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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Termination by Richard T. Burke - A TBC Review

 Termination: The Boy Who Died (Decimation #2)

 by Richard T. Burke

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 Termination by Richard Burke is the sequel to Decimation. Antimone, Jason and Paul have settled into family life. Antimone has achieved her dream of representing the UK at the Paralympic games in Glasgow. For a second time though, her chance of bringing home a medal is hampered and she finds herself in another life threatening situation.

I really enjoyed reading these books. Antimone is a brave new kind of main character. The plot develops at a rapid pace and there is no room for boredom. The characters are extremely well written and each have complex backgrounds and challenges to face. World building happens on the fly, the reader gets a good grasp of this dystopian leaning new world set in the not so distant future.

This series combines a number of genres but it has an overall feel of a fast paced thriller with dystopian undertones. 

The author brings many unique ideas and facets to a very popular genre. I particularly liked the inclusiveness of these books and the fact, that the main character will appeal to differently abled readers. 

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The Disciple by Sarah Sheridan - A Bloodhound Books Review

 

The Disciple

by Sarah Sheridan   

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The disciple by Sarah Sheridan is the second book following Sister Veronica. 

The convent is in turmoil after a baby is left. A mysterious tarot card, left with the baby, is the only clue left. Sister Veronica and her journalist friend Melissa take it upon themselves to find the baby’s mother! The task unearths far more sinister circumstances than expected.

This is a sequel and, as such, it would be best to have read the previous book. A lot of Sister Veronica’s thoughts and reactions are based in the first book, which I haven’t read.

The book does work as a stand-alone but the background knowledge would be useful to understand some of the main characters thought processes and doubts.

I was a little disappointed, that the protagonist plays a relatively small roll in the main plot. She is not a “super sleuth” and the police play a crucial part to all the more procedural action.

The plot is engaging and the twists and turns will keep a reader’s interest. 

Overall, a fun read with a quirky new sleuth.

My thanks go to Bloodhounds Books and the author, Sarah Sheridan, for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

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This is how we are human by Louise Beech - A TBC review

 This Is How We Are Human

by Louise Beech

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As an interim review: WoW, just WOW. 

This is how we are human by Louise Beech is a work of brilliance. I have tried to write a review that does it justice for about a week now and I still feel nothing I say will be adequate. 

This is an easy 5+ star read. 

Louise Beech is a very diverse author, approaching each subject with her unique ability to weave a magical story. 

In “This is how we are human” the author explores the complexities of being the parent of a neurodiverse young adult. As a mother of two autistic young men, I found myself in this book! I laughed, I cried and I could utterly relate to Veronica.

When we meet Veronica and Sebastian, we encounter a mother at her wits’ end! All Veronica wants is help with Sebastian’s latest challenging behaviour, just to find the professional as clueless as she feels! Sebastian is 20, he loves swimming, eggs, is handsome, dreams of having sex ... and is autistic! Isabelle is a young nurse in training and has a secret night job. Veronica’s plan to help Sebastian has some unexpected effects on all three of our main characters! 

Louise Beech broaches a subject that most of us parents with differently abled children put off thinking about! As with all her books, the characters are all exquisitely created, the storyline weaves beautifully along and the reader cannot help but be drawn into the Center of the story.

This is one of the most poignant, brilliantly written and profound human interest stories I have read! Really the only advice I have for anyone reading this review is: buy the book!

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Deadly Lies by Ann Girdharry - A Bloodhound Books Review

 Deadly Lies

by Ann Girdharry

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Deadly Lies by Ann Girdharry is the third book in a series featuring Detective Grant and his team and psychologist Ruby Silver. 

When two little girls are abducted in the middle of the night from their grandparents' house, the team has to race against the clock to find them. During their investigation they uncover some dark secrets. Could the abductor be closer to home than they thought? 

I had not read the first books in this series, so some of the references to older cases and turmoil within the team did not make much sense to me. This did not take away from the story however and was more background information.

The story unfolded at a good pace, however for me, there were too many coincidental "discoveries" and glossed over fact finding, that seemed a little unbelievable and confusing. The detectives put pieces together that had no previous thread to lead them to the discovery. I personally did not find a connection with any of the characters, this could be because I had not read the previous books. 

I would like to thank Bloodhound Books and the author for an ARC in exchange for this review. 

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The Entrepeneur by Louise Worthington - A Bloodhound Books Review

The Entrepreneur  

by Louise Worthington

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Entrepreneur by Louise Worthington is a cleverly written crime thriller presenting the reader with a story within the story. 

Five young entrepreneurs compete in a new reality TV show to scoop two prizes worth 1 million pounds. The reader joins the contest in the final weeks, when the business ventures have already been unveiled. One contender stands out with her business idea of marketing and selling “murderabilia”, a lucrative (often black market) and dangerous business model. As such, the young contender meets a serial killer with a secret. When the father of a suspected victim becomes aware of the show, he sees his chance for justice. When one of the entrepreneurs is found dead, the remaining housemates are left in turmoil! 

This was a book built on the very dark practice of monetizing pieces from actual crime scenes. The plot develops at a good pace and the characters are all well built. I enjoyed the many layers of this story and really enjoyed discovering how all the pieces fit. A good read for anyone who loves crime books.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My thanks go to Bloodhound Books and the author, Louise Worthington.

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The Train by Sarah Bourne - A Bllodhound Books review

The Train

by Sarah Bourne

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Train by Sarah Bourne explores human nature and reactions when faced with unexpected adversity.The day for 8 passengers on a busy commuter train, from Milton Keynes to London, begins as any other. Not long into the journey, a tragic incident brings the train to a stop.

The reader gets to know the 8 passengers and follows along for the day. Insights in how each of them deal with the incident, how it impacts their life and changes them forever make this novel a powerful read. The characters are all connected and find themselves meeting throughout the day. Some have a more direct response than others, one is even directly involved in the tragic that unfolded. But all are changed forever.

I found this to be a very thought provoking read, I had to smile at some of the “very British” reactions and ways to cope with such a profound experience. Tea, anyone? 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My thanks go to Bloodhoundbooks and the author, Sarah Bourne.

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Rachel's Story by Leigh Russell - A Bloodhound Books review

 Rachel's Story

by Leigh Russel

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rachel’s Story bei Leigh Russell is everything the description promises it to be. 

Rachel grows up in a world where food and life is ruled by the select few in government. Her life is ripped apart when her mother is brutally killed and Rachel is forced to join “The program”. At first, Rachel is lured in by the special treatment those chosen for “The program” receive. But soon, doubts form in her mind and a disturbing encounter with a former friend convince her that she needs to leave. With no plan but a lot of luck, she finds herself joining the people she was taught to fear her whole life. 

This story really gripped me from start to finish. World building and character development happen at a fast pace, leaving no room for skimming or boredom! With haunting tones of The Handmaids tale, this is a great new dystopian adventure to get engrossed in! The only thing I was a tiny bit disappointed in was the very abrupt ending! I just wanted to carry on reading to find out what happens to Rachel! I will definitely be looking out for the next book! 

My thanks go to Bloodhound publishing and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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The Diseased Ones by Daniele Harrington - A TBC Review

 The Diseased Ones Book 1 Hollis Timewire Trilogy

by Danielle Harrington

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, my thanks go to TBC and the author. 

In the year 2647, society is very different to our world. The world Hollis Timewire grew up in is one devoid of emotion and subject to strict rules and government regulation. Citizens become full members of society at age 16, all Hollis has to do is pass a simple blood test. As the child of two upstanding members of society, it comes as a complete shock when Hollis does not pass the test. Her blood shows a forbidden bio marker and with that all her hopes and dreams vanish. She reacts with instinct and finds herself kidnapped by a mysterious power. When she comes to, she finds herself in a very different environment. Hollis learns, that she is not alone and that a group of “diseased ones” has survived the government’s genocide and exists far away from the society she knows. Hollis struggles to embrace her new found powers and her new friends. She plots to make her way back to her home, but at what cost? 

The reader has to bear in mind, that this book is Young adult fiction. As such, I found it a very impressive first novel! The characters are well written and the plot has unique elements in a genre that is very popular. I found the idea of a dystopian society combined with an “underground” population of gifted people very intriguing. The plot moves along at a nice pace. I wanted to know more about Hollis’s world but the author gives us just enough world building to flesh out the places the plot unfolds in. This would be a good fit for fans of divergent or the mortal instruments. 

I will definitely read the other two books in this trilogy. 

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A Shadow on the lense - Sam Hurcom A netgalley/TBC review

 

A shadow on the lens

by Sam Hurcom

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I received an ARC of this book from TBC/net galley in exchange for a review. 

The year is 1904 and Thomas Bexley is the world’s first forensic photographer. His expertise is called upon when a young girl, Bestand Tilny, is brutally murdered and her remains are staged in a chilling way. It is up to Bexley to document the grizzly murder and ensure justice can be served. 

I was initially excited to get started on this book. The premise of the first CSI was interesting and fascinating. However, as the plot dragged on, mainly concentrating on how ill our poor protagonist feels, I lost utter interest. The author escapes many of the more technical details by reassuring the reader “he won’t bore us with the detail” and we are back to poor Thomas feeling sick. The book is written in form of a diary, so entirely told from the main character’s perspective. 

I honestly I did not manage to find a single likeable character.

I did like the scene settings, the descriptions of the village, the woods and church. The plot itself is imaginative, with interesting elements of crime, horror and the supernatural but, for me, the tedious description of poor Thomas’s inflictions took away a lot from the overall story.