Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Joost had two problems: the moon and his moustache. 

He was supposed to be making his rounds at the Hoede house, but for the last fifteen minutes, he'd been hovering around the south-east wall of the gardens, trying to think of something clever and romantic to say to Anya.

Published by Indigo in September 2015

Pages - 465

Summary

Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone...

A convict with a thirst for revenge.

A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager.

A runaway with a privileged past.

A spy known as the Wraith.

A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums. 

A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes. 

Kaz's crew are the only ones who might stand between the world and destruction—if they don't kill each other first.

******

If you're ever in the middle of a reading slump, this is the book you want to read to get you out of it. I haven't lost myself in such an outstanding book and invested all my emotions in every character for quite some time. I couldn't read anything else while I was reading it, because I was so caught up with the characters and the world.  I think the last one might have been The Night Circus. Giving Six of Crows five stars on Goodreads, honestly doesn't do it justice, I want to give it ten out of five!

If you haven't guessed yet, I'm seriously in love with this book. I've always enjoyed fantasy but never really thought it was my thing, but after reading this I'm willing to invest all my energy in fantasy books from now on. 

I read the first couple of books of Bardugo's  Grisha series and enjoyed them but I never got around to finishing them. I will definitely go back and reread the series from the beginning. If you compare this book to the Grisha series though, you realise very quickly that Leigh Bardugo has seriously upped her game as this is the best book she has ever written. 

The book revolves around Kaz, known as Dirty Hands, who has a sinister Artful Dodger style personality. He can't be trusted and doesn't show emotion to anyone... to begin with. He pulls together the most colourful and interesting motley crue he can find, each with a past and a hidden reason why they want to help him. Each member is worth getting to know because they are all so well written. The book is told from multiple perspectives and I really think it adds so much depth to the story because you really get involved in each character's world and you are rooting each member's own agenda. 

The plot is intricate and Bardugo must have invested many months in getting it perfect, because it is flawless. As a writer, it's one of those books I want to keep re-reading and picking it to bits to see how this epic story is put together. It also makes me think, why am I bothering to write, because I  will never be able to create a book like this. 

The Grisha world is so detailed and beautifully created, you have a hard time believing it doesn't actually exist. I'm starting to wonder if Leigh Bardugo has a magical entrance to another plane where the World of Grisha actually exists. 

This book is set in Ketterdam, which has strong resemblances to a historical Amsterdam.

The first chapter surprised me, because we never see the characters in it again, which feels like it goes against everything I've been told about the set up of a story. Until you realise that the main character is there, boldly owning the first chapter, because the main character of this book is jurda parem. Jurda parem threatens to change the Grisha world forever. It is deadly and must be stopped. Kaz is only interested in the money he will receive for rescuing the creator of jury parem, but the rest of his employees have different reasons for helping him. 

I loved the relationships within this book. I don't want to say too much about these because I don't want to spoil it for you as these relationships aren't obvious or clear cut from the beginning of the story. 

 I honestly can't wait for the sequel, Crooked Kingdom, which comes out on September 27th! I've not been this excited about a sequel since the last Harry Potter book! 

If you love a good heist along the lines of Ocean's Eleven, but from a fantasy perspective, this is the duet for you!

Silence is Goldfish by Annabel Pitcher

There must be a list on the Internet of what to buy when you're running away, but my phone is typically dead, like I swear it just passes out whenever things get stressful. It's unconscious in my pocket so I can't look up a list of essential items for life on the road, but a children's torch in the shape of a goldfish seems a very sensible choice. 

Published by Indigo in October 2015

Pages - 444

Summary

Tessie-T has never really felt she fitted in and after what she read that night on her father's blog she knows for certain that she never will. How she deals with her discovery makes an entirely riveting, heart-breaking story told through Tess's eyes as she tries to find her place in the world.

****

Reviewed by Vivienne Dacosta

Annabel Pitcher is one of my favourite UK authors.  I'm never disappointed by her novels. I love the way she writes; her characters are real heart tuggers, always making you want to mother them.  Her stories always make you think after you finish reading them.

Silence Is Goldish sounds like a bizarre title until you realise that a child's toy goldfish light features heavily throughout the book. The Goldfish gives Tess a voice when she feels she doesn't have one. 

Tess develops selective mutism after her solid family foundations are rocked, by the discovery that her dad isn't her biological father. As if that isn't enough to deal with, she also discovers his true feelings towards her after her birth.  Tess feels such immense fury that she bottles up her words and doesn't speak another. The book follows Tess's silence as she strives to find her real father, hoping that he will differently towards her.

I was concerned how the story would develop, especially with the main character choosing to be mute. By telling the story in first person, and showing the constant conversation in Tess's mind with the goldfish light, the author created a believable scenario.  It gave the reader an accurate picture of how Tess felt in each situation, even though she couldn't communicate it to the other characters. 

This book is a really sad tale to read. Tess's parents struggle to deal with her selective mutism, swinging between anger and defeat like a pendulum. By staying silent, Tess creates a strong presence that affects everyone around her. Some fear her silence, while others use it for their own advantage.

I really didn't like Tess's Dad. He came across as  a self centred twat. Life in their house seemed to be determined by his rules and they were unrealistic. Luckily as the book progressed, he started to realise he wasn't perfect. 

Tess is also difficult to love, but then she represents a real teenager. She has the typical moods and bad habits of a teen, even though she sometimes shows a naivety for her age. Her naivety made the book feel more  Upper Middle Grade to me, than YA.  As the book progresses, you watch her mature as she realises what is really going on around her. She finally takes a stand against the people who hurt her. 

I thought the ending was brilliant. I am so pleased everything worked out the way it did in the end. 

Another brilliant and thought provoking read from a stalwart of children's fiction. 

The Dead House Mirror Tour - The Spookiest Place You've Ever Been - Carly

As part of The Dead House Mirror Tour, I am please to welcome on of the characters, Carly, onto the blog to tell us about the spookiest place she has ever been. As this is a transatlantic blog tour, make sure you head over to Kaitlin's blog, Fiction Fare later for the mirror post from Kaitie. The UK gets the day, the US has the night!

Message Book Entry,

Undated

I don’t remember a day out in West Wycombe, but then mum and I had so many girlie days, it’s hard to differentiate. I wish you’d had that too, Kaitie. If I’d been with you, actually with you, I think I would have been brave enough to go inside.

I think the creepiest place I ever went to was the Glasgow Necropolis. “Necropolis”, meaning “City of the Dead”. Remember that one? You completely terrified me by telling me stories about ghosts sighted there, and how if you visited the graves during the day, ghosts and ghoulish things would come back at night. So of course I thought that I’d put you in danger just by going. I cried to Mum for hours before she managed to assure me you were just being an ass. ;) Not. Funny. 

It was one the home of a grove of Druids, and it makes me angry and sad to think that’s no longer the case. But I remember going on the guided walk and thinking that so many had died there. I felt it, too. This eerie stillness. And I remember you telling me about this woman called Margaret who, along with her housekeeper, Mary, was killed in 1933 after being hit by a tram, and I swear, Kaitie, for a moment, I thought I saw her statue (The White Lady) move. Loads of people have said the same. But I think it was just the angle of the sun or something. 

And then you went wandering there at night, completely not allowed! When you transitioned out, you left me there, sitting on top of one of the graves. Remember? I was only thirteen and I freaked out. Mum was hysterical, Dad was furious. I’m sure that added to the scary part for me. 

I didn’t know how to get back. That was the most lost I’ve ever felt.

But then I saw your post-its, weighed down by rocks. A little path for me to follow. I still have them.

Carly-bean.

Then: Follow me.

Then: Getting closer.

Then, by the gate: Through here.

Then, on the road: Head this way.

Further along, the Message Book, hidden in the bough of a tree with a soggy purple post-it, the writing completely washed off. I still don’t know what it said. 

The message book entry was really amazing. And I understood why you left me there. But that was the day we made our arrangement, remember? No leaving Carly in strange places. 

Does that answer your question?

Image source: http://www.buzzfeed.com/ailbhemalone/spooky-scary#.iyXVbE9KOO

Book Summary

Part-psychological thriller, part-urban legend, this is an unsettling narrative made up of diary entries, interview transcripts, film footage transcripts and medical notes. Twenty-five years ago, Elmbridge High burned down. Three people were killed and one pupil, Carly Johnson, disappeared. Now a diary has been found in the ruins of the school. The diary belongs to Kaitlyn Johnson, Carly’s identical twin sister. But Carly didn’t have a twin . . . 

Re-opened police records, psychiatric reports, transcripts of video footage and fragments of diary reveal a web of deceit and intrigue, violence and murder, raising a whole lot more questions than it answers.

Who was Kaitlyn and why did she only appear at night? Did she really exist or was she a figment of a disturbed mind? What were the illicit rituals taking place at the school? And just what did happen at Elmbridge in the events leading up to ‘the Johnson Incident’?

To find out more about Dawn Kurtagich:

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Youtube

The Dead House by Dawn Kurtagich

The frontispiece of Kaitlyn Johnson's journal shows a hand-drawn cross hatch and bears the inscription:

I curse anyone who reads this book.

If you touch it, hell will be waiting.

Screw you, happy reading.

Published by Indigo in August 2015

Pages - 438

Summary

Part-psychological thriller, part-urban legend, this is an unsettling narrative made up of diary entries, interview transcripts, film footage transcripts and medical notes. Twenty-five years ago, Elmbridge High burned down. Three people were killed and one pupil, Carly Johnson, disappeared. Now a diary has been found in the ruins of the school. The diary belongs to Kaitlyn Johnson, Carly’s identical twin sister. But Carly didn’t have a twin . . . 

Re-opened police records, psychiatric reports, transcripts of video footage and fragments of diary reveal a web of deceit and intrigue, violence and murder, raising a whole lot more questions than it answers.

Who was Kaitlyn and why did she only appear at night? Did she really exist or was she a figment of a disturbed mind? What were the illicit rituals taking place at the school? And just what did happen at Elmbridge in the events leading up to ‘the Johnson Incident’?

******

Reviewed by Vivienne Dacosta

I do love a scary book and this one certainly fits the genre! 

The story is told in an unusual format, requiring some work from the reader. A collection of diary entries, video transcripts, newspaper articles and interviews lead us through the story of Kaitlyn and Carly. You might think they are sisters until you realise they both share the same body. Kaitlyn lives by night, while Carly inhabiting the day. They communicate by diary. How messed up is that? Yet the author makes it seem extremely believable.  There is talk of schizophrenia and that Kaitlyn might not really exist, but I never doubted her voice or her existence. Each character showed signs of a lack of control, which would be completely understandable under the circumstances - not knowing what your body is doing when you aren't in it. 

This tale spirals down into darkness as people disappear following dabblings in rather dark witch craft. It isn't the type of book you should read at night. The girl that appears is extremely scary and would definitely feel at home in a  horror movie.  This book reminded me of the scary tales written by Marcus Sedgwick and Cliff McNish, so it isn't surprising that it fitted so well into the Indigo imprint.

The ending completely caught me out. I wasn't expecting it at all. A truly remarkable debut novel. 

I think Dawn Kurtagich is a debut author we need to watch out for in the future. 

Read Me Like A Book by Liz Kessler

Where's your best friend when you need her?

I mean, seriously.

It's Saturday night and here I am in Luke's front room with his sister, Zoe, and a bunch of his mates, listening to a rock band blaring about how we all going to  die, and watch a couple of lads do something that I think is intended to be dancing but looks more like they're being slowly electrocuted. 

Published by Indigo in May 2015

Pages - 297

Ashleigh Walker is in love. You know the feeling - that intense, heart-racing, all-consuming emotion that can only come with first love. It's enough to stop her worrying about bad grades at college. Enough to distract her from her parents' marriage troubles. There's just one thing bothering her . . .

Shouldn't it be her boyfriend, Dylan, who makes her feel this way - not Miss Murray, her English teacher?

*******

This is one of the most hotly anticipated novels of 2015 and it did not disappoint. I've read quite a few of Liz Kessler's middle grade novels, so I was surprised and worried about the author's transformation to Young Adult, especially when dealing with such a topical and often sensitive subject, but I can actually say she blew me away with this book.

The main character, Ashleigh, is one of those people that  you feel like you know before she really knows herself.  You can see she isn't happy with everything that is going on her life. Her relationships so far haven't been anything to write home about and her encounters with Dylan, just leave her cold. Her home life is awful; she feels that is stuck in the middle of her parents, as the move towards divorce. 

I think the author captured the rollercoaster of emotions that many teenagers seem to travel on extremely well. Ashleigh's feelings are all over the place, she is confused by her feelings for Miss Murray, and worried about everything that is going on with Dylan. 

I love that the author didn't shy away from sex in this novel. We all know that teenagers have sex, it might not be talked about loudly, but we know it happens and it needs to be included in YA novels. I thought the description of Ashleigh's first sexual encounter with Dylan, extremely well written. I can remember many of my friends of that age, desperate to lose their virginity and then telling horrific tales of their first times. 

I thought it was brilliant how Ashleigh came out to her parents, which showed the contrasting views of many parents today, who either are fully supportive of their child, or really struggle to accept their child is gay. 

This really is a brilliant book and definitely one that all teenagers should read. If you know any child who is struggling with their sexuality, this book would be an ideal read for them.  The YA genre welcomes this book gladly to it's fold. 

This book shows that when you fall in love, gender doesn't really matter. 

The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

Down a path worn into the woods, past a stream and a hollowed out log full of pill bugs and termites, was a glass coffin. It rested right on the ground, and it slept a boy with horns on his head and ears as pointed as knives.

Published by Indigo in February 2015

Pages - 272

Summary

Children can have a cruel, absolute sense of justice. Children can kill a monster and feel quite proud of themselves. A girl can look at her brother and believe they’re destined to be a knight and a bard who battle evil. She can believe she’s found the thing she’s been made for.
Hazel lives with her brother, Ben, in the strange town of Fairfold where humans and fae exist side by side. The faeries’ seemingly harmless magic attracts tourists, but Hazel knows how dangerous they can be, and she knows how to stop them. Or she did, once.
At the center of it all, there is a glass coffin in the woods. It rests right on the ground and in it sleeps a boy with horns on his head and ears as pointed as knives. Hazel and Ben were both in love with him as children. The boy has slept there for generations, never waking.
Until one day, he does…
As the world turns upside down, Hazel tries to remember her years pretending to be a knight. But swept up in new love, shifting loyalties, and the fresh sting of betrayal, will it be enough?

******

It’s no secret that I am a big fan of Holly Black’s. Ever since Tithe (which I adored) came out over ten years ago, I have always found myself excited and desperate to read the author’s next book.

Holly writes fantasy in a way that turns classic tales completely on their heads. She rips them to pieces, throws out anything stereotypical, revs up the angst, creating her own brand of fresh, new stories.  This story revolves around a boy, trapped asleep in a coffin. Straight away, you might think this will follow in the footsteps of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, but you couldn’t be further from the truth. Firstly the boy is freed, by a girl. A rather exceptional kick ass girl who has some hidden secrets. I won’t say a lot more on that as I don’t want to spoil the story, but she really is a remarkable character. The plot looks strongly at wishes and basically you realise that you do need to be very careful what you wish for, as there will always be consequences.

Within this tale of urban fantasy, there is a fictional town called Fairfold, where the modern world easily blends with the fantasy one. The residents think nothing of protecting themselves against the fae.  Fairfold resembles another fictional town that  I have grown to love over the years - Newford, where Charles De Lint set the majority of his urban fantasy books. If you haven’t read any books by Charles De Lint, I would strongly recommend you do.

Holly Black writes so beautifully. Her descriptions are so vivid and sensory, you find yourself slipping into the story. With this book, I feel like Holly Black has finally arrived back home. She is writing a genre that she excels in. Fae and Holly Black should basically merge into one.  I really hope we will see more books set in Fairfold, as I am not ready to leave these characters behind.

Waiting On Wednesday - The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

I haven’t participated in this memo for quite some time, but as there seem to be so many new books coming out in the next few months that have caught my attention, I wanted to show my share my excitement with you.

The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

Published by Indigo in January 2015

I am so excited about Holly Black’s new book! She is without a doubt, one of my most favourite writers. She could probably rewrite the phone book and I would read it.  In this book, Holly goes back to her fairy tale roots to bring us this exciting new tale.

Book Summary

Children can have a cruel, absolute sense of justice. Children can kill a monster and feel quite proud of themselves. A girl can look at her brother and believe they’re destined to be a knight and a bard who battle evil. She can believe she’s found the thing she’s been made for.
Hazel lives with her brother, Ben, in the strange town of Fairfold where humans and fae exist side by side. The faeries’ seemingly harmless magic attracts tourists, but Hazel knows how dangerous they can be, and she knows how to stop them. Or she did, once.
At the centre of it all, there is a glass coffin in the woods. It rests right on the ground and in it sleeps a boy with horns on his head and ears as pointed as knives. Hazel and Ben were both in love with him as children. The boy has slept there for generations, never waking.
Until one day, he does…
As the world turns upside down, Hazel tries to remember her years pretending to be a knight. But swept up in new love, shifting loyalties, and the fresh sting of betrayal, will it be enough?

The Walled City by Ryan Graudin

There are three rules of survival in the Walled City: Run fast. Trust no one. Always carry your knife.

Right now, my life depends completely on the first.

Run, run, run.

Published by Indigo in November 2014

Pages - 424

DAI, trying to escape a haunting past, traffics drugs for the most ruthless kingpin in the Walled City. But in order to find the key to his freedom, he needs help from someone with the power to be invisible....
JIN hides under the radar, afraid the wild street gangs will discover her biggest secret: Jin passes as a boy to stay safe. Still, every chance she gets, she searches for her lost sister....
MEI YEE has been trapped in a brothel for the past two years, dreaming of getting out while watching the girls who try fail one by one. She's about to give up, when one day she sees an unexpected face at her window.....
In this innovative and adrenaline-fuelled novel, they all come together in a desperate attempt to escape a lawless labyrinth before the clock runs out.

******

What a stunning debut!

From the moment I started reading this book, I was entranced by the characters and their situation, not to mention the frightening, cramped walled city filled with the worst people you could imagine. To be totally honest, this book blew my mind. There was so much to take in and savour. I was sucked into a dangerous world where knives were your only best friend. The author really captured a time and place in history that I now find myself fascinated with. Although the Walled City is a fictional representation of Kowloon, it is extremely clear that the author researched it thoroughly to create an excellent replica. I can remember as a child, hearing about Kowloon, but it wasn’t until I read this book that I really understood the immenseness of the situation. I couldn’t believe how many properties were all crammed into such a tiny space and I am so glad that photos were included in the back of the book to give a realistic view of what the city was like.

The story is told from three points of view with each character searching for something - mainly freedom. I loved the way these seemingly unconnected teenagers find their lives entwining as they race against time to save themselves. The plot sets off at a fast pace as we count down the days until New Year when the walled city is due to be demolished. The writing in this book is extremely sensory - I  could almost taste the noodles cooking, not to mention, smelling the opium.  Out of the three main characters, Jin Ling was my favourite. She was feisty, fierce and fearless as she outmanoeuvred all the boys older than her, never once revealing that she was actually a girl. I also had a real soft spot for her cat, Chma, who has his own battle to deal with.

At times the story is brutal. The author tackles some very difficult subjects such as child abuse and human trafficking, yet writes about them with sensitivity, without shying away from them.

This story is different and really stands out within the YA market. It is  refreshing and captivating, yet gritty and realistic from start to finish. I loved learning about a completely different culture and I felt the author gave it a huge dose of accuracy. I can’t wait to see what Ryan writes next.

A Letter To My Unpublished Self by Marcus Sedgwick

To celebrate the publication of She Is Not Invisible by Marcus Sedgwick, I am really pleased to welcome the author on to the blog. Marcus has written an inspiring letter to his unpublished self, which I do believe will motivate others still waiting to reach their publishing dream.

16 years ago

Don’t.

Stop that, stop thinking. Get on with it. Just do it (write that down, it sounds like a good strapline for a sports manufacturer). Get on with writing, and stop worrying about it. 

What do you mean? You already are…? Oh, I thought you were struggling with things, with, you know, writing. You’re not? You’re getting on fine…? Can I look at what you’re doing?

No, fair enough, I wouldn’t show anyone else either. It’s just that I thought you might be finding things hard, not knowing what to do, that kind of thing. It’s hard to look back, you know. So much time has gone by since you wrote The Machine, plus those other three books that were so bad that…

Okay, I’m sorry. That was a low remark. I know you know that you were just trying to learn how to write. If only you’d had the confidence to go on a creative writing course… but no, I guess you’re right, that would have never worked for you. It works for some people, I can see that now, but you were far too timid to ever show anything to anyone. And yet then, you did just that - how did you manage that? What? You were naïve? You just sent things off and thought someone might publish them? I don’t buy it, I really don’t, but if you say so, I guess I have to believe you.

So what advice can I offer you? Have sixteen years taught me anything that’s worth knowing? Well, I think it all comes down to just one thing: never forget why you started writing in the first place. I did, a couple of times, and that’s when things went wrong. That’s when I didn’t know what to write anymore, or if I did,  how to do it. The last time, it took me a long time to get it straight, and I only did in the end by remembering that one thing: why did you start in the first place? To make money? To be published? To have people read your stories? No, none of those things, and I know you know why, really, deep down. Just don’t forget it.

I ought to leave you alone now. I can see you’re busy. Writing, writing without a care in the world, or a thought about why you’re doing it. No whens or whos or hows, or whats. Just don’t forget that, will you…?

Because, if you keep at it, just like that, one day you’ll write a book about coincidence, and one day you’ll even get to talk about it, and write a blog about your book about coincidence for a blog called Serendipity. And I know that would make you smile.

She Is Not Invisible by Marcus Sedgwick is published by Orion and is available to buy now.

To find out more about Marcus Sedgwick:

Website / Twitter

She Is Not Invisible by Marcus Sedgwick

One final time I told myself I wasn’t abducting my little brother.

Published by Indigo in October 2013

Goodreads Summary

Laureth Peak's father is a writer. For years he's been trying, and failing, to write a novel about coincidence. His wife thinks he's obsessed, Laureth thinks he's on the verge of a breakdown.He's supposed to be doing research in Austria, so when his notebook shows up in New York, Laureth knows something is wrong.
On impulse she steals her mother's credit card and heads for the States, taking her strange little brother Benjamin with her. Reunited with the notebook, they begin to follow clues inside, trying to find their wayward father. Ahead lie challenges and threats, all of which are that much tougher for Laureth than they would be for any other 16-year old. Because Laureth Peak is blind.

*****

This book knocks you sideways, while at the same time challenging the way you think and view the world around you. I sat on the train to London to read it and by the time I finished my return journey, I’d finished. I nearly missed my stop as I was so engrossed in this book. A week after reading it, I’m still analysing the world around me and looking for clues.

This book looks at the whole concept of coincidence. It looks at the way we analyse events that occur as coincidences. The more extraordinary a coincidence is, the more preposterous and unbelievable other people will think it is. I’m a great believer in thinking that everything happens for a reason and I’m convinced coincidences don’t just occur because statistical laws mean they will eventually happen, so I found this book fascinating to read. In fact, I had my very own coincidence while reading it.

Now this picture might leave you befuddled but anyone that has read the book will realise very early on  that Laureth is blind. I was gobsmacked to be reading about coincidences and blindness, and then to see this sign!!

Laureth is a strong female character who doesn’t let her disability define her. She can never change or improve her sight but she has learnt how to live with it. She has tactics in place to stop people feeling sorry for her; she even goes to great lengths to hide her blindness in order for people to see her for who she really is, to step past her disability and see her abilities. I don’t know any blind people personally, but I felt this book gave an accurate portrayal of what life must be like if you were blind.

The book crosses from London to New York as Laureth goes in search of her father, who has disappeared. She is frantic and worried that something seriously bad has happened to him. In her quest to find him, she hits upon coincidences in rapid succession, which should make the plot unbelievable. However the author has worked these coincidences in such a way that you believe everything that happens.

This is a different direction from the author’s previous novels. Gone is the Gothic tone and feel, that normally sends shivers up my spine. If I were to describe this book in relation to others I would describe it as a mixture of Maggot Moon, and The DaVinci Code. If you ever saw the film, Serendipity, it has elements of that in it too.

The author hasn’t just provided you with a fast paced thriller, but he has also left you with ideas and puzzles to decipher. I challenge you not to come away from this book searching out the coincidences that occur in your life. I will definitely be recommending this book highly in the future as it stands out from the other YA books around at the moment.

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black

Tana woke lying in a bathtub. Her legs drawn up, her cheek pressed against the cold metal of the faucet. A slow drip had soaked the fabric on her shoulder and wetted locks of her hair. The rest of her, including her clothes, were still completely dry, which was kind of a relief.

Published by Indigo on 5th September 2013

Pages - 347

Goodreads Summary

Tana lives in a world where walled cities called Coldtowns exist. In them, quarantined monsters and humans mingle in a decadently bloody mix of predator and prey. The only problem is, once you pass through Coldtown’s gates, you can never leave.
One morning, after a perfectly ordinary party, Tana wakes up surrounded by corpses. The only other survivors of this massacre are her exasperatingly endearing ex-boyfriend, infected and on the edge, and a mysterious boy burdened with a terrible secret. Shaken and determined, Tana enters a race against the clock to save the three of them the only way she knows how: by going straight to the wicked, opulent heart of Coldtown itself.

*****

For a long time now,  I’ve felt that Holly Black’s immense talent has been underrated by readers, so I’m hoping this book will push her into the number one fantasy spot she so rightly deserves. I’ve loved everything Holly Black has ever written, but I really do think she has stepped it up a notch with this book.

If you haven’t guessed already, I loved The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, which is surprising because it’s overflowing with vampires, a fantasy breed I now usually roll my eyes with boredom at. Yet there was definitely no eye rolling at these vampires - Holly Black has stripped them of their goody two shoes Twilight enhanced image and laid bare the nastiest, most vicious vampires that have not seen the light of day since Anne Rice brought us An Interview With A Vampire. Some of these vampires are ancient, and with each passing year have grown more evil. This book isn’t frightened to detail the most goriest, bloodiest demises of innocent victims who stupidly thought that Coldtown was the coolest place to be.

Tana, the main protagonist has got her head screwed on correctly. She isn’t lured by the bright lights portrayed in the Coldtown reality show feeds. She knows first hand, what it’s like to be at the hands of a ravenous vampire. Her aim is to get in and out of Coldtown as quick as she can. Unfortunately for her, things don’t always go her way and her exit from Coldtown always seems to be just out of reach.

The growing friendship between Tana and Gavriel really heats the plot up. Most people wouldn’t want to be in the same county as Gavriel, but something attracts Tana to him, and she shows no fear in his company. She shows that she has enough fight within her to stand up to Gavriel’s worst enemies.  Gavriel has a lot of secrets, which are slowly unwrapped as the story progresses.

I loved the idea behind the Coldtown. It reminded me a little of Julie Kagawa’s new series Blood of Eden - only Julie’s vampires live on the outside of the town, where as Holly Black has contained all her vampires in glamorously illusioned cities.

This book has embraced the internet age and easily woven it into the world of fantasy. I couldn’t find fault with this book at all. It was the most refreshing vampire novel, I’ve read in a long time. When Holly Black writes, she makes it look so easy. I can’t wait for the next book to find out what happens to Tana in the future.

If you like your vampires old school style, then this is the book for you.

Cruel Summer by James Dawson

Against the white cliffs, the girl in the red dress was as vivid as a drop of blood. Even by moonlight, the rugged shoreline was visible for miles at sea: two vast cave mouths yawned, black stains scarring the chalk. The tide was coming in, advancing on a dark, rocky beach; the surf sighed over the shingle as the waves crept closer.

Pages - 321

Published by Indigo in August 2013

Book Summary

A year after Janey’s suicide, her friends reunite at a remote Spanish villa, desperate to put the past behind them. However, an unwelcome guest arrives claiming to have evidence that Jane was murdered. When she is found floating in the pool, it becomes clear one of them is a killer. Only one thing is for certain, surviving this holiday is going to be murder…

*****

Oh my goodness! This book blew me away. It’s always a bit hit and miss with me whether  I’ll enjoy a crime thriller, as it isn’t my preferred genre, but this book really knocked me sideways. It had me yearning for my Richard Laymon days.

Within the first chapter, you’ve made Ryan your new best friend. He is utterly adorable, full of humour and sparkles with energy and enthusiasm. The story continues in alternative viewpoints between Ryan and Alisha as they settle in to Katie’s villa. Alisha has come a long way from her drink fuelled days and she really has strength of character oozing out of her pores.  The holiday is the first time the group have been together since Janey died and they are all hoping to be able to finally bury the uneasiness that lingered like a shadow over them.  But as James Dawson says ‘Rylan assumed Janey’s death was the finale. Turned out, it was only the beginning…’ I could not have put it better! I can’t tell you what happens as you just need to read it, but I will say it’s like being punched in the face regularly when you least expect it.   I spent most of the book gasping loudly and screaming ‘NOOOOOO!’ I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I didn’t have a clue who the killer was and to be honest, I was rather shocked when I found out. I actually want to read it again, so I can spot the evidence that had been so carefully planted throughout the book.

The characters jump off the page, exploring their past, their futures alongside their sexuality. Ryan is probably my favourite as he talks about every situation as though it was a scene from his very own reality show. I kept thinking of The X Factor’s Rylan, as I read it, as he is fuelled by flamboyancy and loves to hold the spotlight permanently on himself.

This book could easily be made into a movie. It has all the right ingredients to follow successfully in the footsteps of films such as Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer. Also if you grew up reading the Point Horror books then you will love this one.

This seriously was a stunning book and I do hope James Dawson sticks with this winning formula, as he just made the 80’s murder mystery / horror style novel so cool again. 

Waiting On Wednesday-The Coldest Girl In Coldtown by Holly Black

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, started by Jill at Breaking The Spine, highlighting future book releases everyone is waiting on!

The Coldest Girl In Coldtown by Holly Black

Published by Indigo in September 2013

It’s Holly Black!!!! Her name alone will make me buy the book because she is just so darn talented! And isn’t this one of the coolest titles you have ever heard?

Book Summary

Tana lives in a world where walled cities called Coldtowns exist. In them, quarantined monsters and humans mingle in a decadently bloody mix of predator and prey. The only problem is, once you pass through Coldtown’s gates, you can never leave.
One morning, after a perfectly ordinary party, Tana wakes up surrounded by corpses. The only other survivors of this massacre are her exasperatingly endearing ex-boyfriend, infected and on the edge, and a mysterious boy burdened with a terrible secret. Shaken and determined, Tana enters a race against the clock to save the three of them the only way she knows how: by going straight to the wicked, opulent heart of Coldtown itself.

Siege and Storm Blog Tour - The Order of Fabrikators and Giveaway

As a member of the GRISHA HONOUR GUARD, we are  marking publication of Leigh Bardugo’s SHADOW & BONE in paperback, and the first publication of SIEGE & STORM, each day by celebrating the unique and incredible skills of The Grisha, the magical elite of Ravka.

The Grisha Orders

The Grisha are the magical elite of Ravka, also known as the soldiers of the Second Army. They practice the Small Science: they manipulate matter at its most fundamental levels. I like to think of it as a magical version of molecular chemistry. Status is everything to the Grisha, and the three main orders are: Corporalki (The Order of the Living and the Dead: Heartrenders and Healers), Etherealki (The Order of Summoners: Squallers, Inferni and Tidemakers) and Materialki (The Order of Fabrikators: Durasts and Alkemi).

Personally, I’m a member of the Materialki, the Order of Fabrikators. I’m a Durast and wear  a uniform of purple and gray, unlike the Alkemi who wear purple and red.  The Alkemi specialize in creating poisons, potions and blasting powders, while as a member of the Durast, I deal in more solid things, such as  clothing, body armour known as corecloth and Grisha Steel. Together we are known as the Materilki and you will normally find us working hard in the labatories creating the latest products. Not that we get that much respect for it. But one day we will be respected…. Though I don’t think I’m alone in being a member of the Fabrikator - Leigh Bardugo, the author who brought our story to your attention would fit quite nicely into our Order.

Leigh said,'As much as I'd like to believe I'm a badass Corporalnik, I'm a Fabrikator at heart—happy to be tucked away in the quiet of my workshop, totally immersed in my own world.’

I’m not sure if I’ve given you a clear enough picture of what the Fabrikators are really like, so  I think this extract from Siege and Storm will paint a better picture and provide you with a an understanding of how we work.

Some of my fellow Fabrikators have been very busy creating designs for badges for everyone out there who wishes to support the people of Grisha Honour Guard. Here are a couple of my favourite ones.

Aren’t these gorgeous? They were created by Adam F. Watkins. For his complete collection, please click here.

One of the head Fabrikators has created a stunning array of jewellery inspired by the Grisha Honour Guard. Vivi  sells these items at  Hebel Designs.

Materialki: Alkemi Leather Cuffs

Gorgeous Grisha Key Chains.

My personal favourite : The Sun Summoner pendant.

The designer Vivi had this to say about her designs.

‘Inspiration for the Grisha line came from reading the book and wanting to get more involved with the fantastic world Leigh created. I based the Order symbols on the crests already existing, so the Fabrikators symbol was a particular challenge because and it had many elements difficult to translate to an actual jewellery piece. Also, they [Fabrikators] produce so much. Grisha steel, keftas, props etc. We finally decided to use the "fans lifeline" and make them participants in the final design. I always propose initial designs to Leigh who has an active feedback until I get it right.”

If you would like to see more of Vivi’s designs, please click here.

If you want to know more about the Grisha Honour Guard then visit the awe inspiring Pinterest site set up to honour the publication of Siege and Storm.

Also check out Leigh Bardugo’s Pinterest boards as they are amazing.

**********

GIVEAWAY

In honour of the publication of Shadow & Bone and Siege & Storm, we are giving away an awesome prize to one winner.  A signed (via bookplate) copy of both books alongside an order keyring from Hebel Design.  This competition closes on the 21st June and is open to the UK and Ireland. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is leaving your email address in the comments section.

I hope you enjoyed learning about the Fabrikators. Please check out the next stop on the blog tour at Book Trust tomorrow.

ON INSPIRATION by Emily Murdoch

Now you all know how much I loved Emily Murdoch’s debut novel, If You Find Me. If you don’t then read my review here. Well I was so pleased to be asked to host a post from Emily herself, about her inspiration.

I’m truly honored by the invitation to share this lovely blog space with all of you. Thank you so much!

And I bring with me my Pink Sparkly Dust Of Creative Inspiration.

Alchemic: any magical power or process of transmuting a common substance, usually of little value, into a substance of great value.

Like your very own words into poems, short stories and novels. 

Are you a writer? Writers write. Did you write, today?

You know how to do it. Sit down. Think. Allow what’s clearest and strongest in your heart and mind to form from the alchemy of humanity swirled with divinity, whatever that means to you. God, muse, universal consciousness, whatever you call it: tap in.  

If you feel something, someone else is feeling it. Let the feeling become clothed in words that warm both yourself and others.

Creative courage is necessary. And caution. Are you ready for the truth? The fear of looking, really looking, is a formidable foe. But the best writing is writing that goes for broke, every sentence stamped out of your heart-shaped soul. 

Fear of exposure, fear of failure, fear of your work not being up to par, or as well-executed as your hopeful, perfectionistic, writer’s (painter’s, dancer’s photographer’s, etc.) heart is a pain the artist bears. Only creating more work soothes the ache. And the creative circle rolls on.

Some of us writers fret over every word, every piece of punctuation. When you hear how writers can spend an hour taking out and putting in a comma, some of us know that perfectionistic anguish personally and want to do anything we can to avoid it, not invite it in.

The answer?

Invite it in. 

Embrace the alchemy. Start the raw materials on their golden journey.

As a writer, I’m very prolific, although I don’t share everything I write. One of my driving creative forces is the fact that life is not forever. How arrogant I’d be as an artist, to think otherwise, and in the process, squander the sacred gift of words I was entrusted with in this lifetime. 

All we have is now. 

So, write anything. Write a grocery list, and imagine the different food items, then imagine the man, woman, or child’s hand holding that list, and go from there.

Who is she? How old? What is she wearing? What was she doing before the list? Is she old enough to go to the store alone?

Now, hold out your hand. Take hers in yours. 

Let her tug you along.

SHOPPING LIST:

Bread

Butter

Eggs

Cream

Heart

Soul

Mind

Words

Dreams

Thank you Emily for such an inspirational post.

If You Find Me is available to buy now and published by Indigo.

To find out more about Emily Murdoch:

Website / Twitter 

If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch

Mama says no matter how poor folks are, whether you’re a have, a have-not or a break your mama’s back on the crack in between, the world gives away the best stuff on the cheap.  Like the way the white-hot mornin’ light dances in diamonds across the surface of our creek.

Pages - 298

Published by Indigo on the 2nd May 2013

Goodreads Summary

A broken-down camper hidden deep in a national forest is the only home fifteen-year-old Carey can remember. The trees keep guard over her threadbare existence, with the one bright spot being Carey's younger sister, Jenessa, who depends on Carey for her very survival. All they have is each other, as their mentally ill mother comes and goes with greater frequency. Until that one fateful day their mother disappears for good, and the girls are found by their father, a stranger, and taken to re-enter the "normal" life of school, clothes and boys.
Now, Carey must come to terms with the truth of why their mother spirited them away ten years ago, while haunted by a past that won't let her go ... a dark past that hides many a secret, including the reason Jenessa hasn't spoken a word in over a year. Carey knows she must keep her sister close, and her secrets even closer, or risk watching her new life come crashing down.

*******

It’s hard to put into words, how I feel about this book. It really rocked my emotions to the core. A few days after finishing it, it stills plays heavily with my thoughts. If Carey and Jenessa were real people, I would have to write to them to show how much their story touched me. The characters are that realistic, representing every child who has suffered  some form of abuse in the world. My heart aches when I think about the girls and how many children have been through similar experiences.

I don’t want to go into too much detail about the book because I really think you need to go into with your eyes wide open, your ears ready to listen and your heart ready to welcome these wonderful children into your life.  The harsh reality of this book will take your breath away. The strength of friendships and family bonds will restore it.

Carey’s voice is very authentic from the start, expressing her opinions in  a voice of a neglected child. She has a  hardness about her, that loosely covers the innocent child within. She had to do what was right. She had to make decisions that would keep her six year old sister Jenessa safe. Between them they hide secrets that will affect the rest of their lives and by the end of the book you are aware of what they have really been through. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that there is  sequel that will show what happens when the truth is truly free.

Carey and Jenessa have a lot to deal with  as their world changes beyond recognition, yet they face each new situation with courage and honesty. They quickly learn about life and your heart bursts like a proud parent.

The writing is beautiful and poignant. I can’t believe this is Emily Murdoch’s first book. She has created a book that will be passed from hand to hand. Word will quickly spread about the awesomeness of this book.  I will certainly be making the people around me read it. If you read one book this year, make it this one. 

This book has the emotional pull of Wonder by R.J. Palacio and the harsh reality of Room by Emma Donoghue and The Bunker Diaries by Kevin Brooks. A life affirming read that highlights the parallel between the good and the bad in  everyone’s life.

Writing Tips from Alan Gibbons

A new author feature on Serendipity Reviews where authors give us the best of their writing tips to help all aspiring and unpublished writers achieve their ultimate goal. First to guide us is Alan Gibbons, author of Raining Fire, which was published by Indigo on March 7th 2013.

1. Write for yourself on three conditions:

*don’t be self-indulgent. You are also writing for an audience and they are not all you.

*don’t do anything that will stop your book being purchased, downloaded or borrowed. You want to be published and you want to go on being published.

*be aware that your book is not just a mirror reflecting your own obsessions. It is also a product on the marketplace. Don’t give up your integrity to earn a buck, but writers do need a roof over their heads and food in their bellies.

2. Try to make some kind of plan before you start. Your book needs a shape to it. When I have struggled with a book it is usually because I just started writing and made a complete hash of it.

3. Don’t let the plan stifle your energy. It is a rough guide. It will change as you write.

4. Writing is work. Talent matters, but self-discipline and effort might just matter more.

5. Write first. Redraft later. Get the basic shape of the story down then put it aside for a while. When you come back to it, you will see the flaws with a fresh viewpoint.

6. Create a world within which the reader can live for a time. Every writer says show don’t tell.  Sort out the rules and dynamics of your fictional world and stick to them. Paint a picture in the reader’s head. Your palette is made up of stuff like vocabulary, description, metaphor and simile, but only use them when you need them. Don’t show off.

7. Think how you are going to create your characters. How do they speak? Make the dialogue sharp and interesting. What do they do? Actions speak louder than internal monologue.

8. Have a bust-up. Conflict drives narrative.

9. Don’t drown the reader in detail. Research is important, but it is secondary. Narrative and character are primary. For every 100 cool things you find out about the historical or social background to your novel you might use five or ten.

10. Be a reader to make yourself a better writer. Stop staring in the mirror. There are lots of other writers out there who are just as good as you. Some will be better. Learn from them. Immerse yourself in their voices to help your own voice come out clearer. We stand on the shoulders of giants

Raining Fire by Alan Gibbons is published by Indigo on 7 March 2013

trade paperback £8.99, eBook £4.99

Bio: Alan Gibbons is a full time writer and organiser of the Campaign for the Book.

To find out more about Alan Gibbons:

Website 

Twitter

Ketchup Clouds by Annabelle Pitcher

Pages - 251

Published in January 2013 by Indigo

Dear Mr Harris,

Ignore the blob of red in the top left corner. It's jam not blood, though I don't think I need to tell you the difference. It wasn't your wife's jam the police found on your shoe.

Goodreads Summary

Fifteen-year-old Zoe has a secret—a dark and terrible secret that she can't confess to anyone she knows. But then one day she hears of a criminal, Stuart Harris, locked up on death row in Texas. Like Zoe, Stuart is no stranger to secrets. Or lies. Or murder.
Full of heartache yet humour, Zoe tells her story in the only way she can—in letters to the man in prison in America. Armed with a pen, Zoe takes a deep breath, eats a jam sandwich, and begins her tale of love and betrayal.

********

Opening one of Annabel's books is like opening a long awaited Christmas confectionery box, that you know you should eat all at once but temptation gets the better of you and you don't stop until you have scoffed the lot. If you haven't guessed from that, I read the whole book in one sitting, refusing to do anything else.

If that doesn't make you curious to read it, then the following reasons should have you hurdling the Kindle book sales to get hold of a copy of this.

1) It is an epistolary novel written in the form of letters dated over the period of a year. That alone, should make many people want to read it.

2) The narrator is a fifteen year old girl who is writing anonymous letters to a convict on Death Row in America. She is purging her soul  in order to come to terms with the guilt she feels for taking a life.

3) The love triangle is beautiful yet poignant and the author keeps you on your toes all the way through the book. It wasn't until the last couple of chapters that I could finally work out what would happen.

Annabel Pitcher books should definitely now come with a warning as this is the second time she has made me cry. I invested all my emotions into this story, willing it to have a happy ending. I loved the way Zoe thought her crimes were bad enough that the only person who might understand would be a murderer on Death Row. She really had sunk to her lowest point in life. I constantly wanted to hug her as she confessed her sins to a complete stranger.

The book contains excellent sub plots which explore the theme of guilt, which plays a major factor in the main plot.

The characters are so realistic and believable; the author has really captured the teenage voice. Zoe is young at heart and still learning the finer points of love, which causes her to do some rather stupid things. Her letters to Stuart were open and honest, she never left anything unsaid. I did feel she benefited from writing them in the end.

I want to say something about the ending but I feel it would be better not too. I would give too much away.  Come and find me when you have read it and we can discuss it.

I couldn't get enough of this book, I was so impressed that I couldn't work out what had happened until the end, the writing definitely kept me in the dark until the author was ready to reveal the truth.

Seriously if Annabelle Pitcher doesn't win an award with this book, then  I shall scream from the rooftops. I thought her first novel was amazing and I didn't think she could improve on it, but this one just took her writing up to another notch. An utterly brilliant second novel from a very talented author.