Book Reviews Archives - Page 24 of 114

Book Review: The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

May 21, 2020

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

Pages: 400
Publish date: March 17th 2020
Publisher: Tor Books
ISBN: 9781250217288
Purchase: Book Depository – Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU – QBD

A magical island. A dangerous task. A burning secret.

Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages.

When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management he’s given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not they’re likely to bring about the end of days.

But the children aren’t the only secret the island keeps. Their caretaker is the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, who will do anything to keep his wards safe. As Arthur and Linus grow closer, long-held secrets are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn.

An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place—and realising that family is yours.

The House in the Cerulean Sea:

I think I’ve found one of my favourite books of the year, maybe even of the last few years. I think I have.

This book crept up on me that is for sure. I hadn’t heard about it until I saw a couple of reviews both on blogs and booktube. And everyone was loving it. Adult fantasy isn’t something that I read a lot of, so I requested from my local library and started reading. And damn. I’m so glad that I did. Because I think this might be one of my favourite reads this year.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune follows Linus Baker as he goes through his life like every other day. A caseworker for the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, Linus’ job is to make sure that the children in the orphanages are being well looked after. But when he’s given a highly classified assignment, everything changes. Linus must travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where there are six ‘dangerous’ children.

But everything isn’t as it seems and when he meets the children, he has to decide if they might bring the end of the world. But there is more than one secret on this Island and the closer that Linus and Arthur, the children’s caretaker, get more come out. And will Linus do the right thing when the times comes?

Photo by Andrei Ianovskii on Unsplash

Linus is such an interesting protagonist in The House in the Cerulean Sea. He isn’t someone who I would normally be attached to while reading a book. But as the novel goes on and Linus starts to truly find himself, everything falls into place. Linus is a very ‘by the book’ type of guy, and that is a very interesting dynamic with the other characters in the novel. But I adored seeing Linus grow, his character arc was fantastic and the reader can see the changes in him, even before he does. I loved Linus’ innocence. He is this fully grown adult but has so much to learn and the children and Arthur help him with that. The main reason why I love Linus is that he is ordinary. There is nothing ‘special’ about him per se. He is just a human.

I loved each child at Marsyas Island Orphanage. Seriously, my heart could not handle them. They made me laugh and cry, and I just wanted to give them all a big hug. They are all misunderstood, but they are all brilliant and fascinating children. And they want to be that, children. The way that each child was treated shapes who they are. And I want them to feel love forever.

I don’t think I could pick my favourite really, each child had their personalities that stood out on the page. The reader is always able to tell who is talking without even their name appearing throughout The House in the Cerulean Sea. Each child was unique and wonderful. I loved seeing each of them interact with Linus and how different they were in that. Some of them took a little longer to let go and interact with Linus, but it was beautiful.

Photo by Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash

Lucy, oh gosh. Every time he opened his mouth, I just laugh. He tries to be this antichrist, but in reality, he is a little boy who just wants to be loved. I adored his relationship with Arthur, and this eventually Linus. Talia, again she made me laugh so much. She has this attitude that just worked for her. Chauncey is fantastic and adorable and I want all his wishes to come true. Phee, while she wasn’t very present, the reader is always able to know where she is. Sal has had it hard, and I loved being able to see him grow through the novel and come out of his shell. And lastly, we have Theodore who just melted me. The reader never really knew what he was saying, but we still knew.

The romance in The House in the Cerulean Sea was very light, but it was still quite beautiful. I enjoyed seeing the small interactions between Linus and Arthur. Those small notions add something more to the novel. I do wish we were able to see them connect more. But I think that their connection was on a different level. Arthur protectiveness over the children was so nice to see. The reader can witness Arthur’s first appearance in the book how much he does care for the kids, and he isn’t afraid to show. And I think that this protectiveness projects onto Linus and without even realising it, he cares for everyone just the same.

The writing throughout The House in the Cerulean Sea was exquisite and breathtaking. T.J Klune was able to characters that are unique, but also relatable. The reader can connect with each one of them, even if it’s on a small level. The world-building in The House in the Cerulean Sea was also done so well. While the reader is thrown into this unusual world, it’s very easy to understand pretty early on.

Photo by Johannes Plenio on Unsplash

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune is a magical and profound novel that truly takes the reader on an experience. It explores family and the notion that sometimes you find them in unlikely ways. It’s about love, that isn’t just about blood family or falling in love. It’s about believing in yourself and those that do love you. This enchanting story is exceptional and breathtaking. It will make you smile and laugh and just feel safe. It’s a warm novel that does with what it’s like to be a little different. I highly recommend this to anyone. Because it’s simply amazing.

Have you read The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune yet? What did you think of it? Are you planning on reading it? Let’s Chat!

Book Review: Sure Shoot by Sarina Bowen

May 14, 2020

Sure Shot (Brooklyn #4) by Sarina Bowen

Pages: 300
Publish date: May 12th 2020
Publisher: Tuxbury Publishing LLC
ISBN: 9781950155019
Purchase: Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU – More Purchase Links

On the eve of her thirtieth birthday, sports agent Bess Beringer is ready to make some changes. Armed with a five-year plan—indexed and colour-coded—she’ll tackle her personal life with the same zeal that she brings to her successful agency.

A big, tall, ripped hunk of a hockey player who’s just been traded to the Brooklyn Bruisers is not a part of that plan. Mark “Tank” Tankiewicz has a lot of baggage. He’s a ride-or-die loner with a bad reputation. He’s on the rebound. He is also the sexiest thing on two legs, and for some crazy reason, it’s Bess that he wants.

She knows better. But then she falls stupid in love with him anyway. And for a while, it seems like maybe he’ll do the same.

Until she asks him for the one thing he can never give her…

Sure Shot:

I received an earc of Sure Shot by Sarina Bowen from the author in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way influenced my thoughts and feelings about the book.

I really love Sarina Bowen’s hockey romances – I’ve read them all now. And in reality, there is only two books I haven’t yet read by her. However, the last few books that I have read, I haven’t loved to bits. But this changed with Sure Shot. It’s a slight second chances romance with some forbidden love through it. And it was great. I think this has to be my second favourite from this series so far.

Sure Shot by Sarina Bowen follows Bess Beringer as she tries to figure out what to do with her life. She has a five-year-plan and none of it included the new trade to the Brooklyn Bruisers, Tank. Bess tries hard and tries to forget that Tank is even there, but they have a past. And it’s hard when he is the sexiest thing and he wants her. And even though she fights it, she falls. Things are great – until they are not. And everything around both Bess and Tank falls apart.

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Bess was such a pleasure to read and follow. The reader already knows her from other books in the series, but we really get to know her here and it was such a great time. I loved everything that she represented and what she fought for. Bess felt like a very real for me. She had her faults and weakness, but then she had her strengths and characteristics. Bess has a fantastic character arc, that not only spans Sure Shot but the series as well. While you don’t need to read the other books in the series, I do feel that the reader is able to see Bess fully grow that way. I loved Bess’ determination and resilience.

Tank was such an interesting male protagonist in Sure Shot. On the outside and to most of the world, he seemed to have this hardass. But the reader is able to see this soft side, especially when he is with Bess. Tank has a lot of baggage and the reader really feels for him. His marriage has just broken down, he has moved to a team that seemingly don’t like him. And that effects him in a way that while wasn’t great, it was nice to see in the book. It’s not often that you see a male character, especially someone in sports really put everything out there. My heart really felt for Tank.

Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash

The romance in Sure Shot was adorable and something that I really did love. Bess and Tank were so good together. I loved their banter and the way that they were with one another. They both brought out the best in one another and that was just so nice to see. Tank and Bess both have a lot of issues and together they are able to deal with it. Although it is not smooth sailing – like at all. Bess is very hesitant. She feels that being with Tank could interfere with her job and many other things. And she pushes him away, but Tank doesn’t let her fully. He is there for her. And I loved that.

There are many heartbreaking moments throughout Sure Shot. And I thought that Sarina Bowen dealt with them in a great way. Tank has a lot of demons and that does affect the way that he thinks and reacts to people. And then being thrown into an environment where he doesn’t have any support is hard. But Bess becomes that person and as the novel so do his teammates and everyone in that circle. Infertility and pregnancy are some of the major themes throughout the novel. Because of this, there are some parts that are really hard to read, but I think that Sarina does talk about in a fantastic way.

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

Overall, I really enjoyed Sure Shot by Sarina Bowen. It was one of the harder-hitting books by Sarina, but it was still full of romance. Sure Shot explores second chances in life and in love while also exploring life and trying to find the positives. Bess and Tank were adorable and sexy today and I loved it. Bess is a stand out for me. If you are looking for an adorable and sexy romance that also explores the notion of family, infertility and starting new relationships, this Sure Shot is for you.

Have you read Sure Shot by Sarina Bowen? What did you think of it? Are you planning to? Have you read anything else by Sarina? Let’s Chat!

Book Review: Making Friends with Alice Dyson by Poppy Nwosu

May 7, 2020

Making Friends with Alice Dyson by Poppy Nwosu

Pages: 276
Publish date: November 5th 2019
Publisher: Wakefield Press
ISBN: 9781743056127
Purchase: Book Depository – Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU

My hand, which is following a stray pencil rolling across the floor, stops dead right in front of two ratty green sneakers.
My gaze follows the shoes up over long legs to a towering figure.
I stand abruptly.
Tall, black eyes, messy hair, a permanent scowl on a permanently angry face. Our school’s delinquent, a waster, the kind of boy who always sits at the back of class. The kind of boy even popular people like Sophia are afraid of. Teddy Taualai.

Alice Dyson knows exactly how she’ll be spending her final year of high school. With her head down, quietly concentrating on her textbooks and homework. She’s focused on the future, and nothing and no one is going to get in her way. Until a bizarre encounter with the school’s most notorious troublemaker derails all her plans, turning Alice into the unwilling centre of attention and her life into one enormous complication.

And even worse? Now Teddy Taualai won’t leave her alone.

A story about rumours, friendship, and discovering who you really are.

Making Friends with Alice Dyson:

Making Friends with Alice Dyson by Poppy Nwosu wasn’t high up on my TBR list when I first heard about it. YA contemporary isn’t something that I read a lot of these days. However, it did still catch my eye, and then I started reading all the reviews and I knew that I had to pick this one up for myself. And I’m so glad that I did. I loved it so much that it made it onto my top books for CBCA’s Clayton night.

You know those books that you read and they just put a smile on your face, this is one of those. This is a beautiful, adorable, and honest novel that explores the highs and lows of the last year of high school. This novel follows Alice Dyson in her last year of high school. Her plan? Focus on her future! Head down, do her homework, and nothing is going to stop her. Expect maybe a dance-off with troublemaker and delinquent Teddy Taualai. Alice is thrown into the spotlight when rumours start flying around.

Anggun Tan

Alice was an interesting character and protagonist. She wasn’t someone that I could immediately connect with and like, but as the novel went on I really started to enjoy her. I think that her character arc was fantastic and the reader is able to see her grow immensely throughout Making Friends with Alice Dyson. Alice’s growth really pushed the novel and I loved that. Even though Alice thought she hated everything that followed the events with Teddy, but the reader is able to see that she actually enjoys it. Even if she doesn’t think so. One of my favourite things about young adult novels is seeing the growth of characters and I think that Poppy Nwosu does that so well. Especially in regards to everything that comes with the last year of high school.

I loved Teddy from the start. While I might have disliked this type of guy while at school, I love them in novels. He has this ‘bad boy’ reputation and it plays along with it. He has this fun and playful nature about him that added this other layer to the novel and made him more than an archetype. Poppy Nwosu has a knack for making characters that are real and have faults and this makes for such an enjoyable read.

The romance in Making Friends with Alice Dyson was beautiful and I loved it with my soul. Teddy is a flirt, and Alice is a shy bean, and while at first, they seem like total opposites. However, as the novel goes on, they are able to connect with one another. What turns from hesitation and avoidance, into a soft friendship and then slowly into something more. It was beautiful and has to be one of my favourite friends to lovers romance. It’s just very sweet, soft and a somewhat innocent romance. I loved that Teddy was able to push Alice in a way that lets her know herself even more.

Siora Photography

Making Friends with Alice Dyson is very character-driven which I love. But also there is a lot of other things that do drive the novel along. I adored the first interaction between Alice and Teddy; the dance. It’s one of the most innocent things I’ve read and I loved it. All Teddy wants is a friend and Alice becomes that person. Friendship is a massive theme throughout the novel. And the reader not only sees the friendship between Alice and Teddy grow into something more. But it also looks at Alice’s friendship with her best friend.

I loved that Poppy Nwosu looks into the notion of female friendship and the many ups and downs that come along with it. Especially in those last few years of school. I enjoyed that it explored that girl friendships aren’t always smooth and showed a realistic approach to how girls interact and their relationships.

Making Friends with Alice Dyson also explores the notion of coming of age and that last year of high school. I think that Australian novels do this exceptionally well and that is clearly evident in Making Friends with Alice Dyson. It showed the trials and tribulations that go along with being in that last year of school. All the ups and downs. The decisions that we need to make. And the pressure that we not only put on ourselves but that others put on us as well.

Chermiti Mohamed

Making Friends with Alice Dyson is a sweet story that looks at friendships, the most adorable romance, and the strength of opening up. Everything about this book is tender and sweet but also packs a punch. This is a great book to pick up when you are feeling that little bit down because it’s a feel great book for sure. I also think it’s one that a lot of teens can read. This is a fantastic debut that is brilliant and soft, and I finished it with a massive smile.

Have you read Making Friends with Alice Dyson by Poppy Nwosu? What did you think of it? Are you planning on reading it? Let’s Chat!