My Rating: 4 Stars A great creepy and humours story! The novel follows the ghostly adventures of Devin, a teenager that see ghosts and his group of friends as they face the supernatural. Devin is taunted at school and called “Ghost Boy” when his talent comes to light through the social media, and if that wasn’t bad enough, add a not-very-nice boss in the coffee shop where he works. The best way to deal with these problems? To go on an adventure with his friends and explore a haunted house because, seriously, ghosts can be better than people… right? When Devin is attacked inside the house, things reveal themselves to be more complicated than they first thought and it’s up to Devin to use his talents to solve the ghost mystery. One of the first things that pull me into a story is the writing style, and in this novel it’s brilliant. The plot is very nice, the descriptions pulled me into the story and it was like I was also there walking through the dark hallways. It’s impossible to get lost in the story, you get taken on a journey that in some occasions really made my skin crawl. It was impossible to stop reading, it’s a fast-paced adventure that left me hungry to know what would happen next. The characters are incredible and the group dynamics was very well thought and described. One of the things I liked the most was the fact that all them knew about Devin’s ability and didn’t make a fuss about it. That’s what true friendship is, accepting even the weirdest part of someone and still stay. All of the characters have something unique and their way of being compliments the story perfectly. Clive is a music composer with a taste for dark themes, Rex is the nerdy character that loves technology, always open to an adventure; Ramona, Devin’s boss, the picture of insufferable boss with a love for nasty comments; Nayra, a blogger with a passion for Wicca and the supernatural with a very unique taste for clothes and Emily, the only person in class that defends Devin from the verbal attacks. Their interactions and dialogues are hilarious and brilliantly written, especially between Devin and Nayra and Clive and Rex that always do something with the right intentions but somehow always end badly. This novel has everything: suspense, adventure, humour, horror, all mixed together perfectly. It goes from moments of tension to hilarious dialogues that only add colour to the story and makes you love the plot and the characters even more. It’s impossible not to laugh. A fan of adventures and supernatural with a tad of humour? I highly recommend this read! Absolutely amazing! I want to thank Brian K. Henry for the opportunity of reading his novel in exchange for an honest review.
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My Rating: 5 Stars This novel is definitely in my top favourites of Agatha Christie! Put archaeology, murder, history and adventure, the perfect mix! Poirot is taking a holiday in the Middle East but has always things don't end peacefully. A very mean old lady called Mrs Boynton has all her children living a psychological prison that she manages by exercising control over them. Her arrogance and meanness are a constant show for all those who wish to see it. Detested by the people that know her, it's no surprise that they would be quite happy if she was murdered. When the family goes on tour to the archaeological of Mr Boynton, their desperate wish is realised. In the Red City of Petra, Mrs Boynton is found dead while sitting in the hot desert sun. Enter Monsieur Poirot and his little grey cells to solve a murder where everyone is a suspect and all have a motive. On the contrary of other novels where I read Poirot in action from the beginning, in this book, Poirot only steps in when the murder occurs, occupying himself with his second favourite activity: observing people. Still, I still got to see this method and his intelligence in action while solving a difficult murder with a surprising finale and murderer. The depth of the murder plot and the characters are amazing. It's impossible not to feel for the daughter and adoptive children of the sadistic Mrs Boynton especially after knowing the nightmarish treatment and punishments they received early in life. In the story, it's still possible to see the consequences of such treatment especially when it comes to human interaction. Of course, Mrs Boynton is the type of character that will definitely make you think "She deserved that was coming for her", or has Poirot nicely said "Your appointment with death, madame." A brilliant masterpiece by Ms Agatha Christie, Queen of Crime that makes it impossible to discover who the killer is and its motive. My Rating: 4 Stars Right on the first page of the preface, it felt like my heart was being squeezed inside my chest. To know that this novel is based on a true story and that the treatment of this person was hell both during his captivity and when he manages to escape is both scary and revolting. It really shows the flaws in the justice system and proves that justice doesn’t always prevail, unfortunately. Blood Moon tells the story of Recidio Suarez, a man that is kidnapped from his working place for no apparent reason, blindfolded and tortured for a month, living and suffering under conditions that no human being ever should. Under the threat of his life and his loved ones, Suarez is forced to submit to the conditions of his kidnappers. When he alone manages to escape his captivity, he faces another level of torture: no one believes him. Both police and The Special Investigations Division of the Miami-Dade Police discredit his evidence and his story; refusing to take the case further. I will tell you this: It’s not a book for the faint of heart. Bethel describes the events with accuracy and the characters are very well developed, and I think he portrays the kidnappers with frightening accuracy as well. As I read through the novel, I’m sure I gained white hairs. Not knowing what would happen and what horrible thing would come up next left me in a state of anxiety and suspense that I sure I’ve never felt before with a book. Reading through the insane torture scenes was, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the hardest things I’ve read. At some point, I just wanted to throw the book on the floor and scream at the things these people were willing to do to and how far they were willing to go for money. The arrogance of thinking they would never get caught and that they could do whatever they pleased. These people are the living proof that monsters do exist in the world. And when you think you can rely on those with the responsibility and duty of protecting the people, they completely discredit his story and completely ignore the pain, the suffering and the physical and mental scars that will haunt him until the end of his days. The indifference is revolting. Suarez proves to be a true hero, surviving through something I would never be able to and having the courage and the strength to escape. The fact that it’s based on a true story just enhances everything that’s for sure. A thrilling, suspenseful and horror novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat and that will put your problems into perspective. I want to thank the author of Blood Moon John David Bethel for sending me a copy of his book in exchange for an honest review. My Rating: 4 Stars This was the first novel I read by Mr James Leader, whom I had the great pleasure of meeting in person. This book was something else: intense, beautifully written, full of suspense and emotion. The book tells the story of European School of Brussels student Danny Dykoff, a young teenager trying to figure out his identity and all the emotions that come with adolescence. Tired of the sad winter in Brussels, Danny and his best friend Théo take a chance and end up being chosen for the Model European Union team. It’s all they dreamed of: sunshine, beach, young Italian women and the beautiful Mediterranean, all on the Croatian island of Vis. But peace and content don’t last forever. When Danny stumbles on Mr Gogos nightly gathering, his world changes and old memories and ghosts come back from the dark corners of his life in Brussels. Will he be able to survive? It took me three chapters to get into the story, and then when Danny remembers his time in Mallorca where he lived before, something changed. I can only describe it like a burst of emotion, it was the moment I actually felt for Danny. After that, the suspense builds up very nicely and the pages passed very quickly with unexpected plot twists and a mind-blowing finale. I absolutely loved the descriptions of the scenarios and the characters. They really match the phases of Danny character and his emotions. Sad and grey in the beginning, colourful and full of life the next and slowly beginning to lose colour again. The depth that Mr James Leader takes with the emotional turmoil of Danny is incredible. The feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the need to please others to the point he forgets himself, the need for attention and love it really had an impact on me. It’s about questioning your identity and trying to break free of the morals and systems that are implemented since childhood. It really makes you think and question what you think you know. Because do you truly know or is it partially a mystery? An amazing memorable novel that I will remember for a long time! I highly recommend it to readers of all ages! My Rating: 5 Stars For once, I have no words. There are a lot of feelings and lot of things to write, I just need to figure out how. This book came as a surprise, a very bloody surprise, but I loved every second of it! Just, wow! I'm sure that Mr C. S. Lewis would roll in his grave if he read this novel and I don't think he could have ever imagined such a Dark Wonderland. It's fast-paced, brilliantly thought and written and it will make it impossible not to read it in one sitting. Let's see if I can describe the plot without revealing too much. If you've read Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, you'll find that the only thing this story has in common is the characters. The story starts in a dark, miserable place, a hospital for the crazy and the rejected of society located in the Old City, the poorest and the most dangerous of places. Inside one of the many rooms, sits Alice, a shadow of who she once was, with no clear memory of her past and only fragments of horrible events that lead her to that place. Alice has no hope of ever escaping until, one night, a fire breaks out, allowing her to escape her prison. Along with the only friend she's ever known, they are destined to fight a dark shadow and face their past. In a place that no one and nothing is what it seems, Alice most thread carefully, for an old friend that once lost her, wants her back, no matter the cost. Absolutely fantastic. I must say congratulations to Ms Christina Henry for the brilliant show of imagination and the beautiful writing. I could feel the emotions of the Old City, the hospital and of the characters in each word, it's like it really exists. In some way, it does. For me, the Old City is a place where all the wrongs of society come together, along with all the people that are forgotten in a society ruled by the people with money and power. Ms Henry doesn't put any sugar on it, this reality is cruel, colourless, cold with very few people to trust in. The characters are incredible and their nature is so deep that even if the story is narrated from Alice's perspective, you get to know the other character very well. Alice has an amazing character and I really liked how she was developed. I could see the loss of the innocence and the cold crude logic and intelligence that she possesses even if she was locked up for years in the hospital. Even so, Alice managed to still have her sweet and compassionate nature for those that suffer. The male protagonist, Hatcher, is a troubled soul and a complex character. The only consistency in behaviour and character I could see was his love and affection for Alice because his behaviour in general and his actions are very hard to predict. If you want to meet a Dark Wonderland, I highly recommend you read this novel. A brilliant piece that I'm very proud to have in my book collection! My Rating: 5 Stars Fantastic story! Just wow! I'm a fan of Ms Charlaine Harris' work and read all the True Blood books but this took a completely different turn, a very good one! The story is about Harper, a young woman that is hit by lightning and, as a consequence, develops a peculiar ability: when in contact with a dead body she can see their final moments and how they died. In the second volume of this series, Harper finds two bodies in a grave and together with her best friend, Tolliver, they set out to find the killer that as being free for far too long. I'll start by saying that I really liked the drawings of this graphic novel. I think the colours and the style really match the story and the characters. Secondly, the storyline is very good. In the beginning, as more characters are introduced to the plot, I had no idea who the killer was. I still managed to figure out who it was before the end though, the clues are all there. Still, the end brings all the loose ends together. I really liked Harper, she's a tough character with a hot temper and she struggles to deal with her gift and the things she sees. I also liked the chemistry between her and Tolliver, because even though they are almost like brother and sister, Harper's feelings are not that pure and it's difficult to see if Tolliver feels the same or not. Definitely, recommend this graphic novel to the fans of Charlaine Harris and of the supernatural genre. Can't wait for the third volume! Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Dynamite Entertainment, and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book. My Rating: 4 Stars This magical cosy-mystery was impossible for me to put down! This is the first time I read a novel from Ms Hesse and it was a treat! The fast-paced plot and it's wonderful characters made it impossible to stop reading. The story turns around Keli, the main female protagonist, in her struggle to keep her religion and work separated. Being a very private person about her beliefs and religion, Keli faces a challenge when the Wiccan shop Moonstone Treasures is vandalised and her friend Mari asks for her help. Should she help her Wiccan friend at the risk of exposure and possible ruin or should she just refuse? As Keli goes deeper in the investigation, she is faced with a choice: her life or the revelation of her beliefs. It's impossible not to fall in love with Keli. I think everyone can relate to the fear of being target of teasing or mocking for liking a book, a movie, for believing something different. Keli's struggles are very believable and her fear of losing that she knows and cares about really makes you question how far are you willing to hide and leave in fear of being who you are to fit in. Keli is very smart, ruled both by logic and by the love for her friends. I really enjoyed the dynamics between Keli and her two friends Farrah and Wes. Their relationship is amazing, it really have me a warm feeling specially at the end of the book. The end of the novel was surprising and very satisfying, for sure and I can't wait to read the next adventure of "A Wiccan Wheel Mystery" series. An amazing cosy-mystery to read and re-read! Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Kensington, and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book. My Rating: 3 Stars Very enjoyable read even if a bit short in my opinion, maybe because I'm used to reading relatively big books. The story though is really good bringing together adventure, time-travelling, mystery and mythology. The story starts with a museum visit where a 14-year-old boy named Jon hears the sphinx whisper to him. When he returns at night, curiosity getting the best of him, Jon is introduced to Neb, a spirit trapped inside the sphinx after being murdered by an evil sorcerer in Ancient Egypt. In order for Neb to be released, Jon has travelled back in time and find his killer. How to go unnoticed? By assuming the identity of the pharaoh's son of course. The story is fast-paced and very easy to follow and enjoy. Jon is a very likeable young boy with a thirst for adventure and reveals a level of courage beyond his years. I would have liked to see a more detailed description of the old Egyptian world. I'm a big fan of mythology and it would have been nice some more depth in this field. I recommend this book for YA/children that love mythology and like quick-readings! Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Tambora Books, and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book. My Rating: 5 Stars In two words: Absolutely Brilliant! This book has a bit of everything, from horror to adventure and humour. I'm not a big fan of zombie fiction but this one really got to me. The characters are brilliant and witty, it's impossible not to fall in love with them. The alternative perspectives leave no strings hanging and the rhythm of events is really good. I loved the writing style of Vicky Loebel. I could really visualise the settings, the characters. It's a musical and colourful prose. Beautiful! The humour in this novel really made me laugh and it adds the final spice to the story. I definitely want to read more of the works of this author. I highly recommend this book! You wouldn't regret it! Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Pentachronistic Press, and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book. My Rating: 5 Stars Frightening, stunning, a page-turner! The absolutely amazing novel, impossible to put down until the last page. I congratulate Keith Donohue on the idea and the creativity of this novel and the style of writing. I feel in love with the idea of the puppet world, even if it does give me goosebumps. Some parts of the book really got my hairs staying-up, spooky is the only way to describe it. One of the details that really got me into the story was the way Donohue described the world of puppets, I really got a perfect picture of that reality almost as if I was there. I found it be an intriguing novel and it kept me interested all the way to the last chapter. As for the ending: brace yourselves. Be aware of this bittersweet conclusion of this amazing novel. I must say, in my honest opinion, that I found it unjust and almost cruel. It's definitely going to stay in mind for a while, which I think it's the objective. Very enjoyable read and I highly recommend it! Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Picador, and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book. |
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