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Invisible In A Bright Light
Invisible In A Bright Light
Sally Gardner | 2019 | Fiction & Poetry, History & Politics, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This story is told from multiple perspectives and the protagonist of this book should be Celeste, a girl who wakes up in a basket as someone else, a girl called Maria. Celeste is very confused about who is this Maria, and why she is living her life. Even though this book tells Celeste’s journey, for me, the true protagonist of this book is Hildegard, a young girl, who was abused and bullied by her self centred mother. This whole story is kind of about her. That is the beauty of this book, the characters are so closely connected and entwined, that it makes this book a one beautiful and complex work of art.

I have to admit, this book was quite hard to read sometimes. Even though the plot is great and absorbing, the writing style felt quite jumpy and chaotic, and that made this book a little difficult to understand sometimes. I have to admit, if I would read it as a child, it would not make sense to me, but reading it as an adult, I truly learned how to enjoy it to the fullest. The author discussed very important topics in this book, such as emotional and physical abuse against children, lack of confidence in children, loss, friendship, self-obsession, and many more. The plot was quite layered, sometimes it is a ghost story, sometimes an adventure and it is filled with plenty of magic as well, all these changes in the atmosphere kept me entertained throughout the pages.
  
I don’t like Christmas books. Usually. I like A Christmas Carol, but I tend not to read many modern Christmas books - unless they’re children’s ones at work, or when I used to read them for my own children when they were little. Which is probably why I liked this so much. Usually in anthologies, there will be a few standout stories that make reading the collection as a whole worthwhile, but I’ve really struggled to single out one or two - I enjoyed them all far too much for that.

Most of the stories are set around Christmas with only a couple of exceptions. That didn’t cause me to like them any less though. The real standouts for me (if I absolutely HAVE to choose!) were: Phoebe Morgan’s Unexpected Present - the gift wrapped so nicely in expensive M&S paper being the main protagonists husband; The Switch by James Delargy had a Stephen King vibe to it (and I should add that it wasn’t because of The Green Mile!); Fresh Meat by Elle Croft gives new meaning to a raw meat diet for your cat; and The Vigilante by Clare Empson was a sad story of a Charles Dickens look-a-like who tries to save victims of crime in the dead of night.

If you need an excuse to buy this, then the proceeds go to ESDAS and Rights of Women, both domestic abuse charities.

Many thanks to The PIgeonhole for serialising this book, and to the authors who joined in. As always, it was a great experience!!
  
The Foxhole Court (All for the Game, #1)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This starts with Neil having a discussion with his Exy coach about people wanting to recruit him to their team and the thought of going into the limelight, when he's been on the run from his murdering father for years, sends him into a panic. But after some words and a few physical hits from his soon to be team-mates he agrees to go with them. What follows is a complicated mix of game play, mind games and secrets.

I couldn't put into words what it is about this story so far that has kept me reading because it's not exactly sunshine and roses - in fact it's quite the opposite - but I am so entrenched in the mystery of Kevin and the cousins and just what the heck is going on/going to happen next for this team that I straight away went and bought book 2 so I could find out - and at 99p each, this series is a bargain one.

One thing I will say is that I've never been so into a fictional sport before. Reading through the game about the 75% mark had me almost bouncing in my seat. I was very much behind the Foxes and wanted them to win so bad considering how unorthodox a team they are.

This does deal with some strong triggers such as drug taking, physical abuse and someone dies towards the end. It certainly isn't light reading but I am so intrigued by how their story line is going to play out so I'm off to start book 2.
  
Forgotten Storm (Storm #1)
Forgotten Storm (Storm #1)
A.R. Vagnetti | 2019 | Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Forgotten Storm is the first book in the Storm series and, let me tell you, it certainly kicks up a storm! From beginning to end, this book grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go!

Nikki is a strong female character who has dealt with more than she should have done, which has left her with coping mechanisms she doesn't think anyone will understand. Logan is her mate and a strong character in his own right. He has done what he thought was right for Nikki, even to his own detriment, to ensure her safety. Of course, nothing goes according to plan so both of them have to deal with unforeseen issues.

This is, quite simply, an amazing book. There are some hard-hitting subjects raised here including sexual abuse, assault, BDSM, plus more that I won't go into. There are no slow points in the story and the pacing is perfect for the story. I loved how Nikki was into martial arts 'before' she knew anything so that helped her progression. Logan is a darling and I loved him! He's also an Alpha Male so obviously he needed a whomp upside the head at times and Nikki was the perfect one to do so.

A brilliant start to a series that I can't wait to read more about. Highly recommended.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *