My Rating: 4 Stars You know when people say that you should never judge a book by its cover? Well, this is definitely one of those cases! I must warn you right now that this book is brutal, very very graphic and definitely not for the faint of heart! I had to stop reading it and start with something lighter to be able to go through with it. Olivia is about to start a new phase in her life: university. After her father drops her off at the campus dorm, Olivia takes a stroll in the university grounds only to be kidnapped by two masked man and thrown in a van. When she is finally able to see, she finds herself in a room that looks like the interior of a doll house; everything is pink: the bed, the walls, the furniture. Olivia quickly realises that there is no room to escape and the daily visits of her abductors show her in the most brutal way that she is at their mercy. In a house where several young women are abused and raped daily, Olivia spends five years confined in that pink room. Will she ever be able to escape? Dark and disturbing doesn’t even begin to cover this novel. When I was younger I had nightmares about a white van and it still haunts me today. I can assure you that after reading this, I will run for the hills if I actually see one. My heart was beating on my throat for most of the reading and the level of psychological and physical horror of the story is both admirable and scary. Even though this is fiction, I know that these events actually take place around the world, and that’s why for me it was so hard to read. It’s like facing a reality that we just keep in the back of our brains. The style of writing is great, pulled me completely into the story. There was this constant morbid curiosity to know what was going to happen next even though I knew nothing good was waiting around the corner. I definitely want to read future novels of John Hunt but I do have hopes for something less dark and traumatic. I recommend this book to fans of hardcore thrillers with very detailed, disturbing descriptions. But again a warning, this is not for the faint of heart. Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Black Rose Writing, and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book.
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My Rating: 4 Stars I am a big fan of the dystopian genre. For me it’s both interesting and scary to think of which realities might actually happen and how humans deal with the changes. This is one of the reasons I really enjoyed Aftermath, since it’s more focused on the re-building phase than the actual moment of the apocalypse. Aftermath takes place in a near-future where the world is broken and people are divided. After the fall of several bombs in the different areas of the US territory, people must adapt to a new environment and fight for a new order in society and government. Through the eyes of seven characters, you will be taken on a journey through human nature and instinct of survival in a world where the person to trust is oneself. I really got into this novel and after I started I finished it quite quickly. The setting is brutal: it really brings out human nature and what we are willing to do to survive, instincts that only manifest in extreme cases. I think this setting really got to me since I believe it’s very possible to happen in the future, taking in consideration the daily news and ongoing wars. The style of writing is very good and the story-line is very clear and easy to follow. I could see and feel the dedication and the passion of the author on the novel. I got a bit lost in the beginning while reading the past of the characters but in the end I think it was a very good way of showing not only the story of each character, giving them depth; but also to have a better idea of what happened before the bombings. The organisation of the factions was very cleverly thought and described but at the same time a bit brutal, since the people captured by a fraction have absolutely no choice but to submit and obey. The characters are all unique in their one way and they all contribute to the story, which proves the good technique of the author when it comes to not leaving loose ends. I didn’t feel like a character was more important than others at all. The ending was shocking and the cliffhanger was painful to deal with! I want more! I am hoping that the author continues to write in this style and that a second volume is on its way. I recommend this book to fans of dystopian literature that goes more in depth to the characters than the actual apocalypse. I want to thank the author Joe Reyes for reaching out to me and sending me a free copy of his book in exchange for an honest review. My Rating: 4 Stars This was my first time reading a book from Leigh Russell and consequently the thrilling adventures of Detective Inspector Geraldine Steel. I’ll definitely take a look at the previous novels though because this was one amazing and memorable read. Geraldine is going through hard times. When she finally had her feet on the ground, her twin sister Helena enters her life and proves that the relationship between siblings can be very complicated. As if that wasn’t enough, the Detective Inspector has to find the responsible for the murder of a young woman found in a trash bin before he strikes again. Will she be able to manage her professional and personal life without losing her career and her life? Even though I didn’t read the previous novels, I still got a good grip of the story and the characters, so I can say that it can be read as a stand-alone. The story-line of the novel is very solid and very well developed. The murder story is very well structured and it builds up very nicely. One of the things I love the most in this type of story is how in the end everything comes together, like a puzzle. It’s very satisfactory! The combination between the personal life of Geraldine and the murder investigation was the “cherry on the cake”: the two realities give depth to her character and it’s impossible not to sympathise with her, her internal conflicts and the way she tries to deal with her problematic sister. The effort she puts into coordinate everything is both tiring and admirable and it serves as a reminder that members of the criminal justice system have their own problems and sometimes difficult choices to make. I will definitely be reading more of Leigh Russell and I’m very curious to see what comes next in the life of Geraldine Steel. Thank you NetGalley, the publisher No Exit Press, and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book. My Rating: 4 Stars Memorable, addictive and brilliant! Brilliantly written and incredibly developed, this historical novel was a great read! "A Dangerous Crossing" takes place in a beautiful ship on a journey to Australia in 1939. Abroad the glamorous The Orontes, Lily Shepherd embarks on a journey for a fresh start. In a time where appearances are everything, Lily will quickly learn the difference between acquaintances and friends and that everyone has one or two skeletons in the closet, including a few secrets about her own past. First off, the descriptions are amazing. I had a very specific and colourful vision of the interior of the ship and of the amazing sights on the different ports. I felt like I was part of the crew and that I was seeing the surroundings myself. The story line is solid and enjoyable, even if there are moments of too much drama for me. On the other hand, I loved the tension that builds along the story ending in the ultimate and unexpected climax. The author almost managed to divert my attention from the mystery but not in an unpleasant way. The style of writing is very good. I’m not a fan of big and detailed descriptions but I really enjoyed reading about the atmosphere and the characters. The characters are built in a smart way and each one has a unique story and all of them represent the diversity of society, both in class and in religion; there is depth in them. Their interactions are brilliantly thought and smartly presented to the reader. I didn’t get lost in their conversations and exchanges, which for me is definitely a plus. I recommend this book to readers that enjoy a light and sublime historical novel that takes place in the high seas. Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Transworld Digital, and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book. My Rating: 5 Stars Like all the other great classic adaptations, this one is no exception. Jane Austen is a genius of her time and this manga definitely makes her justice! The storyline of Sense and Sensibility is widely known. A low-class family of three sisters have their lives turned upside down when their father dies prematurely, leaving his fortune to his next male relative. Their story takes place in the 17th century England, where the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, will learn about love, heartbreak, secrets in a time where appearances, fortune and good matches are key for a positive future. This manga is simply beautiful. The adaptation is great, keeping not only the main events of the novel but also details that made me reconnect with these beautiful and courageous women. The drawings are also beautifully made. I could definitely feel the chemistry between Elinor and Edward and Marianne and Mr Willougby and Coronal Brandon. I could see the emotions in each character and for me, they were really nicely represented. The details on the dresses, the carriages and the house interiors were amazing to see and it really helped to get into the story. I have loved every single Manga Classic so far and I’m very excited to see which classic is coming next! Thank you to Udon Entertainment and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review. My Rating: 4 Stars I’m not a fan of romantic tragedies but Les Misérables is a classic that needs to be read at least once for the people that studied literature, which was my case. I read it during my bachelor degree and I didn’t like it at all, it was a long, boring read. Still, in the end, I was able to appreciate the magnificent style of one of Victor Hugo’s finest works. Like all the manga classics I’ve read so far edited by Stacy King, I wasn’t disappointed and I was actually able to like the story of Les Misérables. The story is well known if not for the play, for the films. The 19th-century tale, centres on Jean Valjean a peasant released from the galleys after 19 years of imprisonment and his path to becoming a wealthy man and a better person. It’s a story about unconditional love, tragedy, second-chances and redemption. The manga adaptation has a length of 350 pages and the original story is very well adapted just like all the previous ones. For someone that wants to know the story of Les Misérables, I definitely recommend this adaptation. The drawings match perfectly the dark atmosphere of 19th century France with the coldness and cruel reality of the period but also the light that comes with hope and redemption. All the emotions of the original novel are there and for me, it was even more emotional since it’s not just descriptions but illustrations as well. A moving story that shows the dark parts of French society for those that weren’t born with privileges and that suffered the injustice of society and life. Valjean that was arrested for 19 years for stealing bread to feed his family; Francine, abandoned by the man she loved to face the judgement of society for having an illegitimate child, only to die after a battle that she could never win. A beautiful classic adaptation of a classic made simple with all the emotions of its original. I highly recommend it! Thank you to Udon Entertainment and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review. My Rating: 5 Stars Probably the most amazing historical novel I’ve read in a while! Wow! This book is so much; it’s hard to express the feelings and thoughts in an organised way. This is the first historical novel that I have read and reviewed from this particular historical period, that's why it took me a bit more time to put everything down. Hopefully you will be able to enjoy it! Let me start from the beginning. This epic tale of rivalry, ambition and conspiracy takes place in the 11th century Anglo-Saxon Britain. The chronological timeline takes us in depth to the events that lead to the fall of King Harold Godwinson and the rise of William the Conqueror to the throne of Britain. Familiar historical figures and historical facts come together to shed light into one of the most decisive periods of the English history. First off, the passion, the knowledge and research put into this novel was the first thing that blew me away. Between the description of the characters, the settings, the battles, the travels and the strategies, it was impossible to go dive into authentic, original and authoritarian novel. The harsh reality of history is not sugar-coated at all which really brought me back to a time-frame where the desire to conquer had no limit and no border. The second is the clever and magnificent way that this novel was written both in structure and style. The timeline structure was a great approach to get a broader vision of events and not to get lost in the sea of historical characters. I didn’t have the feeling that this novel had a main character. For me, all the characters had a role that contributed for the turn of events that led to the end of the Anglo-Saxon period and, even if they didn’t seem to be related at all, in the end everything comes together perfectly. I got to read and admire King Harold Godwinson, his intellect, his leadership and his politics. I loved every minute of it. The battle scenes were so exciting to read, I had my heart jumping all the time. By the end of the book it’s clear that, unfortunately, the best man doesn’t always win. I wish with all my heart that history didn’t happen the way it did. All of this because Holloway managed to do the humanisation of the characters so well that it was impossible not to feel for them. This is probably my favourite historical novel so far and I regret nothing! Definitely looking forward to read more of Mr. Holloway's work. Highly recommended read for the fans of historical novels, very very worth it! Thank you Mr. Holloway for reaching out to me to review your book and for sending the amazing paperback version. My Rating: 4 Stars I keep repeating myself, I’m pretty sure a blogger should get a bit more creative but I think I’m justified in my choice of words. So here goes: Another brilliant adaptation of one of the most famous classics of English literature: Jane Eyre. I’ve read the original once a long time ago and by the time I finished with the manga adaptation I wanted to run and read it again. The novel follows the life of young Jane Eyre, an orphan with a cruel and abused childhood. When she is cast out by her aunt, Jane is sent to a charity school where she receives an education under a very strict regime. Years later, she finds a job as a governess at the Rochester estate. Three months after she starts, Jane meets the cold and mysterious Edward Rochester, the owner of the estate. Slowly they begin to bond but a secret threatens to ruin everything, both the reputation and the life of Miss Eyre. Will she be able to follow her heart and be with the man she loves or will she lose him? This is a story about facing fears and life no matter what comes your way, not letting traumatic experiences define you. It’s about determination, the power to follow dreams and above all, it’s about the courage to face the world and to stay faithful to ourselves under every circumstance. Jane Eyre is a brilliant character, a strong, intelligent woman that knows the boundaries set by her social class but still manages to answer politely, crossing the line with grace and pure wit. The adaptation is once again incredible. The drawings transmit the simplicity of the characters but still manage to convey emotion. Can’t wait to read more! Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Udon Entertainment, and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book. My Rating: 5 Stars A classic represented perfectly in another great manga adaptation. Even though I‘m not a fan of dramas, I read the Scarlet Letter in my Bachelor and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. The original novel takes place in Puritan Boston in the 17th century. A young woman, Hester Prynne, stands accused of adultery. Her husband, a scholar much older than her is claimed as dead and while waiting for his return Hester takes a lover and has a child fruit of that affair. Refusing to name the identity of the father, Hester’s punishments are to carry a scarlet letter A on her breast and public shaming. Amongst the crowd, Hester’s missing husband, calling himself Roger Chillingworth, observes and swears to take revenge on the unknown man that ruined both their lives. Once again the artwork is amazing and it represents perfectly the emotions and the meanings of the original novel. The adaptation is perfect, the characters have depth and all the emotions that I felt when I read The Scarlet Letter for the first time, resurfaced. I could practically see the tension between Hester’s husband and lover! Hester proves to be a very strong and passionate female character. She endures her punishment and after she is banished from the Boston community, she makes intelligent and accurate observations on the social behaviour that makes this period of history. Roger Chillingworth is, for me, the villain of this story. His thirst for revenge and his obsession make him a very dangerous character. I think of him as being arrogant and self-absorbed. Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, Pearl’s father, it’s not the strongest male character. The young theologian is tormented both physically and psychologically by his sin of having an affair with Hester. I really liked the original novel and its depth and this brilliant adaptation deserve all its 5 stars! Can’t wait to read more Manga Classics! Thank you to Udon Entertainment and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review. 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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