ARC Review: Foul is Fair by Hannah Capin

January 12, 2020 Ali@abookishlife4 Comments

Foul Is Fair by Hannah Capin is an absolutely stunning read and nothing like I thought it would be. Powerful and fierce, I found myself unable to put it down and even when I wasn’t reading it I couldn’t stop thinking about it (or wanting to talk to people about it). I loved it.

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

Jade Khanjara and her three best friends rule their glittering LA circle. They decide how the party ends – every night but one. The night four boys spike Jade’s drink, lock her in a room and brutally attack her. The night they try to ruin her.

But they chose the wrong girl. Certain that the boys will face no consequences, Jade and her friends take vengeance into their own hands. There’s no mercy left: and now Jade won’t rest until she gets bloody satisfaction . . .

MY REVIEW

Wow… Just wow!!!

I was not expecting that and in fact for the first few chapters I wasn’t sure I was going to get on with this book at all. The writing style is unique, it’s heavy on imagery (lots of references to birds and talons and wings), and I’m still not sure I liked it (not a fan of imagery) but this wouldn’t be anywhere near as powerful and original without it.

Despite the pretty big clue in the title I honestly didn’t realise this was a YA retelling of Macbeth till I was around quarter of the way through. The story follows Elle/Jade, the Lady Macbeth, who with the help of her three best friends, vows to get revenge on the group of boys who drugged and sexually assaulted her at a party. She changes her appearance and sets about infiltrating their group with a view to destroying them from the inside.

Jade is an incredibly powerful, complex and unique character and one I don’t think I’ll forget any time soon. She’s a popular, mean girl from a wealthy family who is determined to not let what happened to her change her. While she’s downright nasty to those who are trying to help her and isn’t necessarily that likeable you can’t help but admire her determination to not let what happens change her. She refuses to be a victim or even a survivor and I found myself somewhat rooting for her to succeed even though her plan seems crazy and over the top.

As you can probably imagine this is not an easy read. The assault is off the page but it’s referred to throughout. It’s a violent and twisted story that even I found a little shocking at times. It is however incredibly well done and once I got past my initial uncertainty about the writing style I couldn’t put it down. It’s one of those stories that invades your thoughts, that even when you’re not reading keeps buzzing around your head.

As someone who studied Macbeth at school (many, many years ago). I loved all of the little references to the original. The naming of the characters does make it a little obvious who is in which part (Mack, Banks, Duffy, Duncan) but it’s still fantastic to watch the drama unfold and there are so many other small references and quotes snuck in that it’s a joy for any fans of the original.

That being said, it probably doesn’t matter if you don’t know the play, it’s just as powerful and engaging on it’s own merit, but I think you will get so much more out of it if you do.

Overall this is a stunning read and one that I think I’ll remember for a long time to come.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC. This has in no way influenced my review.

My rating: 4.75 of 5 stars

WWW Wednesday: 8th January 2020

January 8, 2020January 6, 2020 Ali@abookishlife18 Comments

The WWW Wednesday meme is hosted by Sam @ Taking on a World of Words and is a great way to do a weekly update on what you’ve been reading and what you have planned.

To take part all you have to do is answer the following three questions:

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

Currently Reading

I got a little bit swept up with the whole Dracula thing at the end of last week, the new BBC adaptation was fantastic, so decided I really had to find a vampire book to read. And, when I think vampire book I think Jeaniene Frost (her Night Huntress and Night Prince series’ are a lot of fun). It therefore seemed a good time to start her latest book Shades of Wicked. It’s set in the same world as the other series’ and there’s quite a bit of character overlap so I am loving it. The main character Ian isn’t necessarily the easiest to like but I’m definitely warming up to him 😉

After some swithering I decided to start the third book in the Diviners series, Before the Devil Breaks You, on audio and I think this was the right decision as I’m very much enjoying it. I’m loving that all of the main characters have come together even if they do all have their own stories going on. My only gripe is how light Evie and Sam’s roles have been so far as they are my favourite characters.

Recently Finished

I’ve been playing catch up with my blog posts over the last week which has kind of eaten into my reading time but I have managed to finish two books. The first Bitter Falls by Rachel Caine was one of my most anticipated reads. I’m a big fan of Caine’s writing and have been loving the Stillhouse Lake series. However while this started well I felt like it lost it’s way around the middle and started to fall into the same routine as the previous books in the series. I’ll no doubt still read book 5 when it comes out but I’m hoping Caine will change things up.

The second book finished was new adult romance Just a Boyfriend by Sariah Wilson. Wilson is a new discovery for me and I’ve been really enjoying her writing. I wouldn’t necessarily say they’re original or that they particularly wow me but I do find them addictive reading and a great way to spend a lazy afternoon reading. This one is a sort of stepbrother romance, I say sort of because technically the couple at the center of the story were together before their parents even met. There are a few deeper themes running through the story, cancer, drug use and depression but overall it’s an easy read.

Reading Next

Work is going to be hellish over the next two to three weeks, January is always bad, so it’s likely I’ll be reading mostly romcoms as I doubt I’ll have a lot of focus. I’m leaning towards the following:-

Have you read any of the books on my list this week? Any others you’d recommend? As always please feel free to leave comments and links below.

Happy Reading ❤

TTT: Most Anticipated Books of 2020

January 7, 2020January 4, 2020 Ali@abookishlife22 Comments

Top Ten Tuesday is a bookish meme that was started by The Broke and Bookish and moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January 2018. It was born of a love of lists (something I share) and each week participants come up with a list of ten(ish) things based on a theme.

The theme for this weeks Top Ten Tuesday is Most Anticipated Book Releases for the First Half of 2020. I’ve actually been trying to focus on backlist books and not new books coming out as I really want to reduce my TBR not add to it but these ones have been on my radar for a while. The links will take you to the GoodReads page, if you want to check any of them out.

Burn

Burn by Patrick Ness (May 2020) – It’s Patrick Ness and it’s dragons do I really need to say anymore… OK, his last couple of books haven’t been my favourites but his writing is always wonderful and the stories imaginative and unique. I can’t wait to see what he does with this.

A Heart So Fierce and Broken (Cursebreakers, #2)

A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigid Kemmerer (Jan 2020) – Technically this came out yesterday but I’m counting it. I absolutely loved the first book in the series A Curse So Dark and Lonely (here’s my review) which was a Beauty and the Beast inspired story and I love Kemmerer’s writing so this has got to be a win-win. Fingers crossed it lives up to expectations.

The Switch

The Switch by Beth O’Leary (April 2020) – I LOVED O’Leary’s debut The Flatshare so have been anxiously awaiting anything by her and this sounds like such a cute story. A pensioner and a 20 something swap places for a couple of months and maybe find love. If it’s anything like The Flatshare I fully anticipate this having a little more depth than the blurb would suggest.

Pretending

Pretending by Holly Bourne (April 2020) – This isn’t out till April but I’ve already been hearing a lot of great things about it. I’m not wholly surprised as Bourne’s first adult novel How Do You Like Me Now? is one of my all time favourite reads. Bourne has an incredible ability to weave current issues into her stories and capture how a lot of women really feel.

Come Tumbling Down (Wayward Children, #5)

Come Tumbling Down by Seanan McGuire (Jan 2020) – I was absolutely heartbroken when my NetGalley request for this was declined. The Wayward Children series is absolutely brilliant, so I’ve been ridiculously excited about the fifth book in the series particularly as it seems to follow favourite character Jack. I love the world building, the characters and the imagination of the whole thing. Looking on the positive side though a declined request means I can listen to it on audio, which is how I’ve read all of the others in the series.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (The Hunger Games, #0)

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins (May 2020) – Like a lot of people I suspect I am both eagerly anticipating and slightly dreading this Hunger Games prequel. It has the potential to be either brilliant or terrible. One thing is for sure, I won’t be able to resist reading it.

The Girl and the Stars (Book of the Ice, #1)

The Girl and the Stars by Mark Lawrence (April 2020) – Should I really be starting a new series when I have so many others unfinished (Book of the Ancestor included)? Probably not. Am I going to? Most certainly. I love Lawrence’s stories. I do think I should probably finish the Book of the Ancestor trilogy first though.

The Notorious Virtues (The Notorious Virtues, #1)

The Notorious Virtues by Alwyn Hamilton (May 2020) – Have to confess that cover is a BIG part of why I want to read this book, I mean look at it. That is one stunning cover. I almost don’t care what the stories about. I was however a big fan of Alwyn Hamilton’s Rebel of the Sands trilogy so I have no doubt the content will live up to expectations.

Our Little Cruelties

Our Little Cruelties by Liz Nugent (March 2020) – I really, really love Liz Nugent’s books. Every single one starts with a killer opening sentence and this one is no exception. I am expecting something dark and twisty with absolutely horrible characters doing absolutely horrible things.

He Started It

He Started It by Samantha Downing (April 2020) – Downing’s first novel, My Lovely Wife was one of my favourite books of 2019 so as soon as I heard about her new one it went straight on my TBR. It sounds just as dark and twisted and I can’t wait to read it.

So that’s my 10 most anticipated books from the first half of 2020. Are any of these on your list or is there a book you’re particularly looking forward to that I should really be adding to my TBR?

Feel free to leave comments below and links to your top ten’s.

Review: Bitter Falls by Rachel Caine

January 6, 2020 Ali@abookishlife3 Comments

Despite high hopes and a very promising start I’m afraid Bitter Falls by Rachel Caine failed to wow me. It’s still a very enjoyable read and Caine’s writing is as wonderful as always but I kind of wish the story had gone in a slightly different direction.

Spoiler Alert: as this is the fourth book in the Stillhouse Lake series there may be some very mild spoilers for the previous books from here on in. If you’re considering reading the series (and you should) you may be better checking out my review for the first book here.

THE BLURB

She’s investigating a cold case no one else could—by going places no else would dare.

In spite of a harrowing past still haunting her, Gwen Proctor is trying to move forward. Until a new assignment gives her purpose: the cold-case disappearance of a young man in Tennessee. Three years missing, no clues. Just Ruth Landry, a tortured mother in limbo. Gwen understands what it’s like to worry about your children.

Gwen’s investigation unearths new suspects…and victims. As she follows each sinister lead, the implications of the mystery grow more disturbing. Because the closer Gwen gets, the closer she is to a threat that looms back home.

In a town that’s closed its ranks against Gwen; her partner, Sam; and her kids, there’s no bolder enemy than the Belldene family—paramilitary, criminal, powerful, and vengeful. As personal vendettas collide with Gwen’s investigation, she’s prepared to fight both battles. But is she prepared for the toll it could take on everyone she loves?

MY REVIEW

I love Rachel Caine’s writing and I love this series but while Bitter Falls, the fourth book in the series had a very promising start I have to confess I found my attention begin to wander partway through and I was left feeling somewhat unsatisfied by the ending.

There is a lot to like about it and overall this is definitely an enjoyable read. The prologue at the start for example makes for some truly chilling reading and I loved the way it introduced the reader to the cult at the centre of the story. I was intrigued by the case Gwen is investigating of a missing young man and I was impressed by the way Gwen goes about getting the information she needs.

Gwen herself remains one of my favourite characters, she’s so resilient and so fiercely protective of her family. I love her determination and her fight but also how she keeps trying to do the best for her children. Her development over the series has been wonderful to watch. I also liked the new characters the author introduced in this story, the Belldene family, Gwen’s new boss and co workers and even relatively minor characters such as the parents of the missing boy. Each and every one felt believable and well rounded and there are a few I hope will pop up again in future books.

I do feel however like the story took a bit of a wrong turn and an opportunity was missed to take things into new territory and really develop the characters. Instead of allowing the characters to do their own thing, the whole family is pulled into the case Gwen’s investigating and it becomes a repeat of the previous books.

What makes it so frustrating is that there are some intriguing routes the story could have gone down. Yes, the cult side is fascinating but I wanted to see the family dealing with every day life now that they have decided to stop running and hiding. I mean they have some serious issues, Sam is carrying a lot of guilt and being targeted by the group he started up to get revenge on Gwen, Connor is understandably suffering from PTSD and Lanny is struggling to figure out where she fits. Add to that the local Hillbilly mafia (paramilitary, criminals & drug dealers) who are trying to run the family out of town and I feel like there was plenty of other material for the story to work with.

I did love the links with the previous books and how certain storylines carry across books, it would be unrealistic if they didn’t, but sometimes there do seem to be too many coincidences and there are only so many times the same things can keep happening to this family. I also felt like there wasn’t really much character development in this story. Sam in particular feels like he’s pushed to the background, he does have an important role in the story and there are a few chapters from his pov but I didn’t feel like there was any real development or that we got to know and understand him any better which is a pity as I find him the most intriguing.

It seemed too as if there were certain threads that were left hanging and the ending felt a little bit rushed to me with many things unresolved. I don’t expect all loose ends to be tied up when reading a series but it just kind of stopped.

Overall this is by no means a bad read and there is a lots to like about it. I’m just a little disappointed that the story fell back into the familiar rather than going in the new direction I hoped for. If you’ve read and enjoyed the other books in the series I’m fairly certain you’ll enjoy this one too.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy. This has in no way influenced my review.

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

My Favourite Reads of 2019

January 4, 2020 Ali@abookishlife9 Comments

Yet again I’m a little bit late with this post, I meant to have it up before the end of the year, but better late than never. As has become tradition, I’m not doing a top 5 or a top 10 but instead I’m making up some award categories and choosing a winner. No prizes for the winners I’m afraid but thank you for the stories.

So without further ado the winners are…..Read More »

Review: Three Hours by Rosamund Lupton

January 3, 2020January 1, 2020 Ali@abookishlifeLeave a comment

Three Hours by Rosamund Lupton

Incredibly well written and terrifyingly believable, this is a very timely and relevant book. Unfortunately however while I could appreciate the author’s skill the multiple pov’s left me feeling detached rather than gripped and it lacked the tension I expected.

WHAT’S IT ABOUT

Three hours is 180 minutes or 10,800 seconds.

It is a morning’s lessons, a dress rehearsal of Macbeth, a snowy trek through the woods.

It is an eternity waiting for news. Or a countdown to something terrible.

It is 180 minutes to discover who you will die for and what men will kill for.

In rural Somerset in the middle of a blizzard, the unthinkable happens: a school is under siege. Told from the point of view of the people at the heart of it, from the wounded headmaster in the library, unable to help his trapped pupils and staff, to teenage Hannah in love for the first time, to the parents gathering desperate for news, to the 16 year old Syrian refugee trying to rescue his little brother, to the police psychologist who must identify the gunmen, to the students taking refuge in the school theatre, all experience the most intense hours of their lives, where evil and terror are met by courage, love and redemption.

MY THOUGHTS

Unpopular opinion time, I didn’t love this book.

I didn’t dislike it either but while I can certainly appreciate the writing, it wasn’t the tense, gripping read I expected. This was my first book from the author so I had no idea what to expect from it other than what the synopsis and the many rave reviews suggested. The premise is certainly an intriguing one and while there seem to be quite a few books around at the moment that center on a school shooting this is probably the first I’ve come across which is set in the UK and I loved the idea of the whole thing taking place over just three hours.

I did wonder how the author would stretch three hours over the 300 plus pages but I still had hope that it would be a powerful and tension filled read. Unfortunately however this proved not to be the case, or at least not for me. I never felt fully engaged with the story or the characters and I didn’t feel any tension or any emotion from it at all.

The story is really a lot of little stories, following as it does a lot of different characters over the three hour period. There’s the head teacher who’s seriously wounded at the start, a few of the students including two Syrian refugees, teachers, a worried parent and a police psychologist tasked with identifying the gunmen. There is definitely a lot to fill the pages but I think it was these many points of view that were the issue for me.

I’m generally not a fan of multiple pov’s in a novel and this book is a perfect example of why that is. With so many characters I found it difficult to keep track of who was who, where they were and what was happening particularly at the start. I also never felt like I really got to know any of them and consequently wasn’t invested in their story. I was left a detached observer, curious about how it would all play out but not really feeling much of anything.

It was also all rather predictable. There are a few surprises and unexpected twists but for the most part the author sends enough signals early on that you know what’s coming. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing as it makes it all feel real and believable but without the attachment to the characters I needed something to lift it.

This review is starting to make it seem like I didn’t like anything about the book but that’s really not the case. I loved the author’s writing and the way she set the scene of this remote school in the middle of a blizzard. There’s a real sense of isolation from it that works perfectly. I loved the connections made between what’s going on and the play the students are rehearsing, Macbeth. I loved the small acts of heroism and love. I was also impressed and slightly terrified by how real and how relevant a lot of it feels. The role of the media, the increase in hate and extremism and the vulnerability of young people in this age of social media.

Overall therefore, while I didn’t love this book I would still recommend it. I certainly seem to be in the minority as far as reviews go making me think a lot of the issues I had with it are more personal taste than any fault of the author’s. It’s definitely a unique read and incredibly relevant given how divided society feels right now.

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley. This has in no way influenced my review.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

My 2020 Reading (and Blogging) Resolutions

January 2, 2020January 1, 2020 Ali@abookishlife8 Comments

Happy 2020 Everyone!!! I’m finding it very hard to believe we’re into the 2020’s, it doesn’t seem that long since we were all panicking about the world ending in 2000 (spoiler alert: it didn’t). Anyway, a new year and a new decade means the chance for a fresh start and some new year’s resolutions.

WWW Wednesday: 1st January 2020

January 1, 2020 Ali@abookishlife12 Comments

The WWW Wednesday meme is hosted by Sam @ Taking on a World of Words and is a great way to do a weekly update on what you’ve been reading and what you have planned.

To take part all you have to do is answer the following three questions:

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?