REVIEW - BANDED - BANDED SERIES BY LOGAN BYRNE

Title: Banded

Series: Banded Series

Author: Logan Byrne

Genre: Sci-Fi, YA, Dystopian

Release Date: 8th April 2014

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In dystopian Manhattan, society is divided into six zones, with each one representing a citizen’s benefit to society: Stalwart (strength), Astute (intelligence), Collusive (greed), Radiant (beauty), Quixotic (no life direction), and the Altruistic (willingness to help others). On a citizen’s sixteenth birthday, a computer suggests a new zone for them based on their inherent benefit to society. When Kalenna Slater is sorted out of her home zone Quixotic and into Altruistic, she thinks things can’t get worse. Life looks dismal until she meets Gavin, a boy also just sorted into Altruistic who becomes the light needed on her cloudy days.

During sorting she receives a device known as ‘The Band’. It’s a large watch-like device that never comes off, and it measures a citizen’s karma on a scale from one to one hundred. If a citizen does good, they gain points. If a citizen does bad, including breaking laws, they lose points. When your number reaches zero, the band acts as judge, jury, and executioner, and you are injected with toxins that kill you within minutes.

After sorting, recruits are taken to a three month long mandatory school named HQ. It’s at HQ she meets new friends from different zones, and finally begins to feel at ease. Everything goes well until a rare trip home makes her discover that her father, who has been missing for a decade, may have taken part in a terrible program that stands to shake the fabric of society.

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I’d had this ebook on my kindle for quite a while, I think I bought it when it was on offer. I read and loved the Branded prequel to this series. I just fancied reading some more of a series I had already begun so chose this book. I would say the female on the cover is a good depiction of Kalenna, the main character in the book. The genres I have seen listed for this book are Sci-fi, YA, and Dystopian. I agree with them all and would just add in Futuristic, and the fact I am so not in the YA age bracket, and the label YA doesn’t mean it is exclusively for young adult readers. I take it that the YA label means the content and language in the book are young adult suitable.

The book is set in a dystopian society that it divided into six zones. Each zone and its occupants represent that citizen’s benefit to society. At the end of the month you become the age of sixteen everyone must turn up to have their bands fitted and to have their future zone decided upon. Every one has to have a band fitted on their arm. This band cannot be removed and it starts off with 100 points and it is green in colour. Points can and are deducted for anything you do which is considered wrong. 100-66 starts off a bright green and goes paler the lower your points get, 65-35 is a bright yellow which also turns paler the lower your points total is and finally 35-0 is red and this time it starts out pale, but the more points you lose the brighter the red. If you commit some awful crime and all your points are removed, or if you lose your points and end up at zero, you are killed. Apparently, the band somehow pushes poison into your system and kills you.

Kalenna is very near to her 16^th birthday, the day she will be given her band and her zone too. She may return to Quixotic where she was born and brought up. Kalenna lives with her mother and her ten year old sister Tria. Kalenna’s father disappeared when Kalenna was much younger, Tria doesn’t even remember her father, George. Kalenna and her mother keep George/dad’s memory alive by showing the wedding photograph and the other keepsakes that are hidden away in a box and then that is hidden too, as George insisted it contained something very important that the government must never find. Kalenna is surprised when her mother makes her a birthday cake, they are not a well off family so such decadent treats are rare. Today Kalenna will receive her band which will be bright green and have 100 points on it. She will also find out which district she will live and serve in. Kalenna is both excited and upset, her ideal scenario will be to be placed in Quixotic as then she can continue to live with her mum and Tria. Kalenna has to say her tearful goodbyes to Tria at their modest home as only the parents of the sixteen year olds are allowed to watch the ceremony.

Kalenna soon has to say goodbye to her mum and then join the long queue’s that are leading inside to the ceremony hall. Everyone looks nervous, some look sad, and some seem excited, no one says very much. Kalenna looks around and a boy ahead in line smiles at her but that’s about all the communication she gets. It’s not long until the lines of 16 year olds are sitting on stage waiting for firstly their band to be fitted and then find out which zone they are going to be in.

I loved the descriptions and similes used in the book when all the sixteen year olds watch the first very nervous, timid girl get up and approach President Green for her band. “We all watched her, our eyes glued to her and nothing else; she was like the sacrificial lamb up for slaughter." The descriptions are so good you can easily visualise and empathise with the individual characters and what they are enduring. The parents of the sixteen year olds are warned if there are any disturbances they will be removed so it really shocks Kalenna when it is her turn, she quietly accepts her band and then the computer delivers it verdict as to which zone she will be in…..it say’s I see a lot of benefits in this girl. She is definitely strong, stronger than most. She is certainly selfless in all aspects, yet also has a wandering, quixotic mind reminiscent of most in her home zone. It would be my recommendation that she be placed in—” The computer stopped, at least in my mind, as the only sensation I could feel was my heart racing out of my chest. I looked up at the Altruistic girl who was standing next to me, and she looked back down at me, giving me a quick, sly wink. “Altruistic,” the computer said. It’s at that point Kalenna’s mother shouts out!

It's not that the zone her daughter has been placed in is bad, as it is a good zone to be where most would become Doctors, Nurses or other Medical Staff. As travel between zones is not permitted unless it is in the course of your work it is unlikely, they will ever see their families again. Kalenna hopes for a medical job as those with that type of job do travel between zones and it gives a slice of hope that she could maybe sneak in a little visit with her mum and Tria sometime in the future. Once everyone has been fitted with their band and placed in a zone they are all taken to HQ, which is where they will do 3 months of training before being sent out to their individual zones.

There is so much happening in this book, it really is packed full of action along with some historical information about the society and why they live like they do. I really liked the different zones within the book and their names. Yes, I admit the cynic in me worried the book would slide down the exact route of Divergent but it doesn’t. Sure, there are some similarities but there is also a lot more to the book that is different. I enjoyed the fact the bands and zones were explained as you came to them within the book.

My favourite character was of Kalenna as it should be as she is the main character. Other characters that I liked were Gavin, the boy who had smiled at Kalenna whilst in line at the ceremony. There’s a hint of romance between the two of them but it does begin with them being friends within the Altruistic group. I thought the idea that the different zones had an initial 3 months training at HQ at the same time was a great idea. You get to learn about the different zones from the characters placed within them. All recruits to whichever zone they are placed in have lessons on the history of the nation and weapon and fighting training. Kalenna makes new friends quite quickly. Unfortunately gaining a friendship with Ivor, during a National History lesson costs her a point being deducted from her band! The first recruit at HQ to have a point taken. This friendship turns out to be very useful later in the book. Kalenna ends up with a group of friends she is willing to help as much as they are willing to help her. There’s Stalwart Hector, who goes by the nickname of Jericho, as well as Jasmine Brunner, whose father worked with Kalenna’s dad George on a secret project called “Project Gemini”.

I enjoyed trying to work out who the spy in HQ was, and what they were looking for. Then after the spy was revealed I started wondering about Project Gemini which we do learn a little about in this book that I am sure will continue to be revealed as the series goes on.

This book has certainly laid some solid foundations for a potentially brilliant series to continue to grow. It left me with so many different questions and thoughts, such as Does Warden Pumose really know Kalenna's father George or does he merely know of him? What else will the valuable mystery disc reveal? Why does it seem that Jasmine & Kalenna are being watched so closely? Are Ivan, Gavin & Jericho in danger along with the girls? How many more points is hot headed, impulsive, Kalenna going to lose before she realises she seriously needs to bite her tongue?

To sum up, I am definitely adding the next book in the series to my Want To Buy To Read List. I would recommend reading both this book and it’s prequel too.

REVIEW - A DRESS FOR THE WICKED BY AUTUMN KRAUSE

Title: A Dress For The Wicked

Author: Autumn Krause

Genre: YA, Historical Fiction

Publisher: HarperTeen

Release Date: 6th August 2019

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Nothing much happens in the sleepy town of Shy in Avon-upon-Kynt. And for eighteen years, Emmaline Watkins has feared that her future held just that: nothing.

But when the head of the most admired fashion house in the country opens her prestigious design competition to girls from outside the stylish capital city, Emmy’s dreams seem closer than they ever have before.

As the first “country girl” to compete, Emmy knows she’ll encounter extra hurdles on her way to the top. But as she navigates the twisted world of high fashion she starts to wonder: will she be able to tailor herself to fit into this dark, corrupted race? And at what cost?

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The cover is what initially drew my eye to this book. I think the cover really suggest luxury, wealth and being part of the elite. The blurb sets the scene well for the book and the quote that compares it to The Belles is accurate.

The genres I have seen listed are Historical Fiction & YA, and though they fit the book well, I would also add the book has Dystopian elements to it as well.

The book is set in Britannia Secunda, which is separated into districts. The Fashion House is in Avon-upon-kynt in the Quarter District. Which on the surface seems affluent, however there are plenty of poorer people who keep the cogs turning for those rich enough not to do menial jobs such as cleaning, maids, chefs etc.

The main theme within the book is that the owner of the Fashion House, Madame Jolene has been coerced and backed into a corner by the political reformist party and is having to include a “country girl” choice to attend and take part in the Fashion House Interviews. Madame Jolene will pick just six girls in total.

Emmaline/Emmy is from Shy which is a little country place. Her mother owns and runs the local pub. Many years ago, Emmaline’s mother left Shy and went to the City in search of a better life, however something didn’t work out and she ended up returning to Shy alone and pregnant. Emmaline knows nothing about her father, and though she loves her mother dearly she doesn’t want to remain in Shy and help her run the pub that is only just breaking even. Emmaline has big dreams of going to the city and becoming a fashion designer. When she finds out that Madame Jolene is searching for the country girl and last person for the Fashion House Interviews she has to apply.

Emmy ends up being the chosen country girl entrant for the Fashion House Interviews, little does she know she has only been chosen to make up the numbers!

Whilst at the Fashion House she not only has to compete in the challenges but also has to do many interviews and appearances unlike the other girls which causes jealousy when the other girls think she is being promoted more and gaining more support. Yet when you think about it, being the “country girl entrant” means much more work than Emmy ever expected. To attend the interviews and appearances Emmy has to wear an approved set of clothes chosen for her by Madame Jolene which she hates. Emmy desperately wants to leave behind the cutesy country girl image whereas Madame Jolene intends to publicize the fact she has generously allowed a country girl entry to her elite, famous Fashion House Interviews.

Various descriptions place the era of the book to be Victorian, but a perhaps futuristic elite society with Victorian elements, such as etiquette, manner and customs. Each girl has their own story of how and why they obtained their place in the Fashion Interviews. I did like aspects of each girl in different stages in the book. They all have their own distinctive fashion design styles too.

There’s Emmaline who likes to mix work wear elements and fashion together.

Kitty is the first fellow contestant to speak to Emmy is Kitty and she has a classic style of dressing and designing. Rumours are that Kitty’s parents have bought her place at the Fashion House Interview in an attempt to once again rise higher in society.

Sophie is Emmy’s room mate at the Fashion House. Sophie wears a lot of black and her style is dramatic. She is a very straight to the point and at times quite snide and sarcastic person. Sophie wanted to escape her home with guardian Mr Alexander Taylor.

Then there is Ky, whose style is a mixture of Britannia Secunda fashion crossed with Japanese fashion. Both her parents are high flyers in their own rights.

Next is Alice who is very girly in both her personality and design.

The final contestant I have to give a quick introduction to is Cordelia, who wears and designs men’s wear inspired clothes. Each girl has their own individual styles and personalities too. The only one not used to the opulence of the Fashion House and having a maid etc is Emmaline. Which makes you wonder why Tilda, the maid looking after the girls seems to take an instant dislike to Emmy.

I loved Emmaline’s mother Edith, in fact she was my favourite character in the book, despite her having quite a small, yet still important part in the book. I enjoyed the little hints and mystery around the fact she once ran away to the city, but for her things didn’t turn out so great and she returned to Shy in what some would say in disgrace being alone and pregnant. The book left me with lots of questions about Edith. I hope her life and past are covered more in the series to come.

I of course really liked the main characters of Emmaline and Sophie, they are both determined young women that are prepared to put hard work into everything they do either for the rather ungrateful Madame Jolene, or later for themselves. I also must add that I think makes the perfect gentleman to court for Emmaline, and of course this makes him brilliant “book boyfriend” material in the book world.

I do like an unscrupulous character too, which Mr Alexander Taylor, the guardian of Fashion house interview contestant Sophie. He shows he can be violent and ruthless within this book. He is a rather corrupt politician too, not adverse to using strong arm tactics or blackmail to get his way. I don’t think we have heard the last from him!

A perhaps less harmful character is Tilda, though after reading the whole book I did feel sympathetic towards her, maybe she will feature in the next book.

My immediate thoughts upon finishing the book were Wow! I absolutely loved it, adored the characters of Emmaline, Edith, Sophie & Tristan and loved to hate Madame Jolene and Mr Taylor! There's so much more that could happen to Emmaline & Sophie....we also didn't find out who won the apprenticeship with Madame Jolene. Could Tilda become a seamstress? Is there more to be told about the past when Edith was a maid in the city? Who is/was Emmaline's father? I also want to know more about Francesco, could he know Edith from all those years ago when she was in the City! There are so many little loops within this book that could turn it into a superb series! I really hope that this is the start of a potentially amazing series!

It’s not often I compare books to others I have read and share what I think but, this book, wow! It’s a must read book, it may be the must read book of 2019! I would say if you have read and loved any of the following books then this one should be on your want to read list. The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton, The Selection by Kiera Cass, The Jewel by Amy Ewing.

REVIEW - WATCHES AND WARNINGS BY RYAN WOLF

Title: Watches And Warnings

Author: Ryan Wolf

Publisher: West 44

Genre: YA

Release Date: 1st August 2019

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Sixteen-year-old Philip is the son of two Evangelical youth pastors. He also secretly helps his older brother pay for his heroin addiction. When a massive tornado touches down in their small town, Philip's family becomes heavily involved in the post-disaster cleanup as Philip struggles with the return of his detoxing brother. With his life swept into sudden chaos, Philip grapples with questions that cut him to the core.

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The cover is fairly simplistic in its design, the blue background to represent the sky with the “twister” or “cyclone” being the main focus which the book plot is about. Though there is also the plot line of Victor and his drug abuse too. The genre’s listed for this book are Poetry, Teens & YA. I am not a great reader of poetry but I read this book and quite enjoyed it. I think it will certainly fit the “reluctant reader” category at schools. Though it will, in my opinion be suitable for older perhaps reluctant, or lower level readers too. I love reading a short book, all in one go sometimes and this one fit that bill perfectly for me.

Sixteen-year-old Philip is the son of two Evangelical youth pastors. He also secretly helps his older brother pay for his heroin addiction. When a massive tornado touches down in their small town, Philip's family becomes heavily involved in the post-disaster clean-up as Philip struggles with the return of his detoxing brother. With his life swept into sudden chaos, Philip grapples with questions that cut him to the core.

The main character is called Philip, a 16 year old boy who works for his neighbour, Mr Gregor, at the weekend to earn himself a little money. Philip’s parents are youth pastors at the local Evangelical church. Philip has an older brother called Victor, but he no longer lives at home as he has a drug addiction problem. Unbeknownst to his parents, Victor has kept in touch with Philip. In fact, Victor regularly meets up with Philip. Philip keeps the meetings secret from his parents knowing that they will not approve. Philip also keeps the amount he receives as wages quiet, as he hands over half of it to his brother, thinking it will help him.

There’s a severe weather warning so those that can take shelter do, be it in basements, cellars, under a table, wherever they think will keep them safe.

The book goes on talking about the destruction and aftermath of the storm. Philip’s parents of course have obligations to fulfil at their church and obviously go above and beyond to help those less fortunate than themselves. They open their church to those whose houses have been flattened or are no longer habitable because of the storm. Around all this going on, Victor turns up at his parent’s house and they accept him back, but they are determined to help him keep clean and free of drugs. Naturally things don’t go to plan.

Obviously, I liked the main character of Philip, even if he is rather naïve thinking he is helping his brother by giving him money that his brother immediately spends on drugs. On one hand Philip is feeding his brothers habit though on the other by giving Victor money, Philip is preventing Victor stealing or mugging someone for the money to buy drugs.

Whilst Philip is the main character, I also really grew attached to Mr Gregor despite him not being in the book that much. Mr Gregor helps Philip by employing him to help audit and re-arrange his cellar. You could say that Mr Gregor is a prepper, he has plenty of provisions should there be severe weather or in fact some sort of “end of the world” catastrophe. Despite others in the area thinking Mr Gregor a bit strange, Philip gets along with the older man. Mr Gregor is a rather sad, lonely man, having lost most of his family and not ever really getting over it.

This book is labelled as a Hi-Lo book, which basically means “high interest”, lower (easier) reading level. I think books like this are the way forward to encourage both youngsters to read and for adults who maybe didn’t read so well when they were younger to get more reading practice and gradually a higher reading level. Readers of all ages need to be encouraged, not put off.

To sum up, I did enjoy the book, both its content and styles. It worked really well as a great short story. There was enough going on to hold your interest without there being too much going on to keep track of the book. I will certainly check out other books written by this author in the future.

REVIEW - NOT HUNGRY BY KATE KARYUS QUINN

Title: Not Hungry

Author: Kate Karyus Quinn

Publisher: West 44

Genre: YA

Release Date: 1st August 2019

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June is fat. June also has an eating disorder, but no one sees. When she doesn't eat, her friends and family think they see a fat girl on a diet, not someone starving herself. When June's secret is found out by Toby, the new boy next door, she is panicked. Then she learns he also has a secret. Everyone has their own little lies.

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REVIEW
The first thing I noticed about this book was the bright pink, rather girly looking cover, with a plate at it’s centre, with a rather generous size piece of cake/cookie/bun. I also discovered it was categorised as a HiLo book, and I wanted to publicise some of these books on my blog. If you are not familiar with the term “Hi Lo Book” it is a book that offer highly interesting subject matter at a low reading level, therefore it encourages older children/adults into reading about a subject they may be interested in but perhaps they aren’t so good at reading. I say anything that encourages more people into reading is great. Usually the fact that the book has the “poetry” genre label would usually put me off, but, this year I decided to read more books that weren’t necessarily in my normal comfort zone of reading.

The main characters in this book are June, Toby and June’s sister Mae. June considers herself to be overweight, everyone thinks June is on some fad style diet, only she isn’t. June has an eating disorder where she will eat nothing at all, then perhaps see a tray of buns her older sister Mae has baked and she will sneak around and when no one is watching June will eat them all. After eating so much in such a short time June will then run to the bathroom or outside behind a certain hedge to be sick, therefore ridding herself of what she has just binged on. There is no in between with June, she is either eating nothing at all, or really bingeing until the point at which she is sick and ridding herself of what she has just eaten. It is during one of her trips down the garden to her favourite bush to be sick behind that she meets Toby. June is mortified this boy she doesn’t recognise has seen her being sick, he knows her secret. June settles her worrying by thinking she hasn’t seen this boy before so maybe he was just a visitor, what is the likelihood of her seeing hm again. Unfortunately for June, this boy, Toby has just moved in with his grandmother, Junes next door neighbour and will be attending the same school. June is really scared she’s convinced that Toby will say something so when he doesn’t, she is shocked.

I loved the characters of June and Mae, that they have each other’s back no matter what, even though they may not put it into words every day. The book unfolds a little bit like a diary or as if June is actually talking to the reader. June describes herself as a liar, but she only ever tells one lie and that’s when she says “I’m not hungry”. It’s sad that June feels like she has no one to confide in, or rather she feels like she hasn’t got anyone. When all the time her sister Mae is insecure about her weight and curves too. Though as the older sister has a tad more confidence and dresses very well for her individual body shape. When the two girls finally trust each other to open up to one another , they discover they are a formidable team.

I aren’t totally sure what I think of the character called Toby. Sure, he hasn’t had the easiest childhood but now he is living with his grandmother things are better. Though he knows about June’s issue with food and doesn’t call her out on it or ridicule her at school, I feel, in my opinion that he plays with her emotions and the fact she isn’t very confident.
Toby has two separate identities, the one he is when he is at home with his grandmother and wants to go on walks and hold June’s hand. Then there’s the Toby at school who is part of the popular gang, that girls crush over and he doesn’t even acknowledge June’s existence.

I was really annoyed with June & Mae’s mother when June admits to not eating her mother’s reaction is not to encourage her to eat but to almost pat her on the back and say she wished she had June’s will power to not eat anything!

The character I loved to hate was Erick. By the way, I seriously laughed out loud at the parts where he is referred to as Er..”ick” it really suited him! I despised the way he treats both his girlfriend Mae and her younger sister June. The cheek of him getting angry when Mae makes different cookies to the usual chocolate ones that he has been selling to his friends!! I found the homecoming dance scene amusing when for a change he is on the receiving end of the sarcasm rather than being the one dishing it out.

I won’t go into detail but there is a scene where June has to make a choice and I have to say I am so happy with the choice she made. A few days or weeks earlier she wouldn’t have been confident enough in herself to make the choice she did.

So, to sum up I found the way June’s eating disorder was described and talked about to be in a simple, realistic but very honest way. I think this book would make a great conversation starter within the right setting, giving a safe environment for females or males to start a discussion on their own eating habits.

REVIEW - A PACK OF LOVE AND HATE - THE BOULDER WOLVES BY OLIVIA WILDENSTEIN

Title: A Pack Of Love And Hate

Series: The Boulder Wolves

Author: Olivia Wildenstein

Publisher: Twig Publishing

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance,                                 Shapeshifter, Werewolf

Release Date: 13th August 2019

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ONLY ONE CAN WIN.

Volunteering to duel alongside Liam Kolane against the ruthless Creek Alpha could get Ness killed, but the alternative, leaving her hot-headed Alpha to die alone in the dueling ring isn’t an option. Not even when he places ridiculous conditions on her, like not spending time alone with August, her intended mate.

Ness didn’t want a mate, but that was before August stepped back into her life, before he picked up the scattered pieces of her heart. Between their shared history and the magical tether that binds them, Ness finds herself falling dangerously hard for the sexy shifter.

But Liam’s heart is on the line. A heart that still beats for Ness.

Only one man can win her love, the same way only one Alpha can rise from the duel.

Let the fight begin... 

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So as soon as I knew this was available to read, I knew I had, yes, I had to read it. I loved the first two books and although I was super sad that this was the last book in the trilogy but was really eager to find out what would happen in the Alpha duel!

At the end of bk2 Ness had volunteered to be at Liam’s side throughout his duel with Cassandra the Creek Alpha. Naturally people are shocked by this offer especially after Cassandra killed Julian the Alpha of the Pine pack so easily. As Ness and the Boulder Wolves had watched the awful defeat of Julian, they think that Cassandra had cheated in some way. They are up against time to try and find out what Cassandra used to defeat Julian, in time to be able to avoid or counteract it during Liam’s fight with her. Liam has accepted Ness as his second on the condition that she trains with him and stays away from August. If she is going to help and support Liam, he says he needs her 100% attention. Cassandra’s second is a Pine wolf called Justin and he is known as a dirty fighter and makes it clear he wants to put Ness “in her place”.

Ness’s training involves long runs, fitness and building muscle. As well as fighting in both forms and learning to protect herself. Liam, along with Lucas and Matt put her through her paces. Liam still holds out a hope that Ness may turn back to him romantically and is not above using the guise of training to keep her away from his love rival. Even taking her on a private jet to visit the River’s Pack. It’s whilst there that Ness and Liam first fight together as a team. Ness discovers a couple of other things too. Firstly, being this far away from August means she cannot feel the mating link, which on one hand its great to be free of it, yet at the same time she worries if August is okay and wonders if he may be taking advantage of the lack of the bond and finding someone else. Ness also learns of Ingrid, the River Alpha’s eldest daughter who reveals she has a crush on August, in fact the River Pack Alpha asks Liam if a marriage between packs would be acceptable, which has Ness worried. 

There’s so much going on in this book. Some loose ends tied up. A shock pregnancy that may seem to have been at the worst time possible but does actually turn out to be what a certain character needs to shoulder the fact they are going to be a parent and to shoulder the future responsibility that comes with a child. I usually makes notes as I read but I was so eager to read this book I just curled up with it and read the first chunk without a break. Then picked the book back up and read the remainder without stopping to take any notes, which I think is better, as note taking can slow the pace of the book, and boy this one is fast paced. I feel the majority of the questions that have been raised throughout the series have been answered. The series comes to a natural end, but never say never, maybe Olivia Wildenstein will revisit the Boulder Wolves again in the future. I’d certainly love some more shifter fiction even if it isn’t the Boulder & Pines we have come to love.

To sum up, what more can I say, it’s a perfect ending to brilliant shifter series. This series had everything, inside the Boulder pack problems, the need for a new Alpha of Boulder Wolves, Boulder Wolves set in their ways, Boulder Wolf secret of always having male wolves rather than any female ones and so much more! Not forgetting the amazing love triangle between August, Ness and Liam.
And my very last thought.....where on earth am I going to get my shifter reading fix now?!

REVIEW - A PACK OF VOWS AND TEARS - THE BOULDER WOLVES BY OLIVIA WILDENSTEIN

Title: A Pack Of Vows And Tears
Series: The Boulder Wolves

Author: Olivia Wildenstein

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Shifters

Publisher: Twig Publishing

Release Date: 28th May 2019

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She thought the fight was over but it was only just beginning.

Ness Clark's place amongst the Boulders and at Liam’s side is compromised. First, when her cousin claims Ness helped him elude his death sentence. And then, when August Watt, Ness’s childhood friend, comes home to Boulder.

Although August’s plan was to pledge himself and return to active duty, he finds himself incapable of leaving. This becomes problematic for Liam and Ness, because a mating link has clicked into place between Ness and the ex-marine. If not consumed, the link will fade, but that’ll take months. How long and hard can two people fight a physical attraction that renders their bodies unreceptive to anyone’s but their mates?

Ness is tired of fighting, tired of having to prove herself worthy of her pack’s trust and of her Alpha’s affection. But when an enemy pack arrives and threatens the Boulders, she has two choices: step aside and let the wolves who have pushed her away fend for themselves, or step up and help them fight the newcomers.

Ness has never stepped aside…not for anyone.

Why would she start now?

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REVIEW

As I read and thoroughly enjoyed A Pack Of Blood And Lies and loving it so much I gave it 4 stars, I knew I had to read book 2! The cover would certainly catch my eye even more that bk1 as the orange on this cover is even brighter than the first book.

This picked up right where book one left off. I found that I slipped right back into the plot with the characters I already loved. Poor Ness Clark is continuing to try hard to both prove herself to her pack and settle in finally becoming one of them. Ness is also still stuck between two mate shifters, but if you thought that was bad enough it very quickly becomes even more complicated when Ness and August realise, they have been blessed the old and rare “mating bond”. It also becomes apparent very rapidly that Liam is most certainly not happy about this latest development. Just as all that is kicking in, there is a larger problem for new Alpha Liam! It seems Everest has run off rather than face what he has done. Even worse he has stolen the packs supply of Sillin. Sillin is a medication that prevents a shifter from actually shifting. It can also be used if a shifter has ingested silver so is a vital thing to have when there are so many threats around to the pack. When the “love triangle” learn that distance/absence can make the mating bond lessen and eventually end it seems everything will be solved when August goes back to the marines. Sadly, for August and his family, his mother, Isobel is seriously ill and he decides despite the mating bond she needs him to stay close to both help his father, Nelson, run their furniture business. Ness ends up helping out at the furniture business her father helped to build, though the Watts insist on paying her a good wage for doing so. It also aggravates Liam, thinking Ness is spending more time with August Watt. Naturally Ness and August reminisce about when they were younger, they share a lot of history together from when both families went on picnics etc. The job also helps to take Ness’s mind off the fact that the pack have voted to punish Everest by death at the hands of his own pack!  

Soon Liam has more ammunition to throw at Ness when he finds an incriminating text which suggest Ness tipped Everest off that the pack were after him. Naturally all this puts extra stress on the relationship between Ness and Liam. The mating bond also makes it difficult to even kiss and get a little steamy between Liam and Ness so they break up. Things go from bad to worse in terms of any possible future relationship between the pair when Liam vows he will wait for Ness, and she happens to walk in a room as he is walking into from a bedroom with his hair all tousled having just slept with another girl.

The Inn is put in a kind of limbo with Everest gone and Ness’s Aunt Lucy being questioned in pack elder Eric’s basement, the rather large task of running it falls on Ness. Despite knowing she is integrating with the pack she is shocked when some of the females married into the pack turn up at the Inn to help her. Everything is once again upset when it is revealed that in the event of Everest, Ness’s cousin the Inn has to be handed over to Shifter Hunter and murderer of Ness’s father, Aidan Michaels!! There is also something else even bigger and more shocking revealed about Aidan Michaels but....my lips are sealed you need ...yes need to read this book!

Another strain on the pack is the fact various of its members have smelled Creek Shifters in the area. In fact, when there is a car accident and yellow paint is found on the vehicle all signs point to the Creek pack running the vehicle off the road.  The Boulder pack and the Pine pack manage to coexist with each other so its not great surprise when they join forces to meet the Creek Pack Alpha…..the Female Alpha!! When the Pine Pack Alpha, Julian Matz challenges the Creek Pack Alpha. . . things become dangerous very quickly.

The characters I loved the most in this book were Ness and as I think we got the chance to see and learn more about August I adored him even more in this book than the last one! I enjoyed being offended on Ness’s behalf by Liam who clearly didn’t believe her when it came down to her word about the fact, she hadn’t text Everest to warn him Liam and some other members of the pack were coming after him. I really wanted him to be wrong about Ness texting Everest which according to Liam was a betrayal of him and the pack. However, when needed later in the book, it is Ness who ends up putting herself on the line for the pack.

Another character I came to feel a fondness for in this book was Uncle Jeb. All he had to go through, being embarrassed and ashamed of his only child, Everest. Yet at the same time knowing it is not him that will decide on his son’s fate. He accepted the pack would decide, vote and carry out whatever sentence and punishment thought appropriate. Throughout all this upheaval Ness thinks she needs to sort out her living arrangements herself, knowing with being under 18 she needed to be with an appropriate adult. Ness was both happy and grateful, when Evelyn told her she and Frank wanted her to move in with them and they would be her guardians until she was 18. Ness is pleasantly surprised when her Uncle Jeb announces they are moving into another place he owns. It is also rare that shifters divorce, preferring to mate for life, but Uncle Jeb announces he is divorcing his wife Lucy!

So how did I feel when I finished reading A Pack Of Vows And Tears? My reaction was Oh wow! What an ending.....when can I read more? I started this one with a clear idea of who I wanted Ness to end up with, but now I am all the way back to being confused and torn about which shifter should end up with Ness! Maybe whoever doesbt and up with Ness could pair up with Sarah. ( that is unless Sarah is paired off with Lucas) So many hot shifters making Oodles of 'book boyfriend' material!

One last word if you love shifters (like I do!) you seriously need to start reading this series now!

REVIEW - THE PASSENGER BY JOHN MARRS

Title: The Passengers

Author: John Marrs

Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller, Mystery

Publisher: Ebury Digital

Release Date: 1st April 2019

BLURB from Goodreads

Eight self-drive cars set on a collision course. Who lives, who dies? You decide.

When someone hacks into the systems of eight self-drive cars, their passengers are set on a fatal collision course.

The passengers are: a TV star, a pregnant young woman, a disabled war hero, an abused wife fleeing her husband, an illegal immigrant, a husband and wife - and parents of two - who are travelling in separate vehicles and a suicidal man. Now the public have to judge who should survive but are the passengers all that they first seem?

Goodreads Link

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon US

Amazon UK

REVIEW

As I had read and loved The One by John Marr previously and this book was on offer for just 99p so I thought I would give it a go. Initially I was really struggling with this one, it seems the last couple of lines is repeated on the next page every now and then, surely this is not meant to be like this, but would such a thing be missed in the editing/printing procedure. (I have been assured by the author who I contacted via Instagram that it was some sort of download issue) The One is actually mentioned on more than one occasion within the plot of this book too. So, The Passenger is set around the same futuristic era that The One is also set in. There are various covers for this book but my favourite is the one I have chosen to go with my review. (pictured above).

I think the byline on the book cover “Eight intended victims, Who lives, Who dies? You decide.” I also like the dashboard feel to the cover with the skull warning light illuminated. The genres I have seen listed for this book are Sci-Fi, Thriller which fit well though after reading the book I would add futuristic and dystopian to the list.

The book has two groups of major characters, jurors and passengers. Those that have been called for a modern, futuristic version of jury service all in a locked room. They are there to give judgement on accidents that have occurred as a result of the new driverless cars. These new cars are fantastic! You don’t need a drivers licence. You get into your vehicle, put in your destination in something like our present sat navs and sit back. The car does all the work. You are just a passenger, you are free to take telephone calls, do your emails, or paperwork on the way to work or just enjoy the scenery as you go past. This type of car has lots of special additions to what a normal car would have such as accident prevention software. However, what happens when there is an accident who is at fault, the car or the passenger? This is what the jurors have been called together to decide. The evidence is presented in a way that they are steered towards not blaming the cars. Of course, there are lots more details within the book about the cars. This book had me seriously thinking of what the future in cars is going to be in reality. I mean most people have sat navs, parking assist things in their cars and there is so much more to compare to this book such as the car that parks itself. There are different levels of driverless cars from ones that only park for you perhaps, that you can still override to the level that you have no control of at all. You can also hire these driverless cars too, kind of like using them as a taxi. The car arrives, you input your destination and off it goes. The dashboard in these cars allows you to do anything from watch TV, to doing your emails, checking social media or even reading. Passengers as young as fourteen can be a passenger alone in a fully automated driverless car! The government are certainly encouraging people to change to this type of vehicle, such as tax breaks, free charging and cheaper insurance!

The other group of eight main characters are the ones that are basically trapped in their cars and at the mercy of a very clever group of people who have chosen them to make a point. It soon becomes apparent that the man talking to the jurors is in charge and they will listen to him and do as he tells them to. The passengers are introduced in the book via their own chapters. You could say there is a wide range of passengers to represent different age groups, sexuality and races. The hacker lets the passengers introduce themselves and he tells them that they are all set on a collision course and will die in two hours thirty minutes. The hacker also continues this countdown throughout the book. As each passenger realises they are not heading to the destination they inputted into the cars system, their reactions vary from pressing any and every button they can find, to screaming and crying. In turn all the vehicles windows turn a kind of opaque so no one can see in to the vehicles and their panicking passengers. Passenger One is Claire Arden, who is pregnant with a baby boy. I thought the fact the baby had a nickname and reason behind the baby’s nickname “Tate” made you kind of count the baby boy as a “passenger” within his own right. Passenger Two is Jude Harrison who turns out to be the guy that Libby (one of the jurors) has been looking for since meeting him in a bar when out with friends one evening. Jude is a single, good looking male who had purchased a driverless car at the beginning of the governments hyped “Road Revolution” Passenger Three is a 78year old actress called Sophia Bradbury who is on her way to one of the many charity events and is in the process of trying to revive her flagging career….

Each passenger is given the opportunity to introduce themselves, then the hacker reveals a dark secret about them to the public. It is the jurors and the public watching everything as it happens via the internet who will vote and decide who lives and who dies! Each Juror is given the chance to champion one of the passengers and talk to them. Then in turn try to influence public opinion on them. Things may seem very black and white but it turns out they really aren’t.

My favourite character was Libby who had her own views on driverless cars coloured by the accident she saw happen quite recently. I also adored Claire Arden, her husband Ben and their unborn baby Tate. Claire begs for her unborn child and seems to have both the jurors and the publics support. That is until her dark secret has been revealed, which leaves the question of should her unborn child suffer because of his parent’s poor choices. The character I loved to hate was Jack who came across uncaring, bullish and in favour of the driverless vehicles no matter what the risk to the public was. He only reveals the information he wants to.   

This really is a rollercoaster type of read. Being totally honest, I got really irritated with the whole download issue but the book is so good and such compulsive reading that I had to continue with it. I felt I had to know who lived and who died and why. I also wanted to find out the identity of the hacker and the group behind him and what their agenda was.

I would recommend reading this book and also The One by John Marrs too. I will also still be checking out other books by this author. You can really easily imagine this scenario happening not too far in our future.