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Siren Queen
Nghi Vo | 2022
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Title: Siren Queen
Author: Nghi Vo
288 pages
Published: May 10th of 2022

Let's start off by I love the name of the book and the blue color palette on the cover. Blue makes it very pretty and anything that says "Siren" catches my intrest. Even though it's not about that I'm glad I read it. This book is about Luli Wei a beautiful talented wanting to be a star in pre-code Hollywood. In it she knows how the movie business can be very dangerous but she doesn't seem to be bothered by this. She also prefers to play a monster rather than a maid. She learns the worst monsters of all are not on screen but rather in reality around her in Hollywood. She also learns success always comes with a very steep price to pay and it's never lovely. This book caught my attention from the beginning and is well written. It has an interesting story plot and is one book I'd definitely reccomend. Also, reality is just sad.
  
Family Business
Family Business
Jonathan Sims | 2022 | Horror, Paranormal
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I have never read anything by Mr Sims before but I do like to dip into the horror genre on occasion however, this is what I would call more supernatural with a bit of horror thrown in rather than a full-blown horror but that's ok just like this was an ok read.

What I enjoyed: the characters were interesting and believable, the "monster" was something a bit different and the plot was pretty unique.

What let it down for me: it was a bit of a slow burn with not a lot happening for quite a lot of the book although there was an increasing sense of unease which built up from the start but it just seemed to take a long time to get there unfortunately.

Whilst I wouldn't say this was one of my favourites in this genre, I did like Mr Sim's writing style and I would be tempted to read his future books and I must give my thanks to The Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of Family Business.
  
The Stolen Twins
The Stolen Twins
Shari J. Ryan | 2023 | History & Politics
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Oh my word ... what a story!! I don't think there are any superlatives that captures adequately how I felt about this book and how good it was ... I was breathless and on pins from the very first to the very last word.

The story is told from the viewpoints of Jewish twins Arina and Nora and from multi timelines from their life with their parents in Hungary, through the horrors of being twins at the hands of the monster that was Mengele in Auschwitz and their road to rebuilding their lives in France and the USA.

It is a powerful story of survival, loss, resilience, hope and the power of love; I was absolutely rivetted and devoured it in quick time and have no problem recommending this to those of you who love getting totally immersed in a wonderful book that will have your emotions in tatters and my thanks must go to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Stolen Twins.
  
Everything Under
Everything Under
Daisy Johnson | 2018 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry, LGBTQ+, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is a book to take your time over. It’s not to be rushed, because there’s so much going on under the surface, and you might just miss something.

It’s a story about transitions of gender, family and home. It looks at language, how it can be manipulated and made into something new and different (Gretel and her mother have their own words for some things).
‘Leaving’ is another theme: Margot leaves her family, Gretel is left by her mother, and in a way, Margot leaves herself behind when she becomes Marcus. Everything Under is also a book that reworks the Oedipus legend, as well as using elements of Hansel and Gretel (beyond just the use of the name!), and a made up legend called the Bonak (which is actually a Tagalog word for a stupid child or a ‘dumb kid’) - a monster that destroys, stays and disrupts.

There’s a dreamlike quality to this novel, which really added to the fairytale element - the really menacing versions.

I loved this book.
  
DH
Dirty Heads
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
3 of 220
Kindle
Dirty Heads
By Aaron Dries
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The story of a boy who dreamed of becoming a man… But dreamed up a monster instead

You’re on the run. Marked. Don’t think about the kid you used to be when you’re homeless and dumpster-diving in the rain. Just eat whatever you find to keep your engine full. Because the shadow with too many teeth wants you tired.

You’re easier to catch when you’re tired.

It has hunted you since the summer of 1994, back when we confessed who we were through mixtapes. When every movie at the video store had dirty heads. You were thirteen and thought you knew who you were. Only the shadow with too many teeth knew you better. It still does. And it won’t stop. Not until you come home.

Back to where it all began.

I’ve never read anything like it. It was just one of those books where you are shook to the core but can’t stop reading. So so good. This was so brilliantly written.
  
TM
The Mind is a Razorblade
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
45 of 220
Book sirens arc
The Mind is a Razorblade
By Max Booth lll
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Drowning, he wakes beside two corpses. His memory has been wiped clean. He doesn't know his name, what he's doing here, who these people are, or even why one of them is a cop. Nor can he explain his strange telekinetic abilities.

Questions plague his mind like hellfire, questions that begin a journey leading into the rot of downtown America, a journey that will not end until every one of his questions have been answered, despite who has to die in the process. Even if those who have all the answers aren't human.

Even if the true monster he's hunting for is staring at him through the mirror.

This was bloody bizarre and to start with I was completely baffled but I actually really enjoyed it especially the ending. Definitely different to anything I’ve read. Also spiders really? I suppose it could have been worse like centipedes!

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