the two of us again, alone, and it is beautiful....more
Not nearly as good as I was hoping, I'm afraid. A book that builds up a huge mystery should really deliver on it, not wimp out with 'sometimes weird sNot nearly as good as I was hoping, I'm afraid. A book that builds up a huge mystery should really deliver on it, not wimp out with 'sometimes weird stuff just happens, I guess'. If this had been just about Stella and Galliard, without any of the strange stuff, I probably would have liked it; as is, it's just disappointing. A real shame....more
I don't have words for this amazing, terrifying book. Just read it. Everyone needs to.
Receiving an ARC did not affect my review in any way.
I grip the I don't have words for this amazing, terrifying book. Just read it. Everyone needs to.
Receiving an ARC did not affect my review in any way.
I grip the arms of the chair. The sweat from my hands makes them slippery, but I hold on to them like my life depends on it. I close my eyes, try to breathe through the dread. I inhale and focus on my own breath traveling through my body before exhaling. I mute the Director's breathing and tapping until it disappears. Inside me, it is still. And through the silence, I hear voices: You're not alone. David. Jake. Ayesha. My mom. My dad. You're not alone. You're not alone. You're not alone. I listen. And from the dark quiet that scares me, I discover that love lives in the deepest silence. ...more
The blurb is highly misleading, but I very much enjoyed this story. If I'd realised it was a retelling of The Goose Girl, I might have been even more The blurb is highly misleading, but I very much enjoyed this story. If I'd realised it was a retelling of The Goose Girl, I might have been even more eager to read it. I loved the background and the history we were slowly given. I can't wait to see what happens in the rest of the trilogy - perhaps other old fairy tales will be folded in!
Receiving an ARC did not affect my review in any way....more
I really wanted to like this; I'd heard really good things about it, and I usually like sci fi. The spelling and grammar errors in the file didn't helI really wanted to like this; I'd heard really good things about it, and I usually like sci fi. The spelling and grammar errors in the file didn't help, but the story itself was too long and ponderous for my taste. Too much time with nothing happening, bracketing times when ALL THE THINGS were happening. I'm sure other people will love this, but it wasn't for me at all.
Receiving an ARC did not affect my review in any way.
'You know something my mother once told me?' he said. 'She was thinking about what it's like just before you're born. Babies can hear their mother's voice, they get distressed, they feel pain, even in their mother's stomach. They turn towards the light, like all of us. The womb, though, is the only world they have ever known. They can see all of it, the beginning and the end, and of course, they think there is nothing else. Can't even conceive of it. 'So, being born, being dragged out into the child, into the searing lights and all the noise, must feel like dying - like their whole world disappearing along with every single thing they ever knew. Maybe dying is like that too, none of us know what's out there. But we've experienced something a little like it before. Being born was the best thing that ever happened to us. The world is bigger and more beautiful than we ever could have imagined and on the other side of it there were people we'd never met who already love us. They've been excited. They've been waiting.' ...more
A fantastic addition to this growing genre. It took me several chapters to remember which of our POV characters was which, but that's a common problemA fantastic addition to this growing genre. It took me several chapters to remember which of our POV characters was which, but that's a common problem for me. I really enjoyed the story and it kept me thinking after I'd read it, which is always a good sign! I also liked that the authors didn't demonise anyone; the principal should have listened to the girls, but he was doing his job otherwise, the teachers were mostly nice, and even (view spoiler)[the mean girl came around when they talked things out properly. (hide spoiler)] This is going to go well, I think.
Receiving an ARC did not affect my review in any way.
"What happened?" I asked. "Oh, nothing, we just pretty much got James and a few of the basketballs players to run up and down the bleachers while doing their sprints and drop statements in all the seats. It looks like it's been raining women's rights in the gym," Nadine says, clearly proud of herself. "At one point, Namel was throwing up statements like it was cash money," Isaac says, smiling at us. "And he also might have been singing some of the statements," Nadine finishes, and as if on cue, Namel and James walk down the hallway, Namel singing, "I resolve to raise my hand more. I resolve to answer questions more in algebra. I resolve to use my voice." He enters a falsetto on the last note, and we all start laughing. I see him tucking one of the statements into his pocket. "What's that one say?" I ask, hanging back as they all continue down the hall practising their new songs. "Ah, nothing. I just liked it." He hands it to me. It says: I resolve to ask for what I want. My voice should be valued and heard. "Why do you like it?" I ask. "I guess I'm just curious. What do you want?"...more
A beautiful set of short stories by Noel Streatfeild, all set around or featuring Christmas in one way or another. Like most of Noel's stories, dancinA beautiful set of short stories by Noel Streatfeild, all set around or featuring Christmas in one way or another. Like most of Noel's stories, dancing and theatre feature heavily. These are quite oldfashioned stories now, but that only adds to their charm. This is a fantastic collection for children of 8 to 11.
But the case was not back in half an hour, nor was it back by dinner time on Christmas Day, though it was not for want of trying. The police promised to let the Wards know the moment there was news. Jock's Scoutmaster rang other Scoutmasters, and they rang the guides, and the guides rang Brown Owls, until finally there did not seem to be a street within miles of South Kensington where someone was not asking 'Do you know a little girl called Emily whose grandfather is staying with her for Christmas, whose birthday is in December?' It was, of course, a miserable Christmas for the Wards....more
A scarily plausible, slightly future novel. I wasn't too fond of the format, using the dash instead of quotation marks - I found it difficult to tell A scarily plausible, slightly future novel. I wasn't too fond of the format, using the dash instead of quotation marks - I found it difficult to tell when dialogue ended and narration kicked in. I enjoyed the story, though, it was interesting and had twists to keep me reading. I'll watch out for more by the same author....more
A fantastic start to what promises to be a brilliant new series. It does suffer a little, like an increasing number of books, from 'Hero has no idea wA fantastic start to what promises to be a brilliant new series. It does suffer a little, like an increasing number of books, from 'Hero has no idea what's going on and no one tells them' which can make a book hard to follow if it's all from the hero's point of view. But once Emily starts understanding what's happening, things pick up and it's non stop to the conclusion.
I hope this series runs for a long time. It deserves to, and there's plenty more stories of the Midnight Hour to be told.
I received a proof copy in exchange for an honest review.
She rocked there for a while, stiff with fright. What had just happened? Also, why was she starving? She added 'fear' to the long list of things that made her hungry, and tugged her bag open to root around for an emergency sandwich. 'OW!' She yanked her hand back out and sucked the end of her finger. Something sharp had stuck straight up under the nail. 'What the heck?' She peered in the bag, muffling a scream when something moved inside. There was a shuffling and a grunting noise, and then a small black nose appeared, follow by a brown, sleepy face. 'Hog! What are you doing in there? You're very naughty." She cupped her palm and his small-footed weight filled her hand with warmth. She held him up, grinning, and cooing over him. The old lady on the other side f the aisle was not as pleased. She got up and moved away, giving them both a filthy look. Who cared? Look what a nice nose her spiky stowaway had. 'Something very scary just happened, Hoggins. I'm glad you're here." The Hog did not respond, but wriggled with pleasure at the nose rub. She squeezed him (not too tight) and he tucked in under her chin. The street lamps and headlights streamed by as the bus took them into the city. 'Wait, have you been eating my sandwiches, you little git?'...more
A fantastic series opener. It took me far longer than it should have to realise what it was based on - I should have got it after Nancy and Ollie, I dA fantastic series opener. It took me far longer than it should have to realise what it was based on - I should have got it after Nancy and Ollie, I definitely should have got it after Dodge showed up, but it wasn't until we were introduced to Maddy Sikes that I caught on. This is a brilliant adventure and I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens next in the series.
Receiving an ARC did not affect my review in any way.
"At first we figured the Haven was just another gang," said Lily, "and we'd had enough of gangs by then to last a lifetime. But then Dodge showed us what the Haven really was. What it stood for. And since then we've never looked back."
"And that scar," said Ollie, tentatively tipping his head towards Dodge. "Danny Hunter gave you that? As, what? Punishment?"
Dodge fingered the line of scar tissue that crossed his face. "As punishment, yes. But as a warning, too, for us to stay away from his property. Because that's basically how he views his Razors. Not as people, but as things."
Ollie found himself frowning. In spite of the danger they had known they'd be walking into, Dodge, Flea and Lily - Sol and Erik, too - had gone willingly into Danny Hunter's lair, for the sake of other kids they didn't even know. It was the kind of selfless heroism you only ever read about in comic books.
For a moment the Haven kids appeared taller, unless maybe it was Ollie who felt shorter....more
A quick read about a young girl trapped in a snow storm trying to fetch vital medical supplies for her family. I don't know a lot about sledding, but A quick read about a young girl trapped in a snow storm trying to fetch vital medical supplies for her family. I don't know a lot about sledding, but the details all seem realistic and the story moved along well. However, the ending was very abrupt and left a lot of threads unfinished. I did like that there was no hint of romance between the two characters thrown together, and that they didn't magically get along perfectly just because they'd got caught up together in this dangerous situation.
I'm always intrigued by a cult narrative. This isn't the best I've ever read, but it's pretty good. I liked the characters, I just felt we didn't spenI'm always intrigued by a cult narrative. This isn't the best I've ever read, but it's pretty good. I liked the characters, I just felt we didn't spend long enough with the Sisterhood to understand how Moon could keep them under such tight control. It was a good read and I was eager to find out what would happen at the end and what the secret in Mella's past was. A good read overall....more
I really hoped this would be good, but sadly it's not. For a book protesting the male gaze, there's far too much focus on woman's bodies; almost everyI really hoped this would be good, but sadly it's not. For a book protesting the male gaze, there's far too much focus on woman's bodies; almost every female is described in terms of her breast size, not just the first time she appears but every time she appears. The phrasing is clunky and there's no explanation for terms the average reader wouldn't know. I respect the hell out of anyone who completes Nanowrimo, but in my opinion this novel is not good.
Receiving an ARC did not alter my review in any way....more
I wasn't sure what to expect from this - I read some really mixed reviews - but I loved it. It's a sweet (no pun intended) story of a teenage girl detI wasn't sure what to expect from this - I read some really mixed reviews - but I loved it. It's a sweet (no pun intended) story of a teenage girl determined to save the ice cream stand that was the scene of the best summers of her life, even when the whole place is literally coming down around her ears. I loved the characters; they were all complex in their own ways and their behavior, while not always nice, was always in keeping with their personalities.
I'll definitely be looking out for more by Siobhan Vivian. A perfect read for hot summer days.
(I am a little curious where the kitten vanished to, though!)
When her dad comes in, Amselia asks him, "Do you think that if Mom had died when you were young, you would have married someone else?"
He takes a dish of marinade and a brush from the utensils drawer.He's not being evasive by not answering. He's taking his time, really thinking about what he wants to say. "I've been in love with your mom for nearly all the years I've been alive. It's hard to say what I would have done back then if I'd lost her, but at this point, I doubt that my hear know how to beat without her."
"You've never once gotten your heart broken," Amelia says.
"Don't hold it against me!"
"I'm not. It's just...I don't know. Like a miracle."...more
I'm very much looking forward to having this one in my hands, so that I can shove it into other peoples' hands.
Receiving an ARC did not affect my review in any way.
"They'd never leave me without saying anything, they'd never just go and not try to let me know they were all right. They'd never just forget me."
After a few minutes he lifted his face and sniffed, the ache in his chest so painful it felt like the air he was breathing had claws. "But Tess has proved one thing. Mum and Dad were right all this time. They knew this was possible, what Tess and me are doing." Moose turned, scampering up his sleeve until he came to rest on Thomas's shoulder. "I'll make sure their names aren't a laughing stock anymore. Whatever Tess needs, I'm going to help her - and then together we can figure out how to prove my parents were the best scientists the world has ever known."
He reached into his shirt pocket and took out a few crumbs of cheese. Moose crawled on to his outstretched palm to nibble them and Thomas felt his heart slow and the pain in his chest gradually lessen. "You were the best present they ever gave me," he whispered, running a gentle finger down Moose's back. The mouse responded by putting one tiny paw on Thomas's thumb and the boy smiled.
Finally Thomas blew out the candle and they lay down to sleep. High above the heads of the boy and his mouse, dashed across the face of the clear night sky, a web of stars was sparkling; in another world, in which the stars had been scattered in a different configuration across the heavens, a girl and her spider were dreaming of them....more
A sweet, funny read and a great introduction to a new series. Hope is a fantastic protagonist, slightly naive but well meaning, funny and much smarterA sweet, funny read and a great introduction to a new series. Hope is a fantastic protagonist, slightly naive but well meaning, funny and much smarter than she realizes. Her siblings were all interesting in their own ways. I'm looking forward to seeing what they get up to in future books. Roz was my favourite of the supporting cast. And I was fist pumping at a certain scene near the Hollywood sign!
(view spoiler)[I was expecting a really dark family secret, with references to Hope forgetting something and a mention of five kids when Hope only has three siblings, but I think it must have meant the friend referred to early on. (hide spoiler)]
I can't wait to see what happens to the Valentines next.
My brother pulls the kitchen door shut behind him. "Is everything ok?" His voice is low. "I got cornered by my agent and by the time I escaped you'd disappeared. Did something happen? I swear if someone hurt you I'll-" Pain flickers but I push it away. "Not even a little bit," I say brightly, kissing my brother's cheek. "Everything happened just like it was supposed to. I just had to go right then, that's all. But thank you for letting me in, Max." "As long as you're ok." Max studies my face. "I was thinking, Po, I'm free this morning. Do you want to...go shopping or whatever? Hand out together - Little Sis and Big Bro time? I could treat you. Get you out of the house for a change?" My phone buzzes again. PS I literally cannot wait J xxx "Hmm?" I smile distractedly, bouncing on my toes again. "Oh, I'm actually busy today. Sorry, Max." Then I send Me neither. X And it suddenly feels like I'm a movie star, lit by my very own spotlight. Warm and bright and seen....more
What a fabulous read this book is. A lovely story showing how important it is to keep green spaces and to let children be children. I sincerely hope tWhat a fabulous read this book is. A lovely story showing how important it is to keep green spaces and to let children be children. I sincerely hope the publishers are planning to add a few little black seeds to this book. (That'll make sense once you read it, I promise.)
A brilliant read. Buy this one for everyone you know.
I received a proof copy in exchange for an honest review.
Mum picked me up five minutes later. 'Good day?' she asked. 'Not bad. You?' 'It was ok,' she said. 'I had a meeting with my boss. I had this great idea for a new range of pizzas, with fresher ingredients. I even suggested a few of my own recipes, things I'd been experimenting with at home.' 'And?' 'Oh, you know, the usual response. She'd think about it. Then she told me to go clean a gunked up tube that was clogged with processed cheese.' Mum stared at the pavement. 'Cool, Mum!' I said, squeezing her hand. 'If she's thinking about it, that's a good thing, isn't it?' She bit her lip, then gave me a grin. 'Must be,' she said. 'You never know. Oh, and guess what? I found someone who can fix the patio. He's coming tomorrow, with a fresh load of concrete.' It was just what I needed to hear. Perhaps things could finally get back to normal....more
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