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A modern day, female Lord of the Flies - count me in!
I must confess that I bought this book solely based on the cover! Isn’t it gorgeous? Well, it turned out the story within the beautiful outer wrapping was everything I hoped for which is even better!
Rory Power did an amazing job of building this world within a world. Essentially the story is about 3 friends (Hetty, Reese and Byatt) attending the Raxter School for Girls when the school is hit with sudden, unexplained illness requiring quarantine. Soon the girls find themselves cut off from the rest of the world with very little supplies, struggling to survive their illness and fighting for their lives on an island being torn apart by the “Tox”.
I have seen reviews where readers have had issues with the book’s lack of answers and while I understand their point of view, this aspect actually worked for me. In my mind, I was as blind as the 3 main characters and uncovered bits and pieces with them. Seeing things from their POV made the story all the more interesting for me. We don’t have all the answers because they don’t either.
I adored these girls - each with their own personality, secrets and backstory. They were strong, determined, loyal and fierce. Definitely the kind of girls I’d want in my corner if the world was falling apart around me!
I hope this was a start of a series. The ending leaves further books a possibility and I’d love to see where it’s all headed. So keep writing Hetty, Reese and Byatt’s story Rory Power - I’ll definitely be following along on their journey.
I must confess that I bought this book solely based on the cover! Isn’t it gorgeous? Well, it turned out the story within the beautiful outer wrapping was everything I hoped for which is even better!
Rory Power did an amazing job of building this world within a world. Essentially the story is about 3 friends (Hetty, Reese and Byatt) attending the Raxter School for Girls when the school is hit with sudden, unexplained illness requiring quarantine. Soon the girls find themselves cut off from the rest of the world with very little supplies, struggling to survive their illness and fighting for their lives on an island being torn apart by the “Tox”.
I have seen reviews where readers have had issues with the book’s lack of answers and while I understand their point of view, this aspect actually worked for me. In my mind, I was as blind as the 3 main characters and uncovered bits and pieces with them. Seeing things from their POV made the story all the more interesting for me. We don’t have all the answers because they don’t either.
I adored these girls - each with their own personality, secrets and backstory. They were strong, determined, loyal and fierce. Definitely the kind of girls I’d want in my corner if the world was falling apart around me!
I hope this was a start of a series. The ending leaves further books a possibility and I’d love to see where it’s all headed. So keep writing Hetty, Reese and Byatt’s story Rory Power - I’ll definitely be following along on their journey.
"The Chain is a metaphor for the ties that bind all of us to friends and family. It is the umbilical link between mother and child, the way or path that the hero must travel in a quest, and it is the thin clew of crimson thread that is the solution Ariadne comes up with to the problem of the labyrinth."
It all starts with a phone call from an Unknown Caller. The caller informs Rachel O'Neill's that her daughter, Kylie, has been kidnapped. The caller's child has also been kidnapped by another stranger. The only way to get Kylie back is to kidnap another child within 24 hours. Would you have what it takes to get your child back? Are you ruthless enough to be both victim and kidnapper?
The premise of this book was fascinating! In the face of your worst nightmare becoming reality, what are you willing to do for your loved one? Rachel became the ultimate Mama Bear - nothing was going to stop her from getting Kylie back. That resonated with me deeply - there is nothing I wouldn't do for my girls.
This was a compulsive, page-turning roller coaster of a read. McKinley's deadly spin on those darn chain letters we've all received at some point in our lives coupled with our current all digital, social media addicted world was absolutely genius! It's a tale unlike any other and I can't wait to watch the movie.
It all starts with a phone call from an Unknown Caller. The caller informs Rachel O'Neill's that her daughter, Kylie, has been kidnapped. The caller's child has also been kidnapped by another stranger. The only way to get Kylie back is to kidnap another child within 24 hours. Would you have what it takes to get your child back? Are you ruthless enough to be both victim and kidnapper?
The premise of this book was fascinating! In the face of your worst nightmare becoming reality, what are you willing to do for your loved one? Rachel became the ultimate Mama Bear - nothing was going to stop her from getting Kylie back. That resonated with me deeply - there is nothing I wouldn't do for my girls.
This was a compulsive, page-turning roller coaster of a read. McKinley's deadly spin on those darn chain letters we've all received at some point in our lives coupled with our current all digital, social media addicted world was absolutely genius! It's a tale unlike any other and I can't wait to watch the movie.
Reading The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle left me MIND BLOWN!
"Each child she found was a molecule, a part of herself still remaining in the scary world she had left behind. Eventually they would all come together and form one being, knitted together in triumph. We are not forgotten, her action told her. You will not put us aside." - The Child Finder
Madison Culver disappeared in the woods one snowy day as her family searched for a Christmas tree. One moment she was there, the next she was gone. The snow swiftly covering her tracks. Madison was presumed buried in the snow or scavenged by animals. How could a 5 year old girl survive for long in the cold, snowy woods?
Love and hope go hand in hand. After 3 years, Madison's mother still believed someone had taken her and that she was alive. Desperate but unwilling to give up on her daughter she contacted Naomi, a private investigator known as the Child Finder, for help.
Naomi had a special talent for finding missing children. There had been a time when Naomi herself was a lost child. There are many questions in regards to Naomi's past. The trauma she endured is buried deep within her. Fragments of memories inevitably coming to the surface in her dreams. Is her mind protecting her from what had been done to her or from her own terrible guilt?
The story unfolds from various perspectives giving us different insight at various points in the story as it switches from the past to the present. We get a first hand account of Madison's captivity and it was heartbreaking. It literally broke my heart to read those parts. Denfeld wrote with sensitivity, her words almost poetic in their blending of Madison's nightmarish reality with her magical fairytale like fantasies. Yet there was no mistaking the imagery - the moments were still dark, terrifying and horrible. She endured horrors no child should ever have to endure.
It feels almost impossible to explain how a book seeped with such darkness and sorrow was also full of love, hope and bravery. Yet it was. I look forward to reading more from Rene Denfeld and seeing what happens with Naomi in the future.
"No matter how far you have run, no matter how long you have been lost, it is never too late to be found."
Madison Culver disappeared in the woods one snowy day as her family searched for a Christmas tree. One moment she was there, the next she was gone. The snow swiftly covering her tracks. Madison was presumed buried in the snow or scavenged by animals. How could a 5 year old girl survive for long in the cold, snowy woods?
Love and hope go hand in hand. After 3 years, Madison's mother still believed someone had taken her and that she was alive. Desperate but unwilling to give up on her daughter she contacted Naomi, a private investigator known as the Child Finder, for help.
Naomi had a special talent for finding missing children. There had been a time when Naomi herself was a lost child. There are many questions in regards to Naomi's past. The trauma she endured is buried deep within her. Fragments of memories inevitably coming to the surface in her dreams. Is her mind protecting her from what had been done to her or from her own terrible guilt?
The story unfolds from various perspectives giving us different insight at various points in the story as it switches from the past to the present. We get a first hand account of Madison's captivity and it was heartbreaking. It literally broke my heart to read those parts. Denfeld wrote with sensitivity, her words almost poetic in their blending of Madison's nightmarish reality with her magical fairytale like fantasies. Yet there was no mistaking the imagery - the moments were still dark, terrifying and horrible. She endured horrors no child should ever have to endure.
It feels almost impossible to explain how a book seeped with such darkness and sorrow was also full of love, hope and bravery. Yet it was. I look forward to reading more from Rene Denfeld and seeing what happens with Naomi in the future.
"No matter how far you have run, no matter how long you have been lost, it is never too late to be found."
3.5 stars for Greenwood's story of betrayal, love and forgiveness.
It's 1969 and Ginny Richardson's daughter, Lucy, is born with Down Syndrome. This is a time where institutionalizing children with Down Syndrome was common and the genetic disorder was stigmatized and widely misunderstood. Lucy is taken from her mother at birth and left at Willowridge School where unbeknownst to her mother she and all the other children are living in horrific conditions, being mistreated and ill cared for. When the horrors of Willowridge are exposed two years later, Ginny finally goes to see her daughter and knows she can't leave her there another minute. Soon Ginny finds herself on the run with her son, best friend and Lucy in tow.
While I was instantly enamored with Lucy and wanted the best for her, I never completely identified with Ginny. How could she let 2 years go by without ever seeing her daughter? I simply could not fathom ever accepting something like as a mom myself.
I expected more to be shared about Willowridge and would have really liked to see that explored fully. It could have been such an emotional yet amazing story if explored from that angle. Google articles and photos of Willowbrook State School in Staten Island, NY where Greenwood got her inspiration for this story. They will break your heart and haunt your dreams! Sadly, this story left me wanting more.
Thank you to T. Greenwood, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an arc of this book.
It's 1969 and Ginny Richardson's daughter, Lucy, is born with Down Syndrome. This is a time where institutionalizing children with Down Syndrome was common and the genetic disorder was stigmatized and widely misunderstood. Lucy is taken from her mother at birth and left at Willowridge School where unbeknownst to her mother she and all the other children are living in horrific conditions, being mistreated and ill cared for. When the horrors of Willowridge are exposed two years later, Ginny finally goes to see her daughter and knows she can't leave her there another minute. Soon Ginny finds herself on the run with her son, best friend and Lucy in tow.
While I was instantly enamored with Lucy and wanted the best for her, I never completely identified with Ginny. How could she let 2 years go by without ever seeing her daughter? I simply could not fathom ever accepting something like as a mom myself.
I expected more to be shared about Willowridge and would have really liked to see that explored fully. It could have been such an emotional yet amazing story if explored from that angle. Google articles and photos of Willowbrook State School in Staten Island, NY where Greenwood got her inspiration for this story. They will break your heart and haunt your dreams! Sadly, this story left me wanting more.
Thank you to T. Greenwood, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an arc of this book.
4 Stars for Michael Robotham's Good Girl, Bad Girl - a complex, character-driven mystery with heart!
One dead teenage girl, another with no past and one psychologist trying to uncover the truth.
Cyrus Haven is a psychologist with a troubled past. His demons are definitely simmering beneath the surface and made him a fascinating character. Cyrus is called in to offer his expertise on two different cases. A fellow doctor reaches out for help with a particularly troublesome patient - Evie/Angel Face. Evie was found hiding in an abandoned house with her captor's decomposing dead body. Even years later, she refuses to open up and give any details about herself or her past. Her real name, age, etc are all unknown. Can Cyrus reach her and get her to finally open up?
Case #2 involves Cyrus consulting with the police on the suspicious death of a teenage figure skater. How did this Golden Girl and Olympic hopeful end up dead and hastily buried under branches and leaves in a trail?
Fellow readers, this is definitely one to add to your "Must Read/Do Not Miss" category! Both cases are filled with secrets, twists & turns and lots of emotion. I loved Evie and Cyrus' rapport and watching it develop. There is definitely more to be explored here and I have my fingers crossed that this is the start of a series. I'd certainly look forward to more of Evie and Cyrus!
Thank you to Michael Robotham, Scribner and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review an arc of this thriller!
One dead teenage girl, another with no past and one psychologist trying to uncover the truth.
Cyrus Haven is a psychologist with a troubled past. His demons are definitely simmering beneath the surface and made him a fascinating character. Cyrus is called in to offer his expertise on two different cases. A fellow doctor reaches out for help with a particularly troublesome patient - Evie/Angel Face. Evie was found hiding in an abandoned house with her captor's decomposing dead body. Even years later, she refuses to open up and give any details about herself or her past. Her real name, age, etc are all unknown. Can Cyrus reach her and get her to finally open up?
Case #2 involves Cyrus consulting with the police on the suspicious death of a teenage figure skater. How did this Golden Girl and Olympic hopeful end up dead and hastily buried under branches and leaves in a trail?
Fellow readers, this is definitely one to add to your "Must Read/Do Not Miss" category! Both cases are filled with secrets, twists & turns and lots of emotion. I loved Evie and Cyrus' rapport and watching it develop. There is definitely more to be explored here and I have my fingers crossed that this is the start of a series. I'd certainly look forward to more of Evie and Cyrus!
Thank you to Michael Robotham, Scribner and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review an arc of this thriller!
Angie Thomas has such a way of incorporating social justice (and injustice) into her stories that is both moving and eye opening. This book focused on so many things - racism, drugs, poverty, family issues, being true to yourself and more & it dealt with each one undeniably well.
I was worried going into this book that it wouldn't live up to The Hate You Give for me. While THUG is still my favorite, Bri and her family and friends definitely captured me. I was fully invested in the characters and their story. Thomas' ability to fully capture the community and people around her main characters is one of the things I love most about her books.
One recommendation I would make if this one is on your TBR - consider the audiobook! There are lots of infused rap lyrics and I highly doubt I did all the rap battles justice. It would have been awesome to hear them aloud. I have no doubt it would make for an even more amazing reading experience.
I was worried going into this book that it wouldn't live up to The Hate You Give for me. While THUG is still my favorite, Bri and her family and friends definitely captured me. I was fully invested in the characters and their story. Thomas' ability to fully capture the community and people around her main characters is one of the things I love most about her books.
One recommendation I would make if this one is on your TBR - consider the audiobook! There are lots of infused rap lyrics and I highly doubt I did all the rap battles justice. It would have been awesome to hear them aloud. I have no doubt it would make for an even more amazing reading experience.
Can I just say - if you are NOT reading this series yet, YOU SHOULD BE! It's a MUST READ!
Let's play a game. It's a twisty one involving revenge, murder and family strife. Are you up for it? Kim Stone and her team certainly were!
In this 11th installment of one of my absolutely favorite series, Kim and her team find themselves one step behind a gruesome killer whose hunting ground seems to be child prodigies and the people who work closely with them.
The investigation takes them deep into the darker side of life for gifted children - the unyielding pressure to be the best and stay on top, bitter rivalry and resentment between siblings and eventually growing up and dealing with the fact that you are not the star of the show anymore. The storyline was intriguing and made me think about all those children you see totted on television and youtube with special talent. What happens to them after they grow up and their special talent isn't as exciting anymore now that they are no longer children? It was riveting to explore this along with Kim and her team. Marsons is a star at writing new and compelling cases for each book!
Of course, all the banter and team love was as ever present here. It's what I have come to love most about this series. We even got a new character, Tiffany/Tinks added to the team when Penn had to return to his old stomping grounds for a case. Her bright and bubbly personality was quite the clash with Kim and it was great to watch how the members of the team reacted to her.
I sped through this book in one night because as usual, when I enter the world of Kim Stone there's no coming up for air until the case has been solved. Thank you Angela Marsons for doing what you do best! This was another well written, thoroughly researched, twisty plot. It can be read as a standalone but honestly - do yourself a favor and read them all. They don't disappoint!
Huge thank you to Angela Marsons, Bookouture & Netgalley for allowing me to read an arc of this book. I simply couldn't wait until it's official release day - July 11, 2019! Now, I impatiently have to wait for book #12.
Let's play a game. It's a twisty one involving revenge, murder and family strife. Are you up for it? Kim Stone and her team certainly were!
In this 11th installment of one of my absolutely favorite series, Kim and her team find themselves one step behind a gruesome killer whose hunting ground seems to be child prodigies and the people who work closely with them.
The investigation takes them deep into the darker side of life for gifted children - the unyielding pressure to be the best and stay on top, bitter rivalry and resentment between siblings and eventually growing up and dealing with the fact that you are not the star of the show anymore. The storyline was intriguing and made me think about all those children you see totted on television and youtube with special talent. What happens to them after they grow up and their special talent isn't as exciting anymore now that they are no longer children? It was riveting to explore this along with Kim and her team. Marsons is a star at writing new and compelling cases for each book!
Of course, all the banter and team love was as ever present here. It's what I have come to love most about this series. We even got a new character, Tiffany/Tinks added to the team when Penn had to return to his old stomping grounds for a case. Her bright and bubbly personality was quite the clash with Kim and it was great to watch how the members of the team reacted to her.
I sped through this book in one night because as usual, when I enter the world of Kim Stone there's no coming up for air until the case has been solved. Thank you Angela Marsons for doing what you do best! This was another well written, thoroughly researched, twisty plot. It can be read as a standalone but honestly - do yourself a favor and read them all. They don't disappoint!
Huge thank you to Angela Marsons, Bookouture & Netgalley for allowing me to read an arc of this book. I simply couldn't wait until it's official release day - July 11, 2019! Now, I impatiently have to wait for book #12.
