New Brighton by Helen Trevorrow - A TBC Review

New Brighton

by Helen Trevorrow

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

New Brighton by Helen Trevorrow is a dystopian novel set in the near future.

Robyn is a typical young adult living in Brighton. She loves her little sister, who has complex health needs, and her on and off boyfriend. On a night out, she falls out with her boyfriend and meets a mysterious stranger who seems all too familiar. When a shipwreck arrives during the night, Robyn’s future and past will change forever.

This was a very unusual read. I spent the first sixty percent of the story as confused and lost as our main character. It does all become clear, but do not expect the author to hand it all out in a neat package. The author presents us with a colourful and diverse cast and each character is well thought out. The storyline enfolds at a steady rather than a hurtling pace, which adds to the atmosphere of the book. If you like dystopian fiction with a smattering if sci-fi, this makes a good read.

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Apocalypse, Uploading (The Powered Series, #1) by Elizabeth_J_Rekab - A Booksirens Review

Apocalypse, Uploading (The Powered Series, #1)

 by Elizabeth J. Rekab

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

For Beck and Brad, it is just another day at their parents' office, when a mysterious flash interrupts their day and transports them to a different world. It becomes apparent, that they are not the only siblings who have been snatched from their daily lives and, together with their tribe, they have to find a way back home. But home is not exactly what they were expecting. 

Apolcalypse, Uploading is not your standard dystopian young adult novel. The author, Elizabeth J. Rekab successfully blends themes and this book is not easily fitted into any one genre. Part urban fantasy, part dystopian and part post apocalyptic, this novel will be suited for a wide range of reader tastes.

I enjoyed the plot twists and loops very much. The characters are diverse and well written. Rekab expertly builds worlds, as the characters move between the different scenarios the plot takes place in. The plot is very well paced and unexpected turns of events make this a thoroughly enjoyable read. 

I am definitely looking forward to the next installment in this series. 

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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Creative Crochet Projects: 12 Playful Projects for Beginners and Beyond by - A NetGalley Review

Creative Crochet Projects: 12 Playful Projects for Beginners and Beyond

 by Stephanie Pokorny

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In “Creative Crochet Projects” Stephanie Pokorny shares 12 unique, quirky and fun patterns suited to all levels of crochet knowledge. 

The beginning chapter is dedicated to explaining terminology and stitches used. Clear photographs and written explanations make this accessible to all skill levels. 

The patterns contained in this book give room for growth, there are some patterns that I would class suitable for advanced crocheters.

This book will delight those with children or young adults! I loved the play kitchen, with stove and sink. The owl hood is simply delightful and would make a perfect gift for a teen or young woman. 

The patterns are well thought out, clearly written and easy to understand. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for unique makes for young ones. 

My thanks go to NetGalley, Landauer Publishing and the author, Stephanie Pokorny, for an ARC of this book. 

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This is our undoing by Lorraine Wilson - A TBC Review

This Is Our Undoing

by Lorraine  Wilson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lina Stephenson works as a scientist in the Rila Mountain area of Bulgaria. She thought, she had left her old life and dangers behind and guards her secret carefully. When a high profile politician in her former home, London, is murdered, his family is sent to Linda’s research station, posing a risk not just to Lina, but to her father and brother, too. She races against the clock to save her family and herself! 

This story begins somewhere in the middle. The reader is thrust into the action without too much of a background or history. This adds to the overall haunting and mysterious feeling of the book. The author transports the reader to the mountains, the forest and village come to life. The characters all have something to hide, something the reader wants to find out and solve. 

I kept reading, thinking the author would provide me with ready made, easy to digest answers to my many questions. As the story progressed, I was left with hints and clues but ultimate had to work out for myself, what I felt for the characters. Lorraine Wilson creates a cast of complex, often mysterious characters. Not one is predictable or simply good or bad.

This book does not neatly fit into any one genre, part dystopian (albeit only hinted at), part murder mystery, mixed in with some paranormal and psychological thriller elements. I found myself with more questions than answers, but strangely that is a good thing in this instance! I would love to read a prequel, where the background of Linda’s life is explained in more detail.

My thanks go to TBC and Lorraine Wilson for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

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Songbirds by Christy Lefteri - A Netgalley Review

 Songbirds

 by Christy Lefteri

My rating:5 of 5 stars

I have taken a long time trying to put my feelings about Songbirds by Christy Lefteri into words.

This is so much more than just a well told story, with exquisite location settings and incredible characters. This is a testament to modern day struggles, a call to open our eyes to what is really happening around us, to the conditions we quietly accept fellow humans to live in and through.

Petra is a typical working mother living in Cyprus. Having lost her husband before her daughter was born, she did as many in Cyprus do: she hires Nisha to help her raise her child and look after the household. Petra does not really spend much time thinking about Nisha, wondering how her service to her family impacts Nisha's own family. Only when Nisha goes missing, does Petra take notice! She learns, that Nisha has a whole other life, and is much loved by her lodger, Yiannis. 

I was not aware of the issues that were described in this book, so i educated myself. This book will stay with me for a very long time, the plight, migrant workers all over the world, and especially in the western world, face are a wake up call to us all. 

Anybody who reads this book will not only be blown away by the beautiful way Christy Lefteri weaves the story, but also be touched and deeply moved by the issues discussed. 

I would like to thank Netgalley and Christy Lefteri for an ARC of this book. This review is my own and reflects my thoughts and feelings.

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The Trial of Gwen Foley by Jane O'Connor - A Bloodhound Books Review

The Trial of Gwen Foley

 by Jane O'Connor

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In 1723, the town of Lichfield is rocked by the execution of a mother. Not long after, a vicious murder leads to the accusation of another innocent woman. Hester, the temporary magistrate’s wife, forms the Lunar Society with a small group of like minded women to avoid another execution.

This book is historical fiction, as such, some things are not a faithful depiction of the period the book takes place in.

I liked the idea of strong women having such influence on society and being so empowered. 

I really enjoyed the different facets of the story, the murder mystery giving another layer of complexity to the story with some surprising turns. 

The characters were well thought out, the plot developed at a good pace and the scene setting was very well implemented. I don’t live far from Lichfield and could imagine the locations described in the book. 

I would like to thank Bloodhound books and the author for an ARC. <br />This review is my own opinion. 

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Generation Manifestation (Gen M, #1) by Steven Bereznai - A Booksirens Review

Generation Manifestation (Gen M, #1)

 by Steven Bereznai

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Generation Manifestion by Steven Bereznai is a fresh, new contender in the world of young adult dystopian literature.

The world is separated into two distinct classes, the supergenics and the dregs (ordinary humans with no supergenic abilities). Caitlin, our protagonist, hopes that on testing day, her special power will manifest and she will get to live the life of her revered superheroes in "the city". But, as testing day arrives, Caitlin has to face the fact that she possesses no super power. This does not stop her from trying to reach her goal. She joins forces with an unlikely ally and turns the world upside down.

This book has similarities to series such as Divergent and Marvel/DC series but the author makes it his own universe by having unique characters, well drawn up world building and an engaging plot where every guess you make will be wrong. The story unfolds at a good pace and the balance between background and world building to action is well balanced. 

I really wanted to know more about the city and see more of the superhero side of the story. 

I loved the inclusiveness of this book, the author does not shy away from topics such as gender identity, neuro diversity and disabilites. 

If you are looking for a solid follow on after Divergent, this will not disappoint. 

I would like to thank the author and Booksirens for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

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