The Other Alice - Book Review

The Other Alice - Book Review

MG Fantasy

Michelle Harrison

UK Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s UK

Synopsis:

What happens when a tale with real magic, that was supposed to be finished, never was? This a story about one of those stories…

Midge loves riddles, his cat, Twitch, and - most of all - stories. Especially because he’s grown up being read to by his sister Alice, a brilliant writer.

When Alice goes missing and a talking cat turns up in her bedroom, Midge searches Alice’s stories for a clue. Soon he discovers that her secret book, THE MUSEUM OF UNFINISHED STORIES, is much more than just a story. In fact, he finds two of its characters wandering around town.

But every tale has its villains - and with them leaping off the page, Midge, Gypsy and Piper must use all their wits and cunning to work out how the story ends and find Alice. If they fail, a more sinister finale threatens them all . . .

Review:

This book really captured my imagination. A story within story, where characters walk off the page and magic finds a place in the real world - this book was everything I hoped it would be and more. 

When Midge’s sister, Alice goes missing, he knows something really bad has happened to her. Then he finds a talking cat, a girl who looks eerily like his sister, and a strange boy/thief who can charm anyone with a song. The three only have one thing in common. They were characters in his sisters book. Yet now, something has brought them off the page and into the world. 

But they aren't the only ones who escaped Alice’s notebook. And not all the characters are happy with the end Alice has planned for them. Now Midge, and his odd trio of companions must find Alice so she can finish the story, before the villain’s can create a twisted ending of their own.

Such a delicious story! THE OTHER ALICE is a superbly written tale based around the premise of unfinished stories. Its something that will enjoyed by all ages alike, as its about family and friends, combined with a dash of magic and a pinch of the impossible.

The characters have so much depth and life to them - each stunningly unique in their own way. Everyone from the talking cat to the simple corner shop owner, everyone in the story is memorable, both main and minor characters alike.  Sometimes its their appearance, their manner of speech or personality, everyone just simply dazzled. 

Midge in particular is a great hero - although admittedly, I didn't read the blurb and missed the fact he was a boy. It took me several chapters before I cottoned on - however watching him move from one clue to the next in search of his sister was simply heartwarming.

Although I think my favourite character had to be Tea, the talking cat. She made me laugh on so many occasions. But I was also intrigued by the villain of the story, and I loved the idea she was created by what Alice (the writer) feared most. Although I felt all the “story” characters had a little of Alice in them, and this book really paints the picture of what authors mean when they say each character carries a part of themselves.

I also throughly enjoyed the riddles in this book. I often found myself setting the book aside just so I could try and figure them out myself - and while I didn't quite get the big riddle, I was close! In a way, this also made reading the story more satisfying as I felt I was solving the clues right there along with Midge … as well as testing my own intelligence :)

In terms of plot, the story was fast paced and pretty intense. Full of mystery, action, puzzle solving and magic, this book would surely capture all imaginations. I must confess though I was anticipating the final plot twist regarding the villain, however I find that with this story, it didn't quell my enjoyment. More like I just HAD to keep reading to check I was right, because there are certainly enough side plots to keep you uncertain.

My only nit pick was the ending. While I really liked the line, that all fictional characters continue their story long after the book is closed, and that a book is just a window into that particular time and story… I REALLY wanted to know what happened next for Alice’s characters! I sincerely hope Michelle Harrison considers writing a sequel, because this book was just beautiful.

Basically if you enjoyed Cornelia Funke’s Ink Heart Series then you will absolutely love this book as well.  There are also some hints of Alice in wonderland, as well as some other classic and lesser known stories hidden throughout the book. I feel like Michelle Harrison took a little inspiration from everywhere, and through it her love of books really shines through. Both as a reader and a writer. 

A dazzling story woven with spellbinding thread, you can tell this was a work of the heart. I give THE OTHER ALICE 5 stars!

Buy now on Amazon

The Shadow Hour - Book Review

The Shadow Hour - Book review

Melissa Grey

YA Fantasy

The Girl at Midnight #2

UK PUBLISHER: ATOM

Other books in the series:

The Girl At Midnight #1 - Review HERE

Synopsis:

Everything in Echo’s life changed in a blinding flash when she learned the startling truth: that she is the firebird, the creature of light, the bringer of peace.

But the firebird has not come into the world alone. Echo can feel a great and terrible darkness rising in the distance: Cosmic forces that threaten to tear the world apart.

Echo has already lost her home, her family, and her boyfriend. Now her path is filled with even greater dangers than the ones she’s already overcome. Echo must decide: can she wield the power of her true nature—or will it prove too strong for her, and burn what’s left of her world to the ground?

Welcome to the Shadow Hour.

Review:

Once again, Melissa Grey swept me away with her beautiful prose and world building. With a fast paced plot and the return of a fabulous cast of colourful characters, this was a most enjoyable read. A fantastic second book to THE GIRL AT MIDNIGHT trilogy.

Echo succeeded in waking the firebird, but her selfless act also unleashed a terrible evil on the world. Taking the form of a dark shadow, it spreads death and disease upon all it touches. Mindless and cruel, it has but one desire. To Kill the Firebird. To kill Echo.

Now with the death tolls rising, Echo undertakes a journey to discover the true extent of her powers. But with the shadow close on her heels and the ones she loves in great peril, can Echo save the world once again? Or will the end of the world be on her hands…

My favourite thing about this series is Echo’s love of words. The prose is full of new and interesting adjectives (thank goodness for the kindles built in dictionary!) that I needed to keep a notebook next to me  just so I could keep track of them all. However while such words can make the writing a little flowery at times, I found the descriptions of places and people so interesting that it didn't really bother me.

In terms of plot, this story is fast paced with each character thrust from one situation to the next. Just like the last book there are many fight scenes, break ins, run ins… along with lots of general mayhem and magic. 

I still really enjoyed Echo as a character. I loved how this book delved more into Echo’s past, however I felt she lost some of her self-assured sparkle along the way. In this story Echo was more solitary and full of doubt. I really hope the next book brings back more of her shaper wit and humour. 

Caius and Echo’s romance also was a little plain, and by that I just felt it didn't develop any more depth despite the pronounced I love you’s. I think that is partly due to the re-introduction of Rowan (Echo’s ex-boyfriend) as a love interest. I’m not a huge fan of love triangles and this three-way relationship was a large undercurrent of the story.

What I absolutely adored though was Jasper and Dorian’s relationship. Not only is Jasper a literal peacock and my favourite character, but watching him kindle a romance with the stoic draconian, Dorian - well let’s just say it was heartwarming to watch Dorian melt. Huge cheers for Jasper and Dorian!

My biggest nit-pick however was the ending. It’s a cliff-hanger! Those evil plot devices that I both love and hate. While it does ensure I will be  counting down the days to the next and final book, it’s also going to drive me crazy. 

A tantalisingly delicious binding of words! I give THE SHADOW HOUR 4 stars!

The Otherlife - Book Review

The Otherlife

Julia Gray

YA Contemporary  

UK Publisher: Anderson Press

Synopsis:

Three years ago, Ben’s beloved tutor, Jason, died in myserteous circumstances. And he begins to wonder if his old friend Hobie had something to do with it…

I always get away with it when I try stuff like this. Partly it comes down to sort of assuming that I’m going to. I’ve got loads of confidence. And Loki got away with everything. Well, almost everything.

When troubled, quiet Ben begins at the ruthlessly competitive Cottesmore House, school to the richest, most privileged boys, he is befriended by Hobie: the wealthy class bully, product of monstrous indulgence and intense parental ambition.

Hobie is drawn to Ben because he can see the Otherlife: a violent, mythic place where Gods and Monsters roam. Ben has unnerving visions of Thor and Odin, and of the giant beasts that will destroy them, as well as Loki, God of mischief. Hobie is desperate to be part of it.

Years later, Ben discovers his beloved tutor, Jason, is dead. And he can’t help wondering if Hobie — wild, restless, dangerous Hobie, had something to do with it…

Review:

Such an incredible read! This book was really something else. Normally I detest contemporary stories but I found this one — with it’s undercurrent of norse mythology and otherworldly undertones — to be absolutely fantastic!

The author, Julia Gray, packs so much into this story. So much so, that I’m claiming this as my favourite book of 2016 so far.… Although it wasn't until I finished the book that I realised the picture on the front cover is actually a wolf. I thought it was just a pretty decoration.

Ben can see the Gods and monsters of old. Odin and Loki, Freya and Skoll, they hover at the end of his vision in ever moving shapes and colours. But now they have a message for Ben. His old tutor, Jason, is dead. And deep down, Ben knows it was his best friend, Hobie, who is to blame. 

Hobie is rich, spoiled and stressed out from the overbearing ambitions of his parents. When he befriends quiet, scholarship student Ben, his mind is opened to a world he never knew existed. The world of the otherlife. But Ben’s tales of Gods and Monsters are not enough to satisfy Hobie. He wants to witness the stories unfolding himself… and he will do anything to make it happen.

What started as something a little confusing, soon turned into a delicious, page-turning read. Told from two viewpoints, across two time periods, the story takes a few chapters to get into, but it is definitely worth the effort. 

In the beginning I found both Ben and Hobie sounded quite similar. It wasn't until I was about 20% in that I really began to distinguish them in my mind.

Ben is the more mystical (but strangely down to earth) character. Pressurised to do well at school, he also suffers the arguments of his recently divorced parents. He is the one who “invents” the Otherlife. Created from his fascination with Norse mythology and brought to life after an head injury, he makes the world of the Otherlife into a plausible thing. 

Amazingly, not once did I perceive Ben as crazy. I just accepted that he saw what he said he did. I believe this is one of the biggest things that made this book so brilliant. The seamless merge of fantasy and reality. 

In that way it reminded me a lot of Clare Furniss’ book - the year of the Rat. However fans of Sally Green’s Half Bad Trilogy, or anyone who just likes unique voices will enjoy this story. Although the divide between dreams and reality really blurred at the end of the book, and I couldn't help think THE OTHERLIFE turned a little Alice in Wonderland on us. In a good way of course.

Then there was Hobie. He was incredibly interesting in his thoughts and I loved his view of the world. A very layered character. He’s the sort of person you hate in real life but love to read about. He brought such emotional depth to the story. 

The only element of the book I didn't like was both Hobie’s and Ben’s parents. They were so selfish, and a little stupid. Of course the story was told from the perspective of two twelve-year-old boys, but I often agreed with them that their parents were crazy. Yet at the same time, I understand that some parents can generally be that overbearing. Everyone has/knows someone who had strict/protective/ambitious parents.

Otherwise, I adored how much Julia Gray squeezed into this book. It explores the issues of addictions, eating disorders, over indulgence, divorce and so much more. Everything slotted naturally into the plot and felt like it belonged. The writing wasn't preachy, it simply made the reader aware that such problems exist. 

The plot also held a lot of mystery. As a reader there was so many questions that I wanted answers to, and I’m pleased to say the end wrapped everything up in a nice big bow. The story came full circle, although it was quite sad - but satisfyingly so. I can’t imagine the book ending any other way.

Overall - I really loved this book. I do however think it will be something you will either really like, or really hate depending on how you perceive the characters. For me, the underlining story of the Norse Gods made this book really special. A truly beautiful piece of fiction.

 I generally can’t believe this is a debut book. I’m eager to read whatever Julia Gray writes next. 

I give THE OTHERLIFE 5 stars!

As Black As Ebony - Book Review

As Black As Ebony - Book Review

Salla Simukka

YA Thriller

Lumikki Andersson #3

UK Publisher: Hot Key Books

Other books in the series:

As Red As Blood #1 - Review HERE

As White As Snow #2 - Review HERE

Synopsis:

Lumikki has a new boyfriend — easygoing, gorgeous Sampsa — but she is unfaithful in her dreams, longing for the electrifying touch of her ex, Blaze.

Then  the threats start arriving, from someone who seems to know Lumikki intimately. Sharing her fears risks deadly consequences; now she is more alone than ever.

When Blaze suddenly reappears, Lumikki is torn. She can’t deny the chemistry between them, but can she trust him? To stop the killer, Lumikki must uncover a dark secret that has haunted her family for years. 

Review:

This is the last book of the Lumikki Andersson trilogy, and for such a short novel, Salla Simukka really packs a lot of punch into each page. With beautiful prose, lots fairytale references and a very unpredictable plot line, I felt this trilogy was brought to a stunning conclusion.

A few months after her trip to Prague, Lumikki is now back in Poland and is at last settling into a normal high school life. She has a new boyfriend, new friends, and has somehow landed the starring role in the school play. Yet her past continues to haunt her. Surfacing in her dreams each night through broken memories.

Then she receives a letter. She is being watched. And her new stalker knows the truth about Lumikki’s childhood. The childhood Lumikki herself has forgotten. Now with tasks hidden behind thinly veiled threats, Lumikki is forced to meet her stalkers demands. She must unlock her memories. But all she can recall is one little girl, and lots of blood…

This was such a good book. The writing is uniquely beautiful, full of flowery sentences but brushed with darker undertones. Like thorns hiding beneath pretty petals, each word morphs together to paint vivid yet often melancholy scenes. A truly fantastic and spellbinding story.

As with the first two books, I was drawn to Lumikki’s character. Her strong survival instincts, her quick thinking and generally passive attitude toward others. She is not your typical teenager. However I did think she came across as a little different in this book.

In the previous stories Lumikki seemed more sure-footed and rational. Then again she was mostly dealing with other peoples problems. Yet in this third and final book Lumikki undergoes a mental journey, which made her appear more fragile. She couldn't stay dispassionate about her own life, and this newfound rashness was clear in each of her choices. However Lumikki was still a kick-ass-heroine. 

In terms of other characters, I was pleased we finally got to meet Blaze outside of a flashback. I love that Lumikki’s first love was with a transgender girl, and really thought this unconventional (but awesome) romance epitomised Lumikki’s personality.

I also liked the contrast Sampsa (Lumikki’s current boyfriend) provided. He is the opposite of everything Lumikki has known and I was happy to see Lumikki with someone so loving. 

However even with a small cast of only seven or eight characters, I was never able to work out who the stalker was. Huge kudos to Salla Simukka for all those red herrings! When the culprit was revealed I was totally surprised and this really made the book doubly enjoyable. Generally I’m really good at figuring out the “who done it?” stories - it was nice to be stumped for once.

Otherwise the biggest thing that drove this book forward was the plot. For the past two books, there has always been a hint of Lumkki’s dark past. Now in this final instalment we finally get to see that past revealed. 

Simply put, it was a great read. Everything was tidied up nicely and no box was left un-ticked. A truly satisfying conclusion.

Ultimately, I really enjoyed this series. Although each book is pretty short, each is packed with so much story that it’s just the perfect length. These are great books for anyone looking for a quick, action packed read. Fans of Holly Black or Melissa Meyer, this is definitely a trilogy you should check out.

4 stars!

Kitty Tweddle and the Wishing Well - Book Review

Kitty Tweddle and the Wishing Well - Book Review

H.J. Blenkinsop

MG Fantasy

(Kitty Tweddle Book #1)

Synopsis:

Stuck for the summer in the tiny village of dribble, eleven-year-old Kitty Tweddle thinks this will be the worst summer ever. But her grandparents house holds many secrets, and when Kitty steps on an enchanted penny, a world filled with magic unravels around her. With a rouge wishing well spewing out bad wishes, a mysterious house full of secret passageways and magical creatures everywhere she turns, Kitty’s summer suddenly gets a lot more interesting.

But when a bogeyman escapes Fairyland, determined to use the well for his own dark wishes, Kitty’s whole world is put in danger. And only Kitty—aided by three talking cats and a book of magic—can stop him. If she fails, her home and everyone she loves will be lost. Forever.

Review:

H.J. Blenkinsop is a new, self-published author — and while I don't usually review self published books — this story really intrigued me and I just had to make the exception. Full of magic, mayhem and a wonderful cast of characters, KITTY TWEDDLE is a story that I think fans of Stephanie Burgis and Abi Elphinstone will love!

When eleven-year-old Kitty Tweddle is packed off to spend the summer with her grandparents — Kitty is certain it will be the most boring summer ever! Yet when she steps on a bad-penny, she discovers fairyland lies, quite literally, on her doorstep. And furthermore, She, Kitty Tweddle, is a witch. Or at least a witch in training. 

Now with a bogeyman on the loose and a rouge wishing-well about to erupt in her grandparents basement, Kitty must learn to use her newfound powers and fast. Otherwise, the world as she knows it could end with one evil wish…

I really enjoyed this book. It was fun, lighthearted and packed full of adventure. Kitty was an awesome, tom-boyish sort of heroine who many girls will find easy to relate to. She has a natural curiosity which tends to get her into trouble, although I found she was often a victim of circumstance. Chaos seems to follow wherever she goes!

Then there are the cats, Nutmeg, Baby and Roger. They are brilliant characters with very distinct personalities, and I found much of the humour in the book came from then. They made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion! 

However I found all the characters very well written. Kitty’s grandparents, the irritating neighbours known as the Snodgrasses, everyone right down to the bogeyman - they all added something extra to the story. All the magical creatures were also very interesting - and each was described in a very vivid way. This is literally a book that will send imaginations soaring. 

The plot is also fast paced with nearly every chapter ending on some kind of cliffhanger. I think many people would be hard pushed to put this story down. I also found the ending absolutely adorable! I truly think girls between the ages of 8 - 12 would love this story and I personally can’t wait for the second book.

A really magical debut - I give Kitty Tweddle and the Wishing Well 4 stars! 

MIXING IT UP - A WRITING POST

(New Notebooks and Magic Pens)

MIXING IT UP - A WRITING POST

So today I wanted to talk about writing regimes. Why you may ask? Because thanks to extremely hot weather and my determination to not use the air-con (I’ll explain why in a minute) my trusty computer keeps overheating.  Therefore, unless I want to send my trusted laptop to an early grave, the whole way I write...

 NOW. HAS. TO. CHANGE.

(cue overly dramatic music)

You see for me, my method of writing has always been the same. 

• Butt in chair. 
• Hands on keyboard.
• A thirst quenching drink close to hand. 
• A general plot written in a notebook
• I then sit and write each scene and chapter in consecutive order. 

Then came the hot weather.

As most of you probably know, I live in China (over three years now people - yes it’s really been that long!) and China isn't exactly… well, the cleanest place. Air pollution here is pretty bad so you’ll find the air-cons tend to make you sick. At best you get a cough and a sore throat. At worse… your more than likely taking years off your life. AIR-CONS are evil.

And so I invested in an electric fan. 

Health Problems - SOLVED.

My Computer though was still overheating.

Solution: Time to mix things up!

(My Magic Pens! Steven, Gramps and Ollie - Yes I named them. Shh, it's not weird!)

FIRST THINGS FIRST - PEN AND PAPER

So realising I would have to switch too writing with a pen and paper if I wanted to get anything done, I dutifully went out and brought myself two new notebooks - because clearly the hundreds of empty ones I had aren't good enough to be WRITTEN WRITTEN in.

I also treated myself to three magic pens — magic not because they make me smile, but these are magic Chinese pens with a rubber at one end that somehow, incredibly RUBS OUT INK! Who knew making mistakes could be fun?

But then came the actual writing. 

And it was hard.

(And no, not because I spent the first hour playing with my magic pens!)

However, for me notebooks have always been for planning, brainstorming, and maybe the occasional midnight-induced / late-night-thinking ideas. They also look pretty on my desk :)  But ACTUALLY writing stories in them? Ha - I don't do that. 

I like to type my stories. Generally because I can type faster than I can wield a pen, and I need to get the words out of my head before they go poof! (I’m sure you fellow writers know the feeling of poofing words - It's like eating your favourite chocolate first and realising only yucky ones are left).

 (Magic Pens!)

Ultimately I found committing something to ink (even erasable ink) was difficult. But I realised it was a good thing. It made me more critical of my word choices, and question both my plot and characters more.

Bottom line - I felt I made less mistakes. 

Which leads me onto: CHAPTERS VS SCENES

So when I’m on my lap top, I like to read through the previous days writing then move on from there. Yet in the spirit of mixing things up, I decided to write only in scenes, choosing from my planned plot any scene that took my fancy. 

(Aren’t I rebellious?)

My findings - I actually WRITE MORE, and get stuck much less. Instead of a few hundred works, I had pages that added up to almost a thousand. What is this magic?

Could it possibly be that by cherry-picking my scenes I was already going in with a positive frame of mind? Or was it lifting the pressure to progress the story - because shockingly, knowing what happens next makes it easier to write the bits in-between, or so I’ve found. 

However I’ll be curious if I will still feel this way in a few months when I will have less scenes to pick from… I guess only time will tell.

And speaking of time.

MIXING IT UP PART THREE - EARLY MORNINGS!

(My writing space - and yes that is a Kodama in the right hand corner, drawn by my lovely other half!)

I am a glorified night owl. Mornings? Well until a week ago, I barely remembered what they looked like. However as much as this pen and paper thing seems to be working for me, I still need my computer time. 

I have book reviews to write, emails to answer, and of course writing that needs typing up. But the coldest time of day right now is 5am.

And so that’s what time I’ve been waking up — although this also comes with the perk of midday nap times and an ice-cream :)

But overall… I’m loving it! Ok, ok, I know you are all backing away from me, holding pointy things in case I try to follow, but hear me out. 

I’m waking up with a purpose to get things done.

And those things, writing, reviewing, even a sneaky hour of reading…

THEY ARE ALL THINGS I ENJOY!

And somehow, waking up has become enjoyable too.

I used to generally wake up between 10am and 11am (Ok, ok, admittedly 2pm somedays) but my point is, I now have so many more hours in my day. And I’m putting them to use.

All in all - Mixing up the way I write, from the tools I use to the time I get up, even the place I write, has really changed my level of productivity. 

Mixing things up has been a good thing.

And it all happened because Chinese air-con sucks!

So tell me, what are your writing habits like?

:)

Riders - Book Review

Riders - Book Review

Veronica Rossi

YA Paranormal

Book #1 in Riders

UK Publisher: Tor Teen

Synopsis:

Nothing but death can keep eighteen-year-old Gideon Blake form achieving his goal of becoming a U.S. Army Ranger. As it turns out, it does.

While recovering from the accident that most definitely killed him, Gideon finds himself with strange new powers and a bizarre cuff he can’t remove. His death has brought to life his real destiny. He has become War, one of the legendary four horseman of the apocalypse.

Over the coming weeks, he and the other horsemen—Conquest, Famine, and Death—are brought  together by a beautiful but frustratingly secretive girl to help save humanity from an ancient evil on the emergence.

They fail.

Now—Bound, bloodied and drugged—Gideon is interrogated by the authorities about his role in the battle that has become an international incident. If he stands any chance of saving his friends and the girl he’s fallen for—not to mention al of humankind—he needs to convince the skeptical government officials the world is in imminent danger.

But will anyone believe him?

Review:

Having really enjoyed Veronica Rossi’s “Through the Ever Night” trilogy, I was really excited to pick up RIDERS—and it didn't disappoint.  Action packed with an  intriguing storyline, this book was a really great read.

After surviving a death-defying accident, eighteen-year-old Gideon Blake awakes in hospital to find his wounds miraculously healed, his temper high, and a strange cuff attached to his wrist. And now, he has a strange but pretty girl telling him he is War, one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse. 

Soon joined by his three other brethren, Famine, Conquest and Death, the four of the them now have the heavenly task of protecting a sacred key from demons. But when the horsemen fail and are taken captive by the government, everything now rests on Gideon being smart enough to convince his captors that the world is in great danger—and that he, and the rest of the apocalyptic horsemen—are actually the good guys. But will they believe him in time..?

It’s been ages since I read a book with a male protagonist— and I thought Veronica Rossi pulled it off very well. Combined with military, magical, and pure boyish elements, I thought RIDERS was a quite a refreshing read. 

Gideon was a really likeable hero, very macho and real in his reactions to the fantastical. I liked the simple direction his thoughts went in, and since the story is all from his view point, the military style run-downs describing people and scenery were direct and to the point. It also made following the action scenes very easy. 

In terms of the other characters, I’m really hoping to see more character building in the next book. I felt that we didn't get to know most of the other characters properly, especially Death and Conquest, both of whom didn't come into the story until nearly midway. I’m also hoping book two will have some much needed, bro-bonding time. 

But the horses… I loved the horses! Actually the whole package of manifesting weapons, armour and shadowy/dusty/fiery/star-blinding mares and stallions was spectacularly done. Also I was moved by the fact that it was Riot, Gideon’s horse, who really broke through Gideon’s shell of grief and anger. 

In terms of plot the story felt very mission like. The characters always had an objective, were always on the run from bad guys, and everything was very much go, go, go. However I think having the story from Gideon’s perspective really helped slow the action down, giving it a perfect pacing as he sort to rationalise and justify everything before taking action. 

My only criticism is that I never felt the URGENCY that was clearly fuelling the characters along. While I really enjoyed the story,  I didn't feel the characters really cared about protecting the key from the bad guys —partly because everyone seemed to withhold important information. Rather, all the action seemed to be based around the four of them staying alive. The all important key more or less took a back seat until the end of the story.

I think that’s why it took me so long to read this book—I found it easy to put down—however it was also a nice book to come back to. But it took me nearly 3 months to read this story since I would only read a couple of chapters here and there, usually in-between reading other things. It wasn't until the last third of the book that my attention was truly hooked and I managed to finish it.

But I most definitely will be reading the second book, and despite taking a while to finish, I did enjoy this story. It was something a little new and different. All in all, 3.5 stars!