Review: The Son of Neptune

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I will forever be a big fan of Riordan's work. Each of his novels grab me the heart and do not let go until the final page...or the end of the series.
Percy is back!! That makes me happy. I think I enjoy Percy's adventures more as I have a connection to his past and he is such a lovable character. Funny, fast-paced, fun and thrilling, I just love these books.

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Review: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Being an introvert myself I sometimes find it incredibly frustrating that I feel so quiet and reserved, especially when people expect an explanation about why i'm so different to them.
I have come up with a basic timeline to explain:

Birth ------> 'Why are you so quiet?' ------>Death

Ah yes, the life of an introvert.

I never really understood why I am the way I am, I was always rather curious about it though. Why others didn't seem to care so much, how others wanted nothing but a rowdy night out, how being surrounded by people was their favourite pastime yet I would cringe at the idea. After reading this book I finally have answers and it truly was fascinating and I would actually go so far to say that this book should be required reading for everybody, including introverts, extroverts and everyone in between. This really clears the big divide between both ends of the spectrum and ultimately it gave me a boost of confidence. Introversion isn't something to be ashamed of , it's actually a great trait to have. I will learn to embrace it as I explore further readings.

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Review: Violets & Violence

Violets & Violence by Morgan Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received an ARC e-book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

It took me a long time to finally write a review of this book as after reading it my mind was like a mashed banana. It's still a bit smooshed even now. Parker's writing is truly beautiful and his storytelling is fantastic. I was really captured within Violet's world and the twists and turns kept me glued to the page. My 4 stars is based on my enjoyment as there were times when I was just so confused I didn't know what was going on, I had to go away and think about it for a while. The thrill of the fast-paced storyline always kept me coming back though.

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Review: I Am, I Am, I Am: Seventeen Brushes With Death

I Am, I Am, I Am: Seventeen Brushes With Death by Maggie O'Farrell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a collection of 17 near death experiences which are well written and engaging. Each chapter is illustrated at the start by showing us the body part which nearly caused the death of O'Farrell, I thought this was a nice touch. Sometimes I fumbled a bit whilst reading through this book and ultimately got a bit jumbled in places too. I think the confusion would of been solved if the incidences were written in chronological order. It felt a bit too all over the place rather than a good, smooth read.

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Review: Emma Unleashes Hell

Emma Unleashes Hell by Bridget Chase
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I must admit that I was a bit up and down with this one. Some of the story I really liked and got into ok and other bits I just didn't really like...hence why it took me so long to get through this one. This book really really needs more proof-reading as there were multiple errors with spelling mistakes and repeated words which often ruined the flow of most sentences throughout the book. The characters were ok, the storyline was pretty unique and most of the erotic scenes were well written but it just didn't flow for me.

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Review: Leaving is My Colour

Leaving is My Colour by Amy Burns
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

'I'm not looking for ecstasy at the foot of an altar or some cataclysmic, earth-shattering experience. All I want is to be enough for one person. For just one person to love me best. I want for one person to like me enough not to want to put his dick into another person'.

☆☆☆☆ 4 'Dysfunctional' stars

This book appealed to my dark sense of humour so much. Rachel is smart, witty and very funny, she is lost, dysfunctional and a little bit crazy. I liked her a lot.
After her family becomes very wealthy, Rachel gets mixed up in numerous failed marriages, drink, drugs and many trips to rehab. All she wants is to escape from the pits of 'rock-bottom', but can she do this by chasing unrealistic expectations? Will she accept help from her ultimately flawed family? This is her story.

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Review: Coraline and Other Stories

Coraline and Other Stories by Neil Gaiman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

☆☆☆ 3 'Creepy' Stars

I'm going to be totally honest here...if I was just rating Coraline then I probably would of given this book 5 Stars as I enjoyed that story very much. It was creepy, atmospheric, well written and I really liked the artwork. I adored the animated film but have only now gotten around to reading the story that inspired its making. I just knew I was going to love reading the original story.
What let this book down, in my opinion, was all of the other short stories that followed. I enjoyed maybe 2 other stories but when reading the rest I was looking forward to finally finishing the book. For this reason I had to knock off 2 stars...but Coraline really was great.

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Review: Follow You Home

Follow You Home by Mark Edwards
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

☆☆☆☆☆ 5 Stars

Mark Edwards really does know how to write. This was fast, mad, gritty, suspenseful and exciting!
I decided to buy this book as I have enjoyed all of his other work that I have read so far. He did not disappoint me in the slightest.
This started as quite a light and easy going read but soon descended into something very dark and sinister. Highly recommended if you enjoy suspenseful horror stories.

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Review: You Were Made for This

You Were Made for This by Michelle Sacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

✰✰✰✰✰ 5 Stars

Dark, crazy, intense and not for the faint-hearted

I absolutely loved this book, it truly was a rollercoaster straight to Hell and back again. It didn't let me breathe, it didn't let me catch a break, it was unrelenting in it's intensity. The book is wonderfully written from the different points of view of the main characters and is one of my favourite reads of 2018.

A family that seems so picture perfect from the outside are hiding some very dark secrets, secrets that just keep mounting up until cracks start to appear in their once unbreakable facade.
If you enjoy dark psychological thrillers then I recommend this as a must read.

I received an ebook ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.


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Review: A Murder of Magpies

A Murder of Magpies by Mark Edwards
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

✰✰✰✰✰ 5 Stars

What it felt like reading this book...



For a short story this really did pack a punch! It was non-stop action from start to finish.
Mark Edwards is fast becoming one of my favourite authors, he really is a superb writer. I enjoyed The Magpies A LOT so when I stumbled across this one I couldn't wait to get back into the world of psycho neighbours from Hell. Edwards did not disappoint and I'm very much hoping that there will be a third installment.

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Review: The Upside of Unrequited

The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

✰✰ 2 Stars

Looking through the reviews for this book leads me to believe that i'm in the minority with my rating. Perhaps I'm just not the right audience for this book. I'll admit I'm not the biggest romance fan out there but depending on the individual book I have liked numerous romance novels in the past.
Whilst there were some cutesy sweet like candy moments in this book the whole thing just fell flat for me. I didn't connect with any of the characters unfortunately...I actually didn't like any of them.
I'll start with our main character Molly, the 'average, slightly overweight, awkward, teenager' who has never been kissed by a boy, despite having had crushes on about 26 different guys, and oh my days is her life ending because of it. The book is basically 300 odd pages of Molly complaining, being overly self-centred and just being annoying in general.



The diversity of the characters are great when it comes to race and sexuality so that gets a thumbs up from me. The feminist angle was a bit hit and miss, perhaps trying too hard? Someone can be a feminist AND a romantic, of course they can.
Overall, this wasn't my cup of tea but I'm glad I got to cross it off my reading list.

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Review: A Vegan Ethic: Embracing a Life of Compassion Toward All

A Vegan Ethic: Embracing a Life of Compassion Toward All by Mark Hawthorne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars ★★★★★

If I could give everyone a copy of this book to read, I would. Whether you are vegan, vegan curious, vegetarian or omni, this book is a must read. It just might change your life and also save many others.

A person's "right" to eat whatever they want ends where another's life begins.



I'm currently going through some lifestyle changes which include removing meat from my diet and reducing the amount of diary I consume considerably. My reasons for doing this is (1) for the animals and (2) for health reasons. I was introduced to veganism through my mum's partner and his brother, for this I am very grateful.
When it comes to veganism I knew the basics, not consuming any animal products, that was pretty much it...and to be honest I thought that was all of it. Oh how wrong I was...how very very wrong...and you know what? I'm glad I was wrong as I have learnt so much more. I learnt how being an ethical vegan includes not just animal rights but human rights as well, including racism, sexism, homophobia and feminism.
I feel that it's really important that we're exposed to how things work behind closed doors, how animals are really treated, rather than being lied to by the media. Oh here's an advert featuring a happy cow...umm...no, that is NOT a happy cow. That is a cow whose whole life purpose is to produce milk and end up on a plate.



This is a very well researched book which has been well thought out, the references are well organised which allows you to do further reading into veganism and best of all it's not preachy, it's factual.
In conclusion, if you were to read any book this year please make it this one.



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Review: Kidnapping My Daughter

Kidnapping My Daughter by Rachel Jensby
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars ★★★★

We knew our hours together were dwindling away and we had no way of knowing how long it would be before any of us would see each other again. Who would Cheyenne go to? What would become of all of us?

This was a truly heartbreaking story about a young child who was abused by her own father and was ultimately failed by the system who was meant to protect her. The only way Rachel could protect her daughter was to go on the run, if she was to stay then she would be ordered to put Cheyenne into the open arms of her abuser as part of joint custody. Rachel is extremely brave for writing this book and she really did an amazing job. In my opinion it's very important that the failures of the system are made public to show that many children are still not safe even after asking for help.

Parts of this book did leave me very frustrated, however. Rachel blamed her youth for her brushing off of the evidence that her daughter was being abused. Many times I just wanted to yell at her for being so incredibly naive, i wanted to step in and shake her whilst explaining that this shit is not ok! She also leaves the reader hanging numerous times. She will start to explain things that have happened but then stop part way through saying actually that's personal, I'm not going to continue. Yeah...that's frustrating to a reader.

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Review: How To Be Dead

How To Be Dead by Dave Turner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars ★★★★

'You know my motto,' said Gary. 'A stranger is just an arsehole I haven't yet met'.

I must say I'm on a bit of a roll with finding books that just strike my funny bone...and I love it!

Here we meet Dave, who is a loner and an old fashioned romantic. His job is crushing his whole being and he can't bring himself to tell his colleague that he's in love with her. In an attempt to impress and be her hero he ends up having a near Death experience. Now he's part of something big, something he never knew existed...and The Grim Reaper? Well, he's just a bit of a geezer really. A geezer with great worldly advice.

'Every time you tell a lie an angel punches a unicorn in the face with a kitten.'

Death truly focuses on what's important in the world...the real big questions...

'Even though he can backflip and lightsaber duel, Yoda claims he needs to use a walking stick. What's that all about? Apart from claiming disability allowance?'

No one ever appreciates Death's efforts, like Dave, he is overworked and underpaid...so how about working together? They could have the perfect partnership...or it could just end in tears.

Random, funny, odd and weird, this short story is a great read. It was just a bit too short and ended rather abruptly. I would love to read the next books in the series.


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Review: Jesus Opens a Taco Truck

Jesus Opens a Taco Truck by Bridget Chase
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars ★★★★

Don't read if easily offended, I have a very dark sense of humour with very little limitations and I found this hilarious

Jesus is bored, oh so very bored of his heavenly duties doing his father's work. So much so that he wishes to open up his very own Taco Truck because he can never find a decent Taco anywhere. Enter Lucifer, who is just misunderstood...ahh bless.
This has to be one of the most random short stories that I have ever read and it really did have me laughing out loud. I really liked the concept of comparing religion to Hollywood movies.

'Jesus soared with his fist out like Superman. He actually was a fan of the renditions that have graced the big and small screen.'

Jesus fought the devil like a 70's Hong Kong martial arts film.'

Not to mention the hat-tip to today's pop culture...

Lucifer and Bieber started making out. Their two swords grew erect and reenacted an epic medieval battle.

Oh many lols...

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Review: Blight: A Human Zoo Novel

Blight: A Human Zoo Novel by Kolin Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars ★★★★★

Please please PLEASE release book 4, I'm dying over here!

Welcome to book 3 of The Human Zoo series where the pace doesn't let up, the gore overflows and the shocks just keep getting better. This novel focuses on Juliana's son, John, and his journey through the blood soaked streets of a post-apocalyptic London. John can't remember his mother, not what she looks like or the sound of her voice. She was brutally snatched from their home when he was just a small boy hiding in the upstairs closet...will he ever see her again?
John has been spending his years living on a farm where he is safe and self sustaining. No one needs to know about the farm, others knowing leads to trouble. When his guardian, Ryan, leaves in search of the refuge and doesn't return within a year, John and his dog Murphy set out to find him. Here begins the search through abandoned towns and cities whilst avoiding the creeping shadows which seem to follow their every move.
This novel is very well written with only minimal errors compared to the first 2 books in the series. It will shock you, leave you breathless, make you cry and will leave you a mess at the turn of the final page. I need to know what happens next!

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Review: Equinox

Equinox by Sage L. Morgan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3 Stars ★★★

For a short story this was well thought out and well constructed. It lacked a bit of depth but that was to be expected. I would like to read this as a full length novel to explore the development of relationships.

Equinox is a very short erotic story which centres around our lead character's sexy time with a werewolf. Kathy is a Witch and has been chosen by her Coven to be this years Equinox Maiden. The Maiden's virginity is celebrated and then it must be taken during 'The Wild Hunt'. For the hunt the maiden has to run through the forest away from a selection of werewolves. Only the strongest and fittest werewolf should be allowed to catch the maiden and then he must take her virginity.

The sex scene was nice and steamy but at times a little hard to imagine due to the fact that the werewolf kept changing shape and size and from a werewolf to a man. I just wanted to yell at him..."Keep still! I'm trying to concentrate!"
There is an obvious spark between the both of them and there also seems to be another male rival. I would liked to have read more into the relationships and the back story.

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Review: The New Capital: The second book in the Human Zoo series

The New Capital: The second book in the Human Zoo series by Kolin Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars ★★★★

Fast plot, well developed story, fantastic descriptions of places and characters and imagery that will leave you queasy. A great read!



The New Capital is book 2 in The Human Zoo series. It is set in a post-apocalyptic London where the rat infested streets run with spilt blood and human waste. All but the elite live in poverty under the reign of a brutal establishment from ages of old. The only entertainment in The New Capital, apart from sex and alcohol, is The Pit, where two men are forced to fight to the death.
After her escape from the prison, Juliana heads to the capital seeking revenge against The General for her treatment in the prison and for the slaughtering of her loved ones. She didn't expect that the inside of the capital would be worse than the outside. After fearing for her life and being taken in by Tanner they must find a way to escape The New Capital and head north towards a fairer society. How can Juliana escape death after slaughtering a guard in cold blood? How can Tanner be expected to survive when his final fight is with one of the cannibalistic Numbers?

It's difficult to review this book without spoiling both this book and book one of this series. However, expect more gory death scenes, extreme power struggles and brutal behaviour within these blood soaked pages. I highly recommend this series to fans of extreme horror and for those with iron stomachs.
Like the first book I ended up removing a star due to editing issues. Although not as bad as the first book it still needs further proof reading to remove repeated words and fill in missing words as these effect the enjoyment of reading.

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Review: The Human Zoo

The Human Zoo by Kolin Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



4 Stars ★★★★

The Human Zoo is a fast paced novel by author Kolin Wood; it is set in a post-apocalyptic London and is book one in the Human Zoo series. Wow...what a ride it is.
The book is basically split into two stories which will soon come together as one further on into the series. There are numerous strong characters which makes this a very captivating read.
The strongest character is The General. The General wants to build an army, a new society, from the inside of a young offenders institution. This led to Juliana being taken from her home in a brutal fashion leaving her young son hiding in a closet. Juliana will be subjected to years of torture and abuse at the hands of inmates within the institution, is there any way she can escape this madness and depravity? Only the strong and merciless will survive afterall.
Within this institution there are power struggles between inmates, so much so that the The General fears that he will lose any power he has over the prison grounds.
Harold the crazy inmate who envisages himself as a surgeon loves to practice his skills on captured women and other disobedient inmates. He has a job to do afterall...to keep The Numbers all fed and content within the deepest and darkest depths of the prison. For if The Numbers escape there will be hell to pay...with blood, guts and gore galore.

Beyond the prison Juliana's father Teddy is the creator of The Pit where people of the broken city pay to watch fights. Two fighters will enter the pit but only one will come back out. Who will be the reigning champion? Teddy isn't going to make it easy though as his aim is to make as much money as possible in any way he can. Money is power within this new society.
All Juliana wants is her son back and to find her father who walked out on her many years ago. If anyone can survive out there her madman of a father could.

Filled with many descriptive gore scenes and a well developed fast plot I highly recommend this book to horror fans. My reason for 4 stars and not 5 is due to the novel needing more editing. Words are often written twice or are missing completely which lead to some of my reading being a bit disjointed. I wouldn't say it ends on a 'cliffhanger' but it's definitely left open for book two. I can't wait to know what happens next!





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My Husband's Lies by Caroline England

4 out of 5 Stars ★★★★

My Husband's Lies is a noir thriller written by Caroline England. It is also the first book I have read written by this author. If my enjoyment of this novel is anything to go by then I would be definitely interested in reading her other work.

The story itself focuses on the lives of the main characters who go by the name 'The A Team' and their families. Whereas My Husband's Lies is a good title for the book, it only really touches the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the amount of lies told and the amount of secrets kept. From secret lovers, sexual tension, the questioning of sexuality and mental health issues, this book covers so many ups and downs which really could happen in every day life.

One thing I must advise other readers before attempting this book is to really pay attention, it really takes a lot of focus to stay on top of things with its many many characters and the switching between them. A single scene could last over numerous chapters but is retold using the point of view of each character.
I did lose focus slightly at the beginning which lead me to having to draw out a 'family tree' of all the characters and their relationships to eachother. I ended up using that A4 sheet of paper A LOT. 

The pace of the whole story was very good but I thought the ending let it down a bit. It was sort of left open to your own interpretation. I think I know what happened but would very much like it to be confirmed.

Overall, it was a well paced novel filled with interesting, if somewhat self-centered, characters and even more interesting and self-centered situations. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy reading family dramas with a dark edge.

The Opening of my Book Blog

I am happy to announce the opening of my book blog...so exciting.
I guess its time to get my books in some particular order lol.