Posted in 5 Stars, Dystopia, Science Fiction

Kill Code – Clive Fleury

Posted on by Courtney

Overview

My rating: 5/5 stars
Published: 5th September 2018
Genre: Dystopia, Science Fiction

Review

Captivating, action packed and thrilling!

Kill Code is written in the first person of the main character, Hogan Duran.
Hogan lives a dead beat life following the tragic incident that cause him to retire early from the police force. He struggles daily fighting for work to be able to put food on the table and the work he can get is always hard and grueling.
For months Hogan has been applying to become an NSC officer, each time receiving the same letter to tell him that his application has been unsuccessful except this time it is different.

Taking a deep breath, I ripped the envelope open and pulled out an official- looking letter. I scanned the note quickly as Max peered over my shoulder. ‘Well?’

This futuristic novel is fairly short but so cleverly written. I find most short stories run the risk of missing the plot and cramming too much into the story. The pace of this book is perfect. Clive devotes the first 40% of the book to setting the scene of Hogans mundane life after the tragic end to his life as a cop. I have read some review that suggest this is a slow start. But lets not forget this is the first book in a trilogy. After the first 40% the story really takes off. Once Hogan is at NCS training I would not put the book down.

If you liked Hunger Games or Maze Runner you will definitely enjoy this book. It has the same suspense feel to it. Each chapter leaves you wondering what will happen in the next.

The plot twists are great and not what you would be able to guess. I must admit after the twist, I read the rest of the book wondering if there was going to be another twist. I do not want to give too much away because I recommend you get the book but when you read it you will know what I mean!

Overall

I would definitely recommend this book and I have already recommended it to my book group. I’m eagerly waiting for the sequel.

Thank you

Thank you to Clive Fleury for giving me a free copy of your book in exchange for an honest review. Although free it has certainly not clouded my opinion of the book. A recommend from me.

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Until next time,
Courtney

Posted in 4 Stars, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Paranormal, Young adult

A Skin Full of Shadows – Frances Hardinge

Posted on by Courtney

Overview

My rating: 4/5 stars
Published: September 2017
Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Paranormal

Review

A rich and endearing story!

Frances Hardinge creates an enchanting atmosphere with tension from the terrifying Felmonts. This book gives us castles, ghost and witch hunts as the author combines English history with the supernatural. 

I was surprised at the time period in which this book is set for a YA read but Frances Hardinge does not fail to captivate the audience. The story is set prior to the English Civil War and uses the momentum of the coming war to support the story. 

Makepeace is raised by her mother in a Puritan community and it has never felt like home. Her mother is very guarded and has fled from her past and teaches Makepeace to blend and not stand out in the community. It is difficult to understand the mothers relationship with Makepeace and the mother almost seems cruel and loveless. It is only after the mothers death and when Makepeace is taken in by her fathers aristocratic family that you realise her mother acted to protect and prepare Makepeace from the evil to come. 

Makepeace has a gift and her fathers family, the Felmonts, want to use her for it. Trapped in a war where the lines of right and wrong are so blurred, Makepeace makes some unpredictable friendships. These friendships will be her fall and rise when trying to defeat the Felmonts and trying to survive. 

 

Courtney 

Posted in Fairy tales, Retelling

Hansel and Gretal

Posted on by Courtney

This weeks fairytale Tuesday is dedicated to Hansel and Gretal.

I first decided to read old and retellings with with a good friend who also loves reading.

Hansel and Gretal is famously known for the brother and sister who are abandoned in the woods by their father. They make their way home following the pebbles they lay down. So the father takes them to the woods again. The 2nd time the children lay down bread crumbs. But the animals of the Forrest eat their bread and they cannot find their way home. When the children are lost they find a cottage made of candy. This is where a Witch lives. The witch tries to cook and eat Hansel and Gretel but they are smart. They trick the witch and lock her in the oven.

History

We began watching Jen Campbell’s minisodes of fairytales and the history of.

Hansel and Gretals history had me on the edge of my seat. Video one from Jen shares the history behind the folk tales and how the Grimm brothers were inspired for their story.

What grabbed me most about the history of Hansel and Gretal was Jens video number 2! It’s mind blowing. In 1962 a German school teacher stumbles across some bones in a deserted cottage in Witches Wood in Germany. Jen discovers the fairy tale with in a fairy tale. It causes uproar. I urge you to watch the history.

Video 1: https://youtu.be/rBVgWqNij5w

Video 2: https://youtu.be/7VQ6xchEAQY

Traditional

The original telling for Hansel and Gretel is written in the Brothers Grimm. The book that I have is the the complete first edition. The 1857 edition changes its wording ever so slightly in comparison to the 1812 edition. In 1857 the mother is now called the woman. The idea of a mother treating her children in that manner is, apparently, unbearable hence “the woman”.

Retellings

I have two recommendations this week.

The first is Neil Gamain.

His retelling follows the traditional story and the brother and the sister in the woods. It is a quick read and the illustrations. At the back of the book Neil has written the history ph Hansel and Gretel for its viewers.

The second book I recommend is Eliza Granvill’s ‘Gretel and the dark’

There is not much I can say about this book without spoiling it completely. It’s a brilliant story that has you saying “ahh I see” at the end. It had a twist you do not expect. With 4/5 stars from me I definitely recommend you read. I am interested to know what you think. Please leave a comment if you have read any of these books.

Posted in Fairy tales, Retelling, Reviews

Fairy tales

Posted on by Courtney

The magical land of fairy tales. They whisk you away to Neverland where you find your Price Charming.

Disney is great for adapting fairy tales for children with their movies. I particularly like that not all of their princesses are dainty damsels in distress. Brave and Mulan are 2 of my favourites.

Following an interest in fairy tales I will be reviewing some classic tales. The original, the history and some retellings.

Retellings are always so interesting. It’s intriguing to see the authors perspective and creativity. One of my favourite authors for retelling is Christina Henry and I will explore some of her dark and magical work.

Stay tuned!

Posted in 4 Stars, Children's, Picture books

Happy Birthday Little Hoo – Brenda Ponnay

Posted on by Courtney

Overview

My rating: 4/5 stars
Published: 13th March 2017
Genre: Children’s, Picture books, Contemporary

Review

Such a beautifully illustrated book! As a teacher this book is amazing for delivering mathematics. It explores the concept of time, sequencing, numbers as well as supporting communication and language development.

With just ten days until the Birthday, Little Hoo asks each day is it his birthday. The book counts down and uses numerals, written numbers and days of the week. The pictures in this book also tell their own story. They visit the library to get party games books, they buy decorations, they make the cake etc.

A sweet little extra for parents is the “make your own little who party game” at the end of the book.

This is a lovely addition for all parents to add to their children’s book collection.

Thank you to the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

Courtney

Posted in 4 Stars, Chick-lit, Contemporary, romance, Young adult

I Spy The Boy Next Door – Samantha Armstrong

Posted on by Courtney

Overview

My rating: 4/5 stars
Published: Expected 25th May 2019
Genre: Young adult, Romance, Contemporary.

Review

This is my first Samantha Armstrong book and I was IMPRESSED!! I could not put this book down so it took me only one day to read it.

Warning: this book is filled with cliches. But boy am I a sucker for them! 

This book is a lovely easy read that I imagine will invite many teenage girls. It has the bad boy romance, the teen girl with the annoying brother, the overly protective parents.
I do however comment Samantha’s ability to capture the love of the parents. It is clearly undeniable and so unbelievably supportive. Their relationship with Malory is inspiring.
I did not expect the twist at the end. It kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen. 

I had one criticism. The ending felt a little rushed and missed some detail and explanations. I had to re-read a few times near the end of the book to try and make sense of what what happening. 

I would definitely recommend this book and I have already recommended it to my sister.

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thanks for reading!

Posted in Uncategorized

About Me

Posted on by Courtney

Thanks for joining me!

I fell in love with books when I was only 9 years old. I read a variety of genres and I want to be able to share my love of books and thoughts with you.

So you know who I am:

I am a mum of an amazing boy who is now 10! Time flies too fast. He is also in love with reading and one day wants to become an author.  Some of my reviews will include books I recommend for your children.

All views are my own and may be different to your own. Your feedback is welcomed.

I hope you enjoy.

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