On My Wishlist #87

This is a meme from Cosy Books. There are so many books out there that I want to read that this is the only way I can keep track!

This  week I've found myself wishing for some very funny British men...and their books, of course!

Charlotte Street - Danny Wallace

Publisher: Ebury Press

Jason Priestley (not that one) has just seen her. They shared an incredible, brief, fleeting moment of deep possibility, somewhere halfway down Charlotte Street.
And then, just like that, she was gone - accidentally leaving him holding her old-fashioned, disposable camera, chock full of undeveloped photos...
And now Jason - ex-teacher, ex-boyfriend, part-time writer and reluctant hero - faces a dilemma. Should he try and track The Girl down? What if she's The One? But that would mean using the only clues he has, which lie untouched in this tatty disposable...
It's funny how things can develop.

I love Danny Wallace's non-fiction books - they have me in stitches so I have really high hopes for this, his first fiction outing...

Half Sick of Shadows - David Logan

Publisher: Doubleday

On the eve of Granny Hazel's burial in the back garden, a stranger in his time machine - a machine that bears an uncanny resemblance to a Morris Minor - visits five year-old Edward with a strange request. And Edward agrees to be his friend.

But Edward is not alone in the world. His twin sister Sophia is about to bring future tragedy upon herself through an all-too-literal misunderstanding of a promise she's made to their father. So while Sophia stays at home, seemingly condemned to spend the rest of her days in The Manse - a world untouched by modern trappings - Edward is sent to boarding school. There he encounters the kind and the not-so-kind, and meets the strangest child. His name is Alf, and Alf is a boy whose very existence would seem to hint at universes of unlimited possibilities...and who might one day help Edward liberate Sophia.

I loved the other winner of Terry Pratchett's Anywhere But Here, Any when But Now Prize - Apocalypse Cow so I am really curious about this, the second winner. Added to which the book has time travel, a personal favourite, how can I resist?

Dodger - Terry Prachett

Publisher: HarperCollins

A storm. Rain-lashed city streets. A flash of lightning. A scruffy lad sees a girl leap desperately from a horse-drawn carriage, in a vain attempt to escape her captors. Can the lad stand by and let her be caught again? Of course not, because he's ...Dodger

*sigh* Terry Pratchett...need I say more...?

So what are you wishing for this week?

The Power of Six Review

The Power of Six

- Pittacus Lore

Publisher: Penguin Books

We are the last defence.

I've seen him on the news. Followed the stories about what happened in Ohio. John Smith, out there, on the run. To the world, he's a mystery. But to me . . . he's one of us.
Nine of us came here, but sometimes I wonder if time has changed us—if we all still believe in our mission. How can I know? There are six of us left. We're hiding, blending in, avoiding contact with one another . . . but our Legacies are developing, and soon we'll be equipped to fight. Is John Number Four, and is his appearance the sign I've been waiting for? And what about Number Five and Six? Could one of them be the raven-haired girl with the stormy eyes from my dreams? The girl with powers that are beyond anything I could ever imagine? The girl who may be strong enough to bring the six of us together?
They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They tried to catch Number Four in Ohio—and failed.
I am Number Seven. One of six still alive.
And I'm ready to fight.

It’s been a long time since I read I Am Number Four (read my review here) and I have to confess to being generally underwhelmed with the experience – not bad particularly but I was expecting a lot more from it. So it was with a little reluctance I started reading The Power of Six hoping that a couple of positive reviews I’ve read recently were true. I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised. There is a dual narrative with this novel, one with John Smith (Number Four), his best friend Sam and Number Six on the run from the Mogadorians and the police in America which picks up pretty much from when I Am Number Four finishes. This storyline was action packed with plenty of excitement and car chases with John and Six using their Legacies extensively. The second storyline introduces Marina or Number Seven and her quiet life in a Nun run orphanage in Spain. Her Ceplan has turned her back on Lorien and left Marina struggling to cope with the emergence of her Legacies on her own. Mariana’s story certainly starts off much slower, but I was so intrigued by the way of life and Marina’s isolation that I was always wanting to read more of her story.

Marian is a lonely and isolated girl, with few friends. I loved the developing friendship between Marina and Ellie and well as her conversations with Hector and she seemed genuinely to want to do the right thing. In comparison I couldn’t help but dislike John. He behaved in a completely selfish manner throughout – flirting with Six despite knowing Sam liked her and having a girlfriend himself. He left Six to fight alone and when others were in danger he selfishly just wanted his chest back rather than helping. I really thought he was immature and needed a good slap! However, there is a greater exploration of Legacies and their chests as well as the Mogadorians with a glimpse of perhaps their true nemesis…

Overall, this is a highly readable book – it may not be the best written but it moves at a cracking pace, with action never more than a few pages away. I turned the pages compulsively – like eating a bag of chips before your Mum’s home cooked dinner. You know the chips won’t be as nice as dinner but you just can’t help yourself.

Recommended for fans of Will Hill and James Patterson. 7 out of 10

Throwback Thursday #50 - Divergent

This is a great feature that Melissa at My World...in words and pictures has been doing for a while and I wanted to jump on board! There are plenty of books out there I desperately want...

But what about all those wonderful books that are ALREADY on my shelves?

Divergent - Veronica Roth

In a future Chicago, 16-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose among five predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all.

I know, I know - it seems like everyone has read this and adores it, but I am terrible at keeping up to date with popular books. Plus I'm always worried if the hype is just that, hype or if the book is really worth reading! So is it worth reading? :-)

Extended - Giveaway for Sarah Birthday!!

I'm extending the time for Sarah's Birthday Giveaway until Saturday 19th May. Why? I hear you cry! Because some of the suggestions have been great - and they've been adding to my wishlist - so I want some more!! So for a chance to win a book of your choice, just click on the picture below and tell what book I should buy my guest reviewer Sarah for her birthday!!

Good Luck!

Dead Scared Review

Dead Scared

-       S.J. Bolton

Publisher: DoubleDay

Review Copy Courtesy of Transworld Publishing

When a Cambridge student dramatically attempts to take her own life, DI Mark Joesbury realizes that the university has developed an unhealthy record of young people committing suicide in extraordinary ways. Against huge personal misgivings, Joesbury sends young policewoman DC Lacey Flint to Cambridge, with a brief to work under-cover, posing as a depression-prone, vulnerable student. Psychiatrist Evi Oliver is the only person in Cambridge who knows who Lacey really is -- or so they both hope. But as the two women dig deeper into the darker side of university life, they discover a terrifying trend. And when Lacey starts experiencing the same disturbing nightmares reported by the dead girls, she knows that she is next...

Lacey Flint, Met Detective with speciality in violent crimes against women is asked to go undercover to investigate a series of suicides of under-graduates at Cambridge University. However, she finds herself increasingly out of her depth and isolated... Lacey is such a great character – both incredibly strong and yet emotionally vulnerable. She feels like a real person to me – not necessary someone I would like but I connect to. Her feelings of being overwhelmed by a new environment and unsure what to do is easily relatable as we all feel that way at some point – whether at university or at a new job or moving to a new town and this makes her easy to identify with.

The subject of suicide is difficult yet dealt with a lot of sensitivity while not hiding the consequences at all. Some of the suicides are extreme and horrific – as are the crimes committed. Yet it is the people that stay with you longer. There is something about SJ Bolton’s writing that worms its way into your head and keeps you thinking long after you close the last page. I find myself thinking about Cambridge, or Lacey or Evi at random time throughout day and wondering what they are up to now. While some of the same characters from Bolton’s previous books, Blood Harvest and Now You See Me appear in Dead Scared, this can definitely be read as a stand-alone novel. Events in previous books simply mean the characters have pasts without any major info-dumping – it just makes them seem more realistic.

I went through the book in less than two days and thoroughly enjoyed every second. I was rooting for Evi and Lacey throughout and scared by how easily our perception can be altered. This is a extremely competent, absorbing and utterly thrilling psychological story – and I can’t wait for another book by SJ Bolton!

Recommended for fans of Mark Billingham and Robert Goddard. 9 out of 10.

The Assassin and the Throne of Glass Novellas Review

The Assassin and the Pirate Lord (Throne of Glass Novella 0.1)

- Sarah J Maas

Kindle Book

A Throne of Glass novella.
On a remote island in a tropical sea, Celaena Sardothien, feared assassin, has come for retribution. She’s been sent by the Assassin’s Guild to collect on a debt they are owed by the Lord of the Pirates. But when Celaena learns that the agreed payment is not in money, but in slaves, her mission suddenly changes—and she will risk everything to right the wrong she’s been sent to bring about.

This was so much fun to read! Celaena Sardothien is a sixteen year old assassin – beautiful, confident and deadly. When she and her colleague and rival, Sam are sent to the Pirate Lord by the King of Assassins in order to conduct a business exchange, she is horrified to find they will be bringing back slaves. Celaena is cocky but extremely competent – always looking for an edge. Yet despite this prickly service she has real heart and a strong sense of honour. Not that she has a heart of gold – but I feel she may have a streak of gold in her heart somewhere!

Added to this is an exciting world where pirates and assassins have leaders, there is a conquering land hinted at in the back ground and there is plenty of action. The action is smoothly done, thrilling and very visual. I could easily see events in my mind and would love to see a TV series or film with these characters! While short, this is the perfect introduction to a new fantasy world and one I very much want to explore! Luckily for me there are another three novellas and a full length novel which is published soon so I will definitely be exploring this world in more detail!

Recommended for fans of Robin Hobb and Rae Carson. 8 out of 10.

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The Assassin and the Desert (Throne of Glass Novella 0.2)

-       Sarah J Maas

Kindle Book

The Silent Assassins of the Red Desert aren’t much for conversation, and Celaena Sardothien wouldn’t have it any other way. She’s not there to chatter, she’s there to hone her craft as the world’s most feared killer for hire. When the quiet is shattered by forces who want to destroy the Silent Assassins, Celaena must find a way to stop them, or she’ll be lucky to leave the desert alive

Following on from The Assassin and the Pirate Lord, this story follows Celaene as she spends time in the Desert with the Master of the Silent Assassins, hoping for a letter of recommendation to allow her to return home. The difference between the Master and his silent assassins and the Kind of Assassins who raised Celaene is marked – particularly the difference in how they treat their followers – one encouraging and the other dissenting is fascinating. The desert is always a interesting place to set a story and this is no exception. I loved the chase scene as well as Celaene’s frustrations that the master won’t train her.

I found this story more enjoyable than the Pirate Lord, Celaene is more relaxed in this story as she’s not on a mission. Her developing friendships with people in the desert is a joy especially given the different personalities of them all. This felt like a much more emotional story with Celaene making some decisions on how she wants to live her life, but at the same time there is plenty of action as Celaene doens’t lack for skills!

Fun, exciting and fulfilling this is a perfect teaser for Throne of Glass – as soon as I finished this story, I pre-ordered the novel which is out in August!

Recommended for fans of Rae Carson and Maria V Synder. 9 out of 10  

Ninja Verses Pirate Featuring Zombies Review

Ninja Verses Pirate Featuring Zombies (How To End Human Suffering 1)

-       James Marshall

Publisher: Chizine Publications

E-Arc Received Courtesy of netgalley and Chizine Publications

In a world where Zombies control banks and governments, only one young man sees the way things are and emerges from the Chaos and destruction: Guy Boy Man. While he tries to end human suffering worldwide and in his high school, Guy Boy Man meets a cute Pink-Haired girl named Babydoll15 who has a Unicorn that follows her everywhere. An Epic Romance begins, but forces Beyond Their Control are intent on keeping the young couple apart. One of those Forces may - or may not be! - Guy Boy Man's closest friend, a handsome African-American Ninja named Sweetie Honey; another could be four Exotically Beautiful, genetically engineered and behaviorally modified Eastern European Girls; yet another, the principal of their High School ...not to mention an impending standardized test known as the Zombie Acceptance Test! Will Guy Boy Man find a way to be with Baby Doll15 in a World Where Everyone Is Doomed to become either zombies or zombie food?

It took me a long time to read this book. I even put it down and read a few other books before I finished it (something unheard of for me as I like to just focus on one book at a time!). I requested this book thanks to the title –  Ninja Verses Pirate Featuring Zombies...of course, I wanted to read it! However, I really struggled with this book.

It is written in first person by our ‘hero’ Guy Boy Man and as such is close to a stream of consciousness with rambling asides and clever word play, but this makes it very difficult to follow. Two pages will go by as a he digresses on a series of episodes about how horrible humans are before returning to the conversation in high school that he was having. I found this very hard to focus and meant that my concentration wandered nearly as much as Guy Boy Mans.

For some time I was intrigued as to whether the zombies and troubled teens were real or just one guys interpretation of society today. This idea kept me reading for a while as I continued to translate the happenings into ‘real’ world, but after a while this wore a little thin. There are some funny lines in here but you have to dig through a lot to find them and it’s a lot of effort. To be honest this felt like a lot of work to read and I don’t know if I could recommended it to anyone else.

2 out of 10 (for a few funny lines and a great title only!)