Missing by Kelley Armstrong
Publisher: Atom
Goodreads Summary: The only thing Winter Crane likes about Reeve’s End is that soon she’ll leave it. Like her best friend did. Like her sister did. Like most of the teens born in town have done. There’s nothing for them there but abandoned mines and empty futures. They’re better off taking a chance elsewhere.

The only thing Winter will miss is the woods. Her only refuge. At least it was. Until the day she found Lennon left for dead, bleeding in a tree.

But now Lennon is gone too. And he has Winter questioning what she once thought was true. What if nobody left at all? What if they’re all missing?
Rating: 4 Stars
Review: Winter Crane lives in Reeve's end, a small Kentucky town everyone wants to escape. She has dreams of leaving for medical school and never coming back. When she finds an injured boy in the woods, she becomes enmeshed in a darker plan. There is a stalker out for her, taunting her at every step. Will she unravel the puzzle before it's too late?

Missing had me hooked from the first sentence. It's well written and planned out. I especially liked the plot twist at the end; while I sort of guessed it right, it turned out more sinister than I thought. The characters have interesting personalities that add to the story.

Winter is a logical girl who is a little lonely. She has no one to trust, not since her sister left Winter and her drunk dad Bert. In Jude I see a boy whose perspective of the world changed when he found out a family secret. He craves validation but is defensive, afraid to be hurt. These two and the other characters ensure Missing isn't just a story about some boring teenagers, these characters have a lot of emotional depth.

Now, why didn't I rate this book five stars if I love it so much, you ask? Simple. While I enjoyed Missing, there weren't any standout features that made it an exceptional book. Also, I managed to predict quite a few of the plot twists which was a bit of a downer, even if I was in suspense for most of the book.

This book is yet another example of how amazing a writer Kelley Armstrong is. The mystery is enticing and draws you in, daring you to read on. Each character has traits which make them stand out. Everyone who loves Kelley Armstrong will be delighted to read Missing.
Purchase Location: Borrowed From Library
Edition: Paperback
Buy the book: Book Depository
Recommended for: Fans of mystery and Kelley Armstrong.

Rituals (Cainsville #5) by Kelley Armstrong
Publisher: Sphere
Goodreads Summary: The fifth book and the exciting conclusion to bestselling author Kelley Armstrong's "impossible-to-put-down" Cainsville series, in which she mixes hard-hitting crime writing with phenomenal world-building to create a brand of fiction all her own.

When Olivia Taylor-Jones found out she was not actually the adopted child of a privileged Chicago family but of a notorious pair of convicted serial killers, her life exploded. Running from the fall-out, she found a refuge in the secluded but oddly welcoming town of Cainsville, Illinois, but she couldn't resist trying to dig out the truth about her birth parents' crimes. She began working with Gabriel Walsh, a fiendishly successful criminal lawyer who also had links to the town; their investigation soon revealed Celtic mysteries at work in Cainsville, and also entangled Olivia in a tense love triangle with the calculating Gabriel and her charming biker boyfriend, Ricky. Worse, troubling visions revealed to Olivia that the three of them were reenacting an ancient drama pitting the elders of Cainsville against the mysterious Huntsmen with Olivia as the prize.

In the series' fifth and final novel, not only does Gabriel's drug addict mother, who he thought was dead, make a surprise reappearance, but Kelley Armstrong delivers a final scary and surprising knock-out twist. It turns out a third supernatural force has been at work all along, a dark and malevolent entity that has had its eye on Olivia since she was a baby and wants to win at any cost.
Rating: 5 Stars
Review: Olivia Taylor-Jones is running out of time. She must choose a side before darkness reigns over everything. But is there a third choice for her to make? In Rituals, all your previously unanswered questions will be brought into the spotlight, their answers revealed as you join Liv on her journey...

In Rituals, Olivia, Ricky and Gabriel must face their toughest challenges yet, both individually and as a team. As they fight to defy history and write a happy ending for themselves, a new enemy will slither out from the shadows and into their path, threatening to destroy everything they have worked so hard for. They must redefine their relationships and become better people in order to stay together and not be torn apart by the rocky road.

I love all the different cultures discussed in this book! While they aren't much, I enjoyed the mention of Greek, Scottish and Gaelic lore as well as Welsh of course. Rituals is filled with mythology and culture. Helia and Alexios are super cute, I'm so glad they made it into this book, their ending is a perfect finale. Gabriel's character arc is beautiful and well written.

Rituals in three words? Conflict. Adventure. Love. Olivia gets to explore a new ability, we get a strange new enemy which I kind of like despite its pure evilness. All the characters seem to be super sassy towards their enemies, especially Olivia, and it's so amusing. Kelley Armstrong has really amped up the drama and intrigue for this final Cainsville book. Everything comes to a close as the cycle of Matilda, Gwynn and Arawn is finally completed correctly.
Purchase Location: Borrowed From Library
Edition: Hardcover
Buy the book: Book Depository
Recommended for: Fans of mythology.

Quicksand by Malin Persson Giolito
Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK
Goodreads Summary: There could be two sides to Maja Norberg that shift silently like quicksand: the question is, which one do you believe?

Is Maja a normal 18-year-old, the poster girl next door, popular and excelling at her schoolwork, caught in the middle of a terrible tragedy? Or, is she the most reviled teenager in the country?

Either way, everyone knows her name. She has spent nine excruciating months in jail, awaiting trial for a mass murder that killed her boyfriend and her best friend, and now the time has come for her to enter the courtroom. What did she do? Or is it what she didn’t do that brought her here?

Is Maja a cold-blooded murderer or is she just a girl who has lost her way and, as a consequence, now lost the ones she loved?
Rating: 4 Stars
Review: How far would you go to save someone? Eighteen year old Maja Norberg's life was falling apart when it happened. Her life couldn't get any worse, but it did. Now she sits in a jail cell, awaiting a high profile trial. But is she really guilty of everything State Prosecutor Call-Me-Lena says she is?

I stumbled upon Quicksand by chance, but I'm glad I did, for this book needs to be read. Quicksand gives you deep insight into the Swedish criminal justice system. It also highlights how horrible people can be when they don't know the full story. The whole book screams about injustice, and I love that something which isn't mentioned nearly enough has a main feature in this book, but I hate that Maja's story could easily be real.

The characters are brutally honest representations of modern teenagers, and I enjoyed reading of their unique flaws. Maja is the main focus of the novel, her voice coming in the form of present day recounts and flashbacks. Other than her, Samir is my favourite character. I can't decide whether I hate him or love him, for he is perfect, except for his crucial flaw. Regardless, he adds so much to the story. Sebastian too is an intriguing character, though deeply tormented.

As you can probably tell, I like a lot about Quicksand, so this negative section will be short and sharp. The only thing I consistently disliked about the book were the long sections of important information. I couldn't deny that they were valuable to the story so I read them even though my speed reader self screamed at me to skip it. Perhaps if it was written in a more interesting way I would've enjoyed it more.

Quicksand is a critical perspective on crime which will be enjoyed by all fans of thrillers. It tells us of rich Swedes, injustices toward immigrants, and how the Swedish court is run. The teenagers are realistic and well developed, creating a sad, beautiful tale about what neglect can lead to. This is no ordinary Scandinavian crime novel, but something quite different.
Purchase Location: Borrowed From Library
Edition: Hardcover/Paperback
Buy the book: Book Depository
Recommended for: Fans of Scandinavian thrillers.

The Perfectionists Series by Sara Shepard (#1-2)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Goodreads Summary: Ava, Caitlin, Mackenzie, Julie, and Parker are all driven to be perfect—no matter the cost.

At first the girls think they have nothing in common, until they discover that they all hate the same person: handsome womanizer Nolan Hotchkiss, who's done things to hurt each of them.

They come up with the perfect plan to murder Nolan—jokingly, of course. They'd never actually go through with it. But when Nolan turns up dead in the exact way they'd discussed, the girls suddenly become prime suspects in his murder.

Only, they didn't do it.

So who did? Unless they find the real killer, and soon, any one of them may be the next to die….

Jane, Unlimited by Kristin Cashore
Publisher: Kathy Dawson Books
Goodreads Summary: If you could change your story, would you?

Jane has lived a mostly ordinary life, raised by her recently deceased aunt Magnolia, whom she counted on to turn life into an adventure. Without Aunt Magnolia, Jane is directionless. Then an old acquaintance, the glamorous and capricious Kiran Thrash, blows back into Jane’s life and invites her to a gala at the Thrashes’ extravagant island mansion called Tu Reviens. Jane remembers her aunt telling her: “If anyone ever invites you to Tu Reviens, promise me that you’ll go.”

What Jane doesn’t know is that at Tu Reviens her story will change; the house will offer her five choices that could ultimately determine the course of her untethered life. But every choice comes with a price. She might fall in love, she might lose her life, she might come face-to-face with herself. At Tu Reviens, anything is possible.
Rating:
Review: After her Aunt Magnolia dies, Jane is left unsure of what to do with her life until one day, the enigmatic Kiran Thrash invites her to attend a gala at Tu Reviens, Jane accepts, remembering the promise she made to her aunt: if she is ever invited to Tu Reviens, she must accept.

I love the idea of this book and there are some amazing parts. Kiran and Patrick have a lot of depth and hidden layers. Jane goes on some crazy adventures. Hidden motives, strange late night activities, mystery. All of this was amazing, well written and it kept me interested. But, well, there were many things I didn't like too.

The (lack of) ending bugged me so much. I don't like that it's left so open to interpretation, I'd have liked it more if it was tied up at the end. There's so much potential it makes me want to scream out in frustration. Where's the Kristin Cashore who wrote Graceling? A lot could've been done differently. Maybe if this book had been keep in a "choose your own path" format I would've liked it better. Turning it into a novel is a good idea, but that suits the style of the story better.

I'm not the biggest fan of Jane, either. *le gasp* SHE HATES THE MAIN CHARACTER!! I love that she makes umbrellas and that a certain basset hound follows her everywhere, but besides these two points she's really quite plain. I love Kiran, and I love Patrick. Why couldn't they have had a more central role in the novel?

I don't really have anything else to say, I suppose you've heard it all. I love the ideas, the characters (except Jane), the whole spy theme. The repetitiveness got boring and there wasn't enough additional information to keep me interested. I guess I just hated the execution and that's the only reason I thought less of Jane, Unlimited.
Purchase Location: Borrowed From Library
Edition: Hardcover
Buy the book: Book Depository
Recommended for: Fans of choose your own path.

Being Magdalene (I Am Not Esther #3) by Fleur Beale
Publisher: Random House New Zealand
Goodreads Summary: The gripping sequel to the award-winning and bestselling YA novels I Am Not Esther and I am Rebecca.

Being Magdalene revisits the Pilgrim family and its closed religious community, The Children of the Faith.

Four years have passed since Rebecca ran away. The community simmers with tension and rumours of an approaching split, and life has become terrifying for Rebecca's remaining siblings as Elder Stephen seizes any chance to take revenge on them. Twelve-year-old Magdalene lives in fear that her strong-willed little sister, Zillah, will be his next target.

The girls have run out of people who can protect them. To Zillah their path is clear but Magdalene is torn. How can she cause more hurt and shame for her parents? But, equally, how can she face a life with no freedom to be herself?

And another question scares her most of all. Without the elders' suffocating rules that tell her how to live, who would Magdalene be?
Rating: 5 Stars
Review: Magdalene's world has been ripped apart, torn and shredded to pieces in the last six years of her life. It's a struggle for her each and every day, as she must be a seemly, obedient girl in order to survive under the watchful eye of Elder Stephen, who is out for revenge after his bride to be, Rebecca ran away from him on their wedding day. One step out of line could have drastic consequences for Magdalene...

Being Magdalene is definitely my favourite book of the series. Not only is it longer than the previous two, we get to see all the characters in their chosen habitats by the end of the book. Magdalene's perspective is the perfect conclusion for this story, she's a character which hasn't ever been far from the action, and is finally being given a voice. As the book progresses, we really get to see how much Magdalene's life has been affected by events from past books.

Again, the issue of not being able to discern how much time had passed arose, but it wasn't so bad especially as Magdalene is a special case. Maybe it's personal bias, but I thought the storyline about Daniel was abrupt and a random shred of information which didn't make sense since he had little to do with book two. It's a perfectly logical move, but I don't think it was a necessary addition to the story and only confused me.

This book was definitely my favourite of the series. All the characters react much more naturally in their desired settings. Magdalene's voice will not be extinguished, and her perspective adds so much more to the story. For fans of rebellious girls who will fight for the right to freedom, read the I Am Not Esther series.
Purchase Location: Borrowed From Library
Edition: Paperback
Buy the book: Book Depository
Recommended for: Fans of teen fiction.

The Gunslinger (The Dark Tower #1) by Stephen King
Publisher: Hodder
Goodreads Summary: 'The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.' The iconic opening line of Stephen King's groundbreaking series, The Dark Tower, introduces one of his most enigmatic and powerful heroes: Roland of Gilead, the Last Gunslinger.

Roland is a haunting figure, a loner, on a spellbinding journey towards the mysterious Dark Tower, in a desolate world which frighteningly echoes our own.

On his quest, Roland begins a friendship with a kid from New York named Jake, encounters an alluring woman and faces an agonising choice between damnation and salvation as he pursues the Man in Black.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Review: Roland of Gilead is the last Gunslinger. He is on a quest to find the Dark Tower. The only thing in his way? The man in black, who he is always chasing but never catching. A shadow which holds all the answers, yet none of the ones Roland wants. On his journey, Roland will come across two people. As he walks the path to damnation, will he continue or turn around in hopes of salvation?

The Gunslinger is a good story, but contains an overwhelming amount of information. I found some of it hard to process, and read at a much slower pace than I'm used to. The mystery of the story, particularly at the beginning, got quite frustrating for me as I just wanted the story to progress beyond Roland's day to day travels. There are highs and lows, parts of the story I greatly enjoyed, and parts which bored me to death.

Really, there's only one main character (Roland) which is an interesting way of telling a story. Jake's character really intrigued me, he's just a boy from another world, yet insightful and intuitive. The idea of having many worlds is a good one, which really adds to Roland's story.

The style of the text is vastly different from what I'm used to reading, probably because I rarely read adult fantasy with the long descriptions us teenagers seem to get sick of after awhile. I'd enjoy knowing more about Roland's past, however I believe more bits of information will be revealed as the series goes on, for Roland has an extremely interesting character with a significant backstory.

The Gunslinger is a fantasy unlike no other, set in a world with many worlds within. Stephen King's detailed descriptions will blow you away just as the book surprised me. I expected a regular fantasy novel, instead I got an extraordinary one which challenges your views on the world around you.
Purchase Location: ~I received a copy from Hachette NZ and willingly reviewed it~
Edition: Paperback
Buy the book: Book Depository
Recommended for: Fans of J.R.R. Tolkien, George R.R. Martin

Stillhouse Lake (Stillhouse Lake #1) by Rachel Caine
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Goodreads Summary: Gina Royal is the definition of average—a shy Midwestern housewife with a happy marriage and two adorable children. But when a car accident reveals her husband’s secret life as a serial killer, she must remake herself as Gwen Proctor—the ultimate warrior mom.

With her ex now in prison, Gwen has finally found refuge in a new home on remote Stillhouse Lake. Though still the target of stalkers and Internet trolls who think she had something to do with her husband’s crimes, Gwen dares to think her kids can finally grow up in peace.

But just when she’s starting to feel at ease in her new identity, a body turns up in the lake—and threatening letters start arriving from an all-too-familiar address. Gwen Proctor must keep friends close and enemies at bay to avoid being exposed—or watch her kids fall victim to a killer who takes pleasure in tormenting her. One thing is certain: she’s learned how to fight evil. And she’ll never stop.
Rating: 5 Stars
Review: Gwen Proctor has reinvented herself. Formerly known as Gina Royal, wife of convicted serial killer Melvin Royal, she's on the run from online stalkers who wish to see her dead. Norton, Tennessee is a quiet town where Gwen truly begins to settle in. Her children are finally relaxed, and everything is good – until the body in the lake is found.

Stillhouse Lake is quite short for a mystery, but that doesn't diminish it at all. Rachel Caine spooked me so many times throughout this book, and I'm certainly not used to feeling chilly while reading a mystery novel almost the whole way through. Stillhouse Lake is written so well, I felt exactly as Gwen did upon meeting each character; cautious and eager to find out their motives.

Due to the nature of the book there aren't many characters we get to know well, but I'd love to find out more about Sam and Lanny, two characters who I believe have way more to them than we've seen so far. Melvin is pure evil, and I don't doubt we'll be seeing more of his sadistic side in Killman Creek.

A new venture for Rachel Caine, but one that I immensely enjoyed. The tightly condensed format suits my taste well and the characters may not be as developed but I'm sure they'll get that chance in Killman Creek. A dark book, Stillhouse Lake is great for fans of thrillers.
Purchase Location: Borrowed From Library
Edition: Paperback
Buy the book: Book Depository
Recommended for: Fans of thrillers.

I Am Rebecca (I Am Not Esther #2) by Fleur Beale
Publisher: Random House New Zealand
Goodreads Summary: When she turns 14, Rebecca will find out who she is to marry. All the girls in her strict religious sect must be married just after their 16th birthdays.

Her twin sister Rachel desperately wants to marry the boy she’s given her heart to. All Rebecca wants is to have a husband who is kind. But both girls know the choice is not theirs to make.

But what will the future hold for Rebecca? Is there a dark side to the rules that have kept her safe? Can the way ahead be so simple when the community is driven by secrets and hidden desires?

This powerful psychological thriller, set in a cult community, is a sequel to the much-loved bestseller I Am Not Esther. Once again, award-winning Fleur Beale keeps readers on the edge of their seats with her gripping, tautly written new novel I Am Rebecca.
Rating: 4 Stars
Review: Rebecca Pilgrim's family is different now that Kirby and Daniel are gone. Her and her twin sister Rachel are preparing for their weddings, wondering who they're to marry. The family will never recover from their losses, but they are moving on in their community. Heading to Nelson will bring about new challenges as they receive a fresh start.

Kirby and Daniel don't appear much in the book, as this book's main focus is Rebecca. I like how Fleur Beale makes a clear distinction between the twins, showing their different personalities but also the way in which they are the same. We see how even the closest family can be divided by choices not given to them. I Am Rebecca tells an accurate tale, showing how Kirby has influenced their family, but also what the different members of the family believe in.

There are certainly some interesting characters and plot twists in this book. Elder Stephen and Ira have contrasting personalities that are bred from the same conniving mould, enabling them to act worthy of praise. These vindictive characters are easily hated by readers and play a big part in the story. This book explores more of the details of what being one of the Children of the Faith really means, especially in ways which Kirby's tale simply cannot do.

Fleur Beale has continued her I Am Not Esther series with this brilliant sequel called I Am Rebecca. A new perspective on life in the Children of the Faith community, Rebecca is a character with different views from Kirby. If you enjoyed I Am Not Esther, I urge you to read the sequel because although it was written much later, the character from I Am Not Esther are still present and you get to read the story of Rebecca.
Purchase Location: Borrowed From Library
Edition: Paperback
Buy the book: Book Depository
Recommended for: Fans of I Am Not Esther.

Midnight Jewel (The Glittering Court #2) by Richelle Mead
Publisher: Signet
Goodreads Summary: In MIDNIGHT JEWEL, Richelle Mead goes beyond the glitz and glamour of the Glittering Court, delving into the dark, political underbelly of Cape Triumph through the eyes of one girl who dares to fight for her freedom.

A refugee of war, Mira was cast out of her home country and thrust into another, where the conditions were inhospitable at best. In a life-altering twist of fate, she is given the chance to escape once more, and she takes it, joining the Glittering Court.

Both a school and a business venture, the Glittering Court is designed to transform impoverished girls into upper-class ladies who appear destined for powerful and wealthy marriages in the New World. There, Mira finds herself subjected to persecution, not only from her fellow Glittering Court jewels, but from her suitors, as well—men she would potentially be expected to give her life to.

By day, she goes through the motions, learning the etiquette and customs that will help to earn her anonymity, even making a couple true friends in the process, the forthright ladies’ maid Adelaide and the ambitious laundress Tamsin. But by night, Mira hatches a different plan entirely—one that, if exposed, could get her hanged in the highest court of Adoria.

MIDNIGHT JEWEL is the extraordinary story of a girl with few options who courageously forges a new path, finding love, passion, lifelong friendships, and maybe even a way to freedom.
Rating: 5 Stars
Review: Mira Viana has joined The Glittering Court to reach the New World so she can help her brother. When she discovers that Grant Elliott is actually a member of the McGraw Agency, she convinces him to hire her as a spy. In Cape Triumph, the militia do no enforce law and pirates rule the streets. But will Mira be able to change this?

The one thing I didn't like about this book is that when I started it, I had almost no recollection of the events in The Glittering Court. They slowly came back to me as I read Midnight Jewel, but it was disappointing that I remembered so little. Luckily, this book is Mira's story, so I didn't exactly need prior knowledge, especially as the book's events are parallel to those of The Glittering Court.

Mira is Sirminican, and gets judged harshly by some due to her race. Her home country is broken and so she lives in Adoria. I relate to her so much. Mira's intentions are always good, and in a few instances she is tested and passes with flying colours. The romance is so pure, it's not insta-love at all but a realistic developing of a good, honest relationship with its flaws. The characters have well rounded personalities which you will grow to love.

Midnight Jewel delves deeper into the world of The Glittering Court, showcasing none of the dark dealings which go on late at night. Mira's story will fascinate and excite as you join her in exploring Cape Triumph at night. This tale sheds some light on situations which occurred then from Mira's perspective. If you enjoyed The Glittering Court, Midnight Jewel will only make you fall deeper in love with the girls.
Purchase Location: Borrowed From Library
Edition: Paperback
Buy the book: Book Depository
Recommended for: Fans of Richelle Mead, fantasy, teen fiction.

Wolves & Roses
Christina Bauer
(Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #1)
Published by: Monster House Books
Publication date: October 31st 2017
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

“If Janet Evanovich teamed with a young adult, fairy-tale author like Marissa Meyer (the Lunar Chronicles) or Alex Flinn (Beastly), the result might be something like Christina Bauer’s Wolves and Roses.” –Blue Ink Review
Seventeen-year-old Bryar Rose has a problem. She’s descended from one of the three magical races—shifters, fairies, or witches. That makes her one of the Magicorum, and Magicorum always follow a fairy tale life template. In Bryar’s case, that template should be Sleeping Beauty.
“Should” being the key word.
Trouble is, Bryar is nowhere near the sleeping beauty life template. Not even close. She doesn’t like birds or woodland creatures. She can’t sing. And she certainly can’t stand Prince Philpot, the so-called “His Highness of Hedge Funds” that her aunties want her to marry. Even worse, Bryar’s having recurring dreams of a bad boy hottie and is obsessed with finding papyri from ancient Egypt. What’s up with that?
All Bryar wants is to attend a regular high school with normal humans and forget all about shifters, fairies, witches, and the curse that Colonel Mallory the Magnificent placed on her. And she might be able to do just that–if only she can just keep her head down until her eighteenth birthday when the spell that’s ruined her life goes buh-bye.
But that plan gets turned upside down when Bryar Rose meets Knox, the bad boy who’s literally from her dreams. Knox is a powerful werewolf, and his presence in her life changes everything, and not just because he makes her knees turn into Jell-O. If Bryar can’t figure out who—or what—she really is, it might cost both her and Knox their lives… as well as jeopardize the very nature of magic itself.
FAIRY TALES OF THE MAGICORUM

1. Wolves And Roses (Fall 2017)

1.5. Moonlight And Midtown (Spring 2018)

2. Shifters And Glyphs (Fall 2018)
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Shadow and Bone (Grisha Verse #1) by Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Square Fish
Goodreads Summary: Alina Starkov doesn't expect much from life. Orphaned by the Border Wars, she is sure of only one thing: her best friend, Mal--and her inconvenient crush on him. Until the day their army regiment enters the Fold, a swath of unnatural darkness crawling with monsters. When their convoy is attacked and Mal is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power not even she knew existed.

Ripped from everything she knows, Alina is taken to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling. With Alina's extraordinary power in his arsenal, he believes they can finally destory the Fold. Now Alina must find a way to master her untamed gift and somehow fit into her new life without Mal by her side. But nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. As the threat to the kingdom mounts and her dangerous attraction to the Darkling grows, Alina will uncover a secret that could tear her heart--and her country--in two.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Review: Alina Starkov and her best friend Mal serve in the First Army. They're extremely close, until one day Mal is almost killed, and Alina unleashes an unknown power to save him. Brought into the Darkling's service, she must keep her wits about her in a new world of lying and power plays. But in a place where there is everything to gain, who can she really trust?

Shadow and Bone has been on my must-read list for ages, and I'm glad going away gave me a chance to finally read it. Alina's character really called out to me because she is fierce and loving, yet also a quiet character. Her upbringing makes her humble, but what I like most about Alina is that which she has a lot of power, she doesn't use it in vain or to gain followers.

I really love how Leigh Bardugo even has a language for this fantasy world. The words flow the way all languages do, and they show the similarities. There isn't all that much description about the landscape, however the places, especially buildings, are described with a lot of detail which helps readers picture these in their heads.

The Darkling? What an ingenious character, there's nothing much to say besides that. Leigh Bardugo has created some amazing characters, combined with an incredible world and complex plot, Shadow and Bone is a great book which all fantasy lowers won't want to miss. There's drama and plot twists everywhere.
Purchase Location: Borrowed From Library
Edition: Paperback
Buy the book: Book Depository
Recommended for: Fans of fantasy and adventure.

A Skillful Warrior (SoulNecklace Stories #2) by R.L. Stedman
Publisher: Waverley Productions
Goodreads Summary: The sequel to the award-winning A Necklace of Souls.

'She struck with her blades, one at my face, one at my heart. Automatically, I stooped, bending away. The tiniest thing: rough ground beneath one’s feet, the tremble of a leaf, too deep a breath; all might shift the balance. The warrior’s principal task is to make each moment count.'

Dana and Will must find the weapon to defeat the Emperor. But his army is close behind and the Kingdom and its Guardian have vanished. Only N’tombe and Jed remain. As the comrades flee, Dana is hampered by dreams of dragons and by a deep, unbearable sorrow. A fire is coming, and she is in its path.

Dana and Will must learn to overcome despair and to fight on, despite the darkness. For a warrior must adapt, or die.

The second novel of the SoulNecklace Stories.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Review: Dana is on a dangerous quest to find a dagger carved of jade. But first she must evade the army that is tracking her every move. While nightmares haunt her sleep, she will push back against the darkness and learn to control her visions. Through a set of challenging tasks Dana will connect with past Guardians who can help her save the future.

"Now it was up to me. I turned to face the fire."

Dana must learn to harness her power. She learns and experiments with each enemy which crosses her path. This book is full of adventure, yes, but it's also about Dana discovering herself. N'tombe, Will, and Jed also add to the story. I especially love Will, a young boy grown up too fast. Reading from his perspective adds extra insight. N'tombe is so cool, and Jed is the final piece of their group.

"No sadness or love, or sorrow, just the pitiless silence of an endless night."

This journey isn't an easy one, there is much standing in Dana's way, but she fights through it all. There's a fire burning within which characterises the fiery main character of the SoulNecklace Stories series. This book really drew me in with the vivid descriptions and brilliant storyline.

"I lifted my chin and stared out at the city. I was no one's sacrifice."

I really enjoyed A Necklace of Souls, I'm glad this series only gets better and better, because I only end up loving it more and more. Dana's character develops so much as she starts to discover who she is, what she wants, and where she is destined to be. So you say you like stories with romance, danger, and adventure? Read the SoulNecklace Stories series.
Purchase Location: ~I received a copy from the author and willingly reviewed it~
Edition: Kindle
Buy the book: Book Depository
Recommended for: Fans of middle grade fantasy and adventure.

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness (original idea by Siobhan Dowd)
Publisher: Walker Books
Goodreads Summary: An unflinching, darkly funny, and deeply moving story of a boy, his seriously ill mother, and an unexpected monstrous visitor.

At seven minutes past midnight, thirteen-year-old Conor wakes to find a monster outside his bedroom window. But it isn't the monster Conor's been expecting - he's been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he's had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments. The monster in his backyard is different. It's ancient. And wild. And it wants something from Conor. Something terrible and dangerous. It wants the truth. From the final idea of award-winning author Siobhan Dowd - whose premature death from cancer prevented her from writing it herself - Patrick Ness has spun a haunting and darkly funny novel of mischief, loss, and monsters both real and imagined.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Review: Conor O'Malley is just a boy. He has a recurring nightmare which he doesn't want to face, and school is hard for him, especially when everyone pities him because of his sick mother. It doesn't help that he's the target of the golden boy Harry, also known as the school bully.

I've never seen anything like this book before. The concept is surprisingly original. It's a tale of self discovery, about realising and admitting some things even if you don't want to. The stories told in A Monster Calls have so much relevance to everyone. They are tales of teaching and show you that most things aren't black and white, they're filled with colour and conflict.

A Monster Calls explores many different ideals such as who the bad guy in the story is, whether thoughts are the sam as actions, and why you need to heal yourself moe than anyone else. Conor must face his nightmare, and piece by piece Patrick Ness shows us Conor O'Malley; the lost boy who hates himself.

There aren't too many characters in this book, but they have a lot of meaning. Harry may be a bully, but he is the only one punishing a boy who believes he deserves every punishment there is, Lily symbolises a friendship broken by one mistake, and so on.

Patrick Ness has breathed to life a brilliant idea by Siobhan Dowd. While we will never get to see how she intended to develop it, Patrick Ness has done a wonderful job with A Monster Calls. It is a deserving story which should be read by all; the book fits people of all ages and backgrounds, the storyline is just that powerful and universally understood.
Purchase Location: Borrowed From Library
Edition: Hardcover
Buy the book: Book Depository
Recommended for: Fans of Patrick Ness and bedtime stories.

The Dazzling Heights by Katharine McGee
Publisher: HarperCollins
Goodreads Summary: New York City, 2118. A glittering vision of the future, where anything is possible – if you want it enough.

Manhattan is home to a thousand-story supertower, a beacon of futuristic glamour and high-tech luxury… and to millions of people living scandalous, secretive lives.

Leda is haunted by nightmares of what happened on the worst night of her life. She’s afraid the truth will get out – which is why she hires Watt, her very own hacker, to keep an eye on all of the witnesses for her. But what happens when their business relationship turns personal?

When Rylin receives a scholarship to an elite upper-floor school, her life transforms overnight. But being here also means seeing the boy she loves: the one whose heart she broke, and who broke hers in return.

Avery is grappling with the reality of her forbidden romance – is there anywhere in the world that’s safe for them to be together?

And then there’s Calliope, the mysterious, bohemian beauty who’s arrived in New York with a devious goal in mind – and too many secrets to count.

Here in the Tower, no one is safe – because someone is watching their every move, someone with revenge in mind. After all, in a world of such dazzling heights, you’re always only one step away from a devastating fall….
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Review: Leda, Avery and Rylin are still reeling over the aftermath of that night. Haunted by nightmares and regrets, they all tread a dangerous line, for eventually the truth will come out. A new arrival in the tower may not seem like much of a deal for the girls, but Calliope Brown is dressed to kill. Ready to wreak a havoc, her devious plans may just undermine them all and crown her the new queen of New York...

There's so much character growth in this book, I love it. Leda has many harsh challenges to face, and the realisations she makes will help her become a better, much improved version of herself; Avery may have everything, but it isn't going to last with the ghosts haunting her; and Rylin is thrust into a new world which will make or break her. There is certainly no shortage of drama in this sequel told from the perspectives of Leda, Avery, Rylin, Watt, and Calliope.

The issues covered in The Dazzling Heights are mostly the same as in The Thousandth Floor, which means it does get a bit boring with the lack of new conflict. Certain characters and events were downplayed. Making them a larger part of the novel could've induced more excitement. On a positive note, I enjoyed getting to know Rylin, who did have a bigger part to play.

If you love teen fiction, you don't want to miss this series. The Dazzling heights builds on the layers created in The Thousandth floor and adds more juicy secrets to the tantalising list of lies. New characters, new stories, new dilemmas. Who will end up on top of this deadly tower?       
Purchase Location: ~I received a copy from HarperCollins NZ and willingly reviewed it~
Edition: Paperback
Buy the book: Book Depository
Recommended for: Fans of teen fiction.

Dear Mr M by Herman Koch (Translated by Sam Garrett)
Publisher: Text Publishing
Goodreads Summary: A hair-raising new tour de force from Herman Koch, New York Times bestselling author of The Dinner and Summer House with Swimming Pool.

Once a celebrated writer, M’s greatest success came with a suspense novel based on a real-life, unsolved disappearance. It told the story of a history teacher who went missing one winter after his brief affair with a stunning pupil. Upon publication, M’s novel was a bestseller, one that marked his international breakthrough.

That was years ago, and now M’s career is almost over as he fades increasingly into obscurity. But not when it comes to his bizarre, seemingly timid neighbour who keeps a close eye on him. Why?

From various perspectives, Herman Koch tells the dark tale of a writer in decline, a teenage couple in love, a missing teacher, and a single book that entwines all of their fates. Thanks to M’s novel, supposedly a work of fiction, everyone seems to be linked forever, until something unexpected spins the “story” off its rails.

With racing tension, sardonic wit, and a world-renowned sharp eye for human failings, Herman Koch once again spares nothing and no one in his gripping new novel, a barbed thriller suspending readers in the mysterious literary grey space between fact and fiction.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Review: Mr M is a writer whose sales are slowly dwindling. He still remembers the days when he wrote Payback and it was a massive hit. Laura and Herman are just two teenagers having a fun time when their lives are ruined by a missing history teacher. Forty years has passed since then, and while he may be slowly fading away, someone is still extremely interested in Mr M.

It takes awhile for us readers to realise what the point of the book is. The first part is observing Mr M from an unknown perspective, which can be confusing but will make sense later on. I especially enjoyed "Life Before Death", a recount of teenage years; it showcased the characters' backstory through memories and answered many questions.

A house some friends go to during their break, some funny films which aren't so innocent... There's a lot of teenage drama in Dear Mr M, but it's paired and mixed in with adult drama for extra effect and worth. Paragraph by paragraph, Herman Koch unveils this massive, detailed portrait. Questions are asked in a futile attempt to understand; for no explanations will be given until the end of the book.

There are some really vindictive characters here, but they all serve a purpose. Mr M, for example, is extremely opinionated in ways which would horrify the world if they knew. These characters have masterfully crafted personas, designed to be disliked. While I definitely despise them, I have to admit they add to the story a great deal and are invaluable to the plot.

Herman Koch has created an interesting type of book with Dear Mr M, a tale of rights and wrongs written in an unusual format. A few of our main characters get no perspective, and one gets a say but then disappears from the book. Fans of mystery novels and adult affairs are sure to love this book.
Purchase Location: Borrowed From Library
Edition: Paperback
Buy the book: Book Depository
Recommended for: Fans of mystery books.

Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass #6) by Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Goodreads Summary: In the next installment of the New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series, follow Chaol on his sweeping journey to a distant empire.

Chaol Westfall has always defined himself by his unwavering loyalty, his strength, and his position as the Captain of the Guard. But all of that has changed since the glass castle shattered, since his men were slaughtered, since the King of Adarlan spared him from a killing blow, but left his body broken.

His only shot at recovery lies with the legendary healers of the Torre Cesme in Antica—the stronghold of the southern continent's mighty empire. And with war looming over Dorian and Aelin back home, their survival might lie with Chaol and Nesryn convincing its rulers to ally with them.

But what they discover in Antica will change them both—and be more vital to saving Erilea than they could have imagined.

The Irish Getaway (The Kennedy Boys #3.5) by Siobhan Davis
Goodreads Summary: The Kennedy Boys go wild on vacation in Ireland! 

It’s the summer before they start college, and Faye and Ky are visiting her home turf together—it’s Ky’s first time in Ireland, and her first trip home since her parent’s tragic death.

After a blissful three weeks on their own, they welcome the rest of the Kennedy clan when they arrive on Irish soil for the vacation of a lifetime.

Watch the sparks fly as family emotions run high and the Kennedy boys’ party up a storm, creating mayhem and madness wherever they go.

This dual POV short novel should only be read after Keeping Kyler.
Rating: 5 Stars
Review: Wow! The Irish Getaway really fills in the gap between Keeping Kyler and Loving Kalvin. All our favourite characters are featured in this novella about the family vacation in Ireland. While this isn't a compulsory read, I'd still recommend that you do because the events occurring in this story are the predecessors of problems which happen later in the series.

Narrated from the dual perspectives of Faye and Kyler, the two varying opinions give the story so much more depth. While I sometimes forgot whose perspective I was reading from due to being interrupted in the middle of a chapter, I figured it out soon enough and this didn't take away from my enjoyment of the tale.

A wonderful narrative which brings you back to the world of the Kennedys, all fans of The Kennedy Boys series should read this because of the drama and exciting events which are present throughout the entire novella. Siobhan Davis brings us another great, masterfully crafted tale with a lot of meaning below the surface.
Purchase Location: ~I received an e-arc from the author and willingly reviewed it
Edition: Kindle
Buy the book: Amazon

The Dinner by Herman Koch
Publisher: Text
Goodreads Summary: Paul Lohman and his wife Claire are going out to dinner with Paul's brother Serge, a charismatic and ambitious politician, and his wife Babette. Paul knows the evening will not be fun. The restaurant will be over-priced and pretentious, the head waiter will bore on about the organically certified free-range this and artisan-fed that, and almost everything about Serge, especially his success, will infuriate Paul.
Rating: 4 Stars
Review: Paul Lohman hates his brother. A famous politician, Serge Lohman has perfected his smile and polite mask, a façade believed by all but his family. Paul, Serge, and their wives Claire and Babette meet at a fancy restaurant to discuss a crisis which has brought the bickering family together.

The Dinner takes a lot of time to kickstart. At first, it seems like it's just a book about some people having a family dinner. It is much later that we find out this is not the case at all, and that dinner is only a formality and an indicator of the present. I enjoyed the novel regardless of its pace, but I think it could've been at least a bit faster without ruining the suspenseful effect.

As for the storyline? Extremely peculiar. There's no other way to describe it correctly, it's just strange. The Dinner twists and combines past and present, developing the characters in the present and showcasing their pasts, especially describing how they came to be as they are now. The Dinner successfully covers several topics which I didn't expect to show up.

Mystery is amazing in this novel. Questions of innocence and who knows what are asked many times, but it doesn't become repetitive because the story develops in between each occurrence of this and something new is added to the mix. This slow, gradually building method allows readers to form their opinions on every character and event, shaping it with each additional fact.

The Dinner combines food with some disturbing topics of discussion. A lot of things about the younger characters are implied, and we'll never know what really happened. Two marriages, two disasters? The ending has an unexpected, strange twist but I understand where it came from. All in all, this is a great slow paced read.
Purchase Location: Borrowed From Library
Edition: Paperback
Buy the book: Book Depository
Recommended for: Fans of slow paced mystery novels.

I Am Not Esther (I Am Not Esther #1) by Fleur Beale
Publisher: Random House New Zealand
Goodreads Summary: A classic bestseller that's been in print for over 20 years, this gripping YA thriller follows a teenage girl caught in a religious cult.

Imagine that your mother tells you she's going away. She is going to leave you with relatives you've never heard of - and they are members of a strict religious cult. Your name is changed, and you are forced to follow the severe set of social standards set by the cult. There is no television, no radio, no newspaper. No mirrors. You must wear long, modest clothes. You don't know where your mother is, and you are beginning to question your own identity.

I Am Not Esther is a gripping psychological thriller written by New Zeaand Post Children's Book Awards-winning children's writer Fleur Beale. In Esther she creates an enthralling and utterly compelling portrait of a teenager going through her worst nightmare.
Rating: 4 Stars
Review: Kirby Greenland lives with her mum. They're close, but her mother refuses to talk about the family she ran away from at the age of sixteen. When her mother has to go away, Kirby is left in the care of her Uncle Caleb, who she's never even heard of. But their family is extremely religious, and Kirby must become one of them is she wants to see her mother again.

This book is certainly not what I expected. I just threw myself into reading it and received many surprises in return. I admire Kirby for her strength and willpower, she's a great character with a strong personality. My favourite character is Daniel, hands down. he's quiet and not outwardly rebellious but he's so passionate and fights when thrust into a corner (yeah, I definitely love him).

I absolutely adore this book, but there are still things which could've been improved. I found it hard to tell how much time passed, there were a few places where it just randomly said that x amount of time had passed. It isn't very consistent throughout, and this is one of the main things I disliked about the book.

I read some reviews of this book, and I want to address an issue one reviewer had with the book. She thinks a lot of Kirby's actions aren't explained well and therefore struggles to understand Kirby in this regard. For me, I completely understand Kirby's actions; they're exactly what I would do in the situation, for I'm quite anti-religion. But I like how there is a large spread of characters all with their own opinions.

Damaris intrigues me, for she loves her religion but is still wistful about her love life. I'm looking forward to seeing more of her, while I don't agree with her opinion I respect it. Her and Gideon are going to be interesting in the next book. So I get it, Kirby and Daniel are cousins and everything, but I ship them so much?! I mean, even if they don't get together, it's fine as long as Daniel doesn't get a girlfriend (unless I approve!).

I Am Not Esther is a discussion about the rights and wrongs of religion. While I in no way agree with Uncle Caleb, he is not evil. He believes strongly in his faith which goes against what some believe. For me, I think it's important that I've read this novel because it talks about so many topics I'm not comfortable talking to people about. I definitely recommend this book, it's worth a try if you can keep an open mind.
Purchase Location: Borrowed From School Library For English Class
Edition: Paperback
Buy the book: Book Depository
Recommended for: Fans of strange cults and teenage development in books.