kellysrambles's Reviews (619)

There is no doubt that this story packs a punch. Q’s story is one that will sadly resonate with many and I thought it was extremely well written from her POV. This book tackles some difficult topics as we learn about Q being raped and see how she deals with the trauma and ultimately takes control back with the help of her friends. It’s a sad, anger inducing but hopeful and powerful story which really made me stop and think. Misogyny is brought to the forefront and there were some scenes that actually made me feel sick with how vile the Slycroft Society and their ideas are. The down side for me was that this book was quite slow. I thought the last half of the book was fantastic so I was glad I stuck with it but there were definitely moments in the first half where I considered putting it down. Overall a gut wrenching but powerful read.

This is a beautiful book full of hope and brimming with optimism. Following the death of their father, Bea can’t help but notice how sad her sister Riley is. So when they unexpectedly have to spend the summer at their Gran’s house, Bea sets her mind on cheering Riley up. Cue lots of laughter, brilliant friendships, loving family and a huge celebration of pride and acceptance. This is the kind of book that needs to be in schools and on children’s bookshelves everywhere.

Wow. I am speechless! A Day of Fallen Night is absolutely outstanding! A gorgeous, tragic, triumphant fantasy novel set in such a layered world with its own mythology and history carried by the most inspiring, badass women with the most incredible inner and outer strength. A true tale of love, loss, friendship, family and responsibility. Glorian and Tuva were my favourites throughout, not forgetting the wonderful Wulff. It had everything I need and is one of the best books I’ve read in a long, long time. My expectations were high but this exceeded them all and then some. A complete and utter triumph!

Angie Thomas has smashed it out of the park with her middle grade debut! This book has it all: friendship, family, adventure, villains, magic, characters you love and really get behind, mythical pets and creatures… the list could go on! Aside from being a fantastic read and epic adventure in a new world, this book provides such an education that is so valuable and needed about the lives of Black people in such a seamless way. This is definitely a book that will raise questions and provoke thinking amongst readers of all ages. There will be young readers who read this book and it will be the first time they see themselves represented in fantasy books and that is going to mean so much. I LOVED this book and will be eagerly anticipating the next instalment as there is definitely more to come for Nic, Alex, JP and family!

Well this was a brain breaker. I love a dystopian YA and the concept behind this one definitely had me interested. Happyhead is a ‘camp’  created to try and solve the epidemic of unhappiness within teenagers by teaching them the skills to become resilient and happy within themselves. I immediately liked Seb our main protagonist but found most of the other characters quite unlikeable (Finn being an exception!). The challenges made me feel quite unwell as it was so clear from the offset that vulnerable teenagers were being manipulated and taken advantage of - this developed into full blown repulsión for me! Not with the book, but the idea of this ever happening - which I guess is the whole point! My only issue really is that it ended very abruptly and I felt like the end of this novel had been already given to me earlier in the book. I’ll still revisit a book 2 to see what happens next to Seb!  

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my early copy of this in exchange of a fair and honest review. 

I have no idea why I’ve not read this book until now but I absolutely devoured this one! I love a boarding school setting and Morton Academy had it all: a school for the intelligent (not only those who are privileged), common rooms, a huge library, a secret society… oh, and multiple murders! The inclusion of a local cult in the mix was also great (who doesn’t love a cult?). The characters are really well written and the plot was SO good. I was absolutely hooked and was 100% certain I had nailed who the killer was by the halfway point and increased in confidence as the book went on only to be entirely wrong - in the best way!! Definitely recommend for a quick, action packed read!

I love a YA thriller and this one definitely did not disappoint! Following a fatal car crash, Spencer is picking up the pieces of her new life alongside therapy dog Ripley. Determined that ex-boyfriend Ethan isn’t actually the blame, Spencer and Jackson set out to uncover the truth with their own investigation. Lots of truths are uncovered along the way and as Spencer’s life seemingly spirals out of control the truth is epically revealed! The ending absolutely shook me - safe to say this one kept me addicted to the last pages! I loved Spencer as a protagonist and wanted to protect her at all costs! Ripley is an adorable sidekick! 

Thanks to Macmillan Children’s UK and NetGalley for my early copy in exchange of an honest review. 

A powerful read that does not shy away from tackling some difficult topics including mental health, self-harm, suicide, alcoholism, grief… to name a few. Shelbi and Walter are so well written and fully fleshed out that it would be impossible not to root for and empathise with them. A real rollercoaster of emotions with some truly heart-wrenching and sad moments but plenty of moments to make you smile and chuckle too. Their relationship is complex but honest and I would love to know what happens next!  

Thanks to NetGalley for my advanced copy in exchange of a fair and honest review. 

A brilliant YA thriller that really beat all my expectations (which were high to begin with!). The Murder happening in a boarding school setting was right up my street and when you throw in the mix of kids, the privilege and the secret society you know you’re on to a winner! I loved Jess as a character and seeing how she developed throughout the course of the book. Alongside a brilliant murder mystery with a jaw-dropping reveal, I also enjoyed how this book expired the idea of privilege. The idea that if you come from money you can almost get away with anything yet you can be a truly good person and without money you’re still at a disadvantage. A brilliant book with lots to make you think!