Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts

Monday, 14 April 2014

Eragon by Christopher Paolini (Inheritance Cycle #1)

Gah, this took me so long to finish.
It's so big.
And the next one is bigger.... *distant sobbing*


Now, this book has kinda been criticised because it's too similar to the Lord Of The Rings and other fantasy novels that set in an era like this; but, I don't feel this way, of course it's going to be similar! Besides, I actually quite like fantasy novels like this and I'm aiming to read more.

The concept of the main premise in this book is about dragon riders and their dragons (obviously), which I really enjoyed reading about as it's something I haven't really seen before. I like the idea of how the dragon and rider are sorta one, they're completely compatible (reminds me of best friends, who know way too much about each other.) I also quite like to read about a revolution (is it just me who enjoys reading about people who have had enough?) And holy hell is there a big one going on here.

But the main thing that made me enjoy this novel was Saphira who is about the sassiest dragon I've ever met, she just keeps coming up with all these small lines that make me giggle. She also puts Eragon in his place quite a lot, and lets face it, he does need it sometimes, being a Dragon Rider is getting to his head a bit.

I've also found an new ship which is always exciting: Arya and Eragon, because it's quite cute to watch him fumble around to please her and her not really caring about anything. I also quite like Arya because she's so kickass, I mean she sent a dragon egg across leagues which apparently is a very big deal and she fights better than most men (you go girl).

So yeah, this has been a very confusing review I think, I just sorta rambled on about different aspects of the book. Well, I did actually quite enjoy this book even though it took me a while to read and the first few chapters were a little slow, but once you get into it you're fine.

I'd love to hear your thoughts if you've read it.

Age: YA/A
Rating: 3.5/5

Wednesday, 9 April 2014

Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison (The Confessions of Georgia Nicolson #1)

Oh how I love you Georgia.
You big, stupid fool.
But how I wish my sister never grows up to think like you.


So I originally read this book when I was in year 7 -  I was about 12... maybe? (I want to stab 12 year old me, I was so embarrassing...) So yeah I found this series again and figured why not, it's been a long time since I read something targeted at a younger audience.

So for those of you who don't know, this book series is written in diary form by none other than teenage Georgia Nicolson. We get to explore her deepest thoughts (which are stupidly ridiculous) and join her in the adventure that is growing up and 'maturing', and watch her peruse what she believes to be love and is important to her friends and her.

Despite Georgia being selfish, arrogant, immature and sometimes very needy she is quite fun to read about, because you can tell the author is simply poking fun at us teenage girls. It's not done in a cruel way, but it's light-hearted and amusing; and makes you want to go back and change who you were when you thought like her, or were her age

Georgia carries all the traits that quite often people hate reading about, but she is different. You can also see the good things about her: her humour (which is great by the way) and the love and care she has for Angus and Libby, which if you look at closely is really quite cute. I understand that not everyone is going to enjoy reading from her perspective and hearing her thoughts, but it is worth trying, you don't have to carry on with the series if you don't like it.

I found there wasn't much of a plot when it came to this book, but I suppose that's what you get when reading it from a diary point of view. Even so, it just felt like stuff happened (like in real life... god forbid...), it just felt like there wasn't enough; it's like when you bite into a burger and you can't wait for the whole taste, and experience, even the bit where grease runs down your chin, but that's didn't happen... It just felt satisfactory as a burger, there was no taste explosion in your mouth, no grease ruining your new top, get what I mean? Did I just compare a plot to a burger...?

So overall, I enjoyed this book even though it was aimed at a younger audience, but I felt like it needed more (which I may get from the next nine books, who knows?) It was a great light read, perfect for spring and summer and amusing at times. I will be carrying on with this series.

Rating: 3.5/cookies
Age: -13/13+

Monday, 24 March 2014

A Street Cat Named Bob by James Bowen

The inner stereotypical girl in me is awing constantly...
This was honestly so cute.
But at the same time strangely insightful?


So, this is the first Non-Fiction book I've read in a long time and now I'm kinda regretting I don't do it that very often... Because I think some can be really underrated (especially this and Marley and Me... don't cry, don't cry). This was about the story of James Bowen, a recovering drug addict and his companionship with a past and what seems to be abandoned street cat he calls Bob. We get to explore their ups and downs, and their relationship over a two year period, which is beautifully told by James himself.

Now this book was so cute and sweet and ughhhh... I just want to cuddle Bob and knit James a hat to wear on the London Streets when it gets cold. Their relationship will make your teeth fall out from all the sweetness, it's just something that makes you want to put the book down and go cuddle all your pets (even your Goldfish, uh huh, that's how good it is). Even though the book just briefly told their story over their first two years together, I actually have started to care about what's happened to them and what they were like on the streets.

I even looked up two yotube videos James mentioned, here and there.

Despite being mind-numbingly sweet, this book was massively insightful about buskers trying to make their way off the streets and the destructive lives of Street Cats. This book changed my whole perspective with: beggars, magazine sellers, street cats/dogs, and buskers. I am ashamed to admit that before I never gave them a second glance or look, I never really cared where they ended up and never considered it my problem, and I was wrong; this book helped to show me how I need to help sometimes, obviously I can't give money to everyone, but the next time I see a busker I need to toss in a couple of quid for them, or tip a Big Issue or other magazine sellers. I need to do my bit to help get them off the street, because even though a lot of the time it may be their fault they got there, they can recognise that and want to get out of their situation, but they can't do it alone.

Overall, I really liked reading this book not because of the story (don't get me wrong I loved the story), but as I just mentioned, the insight it gave me, which can be so hard to find in a book some time. Thank you James Bowen, you've shown me a completely different side to the capitol of this country and I won't look at people trying to get off the streets in the same way again. I recommend that people go out and find this book, you won't regret it.

See you all soon!

Rating: 4/5 cookies
Age: YA/A

Tuesday, 18 March 2014

Missing Me by Sophie Mckenzie (Girl, Missing #3)

Okay, that was better Sophie.
Much better.
Well done.


So yep, the final instalment in this trilogy was so much better, well done Sophie - you kinda saved it to be honest. I mean, it wasn't as great as the first one, but it was far better than the second one.

The thing that saved this book for me that it was totally flipped on it's head, we no longer follow around Lauren (whose still whiny by the way) but her sister, Madison who I adored to pieces as a small, cute, innocent little girl. This really improved this whole book as it gave us a chance to look at the family/situations in a different way, and it gave us a break from Lauren who was kinda old news in the last one.

So Madison was actually okay, I was really scared when I started off she would be too much like teenager Lauren - but she's not. Even though they share some traits, they are a lot of little things about Madison that are more relatable: self confidence and self esteem being low, and the anxiety of social situations - which a lot of teenagers go through, trust me. Also, it was kinda nice to see an new introduction of characters in this series, it kinda refreshed the whole thing. I actually quite like having Wolf and Esme around a looking at their relationship and different personalties in detail (no matter how small or minor); and I know I should hate Esme for what she did, but... I don't blame her. As much as I like Madison, I would have done the same thing after learning she had used me.

Also, the plot kinda made more sense in this book again, it wasn't as stupid or as silly and what happened after each event was understandable and not a completely daft move or jump in conclusion. It was quite smart really, and I like the way Allan played into the whole of it (still not sure about him to be honest). It was a interesting mystery guys (although I'm still unsure whether it was illegal or not, do you know if it was?)

The thing that let this down was... guess what? Yep. Lauren. In this book Lauren is pregnant and 23 and she's still as whiny and awful as she was in the second book. What happened to impulsive, cool Lauren we saw in Girl Missing? And I mean, she was awful to Madison about Allan... Out of all people she should have understood! Ugh Lauren! I don't like the way you matured... Oh! And one other thing, the thing with Madison and Wolf happened far too quickly for me, it doesn't work like that! You don't fall in love that quickly. I hate it when authors do that...

So overall, this book was okay again, I'm still mad over the last book in the series so this was slightly tinted by that; but it was so much better. I still recommend this series, but only as a filler and to young readers (may be okay to some YA readers - can be slightly childish at times).

Age: 13+
Rating: 3/5 cookies

Monday, 17 March 2014

Sister, Missing by Sophie McKenzie (Girl, Missing #2)

Hmmm...
I don't know.
This book has confused my feelings. 
I don't like that.



So, to start off with this book started with a sudden plot twist... You know how sometimes there's a sudden death and you throw the book away from you, because where the hell did that come from? Yeah, the first page had one of those. THE FIRST FREAKIN' PAGE. NO SOPHIE. NO. Yeah, so that didn't start off well for me, it took me ten minutes to read the first page because I kept re-reading it in denial. So yep, I was really conflicted when started this book, it felt like I had been punched...

I can't be the only one, but, I always feel like the second book in a trilogy/series is the worst (don't lie, you know you feel the same way), and this one was no exception. There was no way I like this as much as the first one, it wasn't terrible and it was still fast paced and exciting, but boy did it drag on sometimes and bore me in some scenes.

And what happened to Lauren? Smart, brave, resourceful and independent Lauren, who kept getting distracted at the thought of James no longer liking her when she was trying to save her younger sister; SNAP OUT OF IT GIRL. Oh, and since when was she such a bitch anyway? All she did was snap at Shelby, and then hate her for defending herself, and put everyone she 'loved' around her in danger; yeah, smart move girl. UGH. NO. And don't even get me started on James, he was no better in this book with his lack of character.

Yet, Madison was still a cutie pie, and I still adore her to bits; and let me tell you, she is one heck of a brave and smart eight year old, jesus christ, I probably would have died if I was her by now. And then there's Shelby, who I actually started to sympathise with in this books since Lauren is such a moody cow, who was actually smart and right from the start.

The plot was okay - not as smart as the first book, but not bad. It did drag on a bit at the end and it got a bit ridiculous, but at the same time it kept you interested with all these small little plot twists (thank the lord.) It was also slightly darker than the last one, with a lot of characters deaths, which was fine, because I actually like character deaths sometimes... Is that bad?

Overall, I didn't mind this book and didn't think the plot was terrible, even though I wanted to punch Lauren throughout the whole of it. It was a disappointment, but I will read the next book in hope it picks up.

Have any of you read it? And what were your thoughts?

Age: 13+
Rating: 2.5/5

Saturday, 15 March 2014

Girl, Missing by Sophie Mckenzie (Girl, Missing #1)

Whoa, long time no see, right?
Yeah, sorry about that...
I had loads of tests, I would have preferred reading, trust me...
But I'm here now!


So again, I'm not going to lie, I picked this up for it's cover... again... I think I may have a problem by judging a book by it's cover, but this one is so clever! So admittedly, I wasn't sure when I started off with this book, I mean, it had an interesting concept and plot; but, the first interaction the main character (Lauren) had with anyone else was texting her best friend this: 'I texted my friend Jam. hw u dng w/ stpd 'who i am thng?'. On the first page. THE FIRST PAGE. That is not how us teenagers text, thank you very much; but it did make me laugh for all the wrong reasons.

Despite the cringey texting, I actually quite like the main character, sure Lauren was whiny and moaned a lot but it was understandable and she was quite smart and resourceful. You could say she depended on James a lot, but at the same time you depend on you best friend/boyfriend in everyday life (sometimes I feel like we're too harsh on female characters being weak and strong and stuff); and besides, she did a lot on the boat before he arrived. In a way, they both rely on each other, but can be independent. So yeah, I really like Lauren and James, they were both kinda relatable and funny, AND THEY WERE SO CUTE TOGETHER.

And I have to mention another cutie: Madison, she is just adorable and so smart and gah... I want one, where can I buy one? Obviously, I hold a bit of resentment to Shelby like Lauren does, but then again, we only see one side of the story like that. I didn't really feel anything else for the other characters (didn't meet them often enough) apart from Glane, who was a nice little shock and quite a sweet, wise man.

Even though the characters helped me to like this, the main thing that did it for me was the plot. It was very fast-paced and a quick read, which I really like in a book because it means I can move onto the sequel or a new book quickly. It was also quite interesting too, to see the mystery of where Lauren comes from and how she was taken away as a toddler; I love a good old mystery.

So overall, I enjoyed the book. It wasn't brilliant, but it was a lovely, quick, relaxing read and I'll definitely be carrying on with the series.

Rating: 3.5/5 cookies
Age: 13+/YA

Saturday, 8 March 2014

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

The one liners in this book.
Like, seriously...
Beth is a genius.


I really like the idea of this book, that you can fall in love with someone by just reading their personal emails; which sounds creepy, but honestly, Lincoln is such a sweetheart, he's not like that....

The whole plot of this book is really interesting because: there's no love triangles, the girl isn't totally obsessed over the guy, there's actually proper friendship, couple struggles, and all the drama about moving on and out. I know that sounds weird, but it's actually really good, it's realistic instead of something that sounds all silly and you really have to stretch the imagination to understand. With this, you don't have to imagine, you can see exactly how the characters end up in their predicaments. 

Also, I really liked the characters, each of them had their own little cute quirks and I really loved that, instead of seeing the same old characters repeated over and over again in some novels. There was a real mix, I mean Beth and Jennifer were almost complete opposites but that was nice to see, because a lot of best friends are like that; and then there's Lincoln who I kinda just want to protect from the world (despite the fact he's a massive hunk).

And the humour in this was brilliant, it would just kinda sneak up on you in these brilliant one-liners and would leave you smiling and laughing, and a lot of it was in the form of teasing which was great; not many characters do teasing that well these days, but Beth and Jennifer do.

Overall, I actually loved this book, it was so much fun to read and invest myself in all the characters (including Justin and Dena who are adorable together, and it was nice to see them not meet in the stereotypical way). Attachments was a nice change from the kind of books I read and I just loved it so much.

Rating: 4/5 cookies
Age: YA

That seemed like a really short review (sorry), any recommendations on what to buy and read next? 

Thursday, 6 March 2014

Thirteen by Tom Hoyle

This is scary.
Like really scary.
Don't get me wrong, I liked it.
But it was scary.


Thirteen by Tom Hoyle is a new release for this year, and I've committed a huge book reading sin: I picked it up for it's cover, but the spine is soooo cool guys. 

This book is about a cult called 'The People' and how they believe they need to kill thirteen boys born on the new millennium before they turn fourteen, to bring around the new reign of The Master in Heaven; they've already killed twelve, and guess whose next? Adam. 

Admittedly, when I first started reading this I had my doubts - I knew nothing of the story line so I was going in blind, and I found the plot and writing a little... silly? Bit then, after that I've had a hard time putting it down and neglected Eragon for it (sorry, I WILL read it, promise.) 

It wasn't like I cried or laughed a lot with this book, but the plot was just so interesting and there were all these little twists that kept me hanging on and biting my nails. I mean, there was the PC and Simon, then everything at the end with Megan and Adam, and not to mention the damn epilogue; honestly, I really want to know where he's going with that because the author gives you no clues. God dammit.

The characters were likeable, but that might just be because I'm a couple of years older than them.... That's a bit weird actually, I'm usually younger than book characters... Both Megan and Adam are great because they're smart teenagers (and so obviously meant for each other), they rely on each other, but it's two-sided.  *SPOLIER ALERT* Parts of London would have been blown up and Adam scarificed if it wasn't for Megan, and Megan would be dead weeks before that without Adam. It was nice to see two strong characters, who both succeeded and failed at times.

The only character that was a disappointment to me was Simon; I really liked him at first. But what he did at Dorm 13 was plain stupid, honestly, he's spent maybe years on the run from them and he's tricked that easily? Get it together Simon. God.




 Told you the spine was cool....

Overall, I really like the book even though the plot and idea of it is really scary. That there are people out there killing innocent boys younger than thirteen for 'The Master', and I haven't even mentioned Dorm 13... I can't wait for the sequel to this and will be caring it on because it's actually a really short, fast-paced, and exciting book to read.

Age: 13+
 Rating: 3.5/5 cookies

Tuesday, 25 February 2014

Switched by Amanda Hocking (Trylle Trilogy #1)

This goddamn book is so stupid.
It has an interesting idea... BUT the charcaters.
THE FILLPIN' CHARACTERS HAVE NO PERSONALITY OR ARE REALLY UNLIKEABLE.
This book could have been amazing, but instead it was almost worse than Twilight (almost.)


I suppose I should start off with the plot and the whole idea of this story. This story could have been so interesting if the pot was written better, instead it was all about 'how to be princess' and guess what? That's right you guessed it! We have another love triangle going on people *groan*. The reason I did not immediately cast the book to the side was because this book is about trolls, there are no books about trolls, so I picked it up and started to read... Big mistake.

Even if learning about the trolls and how they live was interesting, and it did capture my imagination; the whole plot just didn't make sense. Nothing exciting happened, we just read about the Wendy whining how she didn't want to be a princess, how she wanted to keep her name at the christening, how she didn't want to be a Changeling (which is sort of a nice idea) and wanted to go back to her family who she never treated right in the first place (I can carry on if you would like?)

And that's another point, her and one of her love interests (Finn) are probably two of the most boring and dislikeable characters I have ever read about. Wendy just whines and acts like a spoil brat all the time, she even admits this but does nothing to change it or treat others better, and she even admits she treats her Auntie and brother (who she lives with since her mother tried to kill her knowing Wendy wasn't her child, shame she didn't do a better job...) unfairly but does nothing to try and treat them better. Then we have Finn he's supposed to be mysterious and sexy - he's actually bland, creepy and boring, he literally had no personality. NONE. I could go on and on about all those bloody characters, but I'm going to try and keep it reasonably short.

And then there's the stupid love triangle, firstly who the hell would fall in love with Wendy? She's a whiny brat. Secondly, we don't need another love triangle thank you very much. Thirdly, there is no connection between any of the characters. Even though we're made to believe Wendy likes Finn and Rhys, but honestly, none of them have any solid connection with each other - it's so stupid.

So, did I finish this book? Yes. Yes I did. Even though this book is unbearably stupid, it is also very hard to put down and is a quick read; plus, you can't no hope that it will get better because of the interesting idea of the whole plot with trolls... But it doesn't. I can't imagine I'll carry on with this series, but I may give it another go with the sequel - I'm not sure.

Have you guys read it? If so what did you think?

Rating: 1.5/5 cookies

Monday, 24 February 2014

My Sister Lives On The Mantelpiece (by Annabel Pitcher)

I feel like my heart has been stomped on.
And then cut into lots of little pieces.
And then burnt in the pit of emotions forever.
I think Annabel Pitcher is secretly John Green...


This book is beautiful in so many ways I will never be able to describe, it deals with: terrorism, racism, how losing a loved one can affect a family, death, courage and bravery, and crying.

It tells the story of James and how broke and destroyed his family is over his sister's death (Rose), and how they all must come to terms with death and what is morally right and wrong throughout the story. At times it can be hard to read, this is not helped by little James' innocence (who is a major cutie by the way).

As well as James' innocence, it's hard to read as how sad it can be a times - the neglect and the battle within himself for James is hard to sit back and take, all you want to do is hug him; and you even start feeling sympathetic for his other sister who has to deal with the broken home and James, whilst dealing with her own teenage problems - love (which I'm sure most of you can relate to - even if I can't...)

There are happy times though, and I do love Girl M who I'm sure you will all think is pretty badass and amazing too - a true icon to all little girls everywhere; and she's so cute with James! Honestly guys, they may be ten but you can tell they're so going to end up together. Girl M is probably the funniest ten year old I've ever met (besides my ten year old self).

However, I started balling like a baby at the end, and I had to stop reading because I couldn't see the pages through my tears (this is why I think she's secretly John Green...). Was there really any need for that? Was there really any need to make James cry for the first time in five years? What happened broke my heart, because it's so god damn relatable.


Honestly, I read this book in about twenty four hours - I could not put it down. It was a true masterpiece and those of a 13+ age should definitely read it.

Rating: 4/5 cookies 

Wednesday, 19 February 2014

Me Earl and The Dying Girl (by Jesse Andrews)

Holy brownies.
That was different.
I was smiling and laughing for 90% of this book.
Even though, this is the cringiest thing I have ever read.


Where do I even begin with this book?

I suppose I should start with: 1. You will punch yourself repeatedly in the face over this book (my face hurts and is very bruised); 2. Do not read in front of your parents (unless you want them to see masturbation with pillows jokes); 3. If you are kinda getting fed up of deep meaningful books (still love John Green and everything - just there are too many books like that at the moment) READ THIS BOOK.

Jesse Andrews is a genius. End of. This book makes you feel so many things but at the same time makes you giggle every couple of pages (at least); and it's flippin' relatable (not in the crumbling family with Earl and weird eating habits of Greg's father sort of way), but it in the way of: embarrassing mums, high school sucking ass, not knowing what you're doing with friends, college life looming and screwing up life in general.

All the characters are brilliant, they just play off each other so well and it adds this kinda bizarre humour with Greg's inner monologue, who doesn't love a good inner monologue? And the author, looking back and writing the scenes cursing and threatening to punch himself (which is what I was tempted to do to him - but did to me when it got really cringy), just adds to the wit of the whole book.

Another thing I loved about Jesse Andrews, is that he is so lazy/bored sometimes he just changes the style of reading, sometimes you reading paragraphs of speech, sometimes bullet points, and sometimes you read it like a script. This was really quite brave actually and I must congratulate them - they pulled it off really well.

As well as this, it kinda just shows us the whole media bullshit with books now, they're always romanticizing them - this book takes the mick out of that. This book just kinda goes: 'oh jesus no feelings, ew, I'm not going to fall for the girl with cancer cliche' (which is very refreshing to see). It was kinda great to see two characters so unaffected by a cancer girls' death and for them both to kinda go: 'we barely knew her' instead of crying about how 'beautiful' she was of a person, and for Earl 'you can't let her death guilt you into doing shit you don't wanna' do.' (does this make me a bad person? Lets not look into that...)



So overall, I don't really feel like I've given this book the sort of review it deserves... But please, just don't take it from me and research it, because it is amazing - you will all love it, trust me. Why will you love it? Because it's so cringy and bad that it's actually funny, I mean, if I met High School Greg and Earl now I would probably avoid them and think Greg was a total dick, and Earl was a freakin' physcopath - but you know what? They doesn't exist and they're hilarious to read about. 

This book doesn't get half the praise and talk that it deserves.

Rating: 4.3/5 cookies (woo! That's high!)

Tuesday, 18 February 2014

Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3)

Oh wow, I am so excited to write this.
I love this trilogy and this book... And this was probably my favourite out of the trilogy.
And guess what? Guess who owns a Collector's Edition? Uh huh. This girly does.


This book. This freaking book. It made me: angry, happy, sad, want to curl up in a ball and scream, coo constantly at all the characters, and go kick some ass with Charlotte.

But seriously though, Charlotte is kick ass and she's just my favorite character.

I like really like the plot to this book and how the Lightwood family were incorporated into it - it was just beautiful guys (so are Gideon and Gabriel actually); and the demise of Benedict Lightwood made me laugh, honestly, what a brilliant way to kill off a character people hate (you just have to WORMIFY them.)

And let's not forget Tessa's story line and history, am I the only one who wasn't expecting it? And found it really quite clever? I probably was probably the only one who didn't see it coming. BUT STILL, I wasn't expecting it and found myself smiling for her when Aloysius offered up his home.

Also, the new Infernal Devices are so clever, birlliant and deadly that I wanted one - is that bad? But I mean, they are pretty cool , even if they are demons - ITS JUST SO CLEVER. Let's not forget, Tessa's clockwork angel, which was just a beautiful way to explain it all - even though I had guessed this one (FINALLY).

The only things that may have tinted the greatness of this book are the fact there are too many romances and how quickly Mortmian was deafeated, I mean all Tessa had to do was change and pick him up, thus killing him and all his clockwork creatures; it sound's like Cassandra Clare was running out of ideas. Even though the romances were adorable (especially Gideon and Sohpie - my heart sings at the thought of the two of them), there were far too many and I felt it became too much like a romance novel at the end of it.


I'm a also a bit disappointed with the Collector's Edition - all I can find that is different is the size (slightly annoying), and the fact it has a family tree at the back - did I miss anything?

Overall, I did love this book and series. Even though I find this hard to believe, if you haven't read the trilogy, do it now - it is phenomenal (and maybe slightly better than the Mortal Instruments?)

Until next time lovely readers.

Rating: 4/5 cookies

Monday, 30 December 2013

Black Heart Blue by Louisa Reid

**THIS BOOK COULD BE A TRIGGER FOR SUFFERERS OF PAST/PRESENT ABUSE**

Black Heart Blue was given to me as a late Christmas present this year, and immediately captivated my interest through the blurb; however, the cover did not interest me, but, you know what they say: 'you can't judge a book by it's cover'. That, strangers, I do not agree with.




Black Heart Blue tells the lives of two non-identical twin sisters, Rebecca and Hephzibah, who have spent the first 17 years of their life in an abusive and strictly religious home. Torn apart by Hephzibah's sudden death, we are shown the inner torment and the bond shared by the two sisters from alternative points of view.

This book may be full of dark tones and themes, but is absolutely captivating and is well worth your time of day. I finished it within 24 hours of receiving it, and struggled to put it down when asked by my mother (who feared I was being antisocial by reading whilst having guests round, I'm not sorry). I highly recommend it and it receives 4/5 cookies from me.

If you would like to read more reviews, or even purchase the book, you can pop over here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Heart-Blue-Louisa-Reid/dp/0141342706