Title: Small Magics Authors: Ilona Andrews In: Small Magics (Ilona Andrews) Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Short story collections Pace: Medium Format: eBook Collection Publisher: NYLA Year: 2015 5th sentence, 74th page: I could recite most of our conversations word for word, I do have a very precise memory.
Now collected for the first time, an irresistible compilation of five previously published stories by the bestselling author of the Kate Daniels series; including Kate’s very first meeting with Saiman, some related adventures, and two unforgettable ‘outside’ excursions.
This is a beautiful collection of short stories – five tales sweet tales that left me with a huge smile across my face. Three of these stories are from the Kate Daniels series, but the other two are completely new tales. I would actually love it if they were each part of a much larger series, the heroines are so relatable.
Every story within Small Magics is uplifting and inspiring, not only because of true love, but also in beating the odds and being triumphant, in spite of all odds.
Title: Mad Dogs Author: Robert Muchamore Series: CHERUB #8 Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Crime, Easy reading, Spy novels Pace: Fast Format: Novel Publisher: Hachette Children’s Books Year: 2007 5th sentence, 74th page: ‘I’m only asking for one little favour,’ Mr Large coaxed.
The British underworld is controlled by gangs. When two of them start a turf war, violence explodes on to the streets.
The police need information fast, and James Adams has the contacts to infiltrate the most dangerous gang of all. He works for CHERUB.
Cherubs are trained professionals, aged between ten and seventeen. They exist because criminals never suspect that kids are spying on them.
Although this is a YA book and focuses on the actions and journeys of children, there are some very adult and serious consequences to their actions and work. Mad Dogs beautifully reminds us of the consequences of their actions. These very real penalties left my emotions on a razor blade throughout the book, which is why I read it in just a few days.
James’ talent and skill is beautifully highlighted throughout the story. Although he is more than slightly obnoxious, he is an incredibly talented and skilful secret agent. The CHERUB series definitely honed him, and this is beautifully illustrated by the character of Junior. He indicates exactly what and whom James could have turned into if he didn’t have the rigours of MI5 training at his back. I love this comparison in the story, it reminds us that our choices and actions can all add up to change who we are and where we are going in life. Although these choices are constantly reshaping our lives, sometimes we start walking down paths that are incredibly difficult to walk away from, and Junior illustrates this astoundingly well.
This is the first story in which we get to learn about James and Dana’s new relationship. Where Kerry and James were constantly arguing and unable to get along at the best of times, Dana shows herself to be one of the most understanding and accepting girlfriends. I certainly wouldn’t be able to cope with much of James’ antics and attitudes. This relationship is well-balanced and a much better fit to James’ personality.
Title: The Fall Author: Robert Muchamore Series: CHERUB #7 Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Crime, Easy reading, Spy novels Pace: Fast Format: Novel Publisher: Hachette Children’s Books Year: 2006 5th sentence, 74th page: An elderly man was crossing the road, but he wasn’t going to be any kind of problem.
When an MI5 operation goes disastrously wrong, James Adams needs all of his skills to get out of Russia alive.
Meanwhile, his sister Lauren is on her first solo mission, trying to uncover a brutal human-trafficking operation.
And when James does get home, he finds that his nightmare is just beginning…
CHERUB agents have one crucial advantage: adults never suspect that children are spying on them.
The Fall was a drastic change of pace from the rest of the CHERUB books. Instead of investigating the ethics, and potential impacts of terrorism, drugs and any number of criminal acts, this story looks at what can happen when a mission goes drastically wrong. The lack of mission is balanced by Lauren’s assignment, but primarily focuses on James’ state of mind and what happens when things go bad.
Lauren’s task in this book is to delve into the world of child prostitution. Although it is an area that we would all rather believe didn’t exist in first world countries, Muchamore’s unabashed mentioning of this is one of the reasons that I have enjoyed his work so much. Although it is not a pleasant topic, he still wakes us up to the realities and difficulties of such a terrifying truth.
Kerry and James’ relationship up to this point has been incredibly dramatic – full of ups and downs and frustrations. This story reminds us that whilst opposites can (and often do) attract, sometimes they really don’t work out. In the case of Kerry and James, their different priorities and approaches to life bring things to a head and eventually leads to the removal of their romantic entanglement. However, as the following books show, this isn’t a bad thing and I found this change very refreshing.
Title: Man vs. Beast Author: Robert Muchamore Series: CHERUB #6 Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Crime, Easy reading, Spy novels Pace: Fast Format: Novel Publisher: Hachette Children’s Books Year: 2006 5th sentence, 74th page: The downside is that we’ve only got three bedrooms.
Every day thousands of animals die in laboratory experiments. Some say these experiments provide essential scientific knowledge, while others commit acts of extreme violence in order to stop them.
James and Lauren Adams are stuck in the middle.
They’re CHERUB agents. Trained professionals with one essential advantage: adults never suspect that children are spying on them.
I’ve spent the last six years of my life studying conservation and restoration practices. And the years before that taking care of and loving a myriad of animals that have come through our doors. At this very moment two of my dogs are curled up next to me in a kind of fur nest. Which is why the issue of animal ethics and rights is something that has always fascinated me. Muchamore’s sixth CHERUB book investigates this issue wonderfully.
For me there are two discussions when it comes to animal ethics and rights; the process of eating them and their use in scientific experimentation. Now, as this is a book review, I am not going to getting into this ethical discussion – that’s a topic for another day and space. Numerous points of this discussion are mentioned and highlighted throughout this book though, and, that, combined with the presence of a beagle (like my own beautiful puppy) being saved from medical experimentation created a book that left me thinking for days afterwards.
Aside from animal ethics, Muchamore also uses this book to investigate the relationships between his main characters. Firstly there is the sibling rivalry between Lauren and James. They are constantly bickering and arguing, even when they are in a situation that is incredibly serious and requires a higher level of maturity. Then there is James’ relationship with Kerry – they have been chaotic throughout their courtship and this is the first book in which they seem to find a level playing field for their relationship.
James’ best friend, Kyle also has a revolutionary moment within his relations – he gets his first boyfriend. Not only do I love the fact that there is a main character within the story who is gay, but it’s also interesting to read about a character who finds this concept difficult. Eventually James comes to accept and even support Kyle’s sexuality, but it is not a simple and magical acceptance of this aspect of his best friend’s personhood.
Title: Divine Madness Author: Robert Muchamore Series: CHERUB #5 Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Crime, Easy reading, Spy novels Pace: Fast Format: Novel Publisher: Hachette Children’s Books Year: 2006 5th sentence, 74th page: According to the books, the truth was different.
CHERUB exists for the simplest of reasons: even a master criminal doesn’t suspect that the kid next door is a spy.
When CHERUB uncovers a link between eco-terrorist group Help Earth and a wealthy religious cult known as The Survivors, James Adams is sent to Australia on an infiltration mission.
It’s his toughest job so far. The Survivors’ outback headquarters are completely isolated, and the cult’s brainwashing techniques mean James is under massive pressure to conform.
This time he’s not just fighting terrorists.
He’s got to battle to keep control of his own mind.
The idea of cult life is fascinating. I think because it is always connected to so many horror stories; people being raped and killed, torn from their families, and having their life savings squandered away. The idea that it is incredibly easy to fall into and that perfectly ‘normal’ people are bought into this reality, just makes it all the more frightening.
Divine Madness also introduces a far mellower and more tolerable James. He is still flawed, but his attitude and actions in the past two books had begun to become tedious. Although he is still a hormonally-driven fool and can be a bit of an ass, he has less anger issues and thinks more before he acts than in the past.
I also loved that this book was set in Australia – basically anything Australian is going to peak my interest really. I loved Muchamore’s description of the countryside, however, there was very little mention of the heat. And, although I know it is often talked about, I can’t think of anybody from the UK who would not comment on the heat when they arrived here.
As with the rest of the CHERUB books thus far, the ending to Divine Madness was completely unpredictable.
Title: Cease and Desist Author: Stephen David Hurley Rating Out of 5: 2.5 (Readable, but not worth reading again) My Bookshelves:Easy reading Pace: Slow Format: Novel Publisher: Stephen David Hurley Year: 2016
What if the secret to being charismatic were actually a gene you could inherit, and pass along to your children. What if this “X-factor” could make you a star? Welcome to the world of Cease de Menich, a sixteen-year-old actress in New York City who gets cast as Joan-of-Arc in a reality-drama, only to discover her “acting gift” has been passed down through her bloodline for almost six-hundred-years. Cease finds the plot of the drama reveals dark secrets from her past–an abusive mother, a brother who committed suicide–and the reader must decide if she’s a reliable narrator or a terrified girl who’s succumb to the pressure of fame and the abuse of her past.
Cease & Desist is a dark, contemporary YA thriller with a supernatural twist. Readers of books like I Let You Go and The Girl on the Train will enjoy this coming-of-age story, which struggles with the realities of sexuality, violence as entertainment, and mental illness. Cease & Desist has excellent crossover potential into the adult marketplace.
This book was nothing like I expected – it was insightful, and had quite a dark twist to it. The only reason that I haven’t rated it higher is because I’m unlikely to read it again – it was a page turner, but the character was so different to myself that I found her a little harder to connect to. Having said that, this is a great book that investigates ideas of teenage sexuality, peer pressure and suicide. Hard hitting issues that have a universal importance.
The tone of this story is incredibly unique, it is very sassy and slightly jumpy throughout. At times, it took me a little while to figure out whether it was a flashback, part of the TV show or part of Cease’s daily life. However, it worked incredibly well within this storyline – jumping from memory to memory, moment to moment swept me along in the ride of Cease and Desist’s story. The disjointed moments highlighted her disjointed thoughts and memories, and the pain that accompanies such serious moments in an abused child’s life.
I loved the use of symbolism throughout this tale. Cease constantly refers to the Greek tragedies and Shakespearean tales. From the first mention, it brilliantly foreshadowed the tragedy of Joan d’Arc’s journey and Cease’s reality, both past and present. This emphasis of pain and suffering made my heart ache for the protagonist as she not only struggled to make peace with her past, but also find her place in the future.
Title: Stolen Goods Author: Shannon K. Butcher In: Kicking It (Faith Hunter & Kalayna Price) Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Easy reading, Fantasy, Strong women Pace: Medium Format: Short story Publisher: Roc Year: 2013 5th sentence, 74th page: She had no idea what the Fractogasts wanted with those stolen pieces, but the second machine she was in broke down, everything had snapped back into place, restoring her.
Blacksmith Matthew Brighton wants to hire mercenary Simone Solange to help him retrieve a special hammer the Fractogasts are using to construct a portal. Once complete, the portal will allow more of these destructive creatures entry and it will be the beginning of the end for humanity. Simone is all business with her leathers and magical red boots. Matthew has his own skills as she learns when she accompanies him on the assignment.
I have an obsession with boots, so reading about a pair of hand-tooled, red, knee-high boots that make the wearer invisible was enough to draw me into this short story. The vividness of descriptions and characters bought this micro-world to life beautifully. I was so impressed with the way in which Butcher was able to bring an entire world to life in mere paragraphs.
Butcher crammed a lot of character information into few words – I have read very few pieces of writing that are able to divulge so much in such a short period. I think that this may be one of the reasons why I so thoroughly enjoyed this story. Although, as much as I want to read it again, I’m not entirely sure what drew me in so succinctly.
Title: Percy Jackson and the Greek Gods Author: Rick Riordan Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians Companion Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Easy reading, Mythology, Urban Fantasy Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Penguin Year: 2014 5th sentence, 74th page: The Titan Prometheus, who had made those little dudes out of clay, really felt sorry for them.
IF YOU LIKE HORROR SHOWS, BLOODBATHS, LYING, STEALING, BACKSTABBING AND CANNIBALISM, THEN READ ON…
Who could tell the stories of the gods of Olympus better than a modern-day demigod?
In this action-packed tour of Greek mythology, Percy gives his hilarious personal views on the feuds, fights and love affairs of the Olympians.
Want to know how Zeus came to be top god? How many times Kronos ate one of his kids? How Athena literally burst out of another god’s head? It’s all here in black and white…
As with the rest of the books in the Percy Jackson Verse, Percy Jackson and the Greek Gods is a great adaptation of the Greek myths. Using a modern voice that makes them approachable to the today’s generation is not only a great way to retell ancient myths, but it also is a truly unique retelling that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Having said that, this is also the cleanest and most PG retelling of the Greek myths that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. The versions of the myths that I read involved a lot of rape, pillaging and incest. And although Riordan does mention that many of the Olympians are brother and sister, husband and wife, this eeew factor is glossed over and better explained. Which is probably a good thing considering that this is a book aimed at a young adult / teenage audience.
Reading this book was really pleasurable and easy. It had a quick, fast pace that gave you a brief overview of each of the twelve major Olympians and moved on. It provided a great glimpse into some of the really fascinating mythos of the Greek persuasion without getting bogged down in the details. Each chapter is a whole new story and this structure worked beautifully well – I finished the book in no time, not even realising that I had spent hours reading.
Title: Bastion Author: Mercedes Lackey Series: The Collegium Chronicles #5, Valdemar #11 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Easy reading, Fantasy Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Daw fantasy Year: 2013 5th sentence, 74th page: If anything, it was with a certain measure of relief.
When Herald Trainee Mags was abducted by two magical foreign assassins, he spent weeks drugged, robbed of his Mindspeech, and unable to communicate with Dallen, his Companion. Trapped in terrifying, drug-induced dreams, his only moments of peace came from brief visions of a woman who he felt might be his mother. Though he eventually managed to escape his captors, he left with many unanswered questions.
Moreover, Mags knows that, after searching for him for years, the assassins will not give up.
Mags has powerful allies in Haven, and together, the heads of Herald’s Collegium devised a plan: to send Mags, all of his friends and loved ones, and other trained fighters into the hills to a stronghold called The Bastion. Banded together, they are less vulnerable to the assassins, less likely to be picked off one by one.
The Bastion is the same stronghold where Mags’ parents had been murdered by bandits. The drugs he’d been given opened up memories that couldn’t be his – and gave him knowledge of fighting styles unknown in Valdemar. Perhaps his new-found memories will spark recognition in the place where his parents had once been imprisoned. Mags might unlock the secret of who his parents had been and, in doing so, finally know his own identity.
This was a fantastic conclusion to the Collegium Chronicles. The slow lead up to understanding Mags’ past and his integration into the Heraldic society finally hits its climax and we are welcomed into a new age for Mags and his cohort. Getting a completely open look into his past let’s all the pieces of the puzzle that Lackey so painstakingly laid out fall into place.
I love this conclusion to the Collegium Chronicles, but there was never one story or challenge throughout the series (unlike say, the overall battle between Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort). I’ve found this throughout the majority of Lackey’s books thus far, there isn’t one over-arching tale, but rather, a group of little ones. Normally I would find this tactic within writing really frustrating, after all, a character needs a good character arc. But in Lackey’s books, it works very well. The character arc is about finding oneself and your place in life, rather than an epic battle or one single lightbulb moment of self-discovery. This uniqueness is what keeps me coming back to Lackey’s books again and again.
Mags and Amily’s relationship is one of the least drastic literary relationships that I have ever come across. And I love it. They don’t have a passionate and all-consuming love, and there is almost no drama throughout their courtship. They are both quiet and contained people, and this shows in the way that they handle themselves in their relationship. It’s the way in which they are so distinctly different from others that draws me in. It’s a great reminder of the fact that love takes many forms and it doesn’t have to be bright and flashy to be real.
Title: Redoubt Author: Mercedes Lackey Series: The Collegium Chronicles #4, Valdemar #10 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Easy reading, Fantasy Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Daw fantasy Year: 2012 5th sentence, 74th page: Without the armor, without helmets, without the padding, this was just a romp.
CAPTURED!
Life at the Heralds’ Collegium in Haven has definitely improved for Mags. He’s even become something of a hero since risking his life to rescue his girlfriend Amily – daughter of Nikolas, the King’s Own Herald – from Karsite kidnappers. His training as an undercover agent for the crown is progressing. he is no longer the “foreigner” so many students distrusted. Life is good.
But Mags still doesn’t know who his parents were, and though he knows there are skilled, determined assassins hunting for him, hired by Karse, Valdemar’s longstanding enemy, he doesn’t know why. So it is necessary for mags to be always on his guard.
Mags has grown extremely strong, agile, and remarkably adept at running across rooftops, slipping down drain pipes, and sneaking unseen along dark alleyways. But now it is time for Mags to graduate to a new role: Nikolas’ partner and information broker. And Mags discovers that he’s quite good at his new job. So good, in fact, that Nikolas decides to let him run the undercover operation in town along one hot summer night.
Mags has barely unlocked the shop when everything goes black in a blinding flash of pain.
He wakes with an agonizing headache, bound, blind-folded, in a conveyance of some kind. But worst of all, he’s head-blind. No Mindspeech – he can’t even sense his Companion Dallen. And if he can’t sense or hear Dallen, then no one can sense him. And if no one can sense him, then this may well be his demise.
We all have a past, and no matter how hard we run from it, it will come back to haunt us. It’s true that the past has shaped us and all of those wonderful clichés, and Lackey reminds us beautifully of this in Redoubt. Mags doesn’t remember his past, but it constantly reappears in his life to torture and harass himself and his friends. It’s a fact that both fascinated and frustrated me throughout the story – it was easy to understand that Mags’ biological family had some amount of importance, but that was it. I like to know things, so not knowing drove me a little crazy. So, it was wonderful to finally find out more about his family and past.
Not only is Mags forced to confront his past in Redoubt, but it also takes him hostage – quite literally. He is taken, drugged and enforced to relive moments that he never knew existed. Although I know that my past won’t literally turn up out of nowhere and take me into the woods, it is a strong reminder that ignoring what has been before can bite you in the ass.
Mags’ horrifying upbringing is a bi-story throughout the series, and his innate toughness is really bought to the fore in this story. It is such a strong reminder that we can survive whatever is thrown at us, as long as we are strong (or stubborn) enough. He is in the worst of situations, but his physical and mental stubbornness allows him to survive and eventually return to his people.
Earth and Skye 