Monday 10 July 2017

REVIEW: Flight of a Starling by Lisa Heathfield

Rita and Lo, sisters and best friends, have spent their lives on the wing – flying through the air in their trapeze act, never staying in one place for long. Behind the greasepaint and the glitter, they know that the true magic is the family they travel with.
Until Lo meets a boy. Suddenly, she wants nothing more than to stay still. And as secrets start to tear apart the close-knit circus community, how far will Lo go to keep her feet on the ground? (via Goodreads)

Like Paper Butterflies before it, Flight of a Starling is a lesson in how to write heartbreak. It didn't grip me at all at first as the story felt very slow moving, but I persevered and I'm so glad I did. The language is imaginative and colourful throughout, resulting in a beautiful story.

Even though I knew what was coming from the first chapter, the sadness still crept up on me and hit when I least expected it. Flight of a Starling is a masterpiece.

Stars: ★★★★☆

I received a copy of Flight of a Starling from Electric Monkey via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Saturday 17 June 2017

My Week In Books (17th June)

Happy weekend everyone! I've torn myself away from reading in the sun to bring you up to date with my bookish week, so let’s begin!

The only book post I received this week was from the lovely Walker Books via L. D. Lapinski. There shall be reviews of both Phantom Limbs and Truth Or Dare in the next issue of Shift_, so keep your eye out for that.

I finally finished Lord of Shadows! Boy was it good. I'll have a review of it up soon, but for now let’s just say I cannot wait for the next book.

Saturday 10 June 2017

My Week In Books (10th June)

Hello readers! How has your week in books been? I was lucky enough to receive two books I'm very excited about!

The lovely people at Usborne sent me a copy of Being Miss Nobody by Tamsin Winter ahead of something very exciting I'm planning soon. I was also very lucky to receive a signed copy of Day 7 by Kerry Drewery, and I can't wait to read it!

I've only managed to read half of Lord of Shadows this week, it's so big! It's full of angst and sexual tension, and is everything I could want from this series.

Wednesday 7 June 2017

GUEST POST: The Sin Eater's Daughter by Melinda Salisbury


Hello, I’m Steph - a self-confessed Sin Eater’s Daughter superfan. I can’t recommend books without recommending these. If you haven’t read them, here’s 5 reasons why you should:
  • The characters – complex, endearing, fearless
  • The lands – ruthless, unforgiving, beautiful
  • The villains – chilling, dark, compelling
  • The covers – striking,  haunting, mesmerising
  • The stories – like diving into an old fairytale, mixed with new fairytales; heart-breaking, devastating, incredible

The Sin Eater’s Daughter introduces you to imprisoned Twylla: scared and feared.
The Sleeping Prince brings you Errin; fearless and loving.
The Scarecrow Queen depicts character journeys and destinies reached.

They’re all beautiful stories woven incredibly well.

--- Thank you to Steph at A Little But A Lot for this wonderful guest post. ---

Tuesday 6 June 2017

GUEST POST: Under Rose-Tainted Skies by Louise Gornall


My favourite YA book? Under Rose-Tainted Skies by Louise Gornall, for sure. A recent read for me, but that doesn't affect my love for it.


The instant connection I had with Norah meant that I whizzed through this and couldn't find a single fault with it. It's such an honest, open, real, and raw own voices account of mental health that it's a must read for everyone, whether they're suffering with their own problems or just want to learn a little more about life with agoraphobia and OCD.

--- Thank you to Charlotte at Bookmarks And Blogging for this wonderful guest post. ---

Saturday 3 June 2017

My Week In Books (3rd June)

It's half term, which can only mean a very busy book week!

I was lucky enough to receive six books this week! Special thanks goes to Steph for sending me a few of the above books.

The lovely people at Walker sent me a book proof of The Loneliest Girl In the Universe and I can't wait to read it!

I've read three books and started on my fourth. Truth or Dare, After the Fire and I Have No Secrets are all thoroughly brilliant reads. I'm now onto Lord of Shadows, and I can't wait to revisit the Shadowhunter world.

Thursday 1 June 2017

REVIEW: Truth Or Dare by Non Pratt

A powerful and moving novel about bravery from the Guardian's "writer to watch" Non Pratt, perfect for fans of Rainbow Rowell, John Green and Holly Bourne. How far is too far when it comes to the people you love? Claire Casey hates being the centre of attention. But if it means getting Sef Malik to notice her, it’s a risk she’s happy to take. Sef is prepared to do anything to help his recently disabled brother. But this means putting Claire’s love – and life – on the line. Because when you're willing to risk everything, what is there left to lose? (via Goodreads)

I was so excited to get my hands on Truth or Dare, and I wasn't disappointed in the slightest. This is a truly moving and cleverly told story of love in all its forms, and captured my heart from page one.

Non’s ability to capture the teenage voice is second to none, and it was a delight to see the same story seen from different perspectives. It really helped to understand where the characters were coming from, and why they made the choices they did. Thought provoking and emotional, Truth Or Dare is a must read for everyone.

Stars: ★★★★★

REVIEW: After The Fire by Will Hill

“The things I’ve seen are burned into me, like scars that refuse to fade.”
Father John controls everything inside The Fence. And Father John likes rules. Especially about never talking to Outsiders. Because Father John knows the truth. He knows what is right, and what is wrong. He knows what is coming.
Moonbeam is starting to doubt, though. She’s starting to see the lies behind Father John’s words. She wants him to be found out.
What if the only way out of the darkness is to light a fire? (via Goodreads

When I went into After The Fire I was apprehensive. It wasn't my usual type of read and I knew it would be tough, but I'd heard a lot of good things about it so I persevered. I'm so glad I stuck with it.

After The Fire is an exploration of faith and humanity, but most of all it is a story of survival. It was a privilege to follow Moonbeam’s story and see her grow into the character I knew she could be. A phenomenal read, and one that will stay with me for a long time to come.

Stars: ★★★★★

I was sent a copy of After The Fire by Usborne in exchange for an honest review.

Monday 29 May 2017

REVIEW: Troublemakers by Catherine Barter

Alena has never known her mum. When her brother starts working for a controversial politician and she starts to uncover her mum's activist life, she gets into the kind of trouble that changes everything.


Troublemakers is a book that took me by surprise, and I loved it. It made me think about my political beliefs without being a book about politics, and is likely to reach a lot of young people. The relationships between the characters are complex but wholesome, and you can tell that at the heart of it all they really love each other. A magnificent read.

Stars: ★★★★★

I was sent a copy of Troublemakers by Andersen Press in exchange for an honest review.

Saturday 27 May 2017

My Week In Books (27th May)

It's the end of another week, so it's time to find out what I've been up to in the world of books.

I only received one book this week, Truth or Dare by Non Pratt. I feel like everyone I know has already read this, so I can't wait to read it soon.

Last night I finished I Have No Secrets by Penny Joelson. I have to admit I found it a tough read at first and nearly gave up on it, but I'm so glad I stuck with it. I'm now reading After The Fire by Will Hill.

Tuesday 23 May 2017

GUEST POST: The Makeup of a Perfect "YA Guy"


No guy is perfect, and of course, there's always room for improvement, what girl doesn't want to change her man... even just a little bit? So here's my rundown of what would make up my perfect "YA Guy".

  • Kaz Brekker's intelligence
  • Jace Herondales's sarcasm and sense of humour
  • Rowan Whitethorn's protectiveness
  • Rhysand's "skills" in the sack
  • Will Herondale's .... well everything!
  • Jacob Black's loyalty
  • Jamie Fraser's accent
  • Damon Salvatore's swagger
  • Edward Cullen's romantic gestures
  • Four's "brooding moments"

And there we have it, perfection! *swoons*

--- Thank you to Hannah at The Northern Writes for this wonderful guest post. ---

Monday 22 May 2017

REVIEW: Countless by Karen Gregory

When Hedda discovers she is pregnant, she calls a truce with her eating disorder until the baby is born. However, once the baby is born Hedda, who is used to counting numbers, realises that some things in life are Countless.


I really loved Countless. Many books about mental health are difficult to read, but this isn’t one of those. It’s written with sensitivity, and although Hedda counts numbers throughout her story, not once is one of those numbers explicitly mentioned. It is an emotive story of love and choices, and is easily one of the standout debuts of the year.

Stars: ★★★★★

Saturday 20 May 2017

My Week In Books (20th May)

It's that time of week again! Let's see what I've been up to.

The Scholastic book fair turned up at the school I work at this week. I bought Goldfish Boy, The Bone Sparrow and The Whispers of Wilderwood Hall. I was sent I Have No Secrets by Steph, and Old Barn Books sent One Silver Summer.

I finished reading Troublemakers this week, and it was really good. If you're looking for a YA read with political themes then this is definitely for you. I also read The Heart Collector, and am currently on I Have No Secrets.

Saturday 13 May 2017

My Week In Books (13th May)

I was lucky enough to find this copy of Uglies by Scott Westerfeld in the book exchange at Oval tube station. It's in perfect condition, so thank you to the mystery reader who left it there.


The wonderful folk at My Kinda Book sent me a Happily Ever Lather box this week, featuring A Quiet Kind of Thunder and some wonderful Soap & Glory hand cream, so a huge thank you goes to them as well.


I finally finished The Fallen Children by David Owen this week, and it was amazing! I've now moved on to Troublemakers by Catherine Barter.

Saturday 6 May 2017

My Week In Books (6th May)

I have a confession to make: I broke my book buying ban after three and a half weeks. Let's see why…

I bought Countless by Karen Gregory and The Opposite of You by Lou Morgan. I just had to though. They're so pretty! Steph also bought Ink by Alice Broadway for me when I mentioned I hadn't read it. Thank you Steph!

I read Between the Lies by Cathy Macphail, and I'm about halfway through The Fallen Children by David Owen.

Finally, I bought The Heart Collector by Melinda Salisbury, and I'm so excited to read it!

Saturday 29 April 2017

My Week In Books (29th April)

It's been a quiet book week for me this week. Let's see what I got up to!

Andersen Press were kind enough to send me proof copies of Troublemakers by Catherine Barter, and Things A Bright Girl Can Do by Sally Nicholls. I'm really excited to read these, so keep an eye out for the reviews.

I've been pretty busy so I haven't had much time to read. However, I've been reading The Fallen Children by David Owen, and Between The Lies by Cathy Macphail. I'm really enjoying both so far, and I can't wait to see where they go.

Saturday 22 April 2017

My Week In Books (22nd April)

Despite being on a book ban (which is going really well) I managed to acquire three books this week.

  • Steph sent me Caramel Hearts and We Are All Made of Molecules.
  • Kelpies Edge (a new YA imprint of independent publisher Floris Books) sent me Between The Lies

I finished reading All About Mia and now I’m reading Countless by Karen Gregory. It's about a girl who calls a truce with her anorexia when she discovers she's pregnant, and it's utterly amazing.

This week I've been getting excited about The Extinction Trials by Susan Wilson, out in July through Usborne.

Wednesday 19 April 2017

SundayYAthon at Easter: The Round Up


Easter weekend saw another SundayYAthon take place, which was tiring but a lot of fun! I planned to read five books, but only managed two.

The first book was Becoming Betty by Eleanor Wood (5★), in which Lizzie joins a band and discovers the person she wants to be. It reminded me of Beautiful Broken Things by Sara Barnard, and I think readers will love it.

I then read All About Mia by Lisa Williamson (3★). I found the characters hard to warm to at first but it was brilliantly written, and it was great to see Mia’s relationships develop.

Monday 17 April 2017

REVIEW: Becoming Betty by Eleanor Wood

Becoming Betty is Lizzie’s story as she joins her new best friend Viv’s band and discovers the kind of person she really is.


I loved Becoming Betty. Lizzie is a wonderful narrator, and her story of self-discovery, sometimes through heartbreaking means, is one that will resonate with many. Not all the characters are likeable (there are lots of words I could use for Viv), but their roles in Lizzie’s story are vital. The tone of Becoming Betty, particularly in Lizzie’s relationship with Viv, reminded me of Beautiful Broken Things by Sara Barnard, and I'm sure many readers will love it.

Stars: ★★★★★

I was sent a copy of Becoming Betty by Pan Macmillan in exchange for an honest review.

Saturday 15 April 2017

My Week In Books (15th April)

I've put myself on a book buying ban until YALC this week, but I've still managed to get my hands on three books.

  • The lovely people at Atom Books sent me a proof of The Fallen Children
  • I received my pre-order of The Upside of Unrequited
  • I bought The Hate U Give (before I started my ban!)

I finished Orangeboy, and read Becoming Betty for the #SundayYAthon. I'm now halfway through All About Mia, and really enjoying it.

I've heard lots of good things about Things A Bright Girl Can Do by Sally Nicholls, I can't wait to read it!

Saturday 8 April 2017

My Week In Books (8th April)

With no book post and a reading list almost entirely from NetGalley, this week has been very Kindle orientated. Let's get stuck in!

I bought these three non-fiction books that I've seen a lot of the YA community raving about recently.

I also got approved for these reads on NetGalley. I can't wait to get stuck in!

It's the school holidays, so I've done a lot of reading this week. I finished The Upside of Unrequited (5★), read Goodbye Days (3★), and started Orangeboy. They're all very different books, and I've enjoyed them all for different reasons.

Friday 7 April 2017

REVIEW: Goodbye Days by Jeff Zentner

Goodbye Days are the days you spend with the parents of your three dead best friends. They're not easy and they will make you cry. But for Carver Briggs, the guilt of knowing his text led to their deaths makes it so much worse.


Goodbye Days was difficult to read. Carver is a likeable character, and you really feel for him as he goes through the grief of losing his best friends, all while being blamed for their deaths. I can't say I enjoyed it because of the subject matter, but it was definitely a book I couldn’t put down.

Stars: ★★★☆☆

I received a copy of Goodbye Days from Penguin Random House via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Monday 3 April 2017

REVIEW: The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli

The Upside of Unrequited is a companion novel to Becky Albertalli’s debut, Simon Vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda, and is the heartwarming story of Molly and her relationship with her twin sister, Cassie, as they both fall in love.


I knew I would love The Upside of Unrequited as I adored Simon Vs. Molly is a wonderfully relatable character whose insecurities will resound with many, and my heart sung when Simon showed up.

The Upside of Unrequited is effortlessly diverse, and it would be brilliant to see more YA written in this way. An excellent read.

Stars: ★★★★★

I received a copy of The Upside of Unrequited from Penguin Random House via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Saturday 1 April 2017

My Week In Books (1st April)

I thought this would be a quiet week for books, but how wrong I was. Here's what I acquired!

  • Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 
  • The Wildings by Nilanjana Roy
  • The Hundred Names of Darkness by Nilanjana Roy
  • Becoming Betty by Eleanor Wood 
  • The State of Grace by Rachael Lucas 

There's also a few new reads on my Kindle!

I finished reading The State of Grace this week, which was wonderful (review here). I drifted between books for a while before starting The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli.

Finally, Stripes Publishing made a very exciting announcement this week!

Friday 31 March 2017

REVIEW: The State of Grace by Rachael Lucas

The State of Grace is Rachael Lucas’  debut YA novel, and tells the story of Grace, a teenager with Asperger’s, as she finds her way in the world.


The State of Grace is a beautifully told story that I couldn’t put down. As an Own Voices book, you really get a sense of Grace and who she is, and this will show that there is more to those with Asperger’s than the labels we put on them. Grace is a funny and sensitive narrator, and her story will reach out to everyone who reads it.

Stars: ★★★★☆

I was sent a copy of The State of Grace by Pan Macmillan in exchange for an honest review.

Monday 27 March 2017

LET'S TALK ABOUT: Fantastic Beasts

When Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was announced I was sure it would ruin a franchise I love. How wrong I was.


When I saw the film I fell in love with Newt and his world. It was great to see life beyond Hogwarts, and some of Dumbledore's backstory. 

I now own four Fantastic Beasts books: one screenplay and three versions of the Comic Relief textbook. It’s not everyone's cup of tea, but Fantastic Beasts is everything I could want as an adult who grew up with Harry Potter. I can't wait to see what's coming next.

Saturday 25 March 2017

My Week In Books (25th March)

I've had a busy bookish week, so let's dive right in!

I was lucky enough to win this YA book bundle from HarperCollins. There's quite a few I haven't read so I'm excited to get stuck in.

I ordered this gorgeous new edition of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them from America to add to my collection.

I've been reading The State of Grace by Rachael Lucas this week, and it's wonderful. My review will be up soon!

I was really excited by the (rather beautiful) cover reveal of The Gender Games by Juno Dawson, out 1st June.