REVIEW; The Thread, by Victoria Hislop

Rating: ★★★★★

Genre: Historic, Romance

Recommend: Yes

SPOILERS

Summary:

Starting in the early 1900's, The Thread follows a story set in Thessaloniki, Greece. As Asia Minor is destroyed by the Turkish Army, young Katerina is separated from her fleeing family and ends up under the care of Eugenia, a fleeing mother with her two older daughters. Here, Katerina befriends young Dimitri, son of a strong politically viewed power hungry man. 
Soon, the city is plunged into chaos of war and fear, as the Jews are pushed out and young men forced to step up and fight with or against. A story covering decades, the reader is brought along the journey of the city itself, and given an insight into the lives of the people and watch how Katerina's life changed unbelievably, from when she was only six years old. 

My Thoughts:

The Island is one of my all time favourite novels and I bought The Thread a few years ago to read but it always got pushed further down my list. Reading it now reminded me of why I loved The Island so much. Although in this case, I have never been to Thessaloniki, it didn't matter in being able to imagine the city. 

Writing: I love Hislop's writing style. The story-telling vibe is so captivating and gripping and you're so quickly swept up into the story and plunged right into the epicenter of the drama. I'm not a huge lover of stories set in the past, as they lack the element of being able to relate to the situations depicted, but Hislop has a unique way of depicting her stories that overrides any dislike for historic tales. 

Characters: The characters in this are all so diverse and captivating, the story nearly writes itself. 

• Katerina's infectious positivity gleams from the pages but as does her despair once married and in grieving for her lost Dimitri. Her utter resilience and strength is so admirable and she always remained so humble - I couldn't help but fall for her from the beginning. 

• Eugenia is also such a kind-hearted and gentle woman and her instant affection for Katerina is so evident from how she immediately treats her as her own little daughter. 

• The ruthless and almost evil nature of Kyrios Komninos, Dimitri's father, never fails to shock the reader as we see the extremes he goes to to ensure family pride and reputation remains strong. 

Story: The historic detail that permeates Hislop's novels is unbelievable and probably only fractionally represents the level of research that had to be undertaken prior to writing anything. The Thread majorly covers the time of the Second World War and the reader gains an insight into the affect it had on Greece, a country that normally wouldn't be of main focus of the War. The fact that Thessaloniki was thriving with many mixed religions, made for an environment that was torn apart and relationships and livelihoods destroyed. In an effortless story-telling setting, I learned so much more about what went on, especially politically, at that time and how Greece specifically suffered. 

The added little phrases and words in Greek, help authenticate the story and remind the reader of where we are and is a beautiful additive. 

Romance: This is really a romantic tale of Katerina and Dimitri relaying their story to their grandson but yet it's not presented as a "romance tale" and I love this. Everything romantic is so beautiful and innocent and makes for a gorgeous read as the two lovers are constantly put up against forces that keep them apart. I nearly cried when Katerina found out she was pregnant and knew it was his and not her dreadful, repulsive, slime-ball husband! (And bravo for cleverly getting rid of him!)

Overall: 

This has definitely made it into my favourites. Having been travelling to Greece / Greek Islands for over half of my lifetime and having Greek relatives, I am obsessed with Greek culture and the language and the serenity and calmness that comes from the little towns and villages. The Thread captivates the very essence of the Greek city and way of life and is a beautiful tale of life and friendships.

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REVIEW; Cinder & Ella, by Kelly Oram

Rating: ★★★★★

Genre: Young Adult, Romance

Recommend: Yes

SPOILERS

Summary:

Ellamara's life is forever changed on her 18th birthday where she loses her mother in a car-crash and is left scarred from burns and sent to live with her father and his new family, after not having spoken to him since he walked out on her family. The only positive in her life is her best friend- Cinder, as she knows him by. Except he's an internet friend so she's never met him before. 

Cinder - or better known as the new most loved hottest actor, Brian Oliver, fell for Ella long ago, but doesn't want her to know his true identity as she's the only person who treats him normally. Fighting with the media's expectations and trying to protect his career, all Brian wants is Ella, but knows he has to protect her from his crazy life. 

But when fate intervenes and their paths eventually cross, can both of them accept each other's secrets? Or will the revealed truths about each of their lives prove too much to handle. 

My Thoughts:

Ah where to start? 

Firstly, I was a little apprehensive in reading this after reading negative reviews about it and was worried I'd feel the same and DNF. But c'mon guys! It's a HEA book! You should know what you're getting into from reading the blurb!!


Young-Adult: This is definitely for the teenagers/Young-adults so it's unfair to comment on any of the teen drama or cringe-worthy scenes. It's meant to be! If I were 5 years younger reading this I'd have fallen straight into their world and know I'd be OBSESSED with this story. So hence, I'm rating it from a teenager me - as that's who it's clearly aimed at. 


Research: Okay, so there were plot holes with the legalities of A LOT of things in this - mainly in relation to how easily Ella could be committed to a mental institution and how little control she had over her life but so what?! Normally, I am a huge stickler for exact details being correct, but again - 15 year old me wouldn't bat an eyelid at these holes and what about poetic license? It's meant to be a novel of highs and lows and drama. If it toed the line for being legality correct there wouldn't be a story! 


Ella: I think it's quite hard to write and depict a character who has been through hell and back and then is suffering and failing to cope brilliantly with new circumstance. It's borderline "feel immense sympathy" or "stop feeling sorry for yourself" and it can be easy to waver between the two as you get fed up of the self-pity. But I never did with Ella. Whilst I could see both sides of why people acted how they did ~ her father, Jennifer, Juliette ~ they never had any tact with actually noticing Ella's reactions and adapting their approach accordingly. They drove me insane and I don't know how Ella didn't throttle them with her cane to begin with. But she really was an extremely strong character - no way could I have dealt with even the bullying in school remaining together like she did. Made of steel!


Cinder: He's not Brian Oliver in my mind. Cinder is such a great book boyfriend. I didn't quite fall or swoon over him, but I did for Ella. He was a mix of the stereotypical Hollywood heart-throb, but with a lot more common sense. Depicted as a somewhat bad boy with a reputation, we didn't get much of an insight into this and his love and affection for Ella was so apparent through how he joked with her.


Fairy-tale: Obviously, this is going to be a romance adventure. Oh wow! It really was such a great twist on Cinderella. It had the slightest thread of the fairy-tale interwoven throughout but it was such an original twist. It is exactly as it sets itself up to me - a whirlwind of drama and despair but all fairy tales have happily ever after's? 

Overall: 

I read this in less than 24 hours and loved it. Don't take it too seriously and any die-hard romantic will fall in love with the story. It may not be the highest standard of prose or most factually correct, but look at who it's aimed at. If you look hard enough at anything you'll find imperfections, but choose to see the beautiful story, and they don't matter!

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REVIEW; LoneWolff - An Online Romance, by Fran Seen

Rating: ★★★★★

Genre: New Adult, Romance, Novella

Recommend: Yes

SPOILERS

Summary:

Ellie is a social outcast and turns to online forums to be who she cannot be in real life. Adopting different personas to everyone she speaks to allows her to be someone else for some time, but always ending the charade after a few hours. 
But after speaking to LoneWolff, Ellie sees an opportunity to be herself with someone - but only to an extent. Out of fear of losing her only friend, Ellie fabricates crucial details and embellishes others to keep him interested, and so begins a friendship that'll last for years. 
Fast-forward to when LoneWolff has uncovered the web of lies Ellie fed him and the computer screens are removed, can their relationship triumph or was the deception too much?

My Thoughts: 

Oh. My. God. 
I think everyone should get to meet a LoneWolff!  

The blurb of the book doesn't give too much away, and really only hints at the backstory that is revealed to the reader early on, so the story itself is a mystery waiting to be uncovered.


Ellie: Although I'm not a fan of lying, I totally fell for Ellie and understood her reason for lying with LoneWolff. Her lies weren't out of malice or hate. She usually had one conversation only as one person to another before deleting the profile and moving on and I can understand how this was her only sense of escape. Don't we all wonder what it's like to be someone else? And she wasn't hurting anyone in the process... of course that was until she met LoneWolff. She tried to be herself as she simply wanted to be accepted, but knowing the age difference between them, the chance of having someone truly know her would be severely decreased. In a limited amount of pages, there is still some super character development and as Ellie grows from 15 to 21, we see such a transformation - even from how her confidence changes when she finally gets her braces removed. She has a mix of such a caring heart, basing her decisions on what's best for her grandparents, but also immense independent and drive - all that strength and power she showed in New York and standing up for herself.


LoneWolff: ASDFGJHJKL Um... Ellie is a lucky girl. He is so dark and mysterious but not in the conventional "bad boy" way you normally get in stories. He had so much depth to him, even before we met him. His anger at Ellie was palpable and his extreme emotions added to the mystery and allure. His cold and aloof office persona backed up the connotations of his username and his clever manipulation of Ellie was just masterful. 


Story: I felt there was so much in this despite it being a novella. There was each individual story of Ellie and LoneWolff and their past. There was the years of their relationship being built up through their online conversations and then their story developing in the present - which was so so so endearing and exciting. I enjoyed how it also wasn't mostly a happy/love story. There was drama and heartbreak from the beginning and it was a remedy journey of sorts. 


Writing: As like in Blackbird, I love the writing in this and how scenes are depicted and presented. The language is evocative and usually quite humorous as well. 

"Oppressive heat, combined with the aroma of livestock, was a recipe disgusting enough to gag a maggot."

There's also some good words of wisdom woven throughout. I paused a few times after reading things, usually said by Mr Wolff, realising the truth behind them. I feel there's such a depth and substance to the writing that goes beyond a simple romance tale. 

"What people will say about us, none of it matters. Don't prioritize other's opinions above your own." 

That was something quite poignant to read and to mull over! 

Overall: 

This is the second novella I've read from An Online Romance series, and it's surpassed my expectations - I felt it was miles ahead of Blackbird so really this should get more than 5 stars! I fell completely in love with Ellie and LoneWolff's story and I wish there was more to read about them! It's simply kickass with all the elements that make a great story - only condensed. A must read.

I received this from the author in exchange for an honest review.
 

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REVIEW; All The Bright Places, by Jennifer Niven

Rating: ★★★★★

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Mental Illness

Recommend: Yes

SPOILERS

Summary:

Theodore Finch meets Violet Markey, both standing on the ledge of the school Bell Tower, contemplating jumping. 

Convincing each other to step down sparks the beginning of a beautiful relationship as Violet surprises herself with how much she needs the unpredictable and "crazy" Finch - who fills his time quoting suicide notes and analysing different methods. 

Going hand in hand on a life-changing journey spawning from a class project, they go on the most important and educational adventure they could imagine - but you only see the suffering of someone if they decide to show you. 

My Thoughts:

Holy Mother of all books ever written. 

You know those books you read and think "Wow, that was amazing!"?
Or those where you think "I've been punched in the gut!"?
Or even "I've just read a book that describes my thoughts!"?

This book had all three of those statements. 

Firstly, I've read mixed reviews and people immediately slating it over its likeness (mainly to The Fault in Our Stars) to other novels and being about suicide with no depth... I really have to disagree. I can see how someone would dislike this and the predictability that goes with it, however what really struck me was the accuracy... The amount of Finch's words/thoughts that were like echoes of what I've thought/said/written really scared the crap out of me. Even the feelings that we often can't put into words, somehow Jennifer Niven managed to do this. 

"You don't know how it is. It's like I've got this angry little person inside me, and I can feel him trying to get out. He's running out of room because he's growing bigger and bigger, and so he starts rising up, into my lungs, chest, throat, and I just push him right back down. I don't want him to come out. I can't let him out." 

"Why not?" 

"Because I hate him, because he's not me, but he's in there and he won't leave me alone, and all I can think is that I want to go up to someone, anyone, and just knock them into space because I'm angry at all of them."

I've had such a similar conversation with a friend a few weeks back and it freaked me out so much - but also was comforting to read the same thoughts having clearly been endured by someone else. It's just chilling.

Characters: It's been noted that the characters were strongly depicted as their illnesses rather than actual people. I can understand how this can be perceived but I do disagree. I think it's a tricky topic to write about sensitively whilst also getting the punch across. Not everyone will be pleased but for those of us that have experience with mental illness and knowing how one can consume you to such an extent you feel you have become that label, it's a help reading about it as raw and unromanticised as it truly is. 

"We are all alone, trapped in these bodies and our own minds, and whatever company we have in this life is only fleeting and superficial."

Ain't that the harsh truth... 

This novel has clearly become a quick sensation and followed in the footsteps of TFIOS and I was wary of actually reading it because of how highly it was rated but also how much it was torn down. For some unknown reason, possibly to try and shed the taboo of it all, mental illness/health has become a hot topic to write about and has in someway become glorified. I didn't feel this happened in this. Anyone who has had any dealings with depression / suicide / bi-polar will know this is a raw and truthful story. 

The emotions, feelings, thoughts, actions... they're REAL. They may seem erratic or attention seeking but that's what it's like. And again - it's scary!!!  

Despite the blossoming relationship, it still culminates in Finch taking his life. Surprisingly, I didn't cry. I felt a calmness and actual relief for him. I felt immense sympathy for poor Violet. And that's what suicide is. The deceased is finally at peace whilst leaving a wake of destruction and despair. 

But at least there's hope for Violet- despite all the bad luck that had come her way.

"Your hope list in accepting your life as it now lies before you, forever changed. If you can do that, the peace you seek will follow." 

Many are so unhappy the suicidal teen took his life in the end. Does this signify there's no hope for those suffering? That things don't get better? That all those alike Finch have now been shown that's the only answer? 

Not at all of course. Naturally we all take something different from this, but that's not the point in this (I think!). There was no exact reason for Finch's state or demise... but that's how it is. Is there ever one reason for being like him? It's everything. 

Of course, there are areas that could be improved or certain aspects implored further but so what? A novel can't delve into the entirety of any subject to meet everyone's needs. 

Overall: 

This could very easily become a cross of a review/ personal response but then it would be a very long and stealthy post - so maybe for another time. But this book got me. It struck home and got way too close to the bone but I needed to read this and am glad I have. Love it or hate it, it's a masterpiece of work. 

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REVIEW; Blackbird - An Online Romance, by Fran Seen

Rating: ★★★★★

Genre: New Adult, Romance, Novella

Recommend: Yes

SPOILER - FREE 

Summary:

Dolly met her best friend, Blackbird, online over a mutual interest in cemeteries. After 6 years though, Dolly wants to meet him - after all, he's the only one she confides in so it would make sense to speak in person to the human behind the screen. 
Dolly asks him to meet, but there stops a consistent daily trend of speaking, as Blackbird declines and goes silent. Taking matters into her own hands, Dolly decides to find Blackbird and find out the secrets he's harbouring, and why he is so desperate to never meet. But can she be prepared for what she will face? Or will she wish she had never even asked? 

My Thoughts: 

Alright now, to get it out of the way please note this is a NOVELLA! So, yes, it's going to be a quick and fast-paced read and that is just that so obviously that's no reason to mark it down. 

Writing: Firstly, what really drew me into this was the composition. Normally, the novellas I stumble across are not of great quality literary wise and make for dull reads. This however, had a beautiful writing style that is so succinct but evocative and immediately drew me in. 

"...cutting into his t-bone steak. His rose gold cuff links gleamed back at me in the candlelight and clinked against his plate. With each saw of his knife, red juices pooled on the plate, hitting the mound of mashed potato like a sea wall."

If that isn't epic descriptive writing done effortlessly and masterfully, I don't what is.

Characters: This mainly is focused on two main characters- Dolly and Blackbird. Obviously there is limited room for full character development but even in this novella, there was some great character battles with themselves and each other and signs of development - both have to face dilemma's that are important to them and their beliefs and weigh up the risks with the gains. Or at least analyse what they want vs what's expected of them - either way, I felt there was a good amount of internal anguish in this to construct solid characters that could easily be related to. 


Story: I've never read a story like this and without giving too much away, I think it ranks high on originality. I liked how it opened in the present and the flicked back to an overview of their blossoming friendship and snippets of their witty conversations. I laughed so much during this, at scenes or even at just one-liners and although once "the secret" is uncovered, it's a little predictable as to where it's all heading, it still makes for an exciting read. Throw in the craziness of Dolly's family unit and it's just one whole rollercoaster following them alone. 


Improvements?: Hrmm, like any novella, it could be longer but that's like judging a little meerkat and saying it'd reach the leaves easier if it were a giraffe - this just isn't a novel so put that aside! Personally, this would have worked brilliantly as a slightly longer novella with maybe a little more torment and anguish before the HEA. It all fell in place quite easily after a certain point. Some of the conversations could have had more depth or building to them but that's getting quite down and pedantic about it. 

Overall: 

Getting over it's length, this is a quirky, great quick read and I read it over two sittings and had to refrain from reading it at work to complete. The writing flows effortlessly and the story develops at a rather suitable pace for a novella - there's a hook, a dilemma, drama, and a resolution and it all works fantastically. 

I received this from the author in exchange for an honest review.
 

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2015 Favourite Reads

It's the end of another year and time for me to look back on my past year of reading and amongst the 50 or so I've read, choose my top reads of the year!

1. Dearest Clementine, Lex Martin

Rating:  ★★★★★
Genre: New Adult, Romance

This was a novel I was initially drawn to because how nice the cover was! But it absolutely "book thumped" me and left me in mourning once finished. Clementine has her heart broken and then shuts off from the world focusing on her future and college. But after meeting Gavin Murphy her plan starts to fail and she wonders if she can get over her trust issue to find happiness. There is so much more drama and story involved and I felt so alike to Clem and have never related to a character as much before!

My Review

Amazon:Dearest Clementine: Dearest Series

2. Beauty From Pain, Georgia Cates

Rating: ★★★★★

Genre: New Adult, Romance

This novel is a dark horse; it sounds relatively run of the mill but OH MY GOD! The emotional rollercoaster that comes with this is unbelievable. It is gripping and heart-wrenching as the reader follows the whirlwind romance of Laurelyn and Jack, that becomes as a result of a 3 month deal to be together and then part ways without another word.  But everyone knows, nothing is ever that simple when love is concerned!

My Review

Amazon:Beauty from Pain: Beauty Series - Book 1

3. Just a Few Inches, Tara St. Pierre

Rating: ★★★★☆

Genre:   Young Adult, Mystery

This year only one Read to Review novel made it into my favourite list. I would give this novel to every YA there is to read and take on board the message in this. I loved it. Self image and body issues are addressed but in an extremely unique, somewhat humorous, and sci-fi manner, but really hammering the point home about being comfortable in yourself. Fantastic and one of the most thought-provoking works I've read.

My Review

Amazon:Just a Few Inches

4. Fallen Crest Public (Fallen Crest High #3), Tijan

Rating:  ★★★★☆
Genre:  New Adult, Drama, Romance

The first book in this series was on my 2014 list of favourites and now the third book makes an appearance. I love everything by Tijan. Her writing, her characters, her stories. All of it. These books will always be one of my top series as we follow the dramatic life of Sam and the Kade brothers and the romantic obstacles they face. I stand by what I've said a few times that every NA reader should take a look at this series! 

My Review

Amazon:Fallen Crest Public (Fallen Crest Series, Book 3)

5. Tears of Tess (Monsters in the Dark #1), Pepper Winters

Rating:  ★★★★★

Genre: Adult, Dark, Romance

This is a dark novel by all means. But if you can handle taboo topics then I would highly recommend this book (Or if you liked the Captive in the Dark series.) Tess is kidnapped abroad and sold to Q as a slave. But Q is not the feared master Tess initially thought, as he has his own secrets and dark past that explains his actions. This contains abuse but is an addictive and gripping read. I fell completely into their world and read the book in a short time. Such a unique take on the topic/genre.
My Review


Amazon:Tears of Tess (Monsters in the Dark Book 1)

6. The Experiment of Dreams, by Brandon Zenner

Rating: ★★★★★

Genre:  Thriller, Suspense

This was absolutely fantastic! It had such an original and imaginative concept that drew me in from the first page and sent me on such a crazy ride of plot twists and mind-f*cks. Ben has the ability to lucid dream and gets involved with scientific experiments involving the study of dreams and sleep, but soon realises he is in a lot more danger than he originally thought - not only can he not trust those he works with... he can't even trust himself.

My Review

Amazon:The Experiment of Dreams  

REVIEW; Breathless, by Vanessa Marie (Chasing Hearts #2)

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Drama

Recommend: Yes

SPOILER-FREE

Summary:

Charlie and Sam have beat the odds of forbidden love and Charlie's heart issues. Sam fought so long to prove he wasn't going to leave Charlie and she's fought against herself to believe him.

But Charlie cannot scare off the constant issues that arise from her heart and realises her life may be shorter than she expected. When the usual life drama also rears its head, Charlie is left in a constant spin, trying to stay above water and protect everyone she loves - even if it means hurting herself. 

My Thoughts:

***Heartless Review***

I don't know what I was expecting with this one after Heartless. But I felt a little bit let down if being honest. It got so many 5 star reviews but I'm just not really feeling it. 

Charlie: In Heartless I really felt for her and thought she was such a strong and admirable character. However her persistence to push people away again and again got a little tiring. She seemed so much more immature in this than before. It all seemed too repetitive in the same emotion and I got a little fed up of her predicting how others would react as that seemed to be all that Heartless was about.

Romance: I didn't really feel the same attraction/envy of Charlie and Sam's relationship like I had before. The only drama involved was Charlie's tendency to confide in Jules before Sam... but that's about it. It just never had me swooning or squealing.

Story: Was quite predictable this one. Just see-sawing back and forth between Charlie being in hospital, being scared, shutting Sam out, kissing Sam, being happy, being sad, being in hospital etc etc. It felt forced and didn't follow the same punch Heartless had. On the other hand, it did have positives and little points here and there had me react and I did overall enjoy the story, just not as much as I had hoped. 

The characters had little development and just seemed so plain and uninteresting. I was hoping to see another side of Sam too, and more into his mind and way of life, but it was just totally focused on Sam who played the same record. 

Now, I understand Sam is going through a LOT! I totally recognise that, but for a read, one can't help roll their eyes as she throws out the same arguments and lines for a whole other book - so unnecessary. 

Overall: 

Despite everything, I do recommend reading this if you enjoyed Heartless. It finishes the story off well and there is a good finish to it all, although a little sudden. The writing was a lot more improved than in Heartless which is a bonus. 

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