The Invention of Wings Review

by Sue Monk Kidd

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What they say: From the celebrated author of the international bestseller The Secret Life of Bees comes an extraordinary novel about two exceptional women.

Sarah Grimké is the middle daughter. The one her mother calls difficult and her father calls remarkable. On Sarah's eleventh birthday, Hetty 'Handful' Grimké is taken from the slave quarters she shares with her mother, wrapped in lavender ribbons, and presented to Sarah as a gift. Sarah knows what she does next will unleash a world of trouble. She also knows that she cannot accept. And so, indeed, the trouble begins ... 

A powerful, sweeping novel, inspired by real events, and set in the American Deep South in the nineteenth century, THE INVENTION OF WINGS evokes a world of shocking contrasts, of beauty and ugliness, of righteous people living daily with cruelty they fail to recognise; and celebrates the power of friendship and sisterhood against all the odds.

• Published January 7th 2014 by Headline - ISBN: 1472212754 / ISBN13: 9781472212757

I received a copy as part of the Goodreads First-reads scheme 

in exchange for an honest review! 

What I say: It took me a while to be able to write up this review because I honestly didn't know where to start. The message in The Invention of Wings is extremely powerful and emotional.

I like to think my knowledge of American history is fairly good for a Brit but I learnt a great deal from the Gremke sister's story. 

The history of slavery really is a big stain on global history and the fight to abolish slavery should never be forgotten or ignored. The story Handful 'Hetty' and her mother will stay with me for a long time. Living in a free world it's difficult to comprehend the loss of freedom and the value, or lack of it, placed on humanity by people who kept slaves.

At certain points I struggled and had to walk away from the story for a while. It was difficult to read about the abuse and punishments suffered by the slaves. It was very interesting to discover what parts were real. I found it difficult to get my head around the concept of ownership. I hadn't heard about the Gremke sisters before now and it was a fascinating, yet often disturbing look into the past.

Sarah fights for a very different type of freedom than Handful but it made for an interesting juxtaposition to see the stories play out along side each other. The Invention of Wings shows how freedom in not just physical but also emotional or psychological.

With 12 Years a Slave doing so well book as a novel and as a movie it has pulled a very troubling subject into the forefront of many people's minds. The Invention of Wings is a highly emotion story which compels readers to question both the past and their own actions.

3.5 - 4 Stars in my Sky!

The Edge of Always Review

The Edge of Never book 2 by J.A. Redmerski

What they say: Five months ago, Camryn and Andrew, both dealing with personal hardships, they met on a Greyhound bus. They fell in love and proved that when two people are meant to be together, fate will find a way to make it happen.

Now, in the highly anticipated sequel to The Edge of Never, Camryn and Andrew are pursuing their love for music and living life to the fullest as they always swore to do. But when tragedy befalls them, their relationship is put to the ultimate test. As Camryn tries to numb her pain, Andrew makes a bold decision: To get their life back on track, they'll set out on another cross-country road trip. Together they find excitement, passion, adventure-and challenges they never could have anticipated.

The Edge of Always Goodreads * The Edge of Never Goodreads * Website

I received a copy as part of the goodreads first reads scheme 

in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: I remembering reading The Edge of Never (book one) and thinking I'd never read anything quite like it before. The Edge of Never will always hold a special place in my heart and I don't think many books have or will ever make me cry as much. I was especially nervous but extremely excited to read The Edge of Always. 

Camryn and Andrew have overcome some pretty traumatic issues to get where they are at the beginning of the book and just when you think they may finally be close to their HEA something else happens which threatens to tear them apart. William Golding once wrote about the beast within and how once we've seen/lived through terrible things we will never be the same, but have to learn to live with them. This is very true for Camryn and Andrew and The Edge of Always portrays their journey to overcome, evolve and to keep moving on.

For me the most remarkable aspects from both books is the strength of Camryn and Andrew's love and how they face their tragedies. When Camryn 'checks out' Andrew brings her back and never looses sight of what they have and could also have. 

Even with the agony J.A. Redmerski puts her readers through both these books are well worth the drama and tears! Even when things go wrong for them (I was sobbing) there is still hope! I love a good road trip!!

4 powerful Stars in my Sky!

My fav quotes (there were so many but I just picked a few):

• It’s like, you know, it doesn’t matter what you do, even if you try to replicate an experience down to every last detail, it’ll never be the way it was when it happened naturally the first time.
• Our story is over, yes, but our journey isn't, because we'll always live on the edge until the day we die.
• "You're like a philosopher with tattoos."
• “You’re the world to me,” I whisper onto her lips. “I hope you never forget that.”
  “I’ll never forget… But if I ever do, for whatever reason, I hope you’ll always find a way to remind me.”

Review: The Sea Sisters by Lucy Clarke

 

What they say: Two sisters, one life-changing journey…

There are some currents in the relationship between sisters that run so dark and so deep, it’s better for the people swimming on the surface never to know what’s beneath . . .

Katie’s carefully structured world is shattered by the news that her headstrong younger sister, Mia, has been found dead in Bali – and the police claim it was suicide.

With only the entries of Mia’s travel journal as her guide, Katie retraces the last few months of her sister’s life, and – page by page, country by country – begins to uncover the mystery surrounding her death.

What she discovers changes everything. But will her search for the truth push their sisterly bond – and Katie – to breaking point?

The Sea Sisters is a compelling story of the enduring connection between sisters.

 

I received a copy of The Sea Sisters from Harper Collins as part of the Goodreads First-reads scheme.

 

What I say: I had no idea how much I was going to be pulled into Katie and Mia's story, but I am so glad I had the chance to read Lucy Clarke's contemporary novel. It's a wonderful story analysing the lives of the sisters, by looking at the secrets pulling them apart and also at what ties them together.

 

When Katie answers her door in the middle of the night she has no idea of the devastation awaiting her. Katie's younger sister Mia was travelling the world with her best friend Finn, but has been found dead in Bali. The local police and coroner rule Mia's death a suicide, which is both shocking and unbelievable to Katie. Katie leaves her Fiancé Ed at home, and sets out to recreate Mia's trip to discover the truth (with the aid of Mia's travel journal).

 

The book switches between the sisters. Most of Katie's sections are in the present and Mia's in the past, leading up to her death. The girls have grown-up without a father and recently suffered the death of their mother. Mia has never been particularly happy in London, but her rash decision to run off travelling with Finn is particularly shocking to Katie. We later learn the reason for this sudden departure (which I admit I had worked out several pages into Mia's story, yet really hoped I was wrong).

 

Katie is the older and outwardly more organised sister. Mia is more of a free spirit and doesn't like to be tied down. I saw Mia as a sort of tornado, beautiful yet destructive. The stand out thing for me when reading The Sea Sisters was the complicated, yet troubling relationship between Katie and Mia. Through reading Mia's journal both the reader and Katie learn how troubled her younger sister was and how jealous they both were of each other.

 

Katie sacrifices a lot for Mia, and as I got further into the story I realised just how much she had given up for her. I have to say some of Mia's actions annoyed me immensely. I enjoyed discovering more about Finn and Ed, although Ed was something of a non-starter for me from the off. The Noah storyline was really sad and I found myself feeling sympathy for Mia when I read these scenes.

 

The ending was sad, yet upbeat. When you  already know the fate of one of the character's it's often difficult to fully invest in them, but in The Sea Sisters I was genuinely engrossed and wanted to know what had happened to Mia and whether Katie could ever move on and make peace with her discoveries.

 

A poignant story which I am sure will stay with me for a long time.

 

4.5 Stars in my Sky!

Note: The book was published in America as Swimming at Night, but here in the UK it goes by The Sea Sisters.

Review: How Blended Are Dust and Fire by Kieran McKendrick

A prequel to The Purgatory Series (Purgatory #0)

What they say: Geraint of Family Tumen, kereit Halaka, Kypchak Kishyn comes of age in the summer of the Tanaiste, the gathering of all the Dhervina in the sacred valley at the center of the world. It is the summer when he will learn if he is to be accepted as full Dherina, or banished.

As he enters the valley, he discovers he has an unusual gift – the ability to hear crystal, an ability usually held only by the femal Guardians of the Dhervina.

Unfortunately, he was born a dhavara in a family of normal sized people and into the Dhervina, a nomadic people, who consider dhavaras to be ostuda (bad luck).

At the same time, his sister Brys joins the Khutulun, the female-only kereit with far-reaching and shadowy powers.

This story tells what happens in the summer of the Tanaiste, how Geraint discovers his Talent and what happens when dreams and fear collide.

I received a copy from the author as part of the Goodreads First-read programme!

What I say: How Blended Are Dust and Fire is a beautiful story which has the beginnings of a great fantasy saga.

 

As a prequel, the book introduces Geraint Tumen and the story of the Dhervina; they are a cross between magical and spiritual beings. Geraint has a rather unique gift which sets him aside from others of his kind.

 

The book is told from the perspective of not just Geraint, but also several other characters including Seren, Brys, Rhian, Andras and Tegan. This was both interesting because it's always good to get inside character's heads, but at the same time it was often a bit confusing. I also found all the names and terms in McKendrick's new language a bit confusing at first, but you do get used to it (although perhaps a glossary would help for the next book).

 

The story was really touching and I soon found myself engrossed. I really like Geraint, but I kept changing my mind about Seren. The thing which really stands out about How Blended Are Dust and Fire is McKendrick's world building! We're introduced to the strange and wonderful festival and the Dhervina's culture: including a new language and mythology.

 

An important element is McKendrick's analysis of evil. In his world there are MANY different types of evil and badness, and it was interesting seeing it all unfold.

 

It's difficult to go into too many details without giving too much away, but with his world building, McKendrick has nicely set up the rest of the story in this short and intriguing book and I will definitely be reading the series.

3.5 - 4 Stars in my Sky!

Review: Touch by Mark Sennen

What they say: Harry likes pretty things. He likes to look at them. Sometimes that isn't enough. He wants to get closer. Naughty Harry.

DI Savage and her team in Plymouth have a string of horrific rapes on young women to investigate, but no leads whatsoever. The women are being drugged, abducted, gang raped and then dumped in the middle of nowhere. When the body of one of the rape victims is found on a beach, after being dumped out at sea, it becomes a murder case. When another body is discovered with a seemingly different MO but a photo of the first victim close by, Savage is faced with the prospect of a serial killer. A killer who is careful, meticulous, but fuelled by the most extreme and twisted passions.

The case builds into a tense life-or-death chase, and a hostage situation so close to home that Savage could lose everything she loves.

I received a copy as part of the Goodreads Firstreads scheme!

What I say: Touch is a crime/thriller set across South-West England. The book begins with DI Charlotte Savage and her team investigating a series of date-rape/abduction cases in Devon. When the body of a young woman is discovered it seems the rapist has taken a more deadly turn.

 

The story follows Charlotte and the other investigating team, along with the mysterious Harry, RT and Mitchell. Mark Sennen offers a disturbing and terrifying insight into the killer's head and his motivations. Norman Bates had nothing on him! Along the way we meet several sinister characters including a brutal porn enthusiast and several rapists; watch your drinks when out in Plymouth!

The police are desperately trying to find the killers in the hope they can save a missing teenager before she becomes another murder victim. Charlotte has suffered her own personal tragedy and it was interesting to see how this affected her work.

 

I found myself quickly engrossed in the story and couldn't put it down. Some of the scenes are pretty disturbing and highlights the problem of abuse.

 4 Stars in my Sky!

Review: Doll Bones by Holly Black

 

I received a copy of Doll Bones as part of the Goodreads 'First-reads' scheme!

What they say: Zach, Poppy and Alice have been friends for ever. They love playing with their action figure toys, imagining a magical world of adventure and heroism. But disaster strikes when, without warning, Zach’s father throws out all his toys, declaring he’s too old for them. Zach is furious, confused and embarrassed, deciding that the only way to cope is to stop playing . . . and stop being friends with Poppy and Alice.

 

But one night the girls pay Zach a visit, and tell him about a series of mysterious occurrences. Poppy swears that she is now being haunted by a china doll – who claims that it is made from the ground-up bones of a murdered girl. They must return the doll to where the girl lived, and bury it. Otherwise the three children will be cursed for eternity...

 

 

 

What I say: Aww Doll Bones is such a sweet story - in a massively creepy way of course! I have to say I'm not the biggest fan of dolls, they're right up there on a par with clowns in my book (SHUDDERS)!

 

The story focuses on Zach, Poppy and Alice; three 12-year-olds who are reaching the point of leaving neverland. Doll Bones is, in a sense a type of fantasy 'coming of age' story. The children play with action figures and toys, planning big adventures with pirates, Queens and mermaids. They're not quite teenagers, but they are starting to have more grown-up interests, whilst holding on to their games.

 

The doll in Doll Bones is an antique and sinister figure. A sort of ghost/spirit, who needs help moving on. Poppy leads them on a mission to bury the doll (or they face dire consequences), which turns into their very own adventure/quest.

 

I'm glad Holly didn't go down the Coraline route, but the doll was still really creepy. The story introduces the children's first hints at romance and stresses the importance of imagination. I loved how Holly highlighted Zach's confusion over the suddenly giggling girls. It's really sentimental, but in a good way.

The ending made me smile and I found Doll Bones to be fun and sweet. It's everything a good kids book should be!

4 Stars in my Sky!

My fav non-spoilery quotes:

• That was why Zach loved playing: those moments where it seemed like he was accessing some other world, one that felt as real as anything.
• He'd always thought she was creepy-looking, but in the reflected beam of the flashlight, she seemed demonic.
• "I'm just different like weird. We had this adventure together, but now we're going back."

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Review: Acid by Emma Pass

What they say: 2113. In Jenna Strong’s world, ACID – the most brutal, controlling police force in history – rule supreme. No throwaway comment or muttered dissent goes unnoticed – or unpunished. And it was ACID agents who locked Jenna away for life, for a bloody crime she struggles to remember.

The only female inmate in a violent high-security prison, Jenna has learned to survive by any means necessary. And when a mysterious rebel group breaks her out, she must use her strength, speed and skill to stay one step ahead of ACID – and to uncover the truth about what really happened on that dark night two years ago.

I was given a copy of Acid as part of the Goodreads 'First-read' scheme in exchange for a honest review!

What I say: Acid is a modern dystopian story, mixing fun characters with an unpredictable plot!

I liked the main character, Jenna, because she is a good mixture of strong fighter and vulnerable teenager - she is both totally bad ass and completely misunderstood. Without giving too much away I will say that I honestly had no idea what had happened to her or where the story was going.

 

Acid is set in a future world, in a fictional version of the UK where people live in highly controlled areas and have little say over their lives. It's very like The Hunger Games in terms of the class system; the rich are super rich and the poor live in absolute poverty.

Acid begins with Jenna in prison for murdering her parents! Yep, I was shocked too! A LOT happens in Acid and at times I felt almost too much happened as the plot got slightly muddled, but I still really enjoyed the story. A few times I didn't know whether I wanted to help Jenna or hit her?! There is a love story element, but it's neither mushy nor all encompassing and there were other important story elements. Again to say much more is a pretty big spoiler, but I will say how sweet I found the love story.

I liked the notion of the non-fixed identities i.e. the extreme cosmetic surgery which screams sci-fi movie! The book was very visual and interesting to read. I would have preferred a slightly tighter focus in terms of the overall plot, but I enjoyed Acid and found it a good debut novel by Emma Pass.

3.5 Stars in my Sky!

My fav non-spoilery quotes:

• I lean down until our faces are so close we could kiss. "I killed my parents," I murmur, and watch his eyes go wide.
• "I'd love to know why you're setting me up with a new life for apparently no reason whatsoever."
• The feelings I have for him are nothing like that...obsession. Instead, I have a sense of rightness, of something fitting into place without anything having to be given up to make room for it.