Search

Search only in certain items:

40x40

ClareR (6054 KP) rated Sisters in Books

Nov 22, 2022  
Sisters
Sisters
Daisy Johnson | 2020 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry, Horror, Mystery, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
What it’s about:
Sisters is about July and September, born 10 months apart and as close as twins. They’ve only ever needed each other. But when school bullying results in them moving away with their mother to an abandoned house on the Yorkshire coast, their relationship starts to fracture. And as they push one another to do increasingly daring things, July starts to realise that something isn’t quite right.

My thoughts:
I love a quirky read, and Sisters is exactly that. I was never quite sure what July and September were going to do next, and their demands of each other were at times really dangerous. They are very insular and don’t seems to want anyone else involved in their relationship - even their mother. Even the house they live in is unfriendly, set in a hostile environment.
This isn’t a scary book at all, but it’s packed with suspense and there’s a really uncomfortable, disorientating atmosphere.
I loved it.
  
40x40

ClareR (6054 KP) rated Small Worlds in Books

Sep 20, 2023  
Small Worlds
Small Worlds
Caleb Azumah Nelson | 2023 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson is an intensely emotional coming of age story, of a Ghanaian Londoner called Stephen.

As a young black man, Stephen feels safety in his small worlds: music, family and friends. And then there is outside those worlds where Stephen feels less safe: places in London where there is brutality or unrest, and University, which is where he really doesn’t want to be, as it’s so far from his friends and family - and his world.

Stephen needs these constants in his life, and when it’s taken away, he’s lost.

Stephen goes to Ghana to see the people and places of his parents youth, and it’s here that he finds some connection with those he loves. When he goes home, he’s able to come to terms with those people he has lost and rebuild relationships.

This was a really moving novel that made me really think about the challenges of culture, family, race and policing in London (in particular).
Recommended.
  
Guardian Core (Sky Stone #2)
Guardian Core (Sky Stone #2)
Scarlett Van Dijk | 2015 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The second book in the series takes us back to the world of the Sky Guardians, with Skyla and Aaron. This is once again a book filled with action and emotion, with characters that jump out at you whether you like them (James) or not (May). May is an essential part of this story, but I just couldn't warm to her. James, on the other hand, has an integral role but I liked his character straight away.

With kidnap, heartbreak, a residence for the Sky Guardians, plus lots more, this book is filled from start to finish. With the story moving along at a fair pace, it builds to the climax and ends with a positive. It isn't all simple though, and Skyla has her work cut out for her.

A wonderful young adult fantasy to read and enjoy, definitely recommended.

* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 29, 2016
  
IC
Infinity Chronicles: Book 2
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
41 of 220
Kindle
Infinity Chronicles:Book 2
By Albany Walker
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’m learning to accept that my entire life has been a lie, and that with my mother’s disappearance there are mysteries I may never uncover. Not to mention, my abilities are manifesting and I’m just beginning to understand what being part of an Infinity really means.

As my relationship with each guy grows, so does the Infinity bond between us. Living with four moody guys—who give me butterflies with a simple look—can be slightly overwhelming. Still, I need answers, and moving forward is the only way to get them.

But there is a problem—each revelation provokes new questions, and secrets I may not be ready for are rising to the surface.

I found myself enjoying this a lot more than the first book. We had a lot more interest and a bit more story development. The characters were rounding out and coming into their own.
  
Kilned at the Ceramic Shop
Kilned at the Ceramic Shop
Donna Clancy | 2024 | Mystery
3
3.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Broken Debut
Tammy Wright is taking time this summer to help her Aunt Clara run her ceramics shop. But she’s only been in town a few hours before she learns about a real estate agent who is pressuring Clara to sell. A murder and a disappearance only up the stakes. Can Tammy figure out what is going on?

Yes, the ceramics is what caught my eye here, although that’s not the official hook for the series. It reminded me of the few months I did some with my grandma and how much she enjoyed that hobby for decades. But that was where the good ended for me. The writing was poor throughout the book. The pacing was off with events substituting for investigation. And the characters were weak, although I did like them. There was definitely promise here, but the book needed a good edit. Others seemed to enjoy this book more than I did, but I won’t be moving forward with this series.