Review: Passenger by Alexandra Bracken

Passage, n.
i. A brief section of music composed of a series of notes and flourishes.
ii. A journey by water; a voyage.
iii. The transition from one place to another, across space and time.

In one devastating night, violin prodigy Etta Spencer loses everything she knows and loves. Thrust into an unfamiliar world by a stranger with a dangerous agenda, Etta is certain of only one thing: she has traveled not just miles but years from home. And she’s inherited a legacy she knows nothing about from a family whose existence she’s never heard of. Until now.

Nicholas Carter is content with his life at sea, free from the Ironwoods—a powerful family in the colonies—and the servitude he’s known at their hands. But with the arrival of an unusual passenger on his ship comes the insistent pull of the past that he can’t escape and the family that won’t let him go so easily. Now the Ironwoods are searching for a stolen object of untold value, one they believe only Etta, Nicholas’ passenger, can find. In order to protect her, he must ensure she brings it back to them—whether she wants to or not.

Together, Etta and Nicholas embark on a perilous journey across centuries and continents, piecing together clues left behind by the traveler who will do anything to keep the object out of the Ironwoods’ grasp. But as they get closer to the truth of their search, and the deadly game the Ironwoods are playing, treacherous forces threaten to separate Etta not only from Nicholas but from her path home... forever.

I really really wanted to love this book very much, ever since I saw it I wanted to own it, the hardback is one of the most beautiful books I have seen especially without its dust jacket on. However instead of loving it I found it was rather hard work. Most of all through the first third of the book. I was very close to putting it down. But then I read a few more reviews which said the book would get better. So I continued and I am glad I did.

The story follows two main characters, Etta and Nicholas. Although Etta has got no idea of her heritage and history.  She is being taken from the present day and finds herself on a ship in 1776, where she is a hostage and Nicholas is to take her to New York to deliver her to the Ironwoods. When they arrive there the Ironwoods are holding her mother hostage and expect Etta to find a lost object or her mother will be killed. Together with Nicholas they embark on a mission to find this object, one that can apparently find passages through time. But what can this object really do? Jumping from one time to another, following clues that her mother has left her and being followed by more then just the Ironwoods they find themselves in danger all over again.

Now I really like the concept of the story, but somehow it just came across as just to long and a little dull in places. While I am not shy to pick up a really long book, this one just felt like it was too long. There is some things that could have been left out without really damaging the story. However once you get further into the story it does get better. I think it really gets interesting while the focus is on Etta's and Nicholas' relationship. That was certainly my favourite part of the book. I love their story and how it develops within the book. Nicholas is a really interesting character and I think he has really developed within the story.

I had really high expectations for his book and I am sad they haven't been met. However it wasn't all bad, I did enjoy parts of it and it all came to a rather satisfying end. I am glad I stuck with it and didn't give up. The end leaves you wanting more so I will be anticipating the next book and I am looking forward to finding out what else is in store for Etta and Nicholas.

Passenger has been released on the 7th of April here in the UK.

Thank you to NetGalley for granting my wish and allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: The One-In-A-Million Boy by Monica Wood

A one-in-a-million story for anyone who loves to laugh, cry, and think about how extraordinary ordinary life can be. Not to be missed by readers who loved THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY, ELIZABETH IS MISSING or THE SHOCK OF THE FALL.

Miss Ona Vitkus has - aside from three months in the summer of 1914 - lived unobtrusively, her secrets fiercely protected.

The boy, with his passion for world records, changes all that. He is eleven. She is one hundred and four years, one hundred and thirty three days old (they are counting). And he makes her feel like she might be really special after all. Better late than never...

Only it's been two weeks now since he last visited, and she's starting to think he's not so different from all the rest.

Then the boy's father comes, for some reason determined to finish his son's good deed. And Ona must show this new stranger that not only are there odd jobs to be done, but a life's ambition to complete . . .

Before this book I have read two very powerful books that have been truly amazing. This one took a little longer to get into, purely because it wasn't quite as strong as the other two. But once it got going I really got into it. This is a story based on the friendship between a 11 year old boy and a 104 year old lady. The boy is a scout and comes around to help out a little, he is obsessed with world-records and he wants to help Ona to break one of the world-records.

One day however instead of the boy his absent father turns up. The little boy has died unexpected and his father is fulfilling his duty for him. Not only does the Father build a friendship with Ona himself, being at her house and talking to her brings him closer to the son he has barely known.

This is story about friendship and about grieve. We get a few glances of the friendship between the boy and Ona, plus recordings of Ona speaking about her past, but mainly its the Fathers story we follow. Ona is an incredible character and she made me laugh often. Certainly not a shy old lady. But its the change in the father through the story that is truly amazing.

I enjoyed this book. It wasn't a really fast paced book but it was really lovely, charming and uplifting. What will stay with me is how much the boy is still affecting every ones life after he is gone and in such a positive way.

I have received this book as a total surprise and I am glad I got to read this, even if it didn't quite blow me away, its still touching and memorable.

Thank you to Headline for my beautiful copy in exchange for my honest review.

The One-In-A-Million Boy is out now.

Amazon

WWW Wednesday (6th April)

 WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words. It’s open for anyone to join in and is a great way to share what you’ve been reading! All you have to do is answer three questions and share a link to your blog in the comments section of Sam’s blog.

The three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next

I am currently reading...

Passage, n.
i. A brief section of music composed of a series of notes and flourishes.
ii. A journey by water; a voyage.
iii. The transition from one place to another, across space and time.

In one devastating night, violin prodigy Etta Spencer loses everything she knows and loves. Thrust into an unfamiliar world by a stranger with a dangerous agenda, Etta is certain of only one thing: she has traveled not just miles but years from home. And she’s inherited a legacy she knows nothing about from a family whose existence she’s never heard of. Until now.

Nicholas Carter is content with his life at sea, free from the Ironwoods—a powerful family in the colonies—and the servitude he’s known at their hands. But with the arrival of an unusual passenger on his ship comes the insistent pull of the past that he can’t escape and the family that won’t let him go so easily. Now the Ironwoods are searching for a stolen object of untold value, one they believe only Etta, Nicholas’ passenger, can find. In order to protect her, he must ensure she brings it back to them—whether she wants to or not.

Together, Etta and Nicholas embark on a perilous journey across centuries and continents, piecing together clues left behind by the traveler who will do anything to keep the object out of the Ironwoods’ grasp. But as they get closer to the truth of their search, and the deadly game the Ironwoods are playing, treacherous forces threaten to separate Etta not only from Nicholas but from her path home... forever.

I have recently finished...

A perfect life … until she discovered it wasn’t her own.

A tragic family event reveals devastating news that rips apart Bella’s comfortable existence. Embarking on a personal journey to uncover the truth, she faces a series of traumatic discoveries that take her to the ruggedly beautiful Cornish coast, where hidden truths, past betrayals and a 25-year-old mystery threaten not just her identity, but also her life.

Chilling, complex and profoundly moving, In Her Wake is a gripping psychological thriller that questions the nature of family – and reminds us that sometimes the most shocking crimes are committed closest to home.

A one-in-a-million story for anyone who loves to laugh, cry, and think about how extraordinary ordinary life can be. Not to be missed by readers who loved THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY, ELIZABETH IS MISSING or THE SHOCK OF THE FALL.

Miss Ona Vitkus has - aside from three months in the summer of 1914 - lived unobtrusively, her secrets fiercely protected.

The boy, with his passion for world records, changes all that. He is eleven. She is one hundred and four years, one hundred and thirty three days old (they are counting). And he makes her feel like she might be really special after all. Better late than never...

Only it's been two weeks now since he last visited, and she's starting to think he's not so different from all the rest.

Then the boy's father comes, for some reason determined to finish his son's good deed. And Ona must show this new stranger that not only are there odd jobs to be done, but a life's ambition to complete . . .

I plan on reading next...

Victoria Walters' debut novel is a powerful tale of love, grief and survival, perfect for fans of Cecelia Ahern, Lucy Dillon and Miranda Dickinson. 'Brilliant and superior women's fiction' Heat

In the Cornish town of Talting, everyone is famous for something.

Until recently Rose was known for many things: her infectious positivity; her unique artistic talent; and her devotion to childhood sweetheart Lucas.

But two years ago that changed in one unthinkable moment. Now, Rose is known for being the young woman who became a widow aged just twenty-four.

Though Rose knows that life must go on, the thought of carving out a new future for herself is one she can barely entertain. Until a newcomer, Robert, arrives in Talting for the summer...

Can Rose allow herself the chance to love again?

Review: Shtum by Jem Lester

Powerful, darkly funny and heart-breaking, Shtum is a story about fathers and sons, autism, and dysfunctional relationships.

Ben Jewell has hit breaking point. His ten-year-old son Jonah has severe autism and Ben and his wife, Emma, are struggling to cope.

When Ben and Emma fake a separation - a strategic decision to further Jonah's case in an upcoming tribunal - Ben and Jonah move in with Georg, Ben's elderly father. In a small house in North London, three generations of men - one who can't talk; two who won't - are thrown together.

This is the second review that I find hard to write this week. I just don't think I have the right words. This has been a very eye opening book and the second powerful book I have to review. From the very start of the book we experience how severe Jonah's autism is. I don't know much about autism, just some very basic info that couldn't prepare me for Jonah's story at all.

Life with Jonah isn't easy for his parents, he doesn't talk, he is still wearing nappies and at times gets aggressive. To give him the best possible chance in life his parents want to send Jonah to a special school, one that would be perfect for him. Easier said then done, to prove that this is the right place for him and to get the funding, they have to prepare for a tribunal at which Jonah's future will be decided. To up his chance his mother Emma proposes to fake a separation which results in Jonah and his father Ben to move in with Georg, Bens father.

We get a very vivid and real picture of  what life is like with Jonah at home. From the struggles to the laughs. Jonah is a incredible character and made me laugh out loud a few times, even tho I maybe shouldnt. However my favourite character is Georg, he has his own amazing way to deal with Jonah and he is not shy at all when it comes to speaking the truth.

Ben is the main character really. Fighting for his son to get the life he deserves there is barely any time for anything else. However Ben isn't short of his own struggles. His business is suffering, he barely speaks to his father and on the brink of alcoholism he is having to juggle everything completely on his own.

This book has really opened my eyes, it was heart breaking, funny, emotional and sad. A very powerful read that will stay with you long after you have finished the book.

Its a book that would be perfect for a book club too, I wish I was in one right now. Its one of those stories that has many things you could debate about. I have gone through different emotions while reading it. Going from liking to disliking the parents and back again. Having different opinion on what the right thing for Jonah is, agreeing and disagreeing with his parents.

All in all this has been an incredible and unforgettable read. Stunningly written and gripping from the very first page.

Thank you to NetGalley for my copy in exchange for my honest review.

Shtum is out on 7th April!

Review: In Her Wake by Amanda Jennings

A perfect life … until she discovered it wasn’t her own.

A tragic family event reveals devastating news that rips apart Bella’s comfortable existence. Embarking on a personal journey to uncover the truth, she faces a series of traumatic discoveries that take her to the ruggedly beautiful Cornish coast, where hidden truths, past betrayals and a 25-year-old mystery threaten not just her identity, but also her life.

Chilling, complex and profoundly moving, In Her Wake is a gripping psychological thriller that questions the nature of family – and reminds us that sometimes the most shocking crimes are committed closest to home.

I have been putting this review off for some time now because I don't think I can find the words to do it justice. This has been the most captivating and haunting read of the year so far. Imagine one day you find out that your whole life has been a lie, that your true life has been stolen from you. This is exactly what happened to Bella. After the sudden death of her mother things start taking a huge turn in Bella's life.

I cant tell you much about the story because that would take away those moments that made me gasp, all the shocking and surprising moments that happen through out the book. Its packed with unbelievable revelations. Bella is forced to take a journey of discovering her family, while loosing the person she thought she was and discovering who she really is.

I couldn't even begin to imagine the horrific things that Bella has to deal with and let me tell you, every time you think there cant be any more surprises, BAM there comes another one. Its been a huge emotional rollercoaster, you feel every emotion possible over and over again.

This book delivers so much to think about it will haunt me for some time. You cant just put it down and switch off, that's if you can put it down in the first place because that alone is rather hard. If only I could tell you the story, I could talk about this book for hours to come and I still wouldn't run out of topics.

This has been one of the best books I have read in a long time. From page one I was hooked. The characters are all so intense, unique and unforgettable. I feel like I have made a friend in Bella, like I have been part of the family.

In Her Wake is a story build on a very serious crime. Amanda managed to make it very real and believable for her readers. Being a mum of a young girl this has really hit home and opened my eyes to some things too.

Never has it taken me this long to write a review and I still don't think its good enough for this book. Not even close. Let me just tell you this: you NEED to read this book, you will regret it if you don't!

Haunting, emotional, heart breaking, gripping and uplifting.

Thank you to Orenda Books for my copy in exchange for my honest review.

Weekly Wrap Up and Stacking the Shelves #14

Weekly Wrap Up...

This week I have been away at my parents house in Germany where I have managed to read 3 books. Some very powerful reads. Two of which I still need to review but I don't even know where to start. Those books will stay with me for some time.

The books I have finished this week are...

What is Kaycee willing to risk for the sake of love?
And what will she risk for acceptance?

In Sunshine, Tennessee, the main event in town is Friday night football, the biggest party of the year is held in a field filled with pickup trucks, and church attendance is mandatory. For Kaycee Jean McCoy, life in Sunshine means dating guys she has no interest in, saying only “yes, ma’am” when the local bigots gossip at her mom’s cosmetics salon, and avoiding certain girls at all costs. Girls like Bren Dawson.

Unlike Kaycee, Bren doesn’t really conceal who she is. But as the cool, worldly new girl, nobody at school seems to give her any trouble. Maybe there’s no harm if Kaycee gets closer to her too, as long as she can keep that part of her life a secret, especially from her family and her best friend. But the more serious things get with Bren, the harder it is to hide from everyone else. Kaycee knows Sunshine has a darker side for people like her, and she’s risking everything for the chance to truly be herself.

My review for South of Sunshine is here.

Powerful, darkly funny and heart-breaking, Shtum is a story about fathers and sons, autism, and dysfunctional relationships.

Ben Jewell has hit breaking point. His ten-year-old son Jonah has severe autism and Ben and his wife, Emma, are struggling to cope.

When Ben and Emma fake a separation - a strategic decision to further Jonah's case in an upcoming tribunal - Ben and Jonah move in with Georg, Ben's elderly father. In a small house in North London, three generations of men - one who can't talk; two who won't - are thrown together.

A perfect life … until she discovered it wasn’t her own.

A tragic family event reveals devastating news that rips apart Bella’s comfortable existence. Embarking on a personal journey to uncover the truth, she faces a series of traumatic discoveries that take her to the ruggedly beautiful Cornish coast, where hidden truths, past betrayals and a 25-year-old mystery threaten not just her identity, but also her life.

Chilling, complex and profoundly moving, In Her Wake is a gripping psychological thriller that questions the nature of family – and reminds us that sometimes the most shocking crimes are committed closest to home.

Stacking the Shelves...

Hosted by Tynga’s Reviews

This week I have received two books. One is a book I have won on twitter, Walk the edge, and one through NetGalley, Elementals book 2, The Blood of Hydra.

Razor knows his family is haunted by secrets of the past…
High school senior Thomas "Razor" Turner knows his family has a dark history as part of the Reign of Terror motorcycle club, especially when it comes to the secrecy surrounding his mother’s death.

Razor knows his family is haunted by secrets of the past…

High school senior Thomas "Razor" Turner knows his family has a dark history as part of the Reign of Terror motorcycle club, especially when it comes to the secrecy surrounding his mother’s death. When Razor starts to dig deeper into his mum's case he turns to the unlikeliest source for help: classmate Breanna Miller, the shy, smart girl he's never looked twice at. But the more time they spend together, the more they realise they actually have in common, and how attracted to each other they really are. When secrets from the past are revealed can their newfound feelings survive?

A demigod who can kill with a touch. It's an ability that must be kept secret from everyone, even from those trusted most.

Finding out that her new school had her in a special homeroom for witches was strange enough, but now Nicole must face the realization that she has the rare power to kill with just a touch. It’s a secret she needs to keep not only from the Head Elders, but from the super-sexy witch Blake, who she’s had undeniable chemistry with even before he broke up with his long-term girlfriend, the vengeful witch Danielle.

Now Nicole and the four others gifted with powers over the elements, including Blake and Danielle, must stop a series of monsters that they previously believed to be dead from rising once again and destroying the mortal world. Three magical items are needed, including the blood of the slain hydra – ingredients that they must journey to the dangerous, mystical islands in Greece to retrieve.

The monsters they face on this journey will be more threatening than anything they’ve encountered yet. But with the fate of the world on their shoulders, it’s up to the Elementals to return home victorious. Will they find the ingredients they need? Can Nicole and her friends pull off this mission while the tension between her, Blake, and Danielle threatens to ruin everything? And how long will it be until Nicole is forced to use her ability to kill in front of everyone, revealing the true darkness of her powers?

Find out in The Blood of the Hydra, and join the Elementals on their next journey in their quest to save the world – or die trying.

Review: South of Sunshine by Dana Elmendorf

What is Kaycee willing to risk for the sake of love?
And what will she risk for acceptance?

In Sunshine, Tennessee, the main event in town is Friday night football, the biggest party of the year is held in a field filled with pickup trucks, and church attendance is mandatory. For Kaycee Jean McCoy, life in Sunshine means dating guys she has no interest in, saying only “yes, ma’am” when the local bigots gossip at her mom’s cosmetics salon, and avoiding certain girls at all costs. Girls like Bren Dawson.

Unlike Kaycee, Bren doesn’t really conceal who she is. But as the cool, worldly new girl, nobody at school seems to give her any trouble. Maybe there’s no harm if Kaycee gets closer to her too, as long as she can keep that part of her life a secret, especially from her family and her best friend. But the more serious things get with Bren, the harder it is to hide from everyone else. Kaycee knows Sunshine has a darker side for people like her, and she’s risking everything for the chance to truly be herself.

This is the story of Kaycee, who has been hiding who she really is for some time. While living in small town, she does not think anyone is going to be accepting of her sexuality. To hide her true self she is trying to date boys, even tho its the last thing she wants. But it doesn't seem worse then the fear of everyone finding out that Kaycee really likes girls. Even her closest friends have no idea. But when the beautiful, sporty and new Bren turns up at the school Kaycee is forced to face her feelings and the truth. At first she tries to stay away from Bren, but she is drawn to the girl.

While Kaycee and Bren are getting closer her fear of discovery grows. What will her mum do when she finds out. Kaycee tries everything to keep her relationship with Bren hidden. But will she go to far? Could she be pushing away the people that really matter?

I really liked this book. It painted a very real picture of a teenager on their journey of coming out. It shows all the aspects, be it Kaycee's fear, be it the beautiful acceptance and even the ugly side of it. Its sad to think that in this day and age it is still so hard for some teenagers and even worse that there is still people who react in such a negative way.

This book is about love, about coming out to your friends and family, about being true to yourself and its about friendship. There is many surprises within the story and I really liked all the characters. Most of all Kaycee's friend Van.

Its a lovely love story and really warmed my heart. The story flows really nicely and never gets boring. I believe there should be many more books about same sex relationships and not just stories about the struggle to come out. All in all this was a lovely book with a inspirational end. A good YA read that I am glad I had the chance to review.

Thank you to NetGalley for my copy in exchange for my honest review.

South of Sunshine is out tomorrow, 31st March!