The Year of the Rat - Book Review

 

The Year of the Rat – Book Review

Clare Furniss

YA Contemporary

Synopsis:

Grappling with grief is hard enough without repeat visits from the deceased. Pearl deals with death, life and family in this haunting, humorous and poignant debut.

The world can tip at any moment… a fact that fifteen year old Pearl is all too aware of when her mum dies after giving birth to her baby sister, Rose.

Rose, who looks exactly like a baby rat, all pink and wrinkled and writhing. This little rat has destroyed everything, even ruined the wonderful relationship Pearl had with her stepfather, the Rat’s biological father.

Mum, though… mum’s dead but she can’t seem to leave. She keeps visiting Pearl, smoking, cursing, guiding…

Told across the year following her mother’s death, Pearl’s story is full of bittersweet humour and heartbreaking honesty about how you deal with grief that cuts you to the bone, as she tries not only to come to terms with losing her mother, but also the fact the her sister – The Rat – is a constant reminder of why her mum is no longer around.

Review:

The year of the Rat is a deeply moving book that will definitely tug at the heart strings. And while I’m not generally a fan of contemporary reads, I had heard that this book was quite the emotional rollercoaster, and despite my reluctance for the genre, my curiosity eventually got the best of me. However while I didn’t exactly fall in love with the story, the book really did pack a huge punch that caused me to shed more than a few tears.

The story follows the life of fifteen year old Pearl. Opening on the day of her mother’s funeral, the reader is immediately informed of the close bond Pearl shared with her mother, and Pearl’s bitterness towards her newborn sister, Rose, aka ‘The Rat’ of whom she blames for her mother’s death.

Spanning the space of a year, the book takes you on Pearl’s journey through each stage of her grief. The denial, the guilt, the misplaced blame and of course, that anger than comes with a sudden loss. Yet what I found most interesting was the sporadic appearances of Pearl’s mother in ghost form. For me it was these beyond the grave conversations that helped make this story special.

As a main character Pearl is really complex. In the beginning her emotions are very raw but as the story is told in first person, it’s easy to relate to her mood swings and understand her perspective.

Yet watching Pearl’s slow acceptance of ‘The Rat’ also kept me turning the pages. While at times, I found Pearl’s actions horrifying, they were undeniably human and my heart would bleed for her with each new wall she would throw up between her and the world. So while by no means a happy story, ‘The Year of the Rat’ is without doubt one of depth and feeling.

What most drove me to keep reading the book though was its blatant honesty towards family life. Every family is special; whether that family is connected by blood, friendship or marriage. And as most parents keep some truths hidden from their children, this book shows how such things can lead to the children misunderstanding and making bad decisions, such was the case with Pearl.

Furthermore this book also explores the darker element of women who don’t initially bond with their children. Yet I also liked how these symptoms echoed in Pearl, especially when she accepts that her feelings of rejection and hate towards ‘the rat’ are abnormal. Nonetheless, she can’t help but blame her mother’s death on her innocent sister.  

As the story goes on, Pearl isolates herself more and more. Losing interest in her old life, she cuts herself off from her friends, skips school and begins to turn to alcohol to deal with her problems. All in all, it is a crazy year of ups and downs for Pearl that have a significant impact on the adult she is turning into. This book, especially for a debut novel, is a truly powerful read.

Overall, a gripping and beautifully written story that captures a young girl’s grief and tragedy. ‘The Year of the Rat’ will take you on a heartfelt journey that will teach you to let go of the past, cope with loss and remind you to keep on living. Truly spectacular! 4 Stars!

A lesson in backing up!

So like many wanna-be writers before me, the cruel and inevitable finally happened. My computer went boom! Or rather my computer overheated and my hard drive was essentially incinerated! 

So what's the damage? Well apart from me feeling like an idiot, and aside from needing a whole new computer,  I've lost my photos, music, movies, various important documents and of course, my writing!

 You're probably all now screaming at me, "why?! Why didn't you back it all up?!" 

And why didn't I take the advice of all those other heartbroken and unfortunate writers before me...? Well the truth is, I did. Yet fate it seems, hates me! And barely a mere three hours later fate saw fit to corrupt my pretty, red, Paperchase brought USB by giving it a virus! Then again, maybe I should have known better than to use the dodgy, computer game infested computers at my school here in China. But either way, it still comes down to majorly bad luck on my part! 

So my advice, back up your back ups! In fact - save stuff to your email (thankfully I had the sense to do that with my current work in progress) because to lose stuff you've had tucked away years and years, well it bites! 

So if you haven't already - go get backing up! You never know where fate will strike next...

Nobody's Princess - Book Review

Nobody’s Princess – Book Review

Esther M. Friesner

YA Historical Fantasy

Nobody’s Princess Book #1

Synopsis:

She is beautiful, she is a princess, and Aphrodite is her favourite Goddess, but something in Helen of Sparta just itches for more out of life. Not one to count on the Gods – or her looks – to take care of her, Helen sets out to get what she wants with steely determination and a sassy attitude. That same attitude makes Helen a few enemies – such as the self proclaimed “son of Zeus” Theseus – but it also intrigues, charms and amuses those who become her friends, from the famed huntress Atalanta to the young priestess who is the oracle of Delphi.

Review:

This is the second book I have read by this author and I have to say, Esther M. Friesner is fast becoming one of my favorites. Weaving together a tale of history and fantasy, this book tells the story of a Young Helen of Troy – before she launched the thousand ships that lead to the city’s downfall.

Beginning in her early childhood, the story follows Helen's life through to her adolescent years. Wanting only to be as free as the waves from which Aphrodite rose, she discovers early on that to have freedom, you must have power. And while her growing beauty may win her many a warriors loyalty, it isn’t nearly as fun as becoming a warrior herself…

I must admit that when I first picked up this book, I had no idea that it was a retelling of Helen of Troy’s early years. However I soon cottoned on and was happy to realize I had never heard a story venturing into this aspect of Helen’s life before. Helen was simply “the face who launched 10,000 ships”, and as to who she really was and the life she lived before, no one seemed to care. So thank you so much to Esther M. Friesner for writing this book. It’s truly been a pleasure to read.

I thought this story was exceptionally well written, throwing in just enough history so that the book hinged on fantasy that was borderline plausible. With plenty of cameo appearances from heros such as Jason, Hercules, Atlanta and Apollo’s oracle, the story really brought the ancient world to life.

Helen is a fantastic heroine and centre piece for the story. Confident and a little vain, she works hard for what she wants and learns early on how to manipulate people who see only her beauty. However I like how when she becomes a gangly adolescent she pulls back into herself slightly, allowing her to lose some of that childhood vanity.

I also particularly liked how Helens true friends care nothing for her looks and judge her by her deeds, actions and sheer passion for life.  

The plot moves at a fast pace, usually as Helen always seems to be getting herself into trouble.  And while the Gods and various creatures of legend are mentioned, they always lurk at the back of the story, and I like how even the characters themselves are sceptical as to the reality of such myths.

However the one thing I disliked about this book was that it ended on a cliff hanger, so naturally I have had to go by the sequel Nobody’s Prize which I imagine will be just as enthralling a read. All in all, a fantastic story and hugely recommended. 5stars!  

2014 Travelling Highlights Part 1 – Thailand

Hey guys.

Sorry for being MIA for the last six weeks, but I’ve been doing a spot of travelling! I spent all of June walking, busing and flying around Thailand, which was utterly fantastical – but exhausting! And despite the military coo – which wasn’t at all as scary as English news made it out to be – meaning the papers didn’t show you the soldiers taking selfies, or allowing the tourists to pose for pictures on the army tanks! It was a really great holiday and I want to share with you all some of the more thrilling moments of this trip.

Number 1 – Bann Chang Elephant park in Chiangmai, THAILAD

One of my favourite things was coming here and spending two nights and three days feeding, washing, riding and learning to take care of elephants.

Unlike most elephant parks, this place will take in all elephants, both the good and the bad, the young and the old, as well as both the sweet and ill tempted. They rescue their elephants from all over Thailand, and provide the care and attention needed to ensure the elephants lead happy and care free lives.

While the Mahuts (the elephants caretakers) all carried the required bull hook, they are rarely used and you can see each Mahut has a special relationship with their own elephants. Not to mention the Mahuts were all particularly entertaining and enjoyed trying to speak to you with their broken English.

 However while it was sad seeing elephants that had been previously abused – our guide admitted three of the elephants had even killed their previous owners due to ill treatment – It was rewarding to see the good work being done at Bann Chang and should you go to Thailand, I would recommend this as a number one place to visit.

You can learn a lot about the elephants, the how’s and why’s in which they came to live in the park, the way in which to look after them, the right and wrong ways in which they can be ridden. It truly is an overall amazing experience and I took pleasure in learning each elephant’s personality. Some grab food politely, others are greedy and snatch. Some just want to play while others are not quite so friendly and will give you a good wack with their trunks if you get to close… or squirt you with water.

It really is a must! Please feel free to check out their website HERE!

Number 2 – The Golden Palace in Bangkok

A beautiful place to walk around – although if you visit in the height of summer be sure to take a drink! And be warned before you go in, both legs must be fully covered, a woman must have sleeves of some sort (apparently a shawl is not enough – or you are considered too sexy!) and definitely show no cleavage. It’s also an advantage to wear shoes that are easy to slip off as many of the temples require you remove your footwear!

So while getting through the door is often a challenge for many, once you are in the sights are well worth the effort. The statues, the buildings, everything is a mass of colour and history. And being deceptively large, at a wandering pace it will easily take you at least four hours to walk through. Sun glasses might also be a good thing to back as the Palace is, suffice to say, Dazzling!

Number 3 – Chiangmai Town

I adored Chiangmai! There is so much to do both in and outside the town. I would recommend the bike tours - especially the one to the waterfall - and the spas! If you want to pamper yourself, go ahead. I spent four and half hours being pummelled, stretched, rubbed and lathered with goo that turned my skin baby soft and left my brain like mush! All for £50! It was fantastic!

However my favourite thing was the Sunday Market. Prices are cheap, but even so you can haggle – and the markets sell everything! From bags to electronics, food, leather, silks, you name it, they have it! Be prepared to buy very much, but spend very little!

So if you plan to spend any time in Chiangmai, please, please try and be there on a weekend!

Number 4 – Scuba Diving! In Phuket!

So my friend could scuba dive, I could not. Yet finding my hotel literally around the corner from the local dive shop (Aussie Divers) I soon found myself getting talked into taking my Open Water Diving Course and getting my license. Oh boy was it worth it! Not only was my instructor amazing (despite his jokes and obvious entertainment at our screw ups) but learning with only one other student, and taking your first dive into clear blue waters were we saw (A miniscule) mantra ray, a very large turtle, a ship wreck and more fish than I knew existed… it was truly magical!

So Overall…

(What can I say - I live in China! Pizza is a novelty for me!)

Granted there were many other wonderful things, yet these were the most phenomenal that I experienced in Thailand. But after 5 weeks, surprisingly not as much money as you would think, lots of pizza and some amazing sun sets, I am now back in mainland China. However I just spent three very wonderful days in Singapore (a post on that adventure will soon be following) and I am ultra excited to announce, I have just booked a week in Japan! Which, those of you who know me can attest, it has been my lifelong dream to visit! And there is only two weeks to go!

In regards to book reviews, be sure I’ve got lots of reading done these past few weeks! Hopefully now I am home I can catch up on my sleep and will have some reviews up soon! How’s everyone else’s summer going?

Love and Hugs all

XxX  

Vessel - Book Review

Vessel – Book Review

Sarah Beth Durst

YA Fantasy

Synopsis:

Liyana has trained her entire life to be the vessel of a Goddess. She will dance and summon her tribes deity, who will inhabit Liyana’s body and use magic to bring rain to the desert. But when the dance ends, Liyana is still there. Her tribe is furious – and sure that it is Liyana’s fault. Abandoned by her tribe, Liyana expects to die in the desert. Until a boy walks out of the dust in search of her.

Korbyn is a God inside his vessel, and a trickster God at that. He tells Liyana that five other Gods are missing, and they set off across the desert in search of the other vessels. The desert tribes cannot survive without the magic of their Gods. But the journey is dangerous, even with a God’s help. And not everyone is willing to believe the trickster God’s tale.

The closer she grows to Korbyn, the less Liyana wants to disappear to make way for her Goddess. But she has no choice – she must die for her tribe to live. Unless a trickster God can help her to trick fate – or a human girl can muster some magic of her own…

Review:

I had never heard of Sarah Beth Durst before and knew nothing of her books. Yet when someone recommended this story to me, I knew instantly she was an author I needed to check out. Being a big fan of fantasy, I enjoyed all the magical elements hidden within the pages and found the story to be both different and ultimately gripping. A really, really great read.

When Liyana steps into the sacred circle, she knows she will not walk out of it alive. She has had sixteen years to come to terms with her fate, and although fear lurks in her heart she is determined to carry out her destiny. If it means the survival of her people, she will gladly give up her soul so that the Goddess may inhabit her body and bring life and prosperity to her village. Yet when the music stops, Liyana finds her destiny has changed. She is still alive. Her Goddess never came. And now her people will die.

In an angry mob her village turns on her, leaving her alone in the desert, to perish under the scorching sun. Accepting that perhaps death is, after all, to be her fate, Liyana is surprised when from the vast dunes of sand a boy emerges. Claiming to be Korbyn, the notorious trickster God, he explains how the Gods and Goddesses of the desert have been captured. Now together they must set out on a mission to free the trapped deities and rescue the other Vessels before its too late… but just how much can a trickster God be trusted…?

I really adored this book. I thought that the concept for the story was simply stunning and I love the world Sarah Beth Durst has created. A universe of sand and desolation, where life and death is ruled by the magic of the Gods, it is a place where no one can be trusted and each tribe is only looking out for themselves.

Furthermore the sand wolves and glass dragons particularly captured my imagination, yet despite the fantastical elements the magic came with rules and limitations, all of which combined together to make a very real and intriguing read.

 The story is told mostly through Liyana’s eyes, and she was a refreshingly strong character from the start. Smart and intuitive, she trusts her instincts and each new trial and danger only makes her stronger.

The one part of the book I disliked however was the romance that kindled between her and another character – for while I understood the reasoning behind it I thought it made Liyana seem very fickle in her feelings, for while I wouldn’t say there was a love triangle there was change of heart that I couldn’t relate to in anyway. And while it served to make the story unpredictable, I still couldn’t help but be disappointed when the two characters I wanted to be together parted ways.

Yet the romance aside, I really loved everything else about this book. The plot moved at a fast pace, each of the secondary characters was unique and charming – especially the other Gods who where rather selfish and childish in comparison to their human vessels. And to top it all off, I liked that it was hard to read peoples agendas which kept the plot a mystery and me turning the pages.

So overall, a four star read! VESSEL is great YA fantasy and one that I would recommend to any Tamora Pierce or Maria V Snyder fans, and I can’t wait to check out more books by Sarah Beth Durst. If anyone has any recommendations please let me know! This is definitely a book for the keep shelf J

Crown of Midnight - Book Review

Crown of Midnight – Book Review

Sara J Maas

YA Fantasy

Throne of Glass series Book #2

Synopsis:

From the throne of glass rules a king with a fist of iron and a soul as black as pitch. Assassin Celaena Sardothien won a brutal contest to become his champion. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown. She hides her secret vigilantly; she knows that the man she serves is bent on evil.

Keeping up the deadly charade becomes increasingly difficult when Celaena realises she is not the only one seeking justice. As she tries to untangle the mysteries buried deep within the glass castle, her closest relationships suffer. It seems no one is above questioning her allegiances – not the crown Prince Dorian, not Chaol, the captain of the guard, not even her best friend, Nehemia, a foreign princess with a rebel heart.

Then one terrible night, the secrets they have all been keeping lead to an unspeakable tragedy. As Celaena’s world shatters, she will be forced to give up the very thing most precious to her and decide once and for all where her true loyalties lie… and whom she is ultimately willing to fight for.

Review:

            I absolutely adored this book! The second instalment of Sarah J Maas epic, Throne of Glass series, this was a story I found virtually impossible to put down. With just as much romance, magick and mystery as the first, Crown of Midnight was a tremendous read.

Beginning a few weeks after the end of the last book, the story picks up with Celaena in full assassin mode, reluctantly fulfilling her duties as the king’s champion. Yet even though she resents her new ‘boss’ she is determined to win back her freedom, but even he can’t snuff out her rebellious spark and I like how she continues to work on her own terms.

However when Celaena becomes aware of a new darkness lurking in the castle, try as she might to remain uninvolved, her curiosity inevitably gets the better of her. Yet as new secrets are revealed, Celaena chooses to flee rather than face her own past. But when tragedy strikes, she must make the choice, sacrifice those she loves, or reveal the truths she has kept hidden so long.

But with a new evil rising, and the king’s armies growing, Celaena must act quickly, and figure out just which side of the board she is on. But knowing everyone is looking to use her for their own agendas, she must work out who to trust, and who to love, before it’s too late.

A truly spectacular sequel, this book had it all. Action, drama, and plenty of suspense! Yet while I felt many of the new revelations had been foreshadowed, although I admit expertly so, there was still plenty of unexpected plot twists that completely threw me out of orbit.

Also while the pace never stopped, I felt it did lull in places – but more in a ‘catch your breath’ kind of way rather than a ‘put the book down and do something else’ way. But those things aside, my enjoyment of the story never once lagged.

As with the first book I found the characters completely riveting. Celaena for her feisty, kick ass girl attitude – but this time around I was also eager to see the undertones of her past finally brought to light.

However I felt we also grew closer to the secondary characters. Both the King and Duke up the stakes in their nefarious plans, Princess Nehemiah is always more than what she seems. But Even Chaol and Dorian branch out the story with woes and troubles of their own. And the new characters such as the Iron toothed witch, and Mort, the talking door knob, were certainly delightful additions to what is already a diverse and exemplary cast of characters.

So all in all, Crown of Midnight was a book I soon devoured – and one I will most certainly recommend to all. If you haven’t already picked up the first Throne of Glass Book, it’s a story I would urge all Fantasy lovers to read. You won’t be disappointed!

Overall a fantastic sequel! 5 Stars!

Gameboard of the Gods - Book Review

Gameboard of the Gods – Book Review

Richelle Mead

Adult Urban Fantasy

Age of X Book #1

Synopsis:

In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills.

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realise that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board.

Review:

I’ve been a big of fan of Richelle Mead, both her adult and YA titles, for many years. Therefore I was intrigued by the concept of this futuristic fantasy and while I felt it got off to a slow and slightly confusing start, after a few chapters, I found myself hooked.

The story is written in third person, but follows the lives of two main characters. Mae, who is a praetorian - an elite, military solider with enhanced speed and strength gifted to her via a special implant. And Justin, a servitor charged with finding the truth behind fantastical and outlandish religious claims.

Both have their own pasts and histories – not to mention their own problems. Like the darkness that lives within Mae, urging her to kill and gain power. And Justin, who has two wise (and very chatty) ravens living inside his head. But when these two characters are brought together to help solve a series of mysterious murders, they soon learn that the Gods society has forgotten, may just be real after all. And they are picking their champions, but for what dark purpose… Mae and Justin have yet to discover…

This story crosses a lot of genres, a little dystopian, a little fantasy, with plenty of mythology and action thrown in. It makes for an intriguing read, and if you can persevere through the first hundred pages – it is a book many of you would ultimately enjoy.

My main issue with the opening chapters was all the new ideas and terms that were thrown about. As a reader you are suddenly thrust into this futuristic world with no explanation as to how and why it was formed. Of course this is all slowly revealed over time through dialogues and actions, but without the back story I was a little confused so it took awhile to ease into the flow of the story. However once I understood what was happening, I was captivated.

The plot is weaving, making it impossible to see which direction it’s taking you so there are plenty of twists and surprises.  Fast paced, the story itself is action packed and held my interest throughout – and I like the way the romance is slow burning and filled with complications that the reader (but not the characters) get to understand.

In regards to the characters, each one is individually unique. And as Richelle Mead is known for her strong female protagonists, it’s safe to say Mae certainly holds her own with the rest of them. I particularly liked how her past was revealed piece by piece, and she is a character I really came to care about.

As for Justin, he complimented Mae’s character well. He is strong where she is weak and vise-versa. This made their romance a delight to read and I couldn’t help but love the comedy Justin’s ravens add to the story – along with his sarcastic wit and humour. I look forward to seeing how things develop for them in the next book.

So overall a great, action packed story that is choc full mystery, romance and mayhem. Set in a post apocalyptic world, with a dash of fantasy and a little myth and legend, this is an intriguing book. A one of a kind read, I would recommend it to all Richelle Mead fans and for anyone who is looking across the genres for something just a little different. 4 stars!

The Assassin and the Desert - Book Review

The Assassin and the Desert

Sara J Maas

YA Fantasy

Synopsis:

The silent assassins of the red desert aren’t much for conversation, and Celaena Sardotheian wouldn’t have it any other way. She’s not there to chatter, she’s there to hone her craft as the world’s most feared killer for hire. When the quiet is shattered by the forces who want to destroy the silent assasins, Celaena must finds a way to stop them, or she’ll be lucky to leave the desert alive…

Review:

The second of the Throne of Glass Prequel novellas, The assassin and the Desert is yet another thrilling and action packed story that tells the tale of some of Celaena Sardotheian’s earlier adventures.

As punishment for her disobedience in allying with the pirate lord , Celaena is packed off to the dessert for intense training with the silent assassins. Yet when she arrives, she is shunned by the Master who refuses to share with her his tribes secret ways. If she is to gain the trust of the Master, Celaena must prove herself to be worthy in both heart, mind and spirit. But the end of silent assassins draws near, as deadly plots seek to see them crumble from within… and Celaena finds herself caught in the middle of an age long struggle for power…

This was an insightful novella as the trials Celaena faces here have a great impact upon her character. Each event helps push and mould her towards becoming the strong and independent woman we meet in Throne of Glass - and this is also the story where she picks up some of her more deadly assassin skills and weapons.

While I missed Sam, I thought the other characters we were introduced to were plenty enough interesting so I didn’t mind so much the lack of romance. Although I do hope we will see him again in the next novella! However the son of the Master was plenty handsome and roughish, and I would like to see him again in the next books.

Overall an engaging and fun read. 4 stars!

The Night Itself - Book Review

The Night Itself – Book Review

Zoe Marriott

YA Urban Fantasy

Book #1 in the Name of the Blade Series

Synopsis:

When Mio steals te family’s Katana – a priceless ancestral sword – from her parents attic, she just wants to spice up a fancy dress costume. But the Katana is much more than some  dusty antique and her actions unleash a terrible, ancient evil onto the streets of unsuspecting London.

Soon Shinobu, a fearless warrior boy, appears to protect Mio – and threatens to steal her heart. With the Gods and Monsters of Japanese myth stalking her and her friends, Mio realises that if she cannot keep the sword safe, and learn to control its legendary powers, she will lose not only her own life… but the love of a lifetime.

Review:

I am a big fan of Zoe Marriott’s and while I have enjoyed each and everyone one of her previous books, none of them wowed me in quite the same way the ‘The Night Itself’ has managed. This is a truly spectacular novel! Packed with action, intrigue and Japanese folklore, the story gripped me from beginning to end.

The story begins with fifteen year old Mio, a British born girl of Japanese heritage. Creeping into the attic, she steals her family’s ancestral sword from its dust covered case– telling herself it’s just the thing she needs to complete her Halloween costume. But the truth is, Mio’s been dreaming of the sword for years. Ever since the day her grandfather revealed it to her, with the promise that one day, it would belong to her.

Yet by taking the sword from its hiding place, Mio unknowingly unleashes a terrible creature upon the streets of London. Now with only her best friend Jack, a fox spirit and a seemingly immortal, 500 year old Japanese warrior – she must battle back the darkness and learn the secrets of her family’s sword before it’s too late. Otherwise should the Katana fall into the wrong hands, the world as Mio knows it, will be over… and the creatures of the underworld will overwhelm the earth.

The plot and pacing of this book are amazing. Not once did the story drag. What with the characters being thrown from one terrible thing to another, I felt like the action never stopped. With the backstory told through Mio’s memories with her grandfather, and the romance squeezed in between each (slightly less) life threatening scene, this was a book I found very hard to put down.

Each character is beautifully written and adds something special to the story. Mio is a particularly strong heroine and while she lacks confidence in both herself and  her abilities, I liked seeing the impact each new event had on her. You could literally see her growing both stronger and surer in herself as the story progressed.

Shinobu is also a very worthy love interest for her. With secrets and problems of his own, it was easy to fall in love with him. Both he and Mio make such as nice couple and despite the short time they've known each other, nothing about their romance feels forced. Instead it reads like two strangers, thrown into a war against evil and with each brush with death, find themselves more strongly bonded together. I’m looking forward to seeing how their relationship will develop in the next book.

Yet the secondary characters are also kick ass. I absolutely love Jack – Mio’s feisty, sarcastic and lesbian best friend. She brings a lot of humor to the story. However I can’t help but feel sorry for Hikaru – the gorgeous male fox spirit who is completely smitten with her. If only he could be a woman…

As for the Nekomata and dark Goddess, they are wonderful villains. The myth and legends based around the Goddess vengeful vendetta to kill humans makes the story read so well. And through using so much myth and mythology I feel like the story just flows seamlessly with no hiccups, no breaks, and no pauses while you try to wonder what if…

So overall, a five star read! And one I would recommend to anyone who is a fan of fantasy fiction and all things Japanese, especially as I think this story would make an excellent anime! Great stuff!

2014 - A New Year, A New Chapter, A New Adventure...

Dear Readers,

So 2013 was a crazy year for me. As many of you know, in January 2013 I took the plunge and moved to China, which - I can now say with certainly, remains the best decision I’ve ever made!

I’ve seen so many places, done and experienced so many strange and wonderful things. I’ve met amazing people from all over the world and made friends from all walks of life. I closed a lot of doors, but opened many new ones, said goodbye to a really bad relationship and came out so much stronger for it. 

I’ve always lacked confidence, but somehow last year, I lost the girl was too afraid to phone and order takeaway. I forgot that I can’t speak Chinese, and that mime and mimicking were anything other than normal. It stopped bothering me what people thought and for the first time in a long time – I got to just be me. And the woman I’m becoming, I like her very much J

My journey however – is not quite over. Next week I will have officially been in China one year. And in ten days, I’ll be flying back to England for the first time – for a three week holiday! That’s right, I’ve resigned my Chinese teaching contract for another few months and plan to spend all of next summer travelling around Asia. Japan, Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore, Korea, Malaysia, you name it, I’m going there. And I can’t wait!

Will my books be coming with me? Yes, they will… somehow lol. Still working out the kinks in that plan but I plan to keep reviewing as I love my blog and I don’t want to give it up. I also want to start a new bi-weekly feature on my travels which I hope you will enjoy – That should take off sometime next week.

Otherwise I want to wish everybody all the best for the New Year! I hope 2014 will be a fantastic one for you! And to my fellow UK book bloggers, I’ll be hopefully making it to the Blogger Brunch at Random House so look forward to catching up with you all then.

Take care and (maybe) see you soon

Sarah

XxX