*I am reviewing this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. *
Title: Secrets For The Mad
Author: dodie Clark
Publisher: Ebury Press
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4/5 stars
Book Review:
As many are, I am a fan of dodie's youtube channel so when I saw that this was available to review I was super excited. Secrets For The Mad is a solid and honest read, different from other youtube books with a deeply personal touch.
As a subscriber of dodie's I do really love how honest she is in the book. A lot of the things that she discusses especially how she deals with alcohol, mental illness and a past relationship is so sensitive but she shares it so openly. It was great to read someone opening up of their issues as it could really help those who need it.
I also think that dodie is a great writer. As I said she is honest and her writing has a raw and poetic quality to it that I loved and enjoyed reading. The book also features her songs and personal photos in it which was really lovely and a nice addition to the book. Overall, it was just great!
The Verdict:
Secrets For The Mad is a deeply interesting a personal read, perfect for those who love dodie's channel or otherwise.
Title: Star Struck
Author: Jenny McLachlan
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 5/5 stars
Book Review:
I have been a fan of Jenny McLachlan's books since I read Sunkissed which is the third book in this series of Ladybird books. One of the highlights was Pearl so I was excited to get a whole book from her perspective. Star Struck did not disappoint being the ultimate cute summer read.
A did truly love this book. I think that Pearl is such an interesting character and Jenny definitely developed into why this was the case. Pearl's home life isn't easy and he faces abuse from her family and her home life is far from the best but this what makes her who she is. I also think that she knows how to balance the dark aspects of the story with light as her books are funny and light-hearted at many stages.
I loved the way that this story progressed and the ending of this book definitely make my heart melt. It changed what was a four-star story into a five-star story and I ship it so much. Jenny McLachlan is just a master of YA contemporary and everyone should read one of her books.
The Verdict:
Starstruck was an emotional rollercoaster of emotions but is a great read that everyone can enjoy!
Title: The Taste of Blue Light
Author: Lydia Ruffles
Publisher: Bkmrk
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 2.5/5 stars
Book Review:
The Taste of Blue Light was getting some hype when it first released and for good reason as it has a very unique premise. Although being a unique book, I couldn't connect with this personally but this could be very different for someone else.
Honestly part of the reason why I didn't like this book was that I was confused. There were some bits that I understood but I feel like there was just a lot that I didn't understand and I think that this really affected my overall enjoyment of the book that I just didn't like it.
I do still want to read more of Lydia's work but this one just didn't do it for me. I did just the writing but not connecting with the story or the main protagonist did make me feel badly against the book. I have also heard people really enjoy it so this may just be a case that I didn't like t but you might.
Since reading this book, I have also heard Lydia speak at YALC where she spoke more about what this book and Colour Me In are about so this might be a book that I come back to in the future. If this happens, hopefully, my experience will be more positive than the first time.
The Verdict:
The Taste of Blue Light was an interesting read that wasn't for me but could be the perfect read for you. Definitely, one to read to find out what you think yourself!
Title: Floored
Author: Various
Publisher: Pan MacMillan
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 5/5 stars
Book Review:
When Floored was announced, I was so excited. Combining the Queens of YA, Floored was going to be an epic read. I was so right and Floored was amazing, definitely one of my favourite reads of the year so far.
I do think that the whole idea of this book is so ambitious but it definitely pays off. All of the characters are so loveable and I think that the way that they develop over the five years that this book is set is so great. I do think that Hugo develops a lot through the course of the book and I love how he goes from being the arsehole to less of an arsehole and has feelings. He does some bad things in this book that I do not agree with but he does change in the book.
All the characters in the book are great. I did like Joe as a character as he was just really sensitive and I felt for his whole situation. Also, Dawson and Sasha and Kaitlyn and Velvet are great and I feel like they all have individual voices which are so good but it is written by lots of authors so that kind of is expected.
The breaks also have a WhatsApp group which I loved reading about and seeing the characters in the book. The ending definitely broke me and I loved it. I would love so much more from these characters but I feel like that is a massive ask for the authors so I will just gush about how much I love this one!
The Verdict:
Floored is a masterclass of YA showing complex characters and an engaging story so is definitely worth the read!
Title: Shadow and Bone
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Bkmrk
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 5/5 stars
(Amazon|Goodreads)
Book Review:
So this book is weird. I actually read this book years ago but when I saw it on NetGalley I couldn't help but pick it up as not enough people have read this book so hopefully, this review will inspire you. I love Shadow and Bone and hope you do too.
The weird thing is that I kind of feel like I was early to the party because I hear so many people talking about the Six of Crows duology but not many discussing this one but I've always liked this more than that book. I feel like because it is based on Russian mythology and the first time I read it I was studying Russian history.
I just feel like Leigh Bardugo sets up the world so nicely in this book that I was grabbed in. I feel in love with Alina and Mal. There relationship and just the whole adventure that takes place. I definitely do need to reread it but my TBR is massive and I know if I start I would want to reread the series so...
Basically, this review is telling you how great this series is and that you need to read it!
The Verdict:
Shadow and Bone is a book that shows what Leigh Bardugo does best. It is a masterclass in YA fantasy and is a book that everyone should read.
Have you read any one of these? If so what did you think of them?
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