Missing In Action

I just want to apologise for the lack of updates recently. I have been very busy with work and other things in the lead up to Christmas. I am hoping things will be returning to normal soon. Thanks for your patience.

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Title:                The Scorpio Races
Author:           Maggie Stiefvater
ISBN:              9780545224901
Publisher:       Scholastic
Published:      October 2011
Age Group:    Young Adult


 Synopsis:

 It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.


My Thoughts:

I am in two minds about this book. The horse lover in me thought it was fantastic, especially considering it is not easy to find horse related novels for young adults or adults. Overall though, I was mildly disappointed. It was not the adventurous page-turner that I was hoping for. In fact most of the novel was just setting up for the race and to be perfectly honest if it wasn't for the fact that  love horses I probably would have stopped reading before I got to the race.
Written in the same alternating point of view that gave her Wolves of Mercy Falls so much depth, with some gorgeous descriptions thrown in makes the slow pace easier to overcome.  
I recommend this book only to the serious horse lover who is looking for a nice gently paced read.

Ashes by Ilsa J Bick

Title:                Ashes
Author:           Ilsa J Bick
ISBN:              9780857382627
Publisher:       Quercus
Published:      September 2011
Age Group:    Young Adult


 Synopsis:

 Alex has run away and is hiking through the wilderness with her dead parents' ashes, about to say goodbye to the life she no longer wants to live. But then the world suddenly changes. An electromagnetic pulse sweeps through the sky zapping every electronic device and killing the vast majority of adults. For those spared, it's a question of who can be trusted and who has changed... Everyone still alive has turned - some for the better (those who acquired a superhuman sense) while others for the worse (those who acquired a taste for human flesh). Desperate to find out what happened and to avoid the zombies that are on the hunt, Alex meets up with Tom - an Army veteran who escaped one war only to find something worse at home - and Ellie, a young girl whose grandfather was killed by the electromagnetic pulse. This improvised family will have to use every ounce of courage they have just to find food, shelter, while fighting off the 'Changed' and those desperate to stay alive. A tense and involving adventure with shocks and sudden plot twists that will keep teen and adult readers gripped.

My Thoughts:

The first thing that comes to mind about this book is the fantastically described zombie scenes. Lots of blood and gore, as to be expected from a zombie novel. As the story progresses we get a bit of respite from the creepiness, to point where it almost felt like I was reading a completely different book altogether, but surprisingly despite the change of pace the novel still seemed to flow really well only to take another turn and suddenly there is an unexpected cliffhanger ending that left me 'hungry' for more.
The main characters were likable and flawed. Alex is a strong and courageous character who is very self sufficient, perhaps a little to knowledgeable about wilderness survival for someone of her age who has a been receiving treatment for a large brain tumor. Ellie is a major pain but really she is just a typical eight year old and a terrified and confused one at that. Tom is highly skilled and  mysterious.
I am eager to discover the fate of Tom, Ellie and Alex. This book is a good start to what I hope will become a great series.

A Waltz For Matilda by Jackie French

Title:               A Waltz For Matilda
Author:           Jackie French
ISBN:              9780732290214
Publisher:       Harper Collins
Published:      2010
Age Group:    Young Adult, Historical Fiction

Synopsis:

In 1894, twelve-year-old Matilda flees the city slums to find her unknown father and his farm. But drought grips the land, and the shearers are on strike. Her father has turned swaggie and he′s wanted by the troopers. In front of his terrified daughter, he makes a stand against them, defiant to the last. ′You′ll never catch me alive, said he...′

Set against a backdrop of bushfire, flood, war and jubilation, this is the story of one girl′s journey towards independence. It is also the story of others who had no vote and very little but their dreams.

Drawing on the well-known poem by A.B. Paterson and from events rooted in actual history, this is the untold story behind Australia′s early years as an emerging nation.

My Thoughts: 

Jackie French truly does have a way with words. She has delighted readers of all ages for many years and this book is simply superb as many have come to expect from this much loved Australian author.

One cannot help but be inspired by the strength and determination of Matilda as she leaves the only home she has ever known and ventures out into the outback in search of her father and a better life. The joy she finds is sadly cut short when her father dies in an attempt to escape the Troopers, leaving Matilda the owner of her fathers' small farm. Matilda refuses to give up on her fathers dreams for the farm and puts her heart and soul into the property. Along the way she experiences friendship, love and loss, as she fights for, not only her rights, but also the rights of her friends.


This book sends strong messages of the importance of equality and the importance of not giving up. With a descriptive writing style the reader feels as though they have been transported to the Australian outback and can feel the burning heat of the sun on their skin, smell the sweetness of the Australian bush, hear the gentle hum of the insects and see the beautiful golden, sunburnt country stretching out before their eyes.


A beautiful, historical tale that will be enjoyed by teens and adults alike.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Title:               The Hunger Games
Author:           Suzanne Collins
ISBN:              978140109084
Publisher:       Scholastic
Published:      2009
Age Group:    Young Adult

Synopsis:

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

My Thoughts:

This book is extremely hard to put down, it was a perfect choice for a read-a-thon book because it was so engaging and addictive. The action packed writing style kept the pages turning, with just enough description to really suck the reader in but not enough to make the violent scenes into a crazy, sadistic bloodbath.

Not only are the main characters likable and well written but also the secondary characters which is a welcome change. I have not read many books that have made me feel so connected to the feelings and reactions of the minor characters, it really made the story all the more intriguing.
The relationships of the characters were realistic and at times heartbreaking as friendships and alliances are forged only to inevitably be broken as the games progress. Trust, loyalty and friendship are major themes. 


Be warned though, this book is not for younger readers or the faint of heart, the whole concept of teenagers murdering each other (forced or not) is not going to be everyone cup of tea. It is a violent book, but it is not gory. 

 Suspenseful and intense, this book leaves you hungry for the next one in the series.

End of Event Meme

1. Which hour was most daunting for you? Hour 4 was the hardest for me, it was near on midnight and I had to have a sleep
2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?
The Hunger Games really kept me going
3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?
Nope.
4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?
Being my first read-a-thon I have nothing to compare to but the updates on the website were fantastic
5. How many books did you read?
Three and a half
6. What were the names of the books you read?
The Red Pony - John Steinbeck
Blackthorn - Elizabeth Pulford
The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins (halfway through)
7. Which book did you enjoy most?
The Hunger Games, lots of action!
8. Which did you enjoy least?
Blackthorn
9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders?
N/A
10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?
Yes, as a reader again.

 I completed my goal of reading three books!
  Total number of pages read: 1040

Read-a-thon Update

It is now hour 18, I have just finished The Hunger Games and I am going to grab some lunch before diving into another book.

Books Completed: The Red Pony - John Steinbeck
                               The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
Total Pages Read:  574

Mid Event Survey

1. What are you reading right now? The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
2. How many books have you read so far? Completed one, working on the second
3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon? Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins
4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day? No
5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those? A few from daughter and hubby, just answered their questions.
6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far? How fast the time goes
7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? Not at this stage
8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year? Get more sleep before the event
9. Are you getting tired yet? Not now, I already had a snooze!
10. Do you have any tips for other Readers or Cheerleaders, something you think is working well for you that others may not have discovered? No, but I am open to any suggestions from others!

Back To the Books

It is now hour 11, I must have slept longer than I thought, I am not surprised, I don't function to well without sleep. So my break lasted longer than I had actually intended it to but I am officially back and I am going to pick up where I left off.

Break Time

It is half way through hour 4. It is nearing midnight here and I am struggling to stay awake, so I am off for a break and to catch a few Z's, but I will be continuing when I wake up.

Books Completed: The Red Pony - John Steinbeck
Currently Reading: The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
Total Pages Read: 194

Read-a-thon Begins

Time to start reading.
Here is my introduction meme:

1)Where are you reading from today?  Albany, Western Australia
2)Three random facts about me…  a) I like eating raw broccoli,  b) I have left my home state c) I don't have a favourite colour.
3)How many books do you have in your TBR pile for the next 24 hours? Ten, but I know I won't get through all of them
4)Do you have any goals for the read-a-thon (i.e. number of books, number of pages, number of hours, or number of comments on blogs)? I am aiming on finishing three books
5)If you’re a veteran read-a-thoner, any advice for people doing this for the first time? This is my first read-a-thon.

Happy reading everyone!

Read-A-Thon Reading List

I think I have decided on my reading list for the Read-a-thon this weekend.
My choices are.

• The Hunger Games Trilogy - Suzanne Collins
• Blackthorn - Elizabeth Pulford
• Blackthorn's Betrayal - Elizabeth Pulford
• The Marvelous Land of OZ (Graphic Novel)
• Wonderstruck - Brian Selznick
• The Ask and the Answer - Patrick Ness
• Monsters of Men - Patrick Ness
• Sleight of Hand - Peter S. Beagle
• Mirror Kingdoms - Peter S. Beagle
• Singer of the Bush - A.B. 'Banjo' Patterson
• Song of the Pen - A.B. 'Banjo' Patterson

That will be more than enough to last me 24 hours. I am not a very fast reader and I know there is no way I will get through this many books in 24 hours but it will give me a variety of books to choose from.

Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-Thon 2011

I have cleared my 'busy' holiday schedule on October 22nd to participate in Dewey's 24-hour read-a-thon. This is my first time participating in such and event so it shall be interesting to see how I go. To join in the fun just visit Dewey's read-a-thon.  Happy Reading!

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Title:               Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Author:           Laini Taylor
ISBN:              9781444722635
Publisher:       Hodder & Stoughton
Published:      2011
Age Group:    Young Adult


Synopsis:

Around the world, black hand prints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

My Thoughts:

This book should have come with a warning, some thing along the lines of... NOT SUITABLE FOR LUNCH BREAK READING!  I like to read on my lunch breaks and I literally had to claw my way out of the pages to return to work. It really is that good!

Laini Taylor is not just a writer, she is indeed a story teller. She weaves a world so wonderfully atmospheric that you actually do believe you are standing on a bridge in Prague with an angel. The descriptions are outstanding and the characters are very well written.


Overall it was a well paced novel which was very hard to put down, full of mystery and passion. Easily the best book I have read this year, it has left me eagerly awaiting to find out what happens next.

Alex & Me by Irene M Pepperberg

Title:               Alex & Me
Author:           Irene M Pepperberg
ISBN:              9781921372728
Publisher:       Scribe Publications
Published:      2008

Genre:             Non-Fiction

Synopsis:

On September 6, 2007, an African Grey parrot named Alex died prematurely at age thirty-one. His last words to his owner, Irene Pepperberg, were "You be good. I love you."
What would normally be a quiet, very private event was, in Alex's case, headline news. Over the thirty years they had worked together, Alex and Irene had become famous—two pioneers who opened an unprecedented window into the hidden yet vast world of animal minds. Alex's brain was the size of a shelled walnut, and when Irene and Alex first met, birds were not believed to possess any potential for language, consciousness, or anything remotely comparable to human intelligence. Yet, over the years, Alex proved many things. He could add. He could sound out words. He understood concepts like bigger, smaller, more, fewer, and none. He was capable of thought and intention. Together, Alex and Irene uncovered a startling reality: We live in a world populated by thinking, conscious creatures.

My Thoughts:

Being an animal lover and a bird owner I could not resist this book. Irene presents us with undeniable data that humans and primates are not the only intelligent creatures (which all animal lovers are already aware of.) She also gives us a fascinating insight into, what I imagine, is only a fraction of the hard work, dedication and set backs that such research involves.
Irene's commitment to her research and to Alex was truly inspiring, many people in a similar situation would have given up.
A remarkable and inspiring read that leaves you wondering what the household pet or even the birds in your garden are really thinking and what they would say if they could talk. A must read for any animal lover. 

Blood Red Road by Moira Young

Title:               Blood Red Road
Author:           Moira Young
ISBN:              9781407124254
Publisher:       Marion Lloyd Books
Published:      2011
Age Group:    Young Adult


Synopsis:

In a lawless future land, where life is cheap and survival is hard, Saba has been brought up in isolated Silverlake. She never sees the dangers of the destructive society outside. When her twin brother is snatched by mysterious black-robed riders, she sets out on an epic quest to rescue him. 


My Thoughts:

Blood Red Road is a fast paced, action packed adventure. Saba's world has been turned upside down and is falling apart and she is determined to do whatever it takes to make things right, no matter what the cost. 
This is a book that is more about the journey than the destination. It was a delight to watch the characters grow and change as they struggled to overcome the obstacles that stood in their way, particularly Saba and her little sister Emmi. At the beginning of the book they are constantly fighting, as siblings do, but as the story progresses they learn that without each other they would be lost.
The unusual writing style does take a bit to get used to but I found it only enhanced the experience and added depth to the characters and world in general.
The storyline left a lot of unanswered questions, which has paved the way for the sequel.

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

Title:             The Language of Flowers
Author:         Vanessa Diffenbaugh
ISBN:             9780345525543
Published:      2011

Synopsis:   

The Victorian language of flowers was used to express emotions: honeysuckle for devotion, azaleas for passion, and red roses for love. But for Victoria Jones, it has been more useful in communicating feelings like grief, mistrust and solitude. After a childhood spent in the foster care system, she is unable to get close to anybody, and her only connection to the world is through flowers and their meanings. Now eighteen, Victoria has nowhere to go, and sleeps in a public park, where she plants a small garden of her own. When her talent is discovered by a local florist, she discovers her gift for helping others through the flowers she chooses for them. But it takes meeting a mysterious vendor at the flower market for her to realise what's been missing in her own life, and as she starts to fall for him, she's forced to confront a painful secret from her past, and decide whether it's worth risking everything for a second chance at happiness. 

My Thoughts:

I want to start by saying this is not the type of book that I normally read, I picked it up on a recommendation. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book.  It was interesting to discover the meanings behind the flowers and it made me wonder if people would chose their flowers differently if they knew the meanings. The novel is very well written, I really enjoyed the gradual insights into Victoria's past.
I found the pace to be a bit slow for my liking, therefore taking me longer to finish it than I would have liked, but it was definitely worth taking the time to finish.

Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Title:               Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children
Author:           Ransom Riggs
ISBN:              978-1-5947-4476-1
Publisher:       Quirk Books
Published:      2011


Synopsis: 


A mysterious island.An abandoned orphanage.
A strange collection of very curious photographs.
It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow - impossible though it seems - they may still be alive.

My Thoughts:

The first thing that grabbed me about this book was the vintage photographs that have been used throughout the book, they really help bring the story to life. The characters were believable and well written. It is not a speedy read and is better to devour slowly in order to fully appreciate the peculiarities and twists along way.
A haunting read that will delight lovers of vintage photography, fairy tales and the unusual.

Dark Alchemy: Magical Tales from Masters of Modern Fantasy

Title:               Dark Alchemy
Edited by:      Jack Dann & Gardner Dozois
ISBN:              978-0-7475-8954-9
Publisher:       Bloomsbury
Published:      2007


Synopsis:  

Throughout the ages, the wizard has claimed a spot in human culture-from the shadowy spiritual leaders of early man to precocious characters in blockbuster films. Gone are the cartoon images of wizened gray-haired men in pointy caps creating magic with a wave of their wands. Today's wizards are more subtle in their powers, more discerning in their ways, and-in the hands of modern fantasists-more likely than ever to capture readers' imaginations. 

My Thoughts:

A fantastic collection of beautifully woven tales by a wonderful selection of authors. I thoroughly enjoyed all the stories in this book but my favourites would have to be Color Vision by Mary Rosenblum and Barrens Dance by Peter S Beagle. If you are a fan of wizards and magical fantasy you will find a story in this collection to suit your tastes.

Follow Fiday

Q. Talk about the book that most changed or influenced your life (was it a book that turned you from an average to avid reader, did it help you deal with a particularly difficult situation, does it bring you comfort every time you read it?). 

Checkers by John Marsden. 

I read this book in my early teen years and in a way it helped me to understand some of the issues that arose through my teenage years. It made me feel as though I was not alone during what were some particularly difficult times.

 Want to join in on the fun? Click the Follow Friday image then and join us! The more the merrier!

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

Title:               Linger
Author:           Maggie Stiefvater
ISBN:              978-0-5451-2328-0
Publisher:       Scholastic
Published:      2010
Age Group:    Young Adult


Synopsis:

In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other.  Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past . . . and figuring out a way to survive into the future. Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack.  And Isabelle, who already lost her brother to the wolves . . . and is nonetheless drawn to Cole.

My Thoughts:

Linger picks up nicely where Shiver left off. Written in the same captivating style as the previous novel, it was everything I was expecting it to be and more. The addition of being able to see the events unfold in the eyes of Isabel and Cole and intriguing dimensions into the plot.
A very engaging story and despite some slow areas in the middle it ended fantastically and left me eager to find out what will happen in the next installment. 

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Title:               Delirium
Author:           Lauren Oliver
ISBN:              978-0-3409-8093-4
Publisher:       Harper Collins
Published:      2011
Age Group:    Young Adult


Synopsis:

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

  
My Thoughts:

This book has been injected with so much emotion it was hard to put down. It will make you appreciate the little things that you somehow always forget to notice. 
It is a beautifully written story that captivated me almost instantly and just continued to get better as the story progressed. Just when I thought I had the plot all figured out another twist took me for a spin only to end in a way that left me breathless and hungry for more.
Overall it was and enchanting and exciting read, highly recommended. I can't wait to get my hands on the sequel.

Bookish Picspam

My "Waiting For" Wishlist

A few coming soon titles that are on my wish list.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Published 03/10/11 by Random House

Incubus by Carol Goodman

Published 03/10/11 by Random House

Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan

Published 01/10/11 by Pan Macmillan

Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick

Published 01/10/11 by Pan Macmillan

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Title:               Shiver
Author:           Maggie Stiefvater
ISBN:              978-0-5451-2326-6
Publisher:       Scholastic
Published:      2009
Age Group:    Young Adult


Synopsis:

the cold.
Grace has spent years watching the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—watches back. He feels deeply familiar to her, but she doesn't know why.

the heat.
Sam has lived two lives. As a wolf, he keeps the silent company of the girl he loves. And then, for a short time each year, he is human, never daring to talk to Grace...until now.

the shiver.
For Grace and Sam, love has always been kept at a distance. But once it's spoken, it cannot be denied. Sam must fight to stay human—and Grace must fight to keep him—even if it means taking on the scars of the past, the fragility of the present, and the impossibility of the future.




My Thoughts:

 An interesting twist on the werewolf/shape-shifter myth, focusing on a more realistic type wolf rather than the typical angry beast scenario. 
The romance aspect of the novel was a bit too sweet for my tastes but it was not enough to make me want to stop reading. I found Sam to be a little too sensitive although I found Grace to be easy to relate to.
The short chapters and changing perspectives made the story progress at a steady pace, keeping it fun and fresh. I enjoyed being able to read both Grace's and Sam's point of view, it gave a wonderful insight into both characters.

Overall it was a nice, easy read with just enough suspense to keep the pages turning.

Teaser Tuesdays

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of  Should be Reading.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! 

 

My Teaser:

Professor Gottesman's legs grew weak under him. He groped blindly for a chair, found it, fell into it,his face white and freezing cold.

 

~p. 27, 'The Rhinoceros Who Quoted Nietzsche' by Peter S. Beagle.

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

Title:               The Knife of Never Letting Go
Author:           Patrick Ness
ISBN:             978-1-4063-1025-2
Publisher:       Walker Books
Published:       2008
Age Group:     Young Adult

Synopsis:  

Prentisstown isn't like other towns. Everyone can hear everyone else's thoughts in an overwhelming, never-ending stream of Noise. Just a month away from the birthday that will make him a man, Todd and his dog, Manchee -- whose thoughts Todd can hear too, whether he wants to or not -- stumble upon an area of complete silence. They find that in a town where privacy is impossible, something terrible has been hidden -- a secret so awful that Todd and Manchee must run for their lives.

But how do you escape when your pursuers can hear your every thought?

My Thoughts:

It didn't take long for this suspenseful novel to grab me. I found myself being whisked away and left blind to my surroundings, unable to predict the twists and turns that lay ahead. It was an emotional read and not for the faint of heart. It made me laugh, it made me want to cry, it made me angry and it filled me with hope. It is jam-packed with action, murder, violence, betrayal and mystery.

The spelling errors, despite being justified, make it a bit of frustrating read and it took me a few chapters to get used to it but it eventually drew me deeper into the story. At times I wanted to grab the characters and slap some sense into them but that is just a part of what makes this book such a compelling read.