tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42397924622857067042024-02-21T03:50:31.398+00:00Whispering WordsA Bookish Blog featuring everything Young Adult & Middle Gradewhispering wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817741839344053531noreply@blogger.comBlogger173125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239792462285706704.post-63003278648297317182020-06-27T17:31:00.002+01:002020-07-10T14:18:41.937+01:00The 1,000 Year Old Boy - Book Review<p style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-W94UROIeTD8yiDbqfs0tNP8_fRmSvKoGJhh1CY6Bli57dUm5hLad8xRyEBJcap1HORWJ4jwhzcYdUdf4Kr8CUxtMKyo9sDxKBjl0EEJ3MFsVHonoA9LU6QJoKpYnl0scHXpxC0BeGoy/s475/35958734.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="310" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-W94UROIeTD8yiDbqfs0tNP8_fRmSvKoGJhh1CY6Bli57dUm5hLad8xRyEBJcap1HORWJ4jwhzcYdUdf4Kr8CUxtMKyo9sDxKBjl0EEJ3MFsVHonoA9LU6QJoKpYnl0scHXpxC0BeGoy/w326-h500/35958734.jpg" width="326" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><font size="6"><br /></font></span></p><p style="font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><font size="5">The 1000 Year Old Boy - Book Review</font></span></p>
<p style="font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><font size="5">Ross Welford</font></span></p>
<p style="font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><font size="5">MG Fantasy</font></span></p>
<p style="font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><font size="5">UK Publisher: Harper Collins</font></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><font size="5">Other Books by the Author:</font></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><a href="https://whisperingwords747.blogspot.com/2016/02/time-travelling-with-hamster-book-review.html"><font size="5">Time Traveling With A Hamster</font></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><a href="https://whisperingwords747.blogspot.com/2017/02/what-not-to-do-if-you-turn-invisible.html"><font size="5">What Not To Do If You Turn Invisible</font></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><a href="https://whisperingwords747.blogspot.com/2019/07/the-dog-who-saved-world-book-review.html"><font size="5">The Dog Who Saved The World</font></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><font size="5">The Kid From Space</font></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><font size="5">Synopsis:</font></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><font size="5">There are stories about people who want to live forever. </font></i></span></p>
<p style="font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><font size="5">This is not one of those stories.</font></i></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><font size="5">Alfie Monk is like any other nearly teenage boy - except he’s 1,000 years old and can remember the last Viking invasion of England.</font></i></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><font size="5">Obviously no one believes him.</font></i></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><font size="5">So when everything Alfie knows and loves is destroyed in a fire, and the modern world comes crashing in, Alfie embarks on a mission to find friendship, acceptance, and a different way to live… which means finding a way to make sure he will eventually die.</font></i></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><font size="5">Review:</font></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><font size="5">A thrilling adventure, The 1,000 year old boy examines the brutal reality of what living forever would entail. Everything from watching those you care about die, to the physical complaints of worn down teeth and being stuck in a body that will never grow up.</font></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><font size="5">When a tragic accident strikes Alfie’s life, he suddenly finds himself totally alone, until he meets Aiden and Roxy. But when they uncover the truth - that Alfie is no normal eleven-year-old, but actually over 1,000 years old - they vow to help him find a way to return to normal. But bad people are after the secrets Alfie holds, secrets that might just cost him - and his friends - their mortal lives to protect …</font></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><font size="5">Ross Welford never fails to wow me with his books. Although I always give him extra points since his stories are set within the North-East of England, in and around the area I grew up. I can’t tell you how nice it is to read about places I know and love so well! With that in mind, this books gets an automatic 5 stars for setting.</font></span></p>
<p style="font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: left;"><font size="5"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></font></p>
<p style="font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><font size="5">Told from the POV of two characters, the reader really gets a sharp comparison between the two storytellers. First there is Alfie (the 1000 year old boy) who is lonely, terrified by technology and annoyed by the inaccuracy if history. Then there is Aidan, a modern day pre-teen who soon realizes his own problems really aren’t that big after all.</font></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><font size="5">Through their journey they are accompanied by their friend, Roxy who - despite not getting her own POV - dazzles upon every page with her strong words and personality. She really was a character I adored!</font></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><font size="5">Together the three of them set out on an incredible adventure that was full of imagination and ingenuity. Like all Ross Welford’s books, this story was set in modern reality, with just enough magic to still remain in the realms of plausibility. It’s a huge “what if…” sort of story and will leave you pondering possibilities long after you turn the last page.</font></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><font size="5">4 Stars!</font></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><font size="5">If you enjoyed this, I would also check out <a href="https://whisperingwords747.blogspot.com/2019/07/the-dog-who-saved-world-book-review.html">THE DOG WHO SAVED THE WORLD</a> and <a href="https://whisperingwords747.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-other-alice-book-review.html">THE OTHER ALICE </a>for more fun, magic/sci-fi style reads. </font></span></p><div><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div></div>whispering wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817741839344053531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239792462285706704.post-19313070681061806052020-03-02T12:10:00.002+00:002020-03-02T12:10:53.690+00:00A Sprinkle of Sorcery - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A Sprinkle of Sorcery - Book Review</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Michelle Harrison</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">MG Fantasy</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">UK Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's UK</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Other Books by Michelle Harrison</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://whisperingwords747.blogspot.com/2019/02/a-pinch-of-magic-book-review.html" target="_blank">A Pinch of Magic</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://whisperingwords747.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-other-alice-book-review.html" target="_blank">The Other Alice</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">The family curse has been lifted and the Widdershin’s sisters: Betty, Fliss and Charlie are free to leave the prison island of Crowstone. But when a mysterious girl arrives at the Poacher’s Pocket with a pocketful of hagstones and accompanied by a will-o-the-wisp, it seems another adventure has landed on their doorstep. And when Charlie goes missing, it’s up to Betty and Fliss to journey through the misty marches, past wisp catchers and on to a secret island that doesn't exist on any map…</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Review:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Michelle Harrison has long since been an auto-buy author of mine. I have adored all her books to date and A SPRINKLE OF SORCERY was no exception. Fast paced and magical, it dazzled me from start to finish.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When a strange girl appears in their back garden in the dead of night, the Widdershins sisters once again find themselves pulled into a adventure. One that will see them unravelling age old curses, battling pirates and venturing to long lost isles in search of treasure…</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This book was so sweet! I adored the bond between the three sisters, and how each of them are brave and cunning in their own unique ways. While once again told from Betty’s (the middle sisters) POV, this book saw Fliss and Charlie get much more page time and we got to know them even better. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">There were also appearances from most of our favourite characters from A PINCH OF MAGIC, including Charlie’s beloved Rat who was very much part of this adventure.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">However there were a whole host of fun new characters and villains to meet. Pirates of varying degrees of evilness, ghosts with grudges and a witch with a very dry sense of humour. It was simply impossible to not enjoy this book!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The plot moves at a fast pace and the stakes were always high. The magic and stories <i>inside</i> the story were beautiful and craftily thought out. Much of the book kept me guessing and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we will meet the Widdershins sisters again in future…</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">And have you seen the cover? Isn't it just gorgeous! </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">All in all, a lovely 5 star read!</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Have any of you read this book? If so would love to know </span>your thoughts<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> in the comments :)</span></span></span></span></div>
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whispering wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817741839344053531noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239792462285706704.post-26988007846565918822020-01-26T05:33:00.000+00:002020-03-08T15:52:54.243+00:00The Prisoner of Ice and Snow - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Prisoner of Ice and Snow - Book Review</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ruth Lauren</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">MG FANTASY</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">UK Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Synopsis:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Valor is under arrest for the attempted murder of the crown prince. Her parents are outcasts from the royal court, her sister is banished for theft of a national treasure, and now Valor has been sentenced to life imprisonment at Demidova, a prison built from stone and ice.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">But that’s exactly where she wants to be. For her sister was sent there too, and Valor embarks on an epic plan to break her out from the inside.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">No one has escaped from Demidova in over three hundred years, and if Valor is to succeed she will need all of her strength, courage and love. If the plan fails, she faces a fate worse than any prison . . .</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">An adventurous middle-grade read, PRISONER OF ICE AND SNOW was fun and action packed. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When Valor gets herself arrested, it is only the first stage in the plan to break her sister out of jail. Now with both of them condemned to life in an icy fortress, all for crimes they didn't commit, they will need all their cunning and resources if they are to defeat the evil warden, and pull off a jail break in a building that has an unbroken track record of keeping people in.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">But knowing they didn't commit the crimes, Valor can’t help but wonder who did? Who is targeting the royal family? And in turn, who is determined to seal Valor lips before she can speak out the truth…</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Overall I really liked this book. It’s very action orientated and from the get go Valor is always in motion, plotting and trying new things. The setting of the world is also fantastic, with a big Russian influence draped over an icy backdrop of crisp white snow. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Valor herself is an excellent main character and one who was both relatable and easy to root for. The other prisoners however I didn't connect with as much. Even though they were all suitably shady, I would have liked a little more backstory and to see them fleshed out more. Of course there is always hope for that in book 2!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The plot was tricky and kept me guessing in places, however the pacing moves up and down and it actually took me a while to read this book. Some nights I sped through the chapters while others I plodded through. All in all though the story was good and I plan to continue the series. I'm very interested to see where Valor’s adventures take her next.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">3 stars!</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What about you? Have you read this book? Or the sequel? If so would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below :)</span></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Also if you like Middle Grade fantasy I would recommend you also check out <a href="https://whisperingwords747.blogspot.com/2019/07/the-dog-who-saved-world-book-review.html" target="_blank">THE DOG WHO SAVED THE WORLD</a> or <a href="https://whisperingwords747.blogspot.com/2019/02/a-pinch-of-magic-book-review.html" target="_blank">A PINCH OF MAGIC</a> - both are epic page turning reads!</span></span></div>
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whispering wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817741839344053531noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239792462285706704.post-81590164056437427452020-01-23T12:07:00.000+00:002020-01-23T12:07:45.315+00:00Wendy Darling: Shadow - Book Review <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">Shadow - Wendy Darling - Book Review</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Colleen Oakes</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">YA Fantasy</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Wendy Darling Book #3</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Other Books in the Series:</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://whisperingwords747.blogspot.com/2016/01/wendy-darling-stars-book-review.html">Stars</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://whisperingwords747.blogspot.com/2016/11/wendy-darling-seas-book-review.html">Seas</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">Synopsis:</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>War has come to paradise, and the Neverland you know will never be the same.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Wendy Darling finds herself once again in the arms of Peter Pan, a charming god-child who desires power above all things. Instead of the passion she once had for him, this time Wendy’s heart burns with a secret: with Hook as her ally, she is there to defeat the evil that lies inside of Peter, the darkness that holds all Neverland hostage - the Shadow.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>This is a task made nearly impossible by the arrival of Booth, her sweetheart from London and a new pawn in Peter’s manipulative game - a boy whose heart she must break in order to save his life.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>As all of Neverland prepares to fight, Wendy races to untangle Peter’s connection to the shadow, a secret long buried in the Forsaken Garden. When the time comes, all of Neverland will rise to fight - but if Wendy can’t call the Shadow, everything she is fighting for will be destroyed. Is Wendy's love for her family enough to save them, or will Peter’s madness consume them all?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">This third and final instalment was an epic read that I couldn't put down. A Peter Pan retelling with a dark twist - this is a series that if you haven't read yet - I urge you to do so asap!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Wendy is now back with Peter and plotting to end his evil reign over Neverland. But with the arrival of her love, Booth - Peter’s new hostage and plaything - she must tread carefully if she is to save everyone she loves and cares about. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Yet as the shadow tightens its hold over Peter, she finds herself befriending a creature long declared her enemy. Tinkerbell. Now Wendy must use all her cunning to get to the truth of Peter’s beginnings, because only by uncovering Peter’s past can she hope to save the boy, and Neverland, from the shadow's nefarious plans. But Wendy will have to sacrifice much if she is to win the day…</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I adored this final book so so much. Wendy went through a lot of growth during book two, and now in this story you see her put those hard earned skills to use. She is very different to the girl we met in book one, and at last has found the courage to fight back against Peter Pan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Yet even now Wendy continues to face difficult choices and grow as a character. She reunited with a lot of the cast we met in previous books, many of whom also needed to overcome their own challenges which made this story quite emotional and I actually teared up in places. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Neverland was also explored more throughly and overall I just love the vision that Colleen Oakes brought to life. Her Peter Pan retelling throughly captured my imagination and after devouring her Queen of Hearts Series as well, she has now become an auto buy author for me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I honestly couldn't gush about this series more. This book ended in such a good way and my mind is still spinning from the conclusion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">5 stars!</span></div>
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whispering wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817741839344053531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239792462285706704.post-31688369206208448062020-01-02T16:51:00.000+00:002020-01-02T16:51:04.866+00:00Viper - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Viper - Isle of Storm and Sorrow - Book Review</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Bex Hogan</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">YA Fantasy</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Synopsis:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Seventeen-year-old Marianne is fated to one day become the Viper, defender of the Twelve Isles. But the reigning Viper stands in her way. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Corrupt and merciless, he prowls the seas in his warship, killing with impunity, leaving only pain and suffering in his wake. He’s the most dangerous man on the ocean… and he is Marianne’s father.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">She was born to protect the islands. But can she fight for them if it means losing her family, her home, the boy she loves - and perhaps even her life?</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">VIPER was a read packed with adventure and high-sea daring. It follows the story seventeen-year-old Marianne, who after disobeying orders, is forced to flee for her life. Now on the run from her father - the renowned and villainous pirate king - Marianne is pursued across the kingdom as she searches for a way to end her fathers bloody reign. Yet along the way, she uncovers friends and secrets that could change the course of her life - and the fate of the kingdom - forever… </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I really enjoyed the concept of this book, and the world building throughout the story was fantastic. The many islands that make up the kingdom are each singularly unique and serve a specific purpose, and I love the way each place painted itself into my minds eye. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The fact that Marianne’s father was also a real tried and true villain also helped up the stakes of the story. We see his cruelty and bloodthirstiness from the beginning, which really helped you cheer for Marianne… who I have to admit, was not my most favourite heroine. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Unfortunately I just couldn’t get along with her. Naive and whinny, she often came across as helpless which rankled me, especially considering the arsenal of badass skills at her disposal. However I liked the clever way she thought (when she remembered to keep a cool head) and despite the issues I had with her character, I still ultimately enjoyed the story and will be curious to pick up the next book.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The story also has a sweet, back burn sort of romance, and handfuls of magic here and there. However I didn’t fully follow the logic behind the magic system, so fingers crossed that it will be explained more in book two.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Overall a nice read. Not mind-blowing, but by no means bad. 3 stars!</span></span></div>
whispering wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817741839344053531noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239792462285706704.post-42101996996001282522019-07-14T12:15:00.002+01:002019-07-14T12:15:43.575+01:00The Dog Who Saved The World - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Dog Who Saved The World - Book Review</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ross Welford</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">MG Science-Fiction</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">UK Publisher: Harper Collin’s Children’s Books.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Other Books by the Author:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://whisperingwords747.blogspot.com/2016/02/time-travelling-with-hamster-book-review.html" target="_blank">Time Travelling with a Hamster</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://whisperingwords747.blogspot.com/2017/02/what-not-to-do-if-you-turn-invisible.html" target="_blank">What Not to do if you Turn Invisible</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The 1000 Year Old Boy</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Synopsis:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">When eleven-year-old Georgie befriends an eccentric retired scientist, she becomes the latest test subject for a thrilling new experiment: a virtual-reality 3D version of the future.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">But then a deadly disease threatens the life of every dog in the country and Georgie’s beloved dog, Mr Mash, gets sick. And that’s only the start of her troubles.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Soon, Georgie and Mr Mash must embark on a desperate quest: to save every dog on earth, and maybe even all of humanity… without actually leaving the room.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This book was so brilliant I devoured it in one sitting!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A mix of adventure and science fiction, <i>The Dog Who Saved The World</i> follows eleven-year-old Georgie as she sets off on a quest to save her beloved dog, Mr Mash from a terrible fate. For a deadly disease is sweeping across the world, a danger to dogs and humans alike, and now humanity’s only hopes lies in finding a cure that does not yet exist… unless like Georgie, you happen to know a mad-scientist who has a prototype, glitch-ridden time machine… what could possibly go wrong?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I’m not usually a fan of time travel stories, but I loved everything about this one. With just a pinch of imagination, Ross Welford made the idea of jumping to the future seem very possible, without going into great depth about the actual mechanics of it all. Plus the idea of a future with no dogs in it really tugged at my heartstrings, and with such high stakes I couldn’t stop turning the pages. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The main characters, Georgie and her best friend, Ramzy are such a fun pair. Their friendship has such solid touchstones of trust and respect, despite the utter difference in their upbringings. Then there is Dr Pretorious, the mad genius behind it all. Her humour really helped level out some of the more serious elements in the story and her personality is so huge it lights up every page. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">However all the secondary characters each have their own zing about them. From crazy aunts, to moody older brothers, sweet vicars and sharp tongued police. I adore that every character (be they two legged or four) gets their own distinct voice. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When it came to the plot though, Ross Welford is a master story teller. Between the layers of heart pounding, tear spiking and edge-of-your-seat fiction, the author weaves many sensitive issues into his work. However he presents everything in a relatable, child friendly way without pushing any opinions onto the reader. It’s inspiring how he can open your mind to world, making you consider all the people and animals that share this planet with us and the problems others face. Even without the awesome writing I would applaud him for this alone!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">All in all, Ross Welford is one on my favourite, auto buy authors for a reason. Not only are his books all stand alone reads, but each one is set in the North-East of England (In and around the towns I was actually born and raised, winning him extra points with me!). </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">His latest book, The Dog Who Saved The World was yet another gripping read full of fun, adventure and futuristic spark! An easy 5 Stars!</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Chat with me</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Have any of your read this amazing book? If so I would love to know your thoughts in the comments below :)</span></div>
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whispering wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817741839344053531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239792462285706704.post-86283128988179778212019-05-06T10:36:00.004+01:002019-05-06T10:36:56.002+01:00Rumblestar - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aQBHt_BN1lOyjbtJrFl8rqahYb2G9rcccwX7wZ5tEljmOSaGhx5NvYMH2ZWALdV_23LwIE_l9tdC7xN-mUqyeGZ-FLQF8VJUonzizDl9zF6PwGm3JiDU2kBLmBBYTfo2cXjH7HQChot3/s1600/51TwzeoriGL._SX325_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aQBHt_BN1lOyjbtJrFl8rqahYb2G9rcccwX7wZ5tEljmOSaGhx5NvYMH2ZWALdV_23LwIE_l9tdC7xN-mUqyeGZ-FLQF8VJUonzizDl9zF6PwGm3JiDU2kBLmBBYTfo2cXjH7HQChot3/s1600/51TwzeoriGL._SX325_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Rumblestar - Book review</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Abi Elphinstone</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">MG Fantasy</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">UK Publisher: Simon & Schuster</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Other Books:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://whisperingwords747.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-dreamsnatcher-book-review.html" target="_blank">The Dream Snatcher </a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://whisperingwords747.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-shadow-keeper-book-review.html" target="_blank">The Shadow Keeper</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Night Spinner</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sky Song </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Winter Magic</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Eleven-year-old Casper Tock hates risks, is allergic to adventures and shudders at the thought of unpredictable events. So, it comes as a nasty shock to him when he accidentally stumbles into Rumblestar, an Unmapped Kingdom full of magical beasts.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">All Casper wants is to find a way home, but Rumblestar is in trouble. An evil harpy called Morg is sending her followers, the Midnights, into the kingdom to wreak havoc and pave the way for her to steal the Unmapped magic for herself. But Casper cannot turn a blind eye because the future of his own world, he discovers, is bound up with that of the Unmapped Kingdoms.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">And so, together with Utterly Thankless, a girl who hates rules and is allergic to behaving, and her miniature dragon, Arlo, Casper embarks upon an adventure full of cloud giants, storm ogres and drizzle hags. Can he, Utterly and Arlo, the unlikeliest of heroes, save the Unmapped Kingdoms and our world from the clutches of Morg and her Midnights?</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Review:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">From the beginning I have been a huge fan of Abi Elphinstone’s stories but RUMBLESTAR is her best book yet! … Although I’m sure I said the same thing about her last release, however this authors writing just keeps getting better.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">RUMBLESTAR follows Casper, a list-making, time-keeping, rule-obeying boy who suddenly finds him thrust into a magical world where nothing is neat or orderly. All he wants is to return home, and to do that his only hope lies in teaming up with Utterly Thankless, a wilful girl with a penchant for getting into trouble alongside her tiny dragon, Arlo.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Together the trio are forced on an adventure to protect their worlds from an evil harpy and her army of Midnights. Armed with only their wits and a well-stocked canoe, they must face down magical beings, navigate impossible weather and decipher the most-tricksy of riddles if they are to succeed. Yet the Harpy is cunning, and she will do anything to stop Casper and his friends from disrupting her plans!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">To say it simply - this book was amazing! Imagination and creativity at its finest, these pages hold a might of magic and brilliance, bringing to life a fantastical world full of unique characters.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I loved both Casper and Utterly who are total opposites in every way. Watching their friendship grow was heartwarming, and I thought they balanced out each other’s strengths and weaknesses perfectly. And for everything else there was Arlo, the cutest, cleverest dragon in all of Rumblestar. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">However all the characters in this book were well thought out and added extra humour or malice to the story. Definite shout out to the trolls, cloud giants and Zip, the best hot air balloon ever made… I hope we see all these characters again soon!</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: x-large;">The plot is also very fast paced. Jumping for problem to problem, the author pushes the characters to be brave and find the strength to battle onward. The story is also centred strongly on the bonds of friendship and trust, and overall I thought everything was excellent. I simply cannot praise this book enough.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Smooth and utterly satisfying! An easy 5 star read!</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: x-large;">Chat with me</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm a huge fan of MG fantasy and am always looking for more books, would love if you could recommend me some in the comments below!</span></div>
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whispering wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817741839344053531noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239792462285706704.post-36378520295333557432019-05-03T09:35:00.001+01:002020-03-08T16:28:50.811+00:00The Hazel Wood - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Hazel Wood - Book Review</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Melissa Albert</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">YA Contemporary Fantasy </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">UK PUBLISHER: Penguin</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Synopsis:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Seventeen-year-old Alice and her mother have spent most of Alice’s life on the road, always a step ahead of the strange bad luck at their heels. But when Alice’s grandmother, the reclusive author of a book of pitch-dark fairy tales, dies alone on her estate - The Hazel Wood - Alice learns how bad her luck can really get. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Her mother is stolen away - by a figure who claims to come from the cruel supernatural world where her grandmother’s stories are set. Alice’s only lead is the message her mother left behind: STAY AWAY FROM THE HAZEL WOOD.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">To retrieve her mother, Alice must venture first to The Hazel Wood, then into the world where her grandmother’s tales began…</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">For a debut book, I think The Hazel Wood was an outstanding read and I’m only sorry I didn't pick it up sooner. Dark and delicious, it pulls the reader into a real-life world that becomes increasing warped and twisted as the realm of fairytales sneak in. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The story centres around seventeen-year-old Alice who has spent her entire life on the road, running from something her mum refuses to name. But when Alice’s mum is stolen away, Alice will pay any price to get her back. But when her search leads her to the The Hazel Wood, the hidden estate where her grandmother - famous author of a book of obscure fairytales - chose to reside, Alice discovers the true reason her life has been shadowed by strange incidents. Because maybe her grandmothers stories weren't so made up after all….</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This is a delicious, and beautifully constructed book. Admittedly it did creep me out, but in a good way. Its the kind of story that hooks you, even as it gives you chills, but you’ll keep on reading in the hope something good will happen to chase those chills away.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It has a very layered plot. And by this I mean a real crows nest of plot threads and sharp maze turns that will keep you guessing all the way through. Not only did this make the story hard to predict, but even where guesses could be made, every storyline had its own unique twist.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Actually this shadowy storytelling reminded me a lot of Holly Black’s <i>Tithe</i> series, only better. Not only is THE HAZEL WOOD a book that contains stories within stories, but the main character herself is extremely complex.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">While not a particularly likeable person, Alice is a compelling protagonist and I adored all the pop-culture references she would make. Normally I don't like when authors do this, but in this story it just helped make Alice so much more real, and it separated her from the otherworld of the fairytale. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">But be warned, the fairytales in this story aren't the kind that come with happy endings. Creepy, gruesome, yet lyrical and vivid with imagery, they haunt the mind long after you step away from the story. Which yes, did make it a bit hard to sleep later that night. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">However this book was so beautifully written. I am very excited for the second instalment of this series which with release in the autumn of 2019. I can’t wait to see what the author, Melissa Albert will do next.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Hazel Wood is a 5 star read!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Have any of you read this book? Would love to know you're thoughts on this one, were you as creeped out as I was?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Want more creepy stories with atmosphere? Enjoy magical realism? Try <a href="https://whisperingwords747.blogspot.com/2017/09/the-disappearances-book-review.html" target="_blank">THE DISAPPEARANCES</a> or <a href="https://whisperingwords747.blogspot.com/2016/07/the-otherlife-book-review.html" target="_blank">THE OTHERLIFE</a></span></div>
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whispering wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817741839344053531noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239792462285706704.post-54649264385383132182019-02-10T13:13:00.002+00:002020-03-10T09:33:38.434+00:00A Pinch of Magic - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A Pinch of Magic - Book Review</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Michelle Harrison</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">MG Fantasy</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">UK Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s UK</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Other Books in the Series:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://whisperingwords747.blogspot.com/2020/03/a-sprinkle-of-sorcery-book-review.html" target="_blank">A Sprinkle of Sorcery</a> #2</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Other Books:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://whisperingwords747.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-other-alice-book-review.html" target="_blank">The Other Alice</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Thirteen Treasures Trilogy</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Synopsis:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Three sisters trapped by an ancient curse.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Three magical objects with the power to change their fate.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Will they be enough to break the curse?</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Or will they be led deeper into danger?</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Review:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A PINCH OF MAGIC was a sweet read that I loved from start to finish. Focusing hard on sisterly friendship, this story is packed with so much adventure that you just won't be able to stop turning the pages. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The book follows three sisters, Fliss, Betty and Charlie, as they rush to break an ancient curse that keeps their family confined to their island home. Yet when their plans to end the spell only make it worse, they find themselves in a race to save their own lives. Now they begin a dangerous journey, one that will lead them to escaped convicts, magical objects, and dark family truths. But can they break free before the clock strikes midnight… or before their grandmother finds out what they’ve done?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">One of things I loved most about this book was that it contained a story within a story, and more than one set of characters lives were at stake. It kept me in a constant state of curiosity as the secondary tale is scattered like breadcrumbs through out the book, containing a mystery I was dying to solve. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">However the story mostly unfolds via the middle sister, Betty’s perspective. She is the most independent of the siblings, while the oldest, Fliss - despite her flirtations - is the meeker of the three. Charlie, the youngest is absolutely adorable! A total tom boy character. What really caught my attention about these sisters - aside from the strong bond they shared - was that I think all readers will find something relatable in all of them.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">However the girls’ grandmother is one of the most interesting characters I’ve come across in a long time. She is no sweet little old lady - but a tough woman who enjoys a drink, a smoke, and will beat down anyone who dares harm her precious granddaughters. I love that she owns a pub where the girls all help out. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Then there was the idea of magic and the three gifts given to help the sisters on their quest. I love what each unique object does, and I found it realistic that while magical, each item had its limits. Along with the world building and setting - all the place names are suitably gloomy and fairytale like - I was just fully absorbed into this world.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The ending though - while complete - left a few things open. Enough to leave me curious as to what happened to two characters in particular, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that there will be a sequel!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Regardless, I cant wait to see what Michelle Harrison writes next. She is one of my auto-buy authors. I have adored all her books to date and A PINCH OF MAGIC was no exception. This author has such an old school, story-by-the-fire voice that she just draws you into these magical worlds… and doesn't let go!</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> A magical journey that tugged the heartstrings, A PINCH OF MAGIC is a 5 star read!</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Have you read this book? Would love to know your thoughts in the comments :)</span></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you like reads with magic and mayhem I suggest you also check out <a href="https://whisperingwords747.blogspot.com/2017/05/frogkisser-book-review.html" target="_blank">FROGKISSER</a> and <a href="https://whisperingwords747.blogspot.com/2019/05/rumblestar-book-review.html" target="_blank">RUMBLESTAR</a> - perfect for those who enjoy a good fantasy :)</span></span></div>
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whispering wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817741839344053531noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239792462285706704.post-29019558150675604182018-11-08T03:00:00.000+00:002018-11-08T03:00:43.933+00:00Spellslinger - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Spellingslinger - Book Review</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sebastien De Castell</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">YA Fantasy</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">(Spellslinger #1)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">UK Publisher: Hot Key Books</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Synopsis:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">There are three things that earn you a man’s name among the Jan’Tep. The first is to demonstrate the strength to defend your family. The second is to preform the high magic that defines our people. The third is simply to reach the age of sixteen. I was a few weeks shy of my sixteenth birthday when I learned I wouldn’t be doing any of those things.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Magic is a con game.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Kellen is moments away from facing his first mage’s duel and the start of four trials that will make him a spell caster. There’s just one problem: his magic is gone. As his sixteenth birthday approaches, Kellen falls back on his cunning in a bid to avoid total disgrace. But when a daring stranger arrives in town, she challenges Kellen to take a different path. Ferius Parfax is one of the mysterious Argoisi - a traveller who lives by her wits and the three decks of cards she carries. She’s difficult and unpredictable, but she may be Kellen’s only hope…</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Review:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I have fallen in love with this series, and my only regret is not reading it sooner. How was I to know that I needed a fantastical western with a talking squirrel-cat in my life? And trust me when I say you need it to! This was such a fun read and as I write this I’m already halfway through book three and am even more in love with the story.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Spellslinger follows Kellen, an aspiring mage fast approaching his sixteenth birthday and the trials that will determine his future path. But unlike his classmates, Kellen's magic just won’t spark. Now with time running out, Kellen must resort to cunning tricks to deceive his way through the trials… or risk falling into a life of servitude. But magic darker than he ever dreamed is at work, and kellen’s is about to discover, his noble people may not be so grand and noble after all…</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I am in love with Kellen. He is such an unfortunate character and everything in his life goes from bad to worse. Each time I prayed and hoped for some magical miracle (it is a fantasy after all) none ever arrived. Even Kellen’s victories get shadowed by ominous news, and following Kellen from one disaster to the next was riveting. I simply could not put this book down! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">At heart Kellen is just a normal guy, and the idea to have this normal guy head a fantasy story is just brilliant. Kellen is literally the underdog, written as the hero and wow does it work well. His suffering, his triumphs, they all add together to make you love Kellen more and more. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I also adored the main cast of characters - but I’m sure everyone’s favourite will be Reichi, the talking squirrel cat. He threw in a dose of much need humour - plus plenty of drama - from the moment he entered the story. Without doubt he gets the best dialog and I like how his tough thinking balances out Kellen’s timidness. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Then there is Ferius, another tough character who’s backstory I can’t wait to discover. And her choice of weapon… steel edged cards! She is a woman not to be messed with!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sadly though I found the secondary characters somewhat lacking in, well… character. Aside from fancy names that confused me (at times I really couldn't keep straight the bad guy or his cronies) there was very little else to distinguish them. And while I enjoyed the magic system (Kellen, I think, explains it really well) I wish the world building had a bit more depth. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Otherwise the book has very little romance - although the pinch that’s in there is remarkably sweet. However this wasn't a deal breaker for me as Kellen did indeed have much bigger problems than worrying about his love life. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">All in all though I really liked this story. It just sucked me in and wouldn't let go until I had turned the last page and I instantly needed to jump into book 2, then 3 with 4 soon to follow :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">4.5 Stars!</span></span></div>
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whispering wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817741839344053531noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239792462285706704.post-17419629086529632662018-10-18T08:43:00.002+01:002018-10-18T08:43:42.113+01:00All the Bookish Things I'm Loving - 2018 Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaafnXER4OzSynJdpz0Ub2mMbC0h01P_nPukK_j2dLJgjSu8Yo77i1k4SpRPCLnPHCdqJg0w-Xp6PkOTrhyphenhyphenHH7_nD35s7RNSD1idp5fLszqncio8fidugyfIPb2UN6g6104qAMJAHozOY0/s1600/IMG_1848.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="450" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaafnXER4OzSynJdpz0Ub2mMbC0h01P_nPukK_j2dLJgjSu8Yo77i1k4SpRPCLnPHCdqJg0w-Xp6PkOTrhyphenhyphenHH7_nD35s7RNSD1idp5fLszqncio8fidugyfIPb2UN6g6104qAMJAHozOY0/s400/IMG_1848.jpeg" width="225" /></a></div>
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While looking for crabs, my friends stumbled onto this beautiful creature on a beach in Bali ... meanwhile I was house sitting their cat. Just wanted to share as I think its one of the most beautiful pictures I've seen in ages!</div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">All the Book Things I’m Loving </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">(2018 edition)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hey lovely people! It’s been a very long time and what feels like an even longer “no see” since I checked in with the blogging world. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I would like to say that I’ve been off doing amazing, writer-like things, or travelling the world, but honesty, not so much. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Instead I’ve been pretty focused on my job and fighting for all the overtime I can get. I gave myself some pretty big financial goals this year and while they are going successfully, everything else I love sort of went on hold (So she says, as if her Goodreads doesn't show 73 books read so far this year!) :P</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">However book blogging is something I’ve really missed. Its such an awesome community to be a part of and more than anything - I NEED more people in my life with which to gush over pretty covers and awesome stories with :) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Which is a very long winded way of saying - “Hey guys, I’m back!”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">But despite my four measly posts this year, I have found/read a few things I want to share with you all. So in no particular order, here they are :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Writing Craft books</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I’m still plodding away at the second draft of my MG Fantasy (plod, plod, plod) and here are some of the books that have been a big help to me recently:</span></span></div>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">Anything by <a href="https://www.jamesscottbell.com/styled-7/index.html" target="_blank">JAMES SCOTT BELL</a> - "Just Write" is my favourite so far but every book I’ve read by him has been helpful.</span></span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">THE MILE HIGH WORDCOUNT by Rick Smith - really useful exercises to help up your word counts. Works well if you read it alongside Chris Fox’s 5000 WORDS PER HOUR. I sort of mish-mashed the two methods and it really boosted my productivity.</span></span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">THE PROCRASTINATION EQUATION by Piers Steel - while not directly writing related, I found this book insightful. It made me question how I approach writing and helped me build good habits.</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Another one I want to shout out isn't a book, but any aspiring writer should definitely check out<a href="http://susandennard.com/writing-resources/" target="_blank"> Susan Dennard's website</a>. It has the best writing advice and she is so transparent about the industry. This woman is the best! And if you do find her advice useful, please consider buying her a coffee or two :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Young Adult Books</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I’ve read quite a lot of books this year, but these are the ones that stood out the most for me. Hopefully some reviews will follow soon :)</span></span></div>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">A GENTLEMANS GUIDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE by Mackenzie Lee</span></span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">HERO AT THE FALL by Alwyn Hamilton. This was book 3 and trust me, you need this trilogy in your life!</span></span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">AMERICAN PANDA by Gloria Chao - I think I loved this so much because I have lived in China almost six years. I just love how the main characters parents were portrayed as its so spot to what I've experienced with traditional Chinese beliefs and culture!</span></span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">THE SPELLSLINGER SERIES by Sebastian De Castell. The characters in this book are just amazing. I fell in love with this series so hard that be warned, I will be mentioning it again with many fan-girl squeals!</span></span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">STARFISH by AKEMI DAWN BOWMAN - not sure what it was, but something about this book had me utterly gripped! Also the best representation of social anxiety I’ve ever seen!</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Middle Grade Books</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I think because I’m trying to write a MG, I’ve been reading more of these books than I usually would. However MG can be so brilliant and I really wish more people would give them a try!</span></span></div>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">PERIL IN PARIS by Katherine Woodfine. This is a spin off to her SINCLAIR’S MYSTERIES and I love these books so so much. If you haven't read them already, please go start with THE CLOCKWORK SPARROW!</span></span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">MURDER MOST UNLADYLIKE SERIES by Robin Stevens. More murder mystery, but I love the cast of diverse characters and the mysteries themselves are pretty hard to work out. There is always some kind of twist!</span></span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON HEART by Stephanie Burgis. This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2018 and I loved it. Please go read A DRAGON WITH A CHOCOLATE HEART first though - only then can you truly appreciate the characters. </span></span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">THE POLAR BEAR EXPLORERS CLUB by Alex Bell. Such an awesome adventure.</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;">And finally...</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">THE BEST PODCAST EVER!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I've followed <a href="https://88cupsoftea.com/" target="_blank">88 CUPS OF TEA</a> for a long time, but in my opinion its still the best! Interviews with authors such Sarah J. Maas, V.E Schwab, Victoria Aveyard, Leigh Bardugo and many many more. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">The show's host, Yin Chang, asks great questions and really goes into the </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">details of what goes on behind the scenes with writing life. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Inspirational and fun, I discovered so many new books from this podcast</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">. It also helps remind me that everyones road to publication is different.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">However I'm always on the look out for podcasts similar to 88 Cups of Tea. If you have any recommendations please let me know :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>TALK WITH ME</u></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">So how is the bookish world for the rest of you? Any amazing story gems you want to share? What about gold nugget releases you can’t wait for? </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I’ve sincerely missed talking with you all so please let me know what’s been happening in the months I've been silent.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Otherwise speak to you all soon!</span></span></div>
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whispering wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817741839344053531noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239792462285706704.post-65859833310484435442018-08-17T04:13:00.000+01:002018-08-17T04:13:12.868+01:00The Midnight Peacock - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Mystery of the Midnight Peacock - Book Review</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Katherine Woodfine</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">MG Mystery</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Sinclair Mysteries #4</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">UK Publisher: Egmont</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Other Books in the Series:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Clockwork Sparrow</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Jewelled Moth</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://whisperingwords747.blogspot.com/2017/03/the-mystery-of-painted-dragon-book.html" target="_blank">The Painted Dragon</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">You are cordially invited to Sinclair’s Midnight Peacock Ball! The festive season has come to Sinclair’s and Sophie and Lil are spending the holidays at Snowy Winter Hall. But it turns out that this is no ordinary house party… </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">As sinister secrets come to light, our intrepid heroines find themselves faced with a more baffling mystery than ever before! With the help of their friends, can they uncover the truth in time to foil a truly diabolical plot? Or will Mr Sinclair’s New Year’s Eve, Midnight Peacock Ball spell disaster for the dauntless young detectives? </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Prepare for shocks and surprises in the thrilling conclusion to the Sinclair Mysteries!</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: large;">Review:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">From the very first book, I fell in love with the Sinclair’s mysteries. Now <i>The Midnight Peacock</i> brings the series to an epic conclusion, leaving just enough intrigue to insure I’ll be picking up Katherine Woodfine’s spinoff, “The Taylor and Rose Secret Agents.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">As the year 1910 comes to a close, this fourth book sees Sophie and Lil set up their own detective agency within Sinclair’s. Yet suspicions of a ghostly haunting take them out of the department store, to their friends fancy country manor. But is it a ghost stealing the valuables, or something even more sinister?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Meanwhile back in London, Billy and Joe stumble across signs that the brotherhood of the dragon - led by the ever slippery Baron - are active once more. But just how are the two cases connected? And what do they have to do with Sinclair’s Midnight Peacock Ball? Crack open the pages and venture into a world of ghosts, assassinations, secret Societies, and two very brave detectives….</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">What I loved about this series was how independent & individual each book was. Despite not reading the books in the right order (I accidentally started with book 3!) I had no trouble following the stories. While they do all interconnect, each volume tells its own mystery, and it’s not until this last book that everything clicks together. However now up to date with all four books, I can say with confidence that The Midnight Peacock is the best one yet.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">It brings together characters from across every book and through a clever and tricksy plot-line, unites their story threads in a delicious tangle of intrigue. They will leave you open-mouthed at the cunning complexity of it all. I can’t help but applaud Katherine Woodfine for all the hard-thinking and preplanning that must have gone into this series! It’s simply a gorgeous read!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">I also like that this story took us outside London and Sinclair’s department store - as wondrous as that setting is - it was nice to see Sophie and Lil’s world grow. Especially as they found themselves in a country mansion, once belonging to Lord Walsingham, Queen Elizabeth I spymaster. Full of secret passages, it was the perfect place for strange things to be happening. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Each character has also gone through some serious growth and development, although it is a little sad to see them all diverging onto separate paths. Lil as an actress, Billy as a clerk and Joe, still the same loveable stable boy. However I’m curious to see what will be next for Sophie, especially as this book finally see’s her solve the biggest mystery of all - her fathers death (and yes, the unveiling is as emotional and epic as you all imagined).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">However all the plot lines in this book were a real puzzle and while I worked out some elements (yay me!) so much remained a surprise. Otherwise I adored how Katherine Woodfine worked the suffragettes into the story, even going so far as having Mr Lim teach them KungFu (a handy skill for Sophie and Lil in their line of work, don’t you think?). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">All in all though, I loved this book, and can’t help but gush about this series as a whole. I can’t wait for the spin off series releasing in August 2018, and if you haven't already, I urge you to go pick up the first book - A Clockwork Sparrow. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">A five star book, with a five star ending to a five star series! :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">What were your thoughts on this book?</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Please share your opinions in the comments :) </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Until next time!</span></span></div>
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whispering wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817741839344053531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239792462285706704.post-74863011278791172362018-02-27T15:17:00.001+00:002018-03-09T03:35:37.600+00:00A Far Away Magic: Blog Tour - Amy Wilson Q&As + UK Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Hey everyone!</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Today I have some </span>wisdom<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> from the amazing AMY WILSON to share with you all :)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Celebrating the release of her latest (and most fantastic) new book, </span><i style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A Far Away Magic, </i><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">she was kind enough to answer some of my questions.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Here we go...</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">***</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Hey Amy! </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>A huge, huge welcome to my blog. First off I just want to say I LOVED your books. You totally caught my attention with <a href="http://whisperingwords747.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/a-girl-called-owl-book-review.html" target="_blank">A GIRL CALLED OWL</a> and now you dazzled me with A FAR AWAY MAGIC! I’m so excited to see what you will write next :)</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Oh gosh, thank you so much, it means so much to hear, especially while I’m in the sticky bit of the next thing!!</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>So to jump right in, your second book, A FAR AWAY MAGIC has just released. Was this one harder or easier to write than you’re first book?</i> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">It was different! I was lucky in that I’d had the first chapters for a little while, so I already had the main gist of the story and the characters in mind, and very lucky that when we sent through ideas for book two it was the one that Macmillan went for – I was desperate to write it, and sort Bavar out! I do remember getting to about 17,000 words and feeling very lost, because I hadn’t really planned the middle section. I prefer not to plan, but in the end I always, always have to, even if it’s quite a brief timeline. Once I had the plan, and I knew what obstacles needed to be overcome, it was a lot of fun to write. I loved all of the characters and they were so strong in my mind, so I just got them going in the right direction and let them take the lead.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>I loved the monsters, the Raksasa. Are they based on any real myth or folklore? What was the inspiration behind them?</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">I got the original inspiration for the Raksasa from the night gaunts in HP Lovecraft’s Necronomicon, but when I researched them I realised they were figures from his dreams and so I felt that I needed to move on from that a little. I did some research in Breverton’s Phantasmagoria, and found the legend of the Orang-Bati of Indonesia, ‘strange human/bat monsters’ who prey on children in the island of Seram. I put those two ideas together and called them the Raksasa, which is a Malaysian word for monster, as well as being a mythological creature in Hindu mythology.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Bavar’s house is pure magic! Is the setting based on a real place? And where do you get your ideas to create such a magical world?</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">I think mostly through a lot of reading! I was partly inspired by the Dower House in Bristol, that overlooks the M32, but only in that it is a grand old yellow house; the actual structure and all of the inside comes from my imagination, with a lot of inspiration from old gothic houses in books like Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, or Bram Stoker’s Dracula.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>The book is split into dual POVs of Angel and Bavar, but did you prefer writing in one voice more than the other? And if you could have added a third perspective, whose would you have chosen?</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Ooh! Well, the two voices happened quite naturally - I’d write in Bavar until he ran out of steam, and then Angel would step in, and vice versa. I didn’t think too hard as I wrote, because I was scared that if I did I would start worrying about keeping them distinct, and it would all come to a shuddering halt! If I had to choose another character to write from I think it would have been Bavar’s grandfather - the bronze statue – just because he’d have such a different take on things, and I like his blustering.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Do you have a favourite scene from the story? Or is there anything that didn't make it into the final version that you would like to share?</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">I loved spending time in Bavar’s house; the kitchen, with Aoife’s amazing/gruesome baking, and the corridors and huge halls upstairs where the ancestors all come to life. And I particularly enjoyed writing the cemetery and woodland scenes, Bavar was so comfortable there, it didn’t feel creepy to him because he knew it so well, and I loved that Angel saw the beauty of it, despite all of the darkness.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Can you tell us a little bit about your writing process? And how long drafting A Far Away Magic took?</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">It’s a little bit scatty! It usually starts out with a few chapters that explore a character who has come to me, and then I try to work out what that character needs and where we’re going. Plotting is the area where I tend to need a little outside help, I get a bit lost in the middle, as I said earlier! The first draft of A Far Away Magic took about three months, I think. I juggle it with looking after children and animals, so I write when I can, where I can, and try not to put too much pressure on myself.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Are there any writing resources or tips you would recommend to aspiring writers?</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Do try to get to the end. It’s hard, and I think sometimes it’s even harder if we don’t quite believe we can do it. When I’m in the sticky bit I doubt it, every time, but it <i>is </i>possible, and once you have the whole thing drafted you can go back and work on any of those bits that didn’t feel quite right along the way. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>And finally - what are you working on next? Any juicy tip-bits you can share?</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">I’m working on my third novel with my editor Lucy at Macmillan. It’s currently in the editing/re-drafting stage and it’s been quite a different experience for me, because this time I had the idea and the setting before I had my main character. It took me quite a while then to find her! I’ll hopefully be able to reveal more about it very soon. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Amy thank you so much for your time! I throughly enjoyed A FAR AWAY MAGIC and will be recommending it all my young students :) </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Thank you for having me, it’s been such a pleasure!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>GIVEAWAY - UK ONLY</u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">As part of the blog-tour, I have 5 copies of Amy's books to giveaway!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Both are spectacular MG Fantasies! If you would like to get your hands on a pair, just leave a comment below with either an email or twitter name with which I can contact you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Winners will be drawn on March 17th :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Meanwhile you can out my reviews of Amy's Books below:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://whisperingwords747.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/a-girl-called-owl-book-review.html" target="_blank">A Girl Called Owl</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">A Far Away Magic</span></div>
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whispering wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817741839344053531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239792462285706704.post-372153012881273912018-01-15T11:30:00.000+00:002018-01-15T11:30:56.520+00:00The House of Mountfathom - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The House of Mountfathom</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Nigel McDowell</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">MG FANTASY</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">UK PUBLISHER: Hot Key Books</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Synopsis:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">The House of Mountfathom. A place of wonder, magic and mystery. A house with doors that lead to faraway places, where shape-shifting and smoke-summoning are as commonplace as the rising and setting of the sun.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Luke is the son of the noble house with a magical education to fulfil; Killian, a sharp-tongued street urchin with an agenda of his own. Together the pair will have to tread a unique and brave path if they are to save the House of Mountfathom and preserve the very peace of the land…</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Review:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This book was more unique than most. I throughly enjoyed the enchanting descriptions that contributed to the world building, as well as the author’s choppy yet poetic writing style. However the story itself was nothing like I expected, and while I can’t say I loved the plot, it did strike a chord that left me thinking about it long after the last page was turned. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The opening prologue is rather confusing (although you will get an “A-HA” moment near the end of the book) but that, mixed with the clipped writing style makes the first few pages difficult to navigate. However I soon found myself really enjoying the choppy writing. It keep’s you present, allowing you to live in the story alongside the characters, and I felt it really enhanced the descriptions.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">However while the writing felt quick, it also helped balance the slow unfurling of the plot. And by slow I mean crawling. You literally follow the main character Luke from cradle to mid-teens, and while I wasn't bored reading through his childhood, after I finished the book I couldn't help but wonder WHAT the point of it all was - other than a chance to enrich the world. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mid-way through the book though, we are introduced to a new character, Killian, who spices things up as he is the opposite to Luke in every way. From Killian’s point of entry, the story is then split into Killian and Luke’s dual narratives, which really helps up the pacing. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">By the time you are two thirds into the story, the action really begins to snowball, faster and faster… until it suddenly stops. Not just stops, but the action literally disappears, and the story takes a sudden new route. As a reader this really threw me, and left me completely baffled with the ending. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">However, what kept me reading was throughout the book there was an underlying theme surrounding Luke, centring around his fear of stepping away from his sheltered life into the unknown - in this case - a magical void of darkness in which lurks a monster.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Is that monster death? Life? Fear itself? In many ways - this sudden philosophical turn in the story is left to the readers imagination, but this was the moment I found Nigel McDowell’s writing truly beautiful, and extremely deep. I also felt like the book was trying to send some kind of message or life lesson, and unfortunately, I hate when books do that. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Therefore somewhat disgruntled by the ending, I then went on to read the authors Bio as I usually do, only to discover that Nigel McDowell passed away at the age of 34, shortly after completion of this novel. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I’m not sure why, but suddenly I appreciated this book a lot more. I’m only surmising, but I felt this story was very personal to the author and is perhaps even a echo of his thoughts and what ifs. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It turned what I thought was a preachy ending, into a story that required some more time for contemplation and quiet reflection.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Even so, I don't think this book is for everyone. Sold as a middle-grade novel, I think children will be ensnared by the magic and imagination of the world and characters, but regardless of age - I think most readers will still find the story itself somewhat flat. All in all, I’d give this book 3 stars. However I will most definitely be reading Nigel McDowell’s other two books, THE BLACK NORTH, and TALES FROM PITCH END. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">RIP Nigel McDowell. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Talk with me :)</u></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Have any of you read this book? If so what were you're thoughts? Or did you prefer another of the authors books?</span></span></div>
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whispering wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817741839344053531noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239792462285706704.post-3236507866429824902018-01-08T10:56:00.000+00:002018-01-08T10:56:35.052+00:00Sticking to your Goals!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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(New Years Eve Bonfire in Allendale - warm and toasty!)</div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sticking To Your Goals (Writing Edition!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">#Lifestyle</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hey everyone. HAPPY NEW YEAR! I wish you all health, happiness and the best of luck for achieving everything you want in 2018 :) With a clean slate ahead of us, I hope we can all make this year a memorable one!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">So today I wanted to talk about methods that help me stay on track with my goals. I’m sure many of you have written lists, set new year’s resolutions, and made plans about all the things you want to achieve… but while the good intentions are always there, I for one find sticking to my goals super difficult.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">After doing lots of research into the habits of successful people (I found many of them do very similar things) here are the tips and tricks that help make me more productive.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">MORNING PAGES </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you google this term, so many things will come up, but the basis of the idea is to HANDWRITE three pages by letting everything that comes to mind spill out onto the page. Don’t worry if it makes no sense - just write it down - even if your writing, “I don't know what to write.” Sit there for five minutes and something will come... Probably.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I like morning pages because while I only write them every other day, they leave me clear headed and with a much better grasp of exactly WHAT is going on in my brain! It allows me to see any obstacles, making morning pages my peak problem solving time. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">My pages tend to vary day to day. Sometimes they are more like diary entries, often recounting things I did the previous day, other times they focus on my future goals and dreams. For the most part though, they give me the opportunity to brainstorm ideas (without feeling guilty that I’m cheating on my current project), even if the ideas are only half formed. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sometimes I jot down my frustrations at myself, my characters, my story in general, and more often than not, solutions soon present themselves.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I would really, really recommend giving morning pages (or nighttime pages - time doesn't really matter) a go. They have helped not just with my writing, but often with my day to day life as well.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">EXTRA TIP FOR WRITERS:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Another trick is to use writing prompts. Even five minutes spent on a fixed task can loosen up those writing muscles and get your creativity flowing! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">You can find plenty of story prompts online, but some books I would recommend are:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">The Magic Words by Cheryl B. Klein </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">PLAN AHEAD WITH <b>ACTIONABLE</b> GOALS!</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">I love t0-do lists. I'm always making them... and until a </span>few<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> months ago, nearly always ignoring them. Yet I found early on, if my list looks like this:</span></span></span></span></div>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">Write 1000 words</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">….. NOTHING EVER GETS DONE! Not only would my list just grow, but I would procrastinate the day away! However when I write my list like this, everything seems so much more achievable:</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> - Introduce Will-o-the-wisp teacher + Petey & Ajax. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> - Rin gets bullied (stings, bites, raised hand)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> - Explain magic system of the school x 3 types of monster</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Don’t just write down WHAT you need to do. Write down HOW these things will be done, and WHEN they will be done by. Bigger tasks you can break down into bitesize chunks, for example rather than just writing 1000 words, my target is a specific scene, and from that scene I have three smaller goals which can be tackled one at a time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you can’t break your workload down physically, then I suggest cutting it into chunks of time. Often if I set myself 30 minutes to do something, I often find that I will actually sit there for an hour or more. It’s all about getting that momentum going.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">EXTRA TIP FOR WRITERS: I mentioned in a previous post, <a href="http://whisperingwords747.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/writing-hacks-tricks.html" target="_blank">WRITING HACKS AND TRICKS</a>, that one of my favourite tools is an App called WRITERS BLOCK. Like it says on the tin, it blocks me from doing anything else on my computer until I hit my word count goal. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">If I’m being extra tricksty with myself, I load it up the night before. That way, when I open up my computer the next day, writing is literally the only thing I can do! The other option, to sit and type a_space_a_space a thousand times over to clear my screen - is oddly - not that appealing. This is a good trick to get your fingers typing at the start of the day!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">PRIORITISE YOU LIST</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We will always have a 101 things to do - that’s life. However each week I write out all my upcoming tasks, then every night I pick no more than FIVE THINGS that I definitely want to get done the next day. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">However my GOLDEN RULE is this - Every day, at least ONE item on that list needs to help me work toward a LONG TERM GOAL. As an aspiring writer - usually that thing for me is writing, or reading about writing, looking for critique partners, or even attending a writing class. I’ve even written down “movie marathon” on my list once, while I was in search of inspiration. Hey, it all counts! - though try not to cheat too often :P</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">DON’T CONFUSE ERRANDS WITH GOALS! You will always feel better about yourself if you do one thing that will bring you closer to fulfilling your dreams!</span></span></div>
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(Only 8K into edits - I really need to push on....)</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">HAVE A REWARD SYSTEM!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I know many bloggers who are really into bullet-journalling, and while I love seeing the creative spreads that people do, for the most part, I’m quite happy with a plain old diary.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">However when it comes to hitting word counts (and oddly - meeting my financial goals) I love creating pretty trackers that I can colour in at every milestone (or stepping stone) I reach! Much like the STICKY STAR SYSTEM I use for writing - </span><a href="http://(Writing Hacks & Tricks)" target="_blank">(Writing Hacks & Tricks)</a><span style="font-size: x-large;"> -colouring in a tiny square in my bullet journal gives me the same sense of pleasure and achievement. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">However if you can TURN A TASK INTO A REWARD </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">than even better! Right now I’m trying very hard to knit a patchwork blanket. I’m slowly getting close to finishing, but rather than write: Knit one Square onto my to-do list, I keep this project off my list entirely. Instead, this is my reward for completing the day’s tasks. When I tick off my five to-dos, then I get to knit one square, put my feet up and listening to an Audio Book. Win win for me :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Other Self-rewards:</span></span></div>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">Bullet Journaling - like I said, I enjoy creating my tracker pages, so this is an end of day reward (again while listening to an Audio Book).</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">Cooking - I love trying out new recipes or baking things.</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">Writing - Yes, you read that right! Sometimes when I’m really in the flow of my story - or have left off in an exciting place - I can’t wait to get back to my book! If that’s the case, writing is my reward for completing the more boring tasks like laundry and admin.</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Chat with me</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">What methods do you use to stay on task? Do any of these methods work for you? I would love it if you could let me know in the comments. I’m always on the look out to try new things that will help me boost my </span>productivity<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">!</span></span></span></span></div>
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whispering wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817741839344053531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239792462285706704.post-82523523118904040942017-10-28T20:39:00.002+01:002017-10-28T20:39:20.829+01:00Flame in the Mist - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Flame in the Mist - Book Review</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Renee Ahdieh</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">YA Fantasy</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">UK Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Synopsis:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">The only daughter of a prominent samurai, Mariko has always known she’d been raised for one purpose and one purpose only: to marry. Never mind her cunning, which rivals that of her own twin brother, Kenshin, or her skills as an accomplished alchemist. Since Mariko was not born a boy, her fate was sealed the moment she drew her first breath.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">So, at just seventeen years old, Mariko is sent to the imperial palace to meet her betrothed, a man she did not choose, for the very first time. But the journey is cut short when Mariko’s convoy is viciously attacked by the Black Clan, a dangerous group of bandits who’ve been hired to kill Mariko before she reaches the palace.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">The lone survivor, Mariko narrowly escapes to the woods, where she plots her revenge. Dressed as a peasant boy, she sets out to infiltrate the Black Clan and hunt down those responsible for the target on her back. Once she’s within their ranks though, Mariko finds for the first time she's appreciated for her intellect and abilities. She even finds herself falling in love - a love that will force her to question everything she’s ever known about her family, her purpose, and her deepest desires.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I enjoyed this book, but didn't really see it as the big “Mulan” retelling many have labelled it as. Not only is the story set in Japan, but the pages carry hints of mythology, dashes of fantasy and a nice slow-burn romance. I will most definitely be reading the next book.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mariko knows her greatest weapon is her mind. Yet being born a girl, she grimly accepts her fate to marry and remain silent like any good future empress should. But when her carriage is attacked and Mariko left for dead, she rises from the ashes and sets out to find the men responsible for her supposed demise.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Disguising herself as a boy, she succeeds in infiltrating the enemy camp, but there she discovers more than just her family’s best kept secret. For the first time Mariko’s opinions are valued, and she learns there is more to these thugs and thieves then she could ever have imagined. Now Mariko must choose between following her heart… or protecting her family from the man she loves…</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I enjoyed this story, but it was slow to start and took me a few chapters to sink into. It wasn't until I was nearly a third of the way through that I became really invested in the story, but after that point the pacing really picked up and I devoured the rest in a night.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">And boy does this book pack it all. Samurai, Ninja, Demons, Magic, Emperors, Betrayals… the list goes on and on. These elements were creatively woven together to produce some great imagery that made for a winding tale dotted with hidden twists and surprises. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">However in terms of world building, I occasionally struggled to keep track of all the politics and reasons behind who was fighting who and for what reason. The same with the magic system. I didn't fully grasp the mechanics of it, especially since the magic exploded into the story nearer the end of the book. However I’m sure this will be explained more in book 2. Yet despite these few gripes, I still really enjoyed this book. The descriptions were detailed and the prose flowed very smoothly. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">As for the characters, I think many girls will relate to the heroine, Mariko. While not physically strong, she was in no way a helpless maiden. She put effort into learning new skills, while calling on her other, hard-won abilities to ensure her own survival. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Having said that, another gripe I had was that we spent the first half of the book hearing (generally from Mariko herself) about just how clever she was, but we didn't really get to see her sharp mind put to use until near the end. I often found myself questioning her decisions throughout the story, but then again, the plot was often fuelled by her choices which led to the story’s progression.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Romance also has a part<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">, but it’s a back burner to the main plot. However the unexpected love adds extra conflict and intrigue to the plot and I’m looking forward to seeing how it develops. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Black Clan were also a very diverse group of characters, and I really hope in the next book we get to dip more into their backstories. I’m also intrigued to see the fates of everyone else mentioned. The ending wove in plenty of new subplots which I’m sure will expand the world and perhaps even add in a few more POVs to the story. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">All in all - FLAME IN THE MIST was a nice read. While I’m not thirsting for the next book, I’m definitely hooked enough to pick it up. I’m also very much in love with this cover! It's </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;">gorgeous!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">3 stars!</span></span></div>
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whispering wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817741839344053531noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239792462285706704.post-36876740508191681822017-10-12T13:07:00.001+01:002017-10-12T13:07:31.176+01:00The One Memory of Flora Banks - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The One Memory of Flora Banks</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Emily Barr</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">YA Contemporary </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">UK Publisher: Penguin</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Synopsis:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Seventeen-year-old Flora Banks has no short-term memory. Her mind resets itself several times a day, and has since the age of ten, when the tumour that was removed from Flora’s brain took with it her ability to make new memories. That is until she kisses Drake, her best friend’s boyfriend, the night before he leaves town.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Miraculously, this one memory breaks through Flora’s fractured mind. And sticks. Flora is convinced that Drake is responsible for restoring her memory and making her whole again. So when an encouraging email from Drake suggests she meets him on the other side of the world, Flora knows with certainty that this is the first step toward reclaiming her life. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">With little more than the words “be brave” inked into her skin, and written reminders of who she is and why her memory is so limited, Flora sets off on an impossible journey to Svalbard, Norway, the land of the midnight sun, determined to find Drake.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">But from the moment she arrives in the artic, nothing is quite as it seems, and Flora must “be brave” if she is ever to learn the truth about herself, and to make it safely home. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Review:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>The One Memory of Flora Banks</i> is a very accurate title for this book. It sums the story up neatly, and I loved the protagonists unusual voice - childlike, but with flashes of the woman trying to fight through. A most intriguing story. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Flora is seventeen, and she has kissed a boy. Yet the true shock of this tale is, she remembers it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When Flora was ten, she suffered a trauma to her brain. Unable to make new memories, she must rely heavily of her trusted notebook to tell her who she is, and any important events that have happened. But that all changes when she remembers kissing her best-friend’s boyfriend on the beach. Convinced love is the cure she is looking for, Flora sets off on a journey to find the boy that can bring back her memories, and give her the fairytale ending she deserves...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Both the beginning and end of this book really wowed me, although parts of the middle dragged on a bit and I found myself impatient for something to happen. However Flora’s journey to Svalbard, the sheer bravery and determination behind it, really moved me. It showed she was so much more than the tragic, parent-dependent girl everyone labeled her as. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Flora’s character is awesome in her simplicity. A rather unreliable narrator, the reader is caught up in her world, knowing only what Flora herself chooses to remember. This leads to some nice twists later on in the story, and given Flora’s chosen optimism, makes for a pretty positive read. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">However I both love/hated the repetition of information. In many ways, Flora’s constant rehash of events was annoying, yet at the same time, it really ties you to the realities of her life. It also helps you sympathise with the less-Flora-friendly decisions made by some of the other characters, because despite her childlike innocence, Flora’s condition does require a lot of patience from the people around her. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">At the same time, I admired the glimpses we got of grown-up Flora, that are mixed in with her ten year old self. While Flora accepts her situation, she understands she is no longer a little girl - although she often forgets this face - and most importantly WANTS her own life and independence. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The ending also had me tearing up. I love how Flora’s brother - a character we never actually meet - could have such a huge sway on the story. It really packed and parcelled the ending with a nice shiny bow. I can’t wait to read more of Emily Barr’s work.</span></span></div>
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whispering wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817741839344053531noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239792462285706704.post-33039152960877386832017-09-21T13:42:00.002+01:002017-09-21T13:42:16.701+01:00The Red Ribbon - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFQxZBND8qiJsKcNTEFwNV0ljPyZWeg6ePSUV_jXBj1axfUNs7NrJ1hLFgOdKg2vLPcd1jnoEfMERT4nrtlHIyrH-i26pFgAL3UR9i3i3easADiS0HfsxttqoIcNKlAu0IG2RoAIDof4K/s1600/35681404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFQxZBND8qiJsKcNTEFwNV0ljPyZWeg6ePSUV_jXBj1axfUNs7NrJ1hLFgOdKg2vLPcd1jnoEfMERT4nrtlHIyrH-i26pFgAL3UR9i3i3easADiS0HfsxttqoIcNKlAu0IG2RoAIDof4K/s1600/35681404.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Red Ribbon</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lucy Adlington</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">YA Historical </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">UK Publisher: Hot Key Books</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">As fourteen-year-old Ella begins her first day at work she steps into a world of silks, seams, scissors, pins, hems and trimmings. She is a dressmaker, but this is no ordinary sewing workshop. Hers are no ordinary clients. Ella has joined the seamstresses of Birkenau-Auschwitz.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Every dress Ella makes could be the difference between life and death. And this place is all about survival. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ella seeks refuge from this reality, and from haunting memories, in her work and in the world of fashion and fabrics. She is faced with painful decisions about how far she is prepared to go to survive.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I teared up so many times through the course of this story. A few times with happiness, but so often at the cruelty and injustice the prisoners suffered. However despite the grimness, hope flowed - a hidden undercurrent - through each and every page. THE RED RIBBON is a spectacular work of fiction, woven with shocking truths to form an incredibly emotional read. Warning: do not attempt to read without some tissues nearby!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ella’s identity is gone. Snatched from her family, denied a name and any worldly possessions, she has become a <i>stripey</i>. Just another number in a roll-call of black and white uniforms. But unlike many in the Auschwitz work camp, Ella is determined to survive.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A skilled dressmaker, Ella claws her way into the tailors workshop - a better job than most - but with over ten thousand new arrivals everyday, no position is safe. In Auschwitz, everyone is replaceable. Now Ella must make a moral choice: help others and risk death, or help herself and risk losing her humanity… </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I had a hard time putting this book down. Anxious over which characters would and wouldn't survive, I devoured this story overnight. It is a tactfully told, haunting tale that somehow brings to life the horrors suffered, but without going into graphic detail. Steeped in emotion, this book really questions what it is to be human. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ella is strong protagonist. I loved how she assigned her fellow prisoners animal-titles, referring to them as a bear, or hedgehog, squirrel or shrew. It instantly opened up their personalities in a single line of description. But what caught me about Ella, is that from the get go, she knows she can’t be a mouse if she is to survive. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In contrast to Ella is Rose. Generous, positive and kind, Rose signifies what every person hopes they would be in a time of crisis. Her friendship, I believe, kept Ella from becoming one of the darker characters who looked out only for themselves. However without Ella pushing Rose to be a little selfish at times, Rose would have been swallowed by the more bloodthirsty creatures. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A line near the end of the books said something like, their came a point when all the mice, squirrels and ducklings were gone. Only the predators remained. This was in reference to the prisoners, and it broke my heart. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Overall this is a real shades of grey story. Set in a place where you can’t judge who to trust, the book is written with a complexity where morals can’t be simplified into either good or bad. Even the prison guards couldn't be truly hated. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I think however the real beauty of this story was how it didn't focus on one group. It didn't zero in on any one race, religion or political belief. Instead it encompassed them as a whole, telling everyones story. In doing so, t</span></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: x-large;">his book did a fantastic job of putting me, the reader, in that prison camp. Because Ella lacked description, and was stripped to very base of what it is to be human, her character will resonate with all.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A truly unforgettable read. 5 stars!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Talk to me </u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Have any you read this book? How do you feel about war stories as a whole? I must admit they aren't generally my thing, but this book really blew me away!</span></div>
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whispering wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817741839344053531noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239792462285706704.post-59182610751485085662017-09-17T10:45:00.000+01:002017-09-17T10:45:23.671+01:00The Disappearances - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7yvoXZ-ETjWfe_v037UxGBgdzzXt5ONxENLGNy4BKbzlQ8jocj5HNLJIhK7fPgq5NXd7WeTzoRSyWlV9Xw2yzpUdWMK-ln6nvVpyUxJSWy3ZQw1XjcEbfsSaC3e5BWZvXVTUQXagvhZs/s1600/35529075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7yvoXZ-ETjWfe_v037UxGBgdzzXt5ONxENLGNy4BKbzlQ8jocj5HNLJIhK7fPgq5NXd7WeTzoRSyWlV9Xw2yzpUdWMK-ln6nvVpyUxJSWy3ZQw1XjcEbfsSaC3e5BWZvXVTUQXagvhZs/s1600/35529075.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Disappearances </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Emily Bain Murphy</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">YA Magical Realism</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">UK Publisher: Pushkin Children’s Books</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Synopsis:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Every seven years something disappears in the town of Sterling: people’s reflections, the stars in the sky, the ability to dream. Aila realises that her mother may be to blame for the curse. But some mysteries are buried very deep, and some secrets want to stay hidden - and one young woman’s desire to uncover the truth may not be enough to save Sterling from the past. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">A beautifully told story of love, loss, and finding the truth - no matter how difficult that may be.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Review:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I have read a lot of magical realism lately, and this one has been by far one of my favourites. With elements of magic, grief, romance, and a fantastically twisted plot, this story had it all. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When Aila and her brother move to small village of Sterling, they begin to notice that things aren't quite normal. Scents have disappeared. Reflections aren't there. The stars no longer shine... and the people of Sterling are certain Aila's mother is the cause...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This is a slow burn story. Time is taken to build the world and the characters, so that when the magic is revealed, it blends seamlessly into reality. I often found myself waiting for something to happen, only to realise that something HAD happened several pages ago, I just hadn't picked up on it’s relevance straight away. That probably sounds strange, but if you read the book I’m sure you would understand.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">However I also feel this is a story where you really need to pay attention to the details. There is a lot to absorb so I took my time with it, only reading a couple of chapters each night over a few weeks - crazy considering I read most books within two days, but some stories you really need time to digest. This is one of them. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I also really enjoyed the writing in this book. There were some really poignant descriptions and I liked the main characters quirk of having a “finishing word” for every conversation, which summed up both her feeling and attitude toward things. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">However what I loved most about the characters was their ordinariness. Despite suffering under a magical curse, day to day, the tried to continue on with normal lives. Dating, schoolwork, family dinners… while I thought this was sweet, it does keep the pacing fairly slow. That doesn't mean its boring in anyway, but for those of you who like an up and down beat, be aware that the pace of this book stays pretty steady throughout. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In regards to the characters, most of the story is told from Aila's Pov. However there are interludes of another character, whose true motives and identity aren't revealed until very near the end of the story. Huge congrats to the author for keeping the reader guessing so long, it was certainly unpredictable. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This of course meant that the plot had several seemingly unrelated threads, however by the last page, everything does come together nicely, with only a few things left a little open. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Overall, this is a great read for fans of Shakespeare, Magical realism and although witches aren’t ever mentioned, I feel if you like a good story steeped deep in a curse, then this is a book for you. It reminded me a lot of Moira Fowley-Doyle's, <i>Spellbook of the Lost and Found</i>, so if you were a fan of that, then be sure to pick this one up too.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">4 stars!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Chat with me</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">What are </span>your<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> thoughts on magical realism? Anything books you would recommend?</span></span></span></div>
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whispering wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817741839344053531noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239792462285706704.post-77281682074439871972017-08-17T14:53:00.001+01:002017-08-17T14:53:15.882+01:00The Nearest Faraway Place - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBAsZ3gRTMIH08Lu-DCQK37SyX7zHI4cWFxe9V6VrZ602yq9vGTUBcGgfC7QtsB7BSweBkkst9w-eT35WoBy8VgJSr_FbAG1gEn78HwtfAXTsCxW_lDeYwf5ZMP8UB0BeUtqU4L9z54_n/s1600/34741490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBAsZ3gRTMIH08Lu-DCQK37SyX7zHI4cWFxe9V6VrZ602yq9vGTUBcGgfC7QtsB7BSweBkkst9w-eT35WoBy8VgJSr_FbAG1gEn78HwtfAXTsCxW_lDeYwf5ZMP8UB0BeUtqU4L9z54_n/s1600/34741490.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Nearest Faraway Place</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hayley Long </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">YA Contemporary </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Synopsis:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Griff and Dylan are driving into Manhattan with their parents when the worst happens. There is a terrible car accident and Dylan and Griff’s parents are killed.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">The boys are suddenly orphans with nowhere to go, until a kind aunt and uncle give them a new home in Wales. Now Dylan and Griff have everything they need. Love, a happy home and a future. But Dylan is worried about Griff: whether he is ok, whether he is coping with his grief. He doesn't seem to want to speak about it or really acknowledge the loss of their parents.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">But Dylan needs to be even braver than Griff, because there is something very important he needs to face up to before he can move on. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Review:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I always applaud books that make me cry - and this one really teared me up. Beautiful and bittersweet, this is a story that will surprise you, even as it breaks your heart. It is a book that fans of Moria Young’s <i>The Road to Ever After</i> will love. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When Dylan and Griff lose their parents in a fatal accident, their life of jet-setting around the world comes to a total standstill. Now taken in by their Aunt and Uncle, they must make new lives for themselves in Wales. But Dylan hides a terrible secret that keeps him from moving on, and its a secret he must keep close if he ever hopes to see his brother, Griff, smile again... </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This is by no means a fast paced book. However the voice behind it is strong, steady and filled with an empathy toward grief that will tug at your heart strings. Its a beautiful, poignant read, and the story deals with death in a way that makes this a must read for anyone struggling with loss. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Told from the older brother, fifteen-year-old Dylan’s perspective, the book takes you on a journey through each stage of grief and acceptance. I particularly adored that both pets and music played a big part in the brothers healing process. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">I also liked all the characters the brothers came into contact with. However what I appreciated most were the flashbacks of their travels. Seeing how happy their family were was lovely, but undeniably sad, </span>but<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> it really makes you feel for everything the boys lost.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What really sold this book for me though was the big plot twist toward the end. It’s not often I’m taken by surprise and this book really threw in a huge curve ball. I overlooked every clue, and although I caught a few lines that puzzled me, I never came close to seeing the finished picture. Massive applause to Hayley Long for her skilled writing!</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">All in all, a spellbinding read of family, loss and the bond between brothers. 4 stars!</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What are your thoughts? Have any of you picked up this book?</span></span></div>
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whispering wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817741839344053531noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239792462285706704.post-82885708658910201332017-08-11T10:19:00.001+01:002017-08-11T10:19:16.477+01:00The Savage Dawn - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Savage Dawn</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Melissa Grey</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">YA Fantasy</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Girl of Midnight Book #3</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">UK Publisher: Atom</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Other Books in the Trilogy:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://whisperingwords747.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/the-girl-at-midnight-book-review.html" target="_blank">The Girl at Midnight</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://whisperingwords747.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/the-shadow-hour-book-review-melissa.html" target="_blank">The Shadow Hour</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">The sides have been chosen and the battle lines drawn.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Echo awakened the Firebird. Now she is the only one with the power to face the darkness she unwittingly unleashed… right into the waiting hands of Tanith, the new Dragon Prince. Tannish has one goal in mind: destroy her enemies, raze their lands, and reign supreme in a new era where the Drakharin are almighty and the Avicen are nothing but a memory.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">The war that has been brewing for centuries is finally imminent. But the scales are tipped. Echo might hold the power to face the darkness within the Dragon Prince, but she has far to go to master its overwhelming force. And now she’s plagued by uncertainty. With Caius no longer by her side, she doesn't know if she can do it alone. Is she strong enough to save her home and the people she loves?</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Whether Echo is ready to face this evil is not the question. The war has begun, and there is no looking back. There are only two outcomes possible: triumph or death.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A great wrap-up of the trilogy! <i>The Savage Dawn</i> is the final instalment of what has been a a whirlwind adventure. Fantastical through every page, with strong world building, character growth and beautiful word play, it ended on a magical high note that left me satisfied, yet still hoping for more. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Echo is losing the war. Her beloved Caius has been captured and she is stuck on the island, duty bound to protect what is left of the Avicen people. But as travel through the in-between becomes unstable, Echo learns Tanith is plotting to wipe out the world… and Echo is the only one who stands a chance of stopping her. But just what sacrifice will victory demand, and is Echo willing to pay it?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Aside from a few nit-picks, I really enjoyed this book. What really sprang at me were the characters, most especially the secondary ones. Jasper and Dorian… I could write a whole review based on their relationship alone. I heart this pairing so much and was thrilled to see their emotions hit full bloom. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">However the whole cast, Ivy, Ronan, the Ava… they are a diverse and witty group with lots of quirk. Their interactions with one another really helped bring this story to life and </span>they are<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> one of the reasons I enjoyed this series as much as I did.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Echo has done heaps of growing in this book too. She is more mature after all the trials of book two-and by finally putting her past behind her-she made strong decisions throughout book three. This also allowed her relationship with Caius to move forward, and together they made one impressive unit. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">However my true love for this trilogy lies in Echo’s obsession with collecting words. Once again, these were beautifully threaded throughout the story, allowing Echo to express herself in the most meaningful of ways. Keeping a notebook handy while reading is most recommended!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">As for the plot, it was less emotional than book two. Also while I enjoyed the winding journey Echo took, I do feel some readers might grow impatient with the pacing. There were also one or two scenes that I felt were quite similar to events in previous books - but these were all minor niggles that didn't really impede my enjoyment of the story.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The ending though really blew me away. It was open-ended, bittersweet, but still full of hope. It reminded me of Laini Taylor’s ending to her daughter of smoke and bone trilogy… and I think its an ending that people will either love or hate. Personally, I liked it. However I will still be keeping my fingers crossed for a novella of some sort… there is definitely room for one. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">All in all I really enjoyed this book, and the trilogy as a whole. Melissa Grey is definitely an author to watch out for.</span></span></div>
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whispering wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817741839344053531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239792462285706704.post-32929046804218516252017-07-10T21:58:00.001+01:002017-07-10T21:58:29.091+01:00The Glittering Court - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhET8rzE7ILtn306mSG3kb2M57OLZ-03CZfBMJXYVlzwj8cIV1jfozvderDUWsYYuCq6M_tpQYmRIHvLntqULixv-MpiuHpmBtZpY1nRtlIHgSveXcMi3oEilVs4zds-EPSqHPm2APUpLUT/s1600/27272506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhET8rzE7ILtn306mSG3kb2M57OLZ-03CZfBMJXYVlzwj8cIV1jfozvderDUWsYYuCq6M_tpQYmRIHvLntqULixv-MpiuHpmBtZpY1nRtlIHgSveXcMi3oEilVs4zds-EPSqHPm2APUpLUT/s1600/27272506.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Glittering Court - Book Review</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Richelle Mead</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Historical Fantasy</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">UK Publisher: Razorbill</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">(The Glittering Court #1)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Glittering Court tells the story of Adelaide, an Osfridian Countess who poses as her servant to escape an arranged marriage and start a new life in Adoria, the new world. But to do that, she must join the Glittering court.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Both a school and a business venture, the Glittering court is designed to transform impoverished girls into upper-class ladies who appear destined for powerful and wealthy marriages in the new world. Adelaide naturally excels in her training, and even makes a few friends: the fiery former laundress Tamsin, and the beautiful Sirminican refugee Mira. She manages to keep her true identity hidden from all but one: the intriguing Cedric Thorn, son of the wealthy proprietor of the Glittering Court.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">When Adelaide discovers that Cedric is hiding a dangerous secret of his own, together they hatch a scheme to make the best of Adelaide’s deception. Complications soon arise - first as they cross the treacherous seas from Osfrid to Adoria, and then when Adelaide catches the attention of a powerful governor.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Btu no complication will prove quite as daunting as the potent attraction simmering between Adelaide and Cedric. An Attraction that, if acted on, would scandalise the Glittering Court and make them both outcasts in wild, vastly uncharted lands…</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I have always been a big fan of Richelle Mead, but for me THE GLITTERING COURT was a big let down. Although the book dazzled me in the beginning, the story soon turned into a repetitive, longwinded tangle of plots lines. I really had to force myself to read through to the end. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When Adelaide is forced into an arranged marriage, she seizes the first opportunity to flee by taking on the name of her maid servant and joining the glittering court—a type of finishing school where young women of the working class are trained in the ways of high society—before journeying across the seas to the new land of Adoria . There, they are guaranteed rich husbands, but Adelaide must keep her identity a secret at all costs, or she will be forced to return home to life she no longer wants.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Adelaide was a strong character but I didn't understand her motives at all. She fled an arranged marriage for the opportunity to go to a hostile country, where another arranged marriage was waiting… only to toss all her careful plans into the wind when she falls into the arms of a man who was by her side the whole time…</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Honestly while I liked the adventurous side of this book, the story fell flat. The whole plot rode on Adelaide’s whims and fancies, and with all the twists and turns, I’m just not sure what this book was trying to be. While I did enjoy the beginning— the initial set-up and premise of the story were really strong— this story just goes on and on and toward the end, my attention was definitely wandering. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Not only were the conflicts in the story resolved too quickly, but Adelaide never really suffered any consequences. She got everything she wanted in a nice tidy bow and as a reader, I just kept waiting for something more to happen. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The romance at least was sweet and I did cheer for Adelaide’s chosen man. I liked all the secondary characters and the world itself was beautifully depicted. The book though should have been half the size it was. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It jumped from high society to finishing school, to ship, then onto the wild west with Scottish style savages. It tried to be so many things, go in so many directions that the story felt thin. And although labeled a fantasy, there is nothing fantastical in this book. Despite being set in a made up world, the most magical things were the place names. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">All in all, this book was a huge disappointment for me. 2 stars!</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Have any of you read this book? Curious to know, what did the rest of you make of it?</span></span></div>
whispering wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817741839344053531noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239792462285706704.post-57415375047684546282017-06-28T20:52:00.000+01:002017-06-28T21:00:55.590+01:00Love & Gelato - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Love & Gelato</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Jenna Evans Welch</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">YA Contemporary Romance</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">UK Publisher: Walker Books</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Synopsis:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">The dying wish of 16-year-old Lina’s mother was for her daughter to live in Tuscany and get to know her father, whom Lina has never met.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">“Howard is the best man I’ve ever known,” her mother says, “he’ll keep you safe.” Why did her mother wait so long to tell her about him? Lina has a happy life in Seattle and doesn't want to leave. Shortly after she arrives at Howard’s home, Lina meets Sonya, who gives Lina a diary that belonged to Lina’s mother, the one she had kept while she was a photography student in Florence. While Lina is living her life and exploring Tuscany with her handsome neighbour, Ren, she follows in the footsteps of her mother and gets to know her as never before. She also finds out the truth about her father. Mostly she finds out about herself.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Love & Gelato is the perfect summer read! The writing is smooth, using all five senses to draw you into a breathtaking world of heartache, new love and the magical country that is Italy. I must admit though that I thought parts of the end were a little cheesy, but in good way that left me smiling, even if I was shaking my head. Still I enjoyed every page of this book, cheesiness and all!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">After her mother’s untimely death, Lina is forced to spend a summer in Italy with the father she has never met. Plotting her escape back to the states, her days are only made bearable by the amazing food, and a sparking friendship with a boy named Ren. But when she is gifted an old diary of her mothers—detailing the eighteen months of her mum’s own Italian adventure—Lina discovers a side of her mum she never knew. A side full of secrets that are about to rock Lina’s whole world, all over again. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Romance, beautiful scenery, a story within a story… along with mouth watering food descriptions, this book has it all. It also left me with a huge yearning to fly to Italy immediately… and the biggest craving for pizza and gelato! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lina is a very honest character. Her feelings are very raw and as a reader, you can’t help but feel bad for her situation. She is very relatable as a person, however her restraint toward reading her mum’s diary drove me a little crazy. I really wanted to know what happened next!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Thanks to the dairy, this was also a story within a story, allowing the author to seamlessly flow between mother and daughter's POV. This gave us an in depth look at both characters, and their relationship. It made for a thrilling yet heart-wrenching read.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">As for the romance, it was delicious in its slow burn and friendship building way. Ren is instantly likeable and quickly proves himself as a great guy. Watching him and Lina flirt was super cute and they were the sort of couple you're just begging to hurry up and kiss already :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I did have a couple of gripes with this book though. As I mentioned, I thought parts of the end were a little cliche, but still cute and fitting with the story. However Lina could be a little naive at times and she doesn't always make the best choices. Ultimately though these were all small things and I still turned the last page, completely satisfied with the story.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">All in all I can’t wait for this authors next book - I just discovered it will be set in Ireland - which I’m super excited for! Jenna Evans Welch is definitely a writer to watch out for.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Swoon-worthy, emotional and full of colour, I give Love & Gelato 4 stars!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Talk to Me!</span></u></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Have any of you guys read this book? If so what are your thoughts? Any more summery reads you would recommend?</span></span></div>
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whispering wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817741839344053531noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239792462285706704.post-21996165272047710122017-06-19T16:03:00.000+01:002017-06-19T16:03:01.497+01:00The Forever Court - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Forever Court</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Dave Rudden</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">MG Fantasy</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Knights of the Borrowed Dark Books #2</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">UK Publisher: Puffin Books</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Other books in the Series:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://whisperingwords747.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/knights-of-borrowed-dark-book-review.html" target="_blank">Knights of the Borrowed Dark</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Life is retiring to normal for Denizen Hardwick. Well, the new normal, where he has to battle monsters in quiet Dublin bookshops and constantly struggle to contain the new powers he has been given by Mercy, the daughter of the endless King. But Denizen may need those powers sooner than he thinks - not only are the Tenebrous stirring again but the Order of the Borrowed Dark face a new threat from much closer to home…</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I liked this book but felt it was a heavier read than the first. The characters have matured, new enemies were introduced but for all the subplots and intriguing undercurrents, sadly, I felt this story lacked the spark that made the first book so unforgettable. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Denizen is now an official knight in training. Struggling to contain the power given to him by Mercy, the daughter of The Order’s greatest enemy, the endless King - he lashes out at those closest to him, isolating himself away before he can hurt someone. But when a new threat rises, and the Knights are called to action once more, Denizen will need all his wits if he is to defeat the evil that is rising, and rising with a power that matches his own…</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A lot of new characters were introduced to the story, and at times the switching POV’s were a little confusing. However I liked the new, fire-wielding bad guys, but missed the variety that the Tenebrous (and their mishmash bodies) brought to the previous story. Unlike book one which really excelled at creating a creepy atmosphere, I found these pages pretty lacklustre. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Having said that Dave Rudden’s beautiful writing remains intact, and I liked the sarcasm and humour threaded through the story. The Epitaphs on the gravestones really made me smile, as did the witty banter between fights.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Denizen though has done some significant growing and comes across older, and much more mature. He has begun to develop an interest in girls, but is closed up about his feelings. Whenever it came to building bridges with his mother, he turned into a typical petulant teenager, which although entertaining to read, took up a lot of his thoughts making this story less action based and more emotional.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I also felt that many of the original characters didn't get much page time. While everyone was present, most were given fleeting appearances meaning we got no more backstory, or character development from them. Mostly I just really missed the teamwork aspect that played such a significant part in the previous book - this novel read like a Denizen solo. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">As for the plot, it really picked up toward the end, and it was engaging enough that I will read the next book. Despite the negativity of this review - I did ENJOY this book, I just didn't connect to this story the way I wanted to. I’m crossing my fingers the next book will feature more evil Tenebrous!</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">3 stars!</span></span></div>
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whispering wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817741839344053531noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239792462285706704.post-849117870465844312017-06-10T23:19:00.000+01:002017-06-10T23:19:02.019+01:00YA in Japan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">(View from Kawagushi Shrine)</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">YA Set in Japan </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hey lovely people!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> So while I was in Japan, I put together this post on all my favourite YA books that have a Japanese theme or setting. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">These are the same books that first seeded my desire to see Japan, then later became even more enjoyable when I started to recognise and relate to the words and culture now so familiar to me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I want to share these book with you today because each story is beautifully unique, and they all capture the real flavour of Japanese life. Everything from the culture, scenery, customs, food, etiquette… even the folklore. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I hope you will enjoy these as much as I did. Now in no particular order, here they are:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Ink Trilogy </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Amanda Sun</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">YA Fantasy - but with a modern-day setting!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I really enjoyed the imagination behind this book. The main character is western girl whose life is suddenly up-rooted to Japan and I found her reactions to be really relatable. She of course meets a gorgeous Japanese guy… but he has dark secrets and an even darker power…</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">You can find my review of the first book <a href="http://whisperingwords747.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/ink-book-review.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Shadows on the Moon </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">&</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Barefoot on the Wind </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Zoe Marriott</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">YA Fantasy/ Retelling</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">These books are simply beautifully and are re-tellings of the classic fairytales, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. Given a Japanese twist, and set in a fantastical version of feudal Japan, they are a definite must read!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Find my reviews <a href="http://whisperingwords747.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/shadows-on-moon-book-review.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> and <a href="http://whisperingwords747.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/barefoot-in-wind-book-review.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Name of the Blade Trilogy </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Zoe Marriott</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">YA Fantasy with modern day setting!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Yes, Zoe Marriott gets a second mention because her books are just that awesome! And although this trilogy is actually set in London, the main character is of Japanese heritage and her adventures are something straight out of a manga. Another must read!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Reviews for the first all three books are <a href="http://whisperingwords747.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/the-night-itself-book-review.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> and <a href="http://whisperingwords747.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/darkness-hidden-book-review.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> and <a href="http://whisperingwords747.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/frail-human-heart-book-review.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Red Winter Trilogy</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Marie Annette</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">YA Fantasy with modern day setting!</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">I only recently discovered this series, and am desperately waiting to </span>get<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> my hands on the last book. Its got everything! Romance, Demons, a heart-pounding plot and so much page-turning goodness!!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I’ve reviewed Book’s one and two <a href="http://whisperingwords747.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/red-winter-book-review.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> and <a href="http://whisperingwords747.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/dark-tempest-book-review.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><u>Tales of the Otori</u></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> (Across the </span>Nightingale<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> Floor)</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lian Hearn</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">YA Fantasy</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It’s been a few years since I’ve read this series (back in my pre-blog days) but there was a lot to like about it. In fact… I think its time I gave this one a re-read myself!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Chat to me!</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Any that I’m missing? If you know of any more great Japanese themed books please shout them out to me in the comments. I’m always on the lookout for more - whether they be Middle Grade, YA, NA or Adult :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Take care guys and happy reading!</span></span></div>
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whispering wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817741839344053531noreply@blogger.com12