Rosie’s Good Read Collections; Young Adult (YA)

Welcome to “Rosie’s Good read Collections”, I’ve put together the books I’ve read into subject headings that I think the books belong to, for you to browse.

15845605Fifteen-year-old Therese watches her parents die. While in a coma, she meets the twin sons of Hades—Hypnos, the god of sleep, and Thanatos, the god of death. She thinks she’s manipulating a dream, not kissing the god of death and totally rocking his world. Than makes a deal with Hades and goes as a mortal to the Upperworld to try and win Therese’s heart, but not all the gods are happy. Some give her gifts. Others try to kill her. The deal requires Therese to avenge the death of her parents. With the help of Than’s fierce and exotic sisters, the Furies, she finds herself in an arena face to face with the murderer, and only one will survive. Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, My Review: http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-2S0

18395230The Jack prophesied: If the king loses his head, then the Queen with a Bleeding Heart would rule the Red Court until Time ceased to move forward. When a second carried on for infinity, every creature in Wonderland would tip their Hat to the misfit girl with a Boy’s name (or was it a boy with a Girl’s name?) who’d end the Reign of Terror. However, it all hinged on the One-Eyed Hare being able to convince an uninspirable Heir that the impossible was indeed possible—like stopping time—and that Love was worth a Beheading. Heads would Roll,Hearts would Break…In the end, would it matter who Reigned? Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, My Review: http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-2O3

18367881For Kaeden Parish, life in Solace has always followed certain rules—everything makes sense, everything can be planned for, and everything is as it seems. Unfortunately, the secret harbored by his gorgeous, albeit guarded girlfriend is about to shatter all of that. After a successful attack on his life opens his eyes to a world of war, shadows, and supernatural creatures—a world he didn’t plan for—Kaeden finds himself resembling the sort of monster he has always feared. As he desperately struggles to resist a new temptation, danger draws ever nearer, threatening the ones he loves most. A prophecy tells of a final battle and great destruction, and Kaeden must decide which side he is on, a choice that could mean the end of the world. In Book 1 of the Solace Series, P.K. Gallagher pulls readers into a realm where good and evil are at war, and the outcome of it all rests on one young man’s decision to either go and live…or stay and die. This is where Parish begins. Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, My Review: http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-2K1

18471970Sixteen-year-old Michelle is a product of the Institute’s eugenics program, where people are bred like livestock. One doctor decides which kids get to grow up, and which disappear. Only Culls walk into the slum outside Institute walls, and they never come back. Michelle has survived every purge, and she’s about to win a luxurious life as a breeder. Then the doctor banishes her brother Seth and her boyfriend Brian, and she risks everything to find them in the cutthroat slum. She’s in trouble until handsome Dillon stakes a claim to her. Michelle is mortified, because Norms are practically animals. But the doctor is using the missing boys in a twisted plan and she needs Dillon’s help to stop him. Michelle and her friends must find Seth and Brian, but a plague is spreading, the doctor is after her and Dillon isn’t thrilled to help her find her lost boyfriend. Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, My review: http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-2IM

16285047Leah Vindral is suffocating–trapped in her own skin. In a land where magic is feared, magic saved her from death … but it came with a terrible price. Marked forever, she is shunned and isolated by those she loves most. Brimming with bitter rage at those who abandoned her, Leah flees from her childhood home only to be swept into an impending war: Mora, a wicked witch, has been imprisoned for years, waiting like a spider in the folds of her web for the chance to regain the powers once stripped from her. It is there, while she waits, that she learns of a strange young girl … a girl who can speak to unicorns. Now Leah must save the country that shuns her, for if Mora returns to power, all will be lost. But can Leah, who is so frightened and confused herself, find the strength to save them all? Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, My Review: http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-21y

18298944One September evening, around twilight, Francesca Shaunessy calls out for her dog to come to heel – however instead of a black Labrador, a dragon like beast emerges from the mists surrounding the twelfth century church and graveyard, followed closely by his rider. Frankie is astounded to discover she has an unexpected gift: She is a “Griffin Cryer”. Balkind is the sweetest most loveable griffin ever. Unfortunately his rider is the rudest man in this world or any other. Despite problems at school, and a complicated home life, Frankie feels compelled to help the Rider and his griffin return home to Ella-Earth. In doing so, Frankie escapes her own emotional prison, and becomes aware that there’s a chance that she can help her comatose twin brother back into this world. Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, My Review: http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-FT

10897866When fifteen-year-old Jacob Lau is pulled from the crumpled remains of his mother’s car, no one can explain why he was driving or why the police can’t find his mother’s body. A beautiful and mysterious neighbour offers to use her unique abilities to help him find his mom. But in exchange she requires Jacob to train as a Soulkeeper, a protector of human souls. He agrees to her demands, desperate for any clue to the mystery of his mother’s disappearance. But soon Jacob finds himself trapped in a web of half-truths, and questions her motives for helping him. Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, (This was free at the time of going to post)My Review: http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-kg

11250674Ever since her sixteenth birthday, strange things keep happening to Seraphina Parrish. The Lady in Black… burns Sera’s memories. Unexplainable premonitions… catapult her to other cities. The Grungy Gang… wants to kill her. And a beautiful, mysterious boy… stalks her. But when Sera moves to Chicago, and her aunt reveals their family connection to a centuries old, secret society, she is immediately thrust into an unbelievable fantasy world, leading her on a quest to unravel the mysteries that plague her. In the end, their meanings crash into an epic struggle of loyalty and betrayal, and she’ll be forced to choose between the boy who has stolen her heart and the thing she desires most. Wander Dust is the breath-taking fantasy that will catapult you through a story of time, adventure, and love. Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com. My Review: http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-6W

Good Deeds Week November 24th – 30th

This is all about my journey to achieve one Good Deed a day for a year. I was inspired to set myself this challenge when I began reading “A Year of Doing Good” by Judith O’Reilly. Judith undertook some amazing deeds in her year, my own challenge has opened my eyes to opportunities which would previously have passed me by, where I can make a difference to the world, not matter how small.

Good deedsNovember 24th -Today I’ve spent some lovely time in the garden with my husband giving it some last tender loving care before the winter sets in. The recent frosty nights have ended the fuchsias and the last flowering geraniums. It’s nice to tidy it up and energise the garden, then I placed the pots of bulbs in prominent places ready to watch them bud in the early spring. Sadly heard that a dear friend had recently passed away, my thoughts and wishes go to the family left behind.

November 25th – My morning giving my time to the local school. I also took in some bottles of booze for their Christmas Fair from my cupboards. Good Deeds Received; Lots of thanks for my help and the bottles.

November 26th – A lovely short morning at work which was great because the farm barn which is our office was quite cold. Dropping off some books to the charity shop later. Good Deeds received: Had some great comments on today’s book review post of “The Initiate” By Sue Vincent and Stuart France. Here is a link to my book review http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-37P

November 27th – I have a group of friends coming around after lunch. After my disappointing first try of a banana cake I’ve reverted to cakes I know will work and I’ll try another banana cake at a later date. I’ve soya milk for the friend who needs to avoid dairy and I’ve made brownies with rice flour for the friend who can’t eat gluten. Good Deeds received; Lots of lovely thanks from my friends for hosting the afternoon.

November 28th – Sourced and bought a small pack of wallpaper paste the other day for my Mum, delivered it today so she can do a bit of touching up around some windows after they had new double glazing installed. Wow! had our first Christmas card today, so nice to be in people’s thoughts.

November 29th – Am thrilled to publish a post today for some great friends I’ve met over the internet. Andy and Kirsty are launching their book “It’s NOT a Holiday” all about overland group travel. They’ve written a fun A to Z guide for anyone thinking of going on some of the fantastic trips that are available world wide. Here’s a link to their guest post; http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-2RV and a link to where you can get a copy Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

November 30th – The December issue of Fleet Life has just been delivered and I’m excited about my book review page. This month is a bumper issue and I’m on page 50! The books that I have reviewed are; “It’s NOT a Holiday” by Andy Robinson and Kirsty McGregor, “Becoming Anorak Nid” by local author Alix B Macey, “Beatrysel” by Johnny Worthen, “Death of the Mad Hatter” by Sarah J Pepper and “What it Takes” by Terry Tyler. Brilliant, the online version is up today, so I’ll be posting and tweeting to the lucky authors. Good Deeds Received: Lots of brilliant re-tweets and thanks from this month’s set of authors who are featured in the magazine.

December Issue of Fleet Life

I’m really thrilled to once again have my book reviews featured in Fleet Life. This magazine goes out locally and is also available online at www.fleetlife.org.uk click on the online directory and find my review page on Page 50.

December Fleet LifeThis month my featured books are;

17858261 It’s NOT a Holiday by Andy Robinson and Kirsty McGregor Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

18521422Becoming Anorak Nid – A Rude Awakening by local author Alix Macey Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

18360200 Beatrysel by Johnny Worthen Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

18395230Death of the Mad Hatter by Sarah J Pepper Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

18460826 What it Takes by Terry Tyler Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

Guest Author Sarah J Pepper (Oct 31st)

Today my guest is Sarah J Pepper author of yesterday’s book review “Death of the Mad Hatter”, click here for the review http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-2O3

Sarah J Pepper

In case you want to know more about the book here is the blurb;

The Jack prophesied: If the king loses his head, than the Queen with a Bleeding Heart would rule the Red Court until Time ceased to move forward. When a second carried on for infinity, every creature in Wonderland would tip their Hat to the misfit girl with a Boy’s name (or was it a boy with a Girl’s name?) who’d end the Reign of Terror. However, it all hinged on the One-Eyed Hare being able to convince an uninspirable Heir that the impossible was indeed possible—like stopping time—and that Love was worth a Beheading.

Heads would Roll…

Hearts would Break…

In the end, would it matter who Reigned?”  

Death of the Mad Hatter

This is how Sarah describes here writing;

BIO: I specialize in dark, paranormal romance – think “happy ever after” but with a twisted, dark chocolate center. Real-life romance isn’t only filled with hugs, kisses, unicorns, and rainbows. True-love can be more thoroughly described in times of darkness and tribulation. It’s in those harsh moments where you see what a person is truly capable of – both the good and bad. Sometimes prince-charming isn’t always on time, and the glass slipper is a little snug. However, it doesn’t mean Charming is not Mr. Right, and who says every shoe is the perfect fit?

Let’s find out more about Sarah;

1) Where is your home town?

I claim Platte SD as my hometown. Think of the smallest country town in the middle of nowhere and surround yourself with cows-that’s where I grew up.

2) How long have you been writing?

Three years now. Holy heavens has it really been that long?

3) How would you describe your writing style to readers?

Complete and utter madness. I have no idea where the Story line is going or what is going to happen. I just start with an idea and go from there.  I once started a novel about the Chicago mafia and it ended up being a story about aliens.

4) “Death of the Mad Hatter” is a brilliant modern take on the traditional Alice in Wonderland, did you read this book as a child?

Confession time: I HATED Alice and anything to do with Wonderland. *thank you Disney* I watched the movie and was utterly petrified! I’m a chocoholic and the mere thought of growing into a giant all because I devoured a cupcake scared the bejesus out of me!

5) Did you find the riddles/ prophesies easy to write?

Actually they were the most fun part of the story. I wrote the first one, making it complete chaos, and loved it.  After I finished it, I thought “Now how the heck am I going to make the impossible possible?” Hitting head against the wall repeatedly! Then after I finished the story, I added the others for fun!

6) Alice is a complex character, can you tell the readers about her?

I initially pictured Wednesday Adams as Alice. But dressed her in colour instead of black. Lol Ooh I loved the Adams family as a kid!

7) Magic candy keeps Alice sane, who are the candy makers? What is the magic ingredient?

Oooooh! Anyone can make the candies as long as they can read/understand the recipe. And I’m thinking about the sequel. Guess you will have to wait and see!

8) Riley is adorable! Why can’t he remember going to Wonderland as a child?

For now lets mark that one up to childhood memories. We don’t remember them all… but it MAY *hint hint* unravel into a deeper storyline for the sequel.

9) Will there be a sequel?

*nodding head ferociously* I hadn’t planned on one but have had several demands for one. Oh I think there should definitely be one!

10) You’ve written several other books, tell us a bit about them, what age bracket would you put them in?

Mostly I write YA or NA. (BUT I do have a few yum yum adult novels out) The Ringers Masquerade and the Fate Trilogy are my other two series.  Ringers is about a sacrificial clone (created to save the sick, written from the perspective of the clone) *wouldn’t want to be in her shoes!*  and the Fate trilogy is about modern day mythology with sexy yum gods!

LINKS: @sarahjpepper
Thank you Sarah for letting us in to have a glimpse of your writing world. Hurry up and get that sequel written!

Death of the Mad Hatter by Sarah J Pepper (Oct 30th)

Death of the Mad HatterDeath of the Mad Hatter by Sarah J. Pepper

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This review is based on an ARC given to me by the author. I devoured this book! Just like one of the sweets that Alice chewed upon. It was adorable, in a lap it up and read more, kind of way. I wanted to snarl at anyone who dared interrupt my reading. Wonderland brought back my childhood memories and brought them all back in grown up format, but still full of magic. There were riddles and confusion, madness and impossibilities, but Sarah made them all possible. Riley was adorable and Alice Mae so frustrating. I’ll always be wary of rabbit holes and I just may think about following a white rabbit, especially if I think I heard it talking under it’s breath. Congratulations on a brilliant book.

The first 5 chapters are available here from Amazon. (At the time of going to press)

View all my reviews