Girl Missing by Sophie McKenzie review

Girl Missing by Sophie McKenzie review

I have read this book countless times but thought, seeing as the sequel has recently been released, I should re-acquaint myself with the plot. And yet again this book lived up to every expectation!!!! It is every bit as WODERFUL as I remember it!!!!

Lauren has always wondered who she was- from the moment she found out she was adopted she has wanted to know who and where she comes from. School essays on ‘who am I’ don’t help much either! So when she asks her mum about her ‘real’ mother and gets the same reply as always (NO) she decides to take matters into her own hands and, in an impulsive action, looks on a Missing Children Website. That is when she first discovers Martha Lauren Purditt, a girl who was taken from her family when she was only 3 years old.

Here is the cover of the book:

It is a really powerful cover as the bluey splodges have the picture of a little girl in them- this makes you instantly know that a little girl is going to be lost. The splodges also show either rain or tear drops- I believe that they should be tears as they would then represent the tears that have been shed by the families of the missing children.  

My favourite character in this book is definitely Jam (Lauren’s best friend) the way that he acts to help Lauren is amazingly selfless as he puts himself in danger to help her. He often knows that what she wants to do could kill them both but he doesn’t leave her- he just keeps going along with her, his thinking is that when she is with him she has a much greater chance of surviving.

I think this book is wonderful as it makes me scared and happy at the right points- that is what makes a fabbbbbyyyyyyy book!!!

I think this book is unsuitable for kids under the age of 12 as it made me scared and would probably freak them out.

It is a wonderful book!!!!! 

The crazy things girls do for love by Dyan Sheldon

The crazy things girls do for love by Dyan Sheldon

This book is all about the lengths girls go to to make the boy they like notice them. In this book the new boy at school, Cory, catches the attention of three very different girls (Waneeda, Maya and Sicilee). All three of these girls are very different but all have one thing in common- they no nothing and don’t really care about the environment. So when Cory arrives and turns out to a right nature geek (in a surprisingly hot way) all three girls must swot up on their saving of the world info.

Sicilee is your typical girly and popular girl- with a high reputation to maintain. Not really the sort to be caught handing out leaflets advertising green day, or is she?

Waneeda is the best friend of one of the nature club’s keenest members but Waneeda still isn’t persuaded to join the club. Once Cory joins will that all change?

Maya is your typical girl- large group of friends and quite fashion conscious, would she dare make a move that would make her into a geeky, unpopular no one?

My favourite character in this book is definitely Sicilee- she is popular and has the power to affect school in ways that only people with popularity can. Sicilee buys a bag so do the rest of the girls in school. I believe that Sicilee should use her social status to help save the world- rather than swan around school like she owns it.

The cover of this book is quite a funky and cool cover as it shows pink and cream yellow stripy tights and attractive title and author name. The background is lined paper to show a kind of school theme.

I really enjoyed this book, it is funny, entertaining and immensely like real life (in the way that there are so many social groups within schools) this makes this book so easy to read as you can see so many links with real life it made relate to the characters so much more.  

I would say anyone over the age of 11 would love this book- they would get the different social statuses that appear in any high school. 

Glass houses by Rachel Caine Review

Glass houses by Rachel Caine.

This is the first book in the Morganville Vampires Series.

I know that nearly every book that is popular at the moment is a vampire book but I swear that this series is different- so gripping and involving for the reader.

The cover of this book is very intriguing with the dark blue shiny writing and half vampire head. I wanted to read this book from the moment I saw it in the library.

Here is the cover of the book:

The main character in this book is Claire Danvers, an extremely clever college student- in a college that only cares about looks. Monica, the meanest girl in the college has it in for the new girl (Claire). She will do anything in her power to kill Claire.

Claire decides that, in order to protect herself from the dangers of dorm life, she must move out. She discovers the Glass house- a house that is home to 3 older teenagers, Michael (the owner of the house), Eve and Shane. These three people prove to be the most valuable people in protecting Claire’s life during the next few weeks and months. They educate her about vampire ways and give her an insight into Morganville and how to stay safe.

I think this book is excellent as it shows that Vampires can be good as well as bad- many books show vampires to be all bad and evil creatures. I think this teaches an important life lesson- that in every race or group there are going to be the good as well as, unfortunately, the bad people.  My favourite character in this book is Eve as she, from the moment she meets Claire, risks her own safety (and sometimes life) to protect her. I think that this is a really selfless and kind way to act and it makes me admire her.

I would say that this book is brilliant for teenagers as it is in keeping with the trend for vampire books as well as touching upon love. The minimum age for readers of this book should be 13. 

The Witch Of Turlingham Academy by Ellie Boswell Review

The Witch of Turlingham Academy by Ellie Boswell review

This is the first book I have won on the fabulous GirlsHeart Books Blog.

Sophie- one of the main female characters in this book is the Headmistress’ daughter, this means that Sophie is the only day student at Turlingham Academy. Therefore she misses out on all of the late night feasts and gossip sessions. When the new student Katy starts at the school Sophie knows straight away that Katy has the potential to steal all of Sophie’s friends away from her and, when this begins to happen, Sophie feels like the whole world is against her.

Sophie manages, through some not so subtle spying, to uncover Katy’s darkest secret- she is a witch hunter! With this secret against Katy things manage to begin to look up for Sophie- and she discovers many things about herself too! When she realises that hanging around with Katy is putting her, and her friends, in danger Sophie should stay well away from the witch hunter. But, you know what friendship is like- found in the most dangerous and scary situations- Sophie can’t just leave the new girl to fend for herself can she?

My favourite character in this book is Sophie as she feels she is missing out on all of the action and being pushed out of her friendship group. This made me feel sorry for her- also I thought about how hard it must be to have your mum as the head teacher at your school.

The cover of this book fits the story perfectly as, from the girl in school uniform, you know it’s about a school and the sparkles show that there is magic involved.

Here is the cover of the book:

I think that, despite the fact that the book is advertised for 9 year olds it is a good book with plenty of morals to it- such as that true friends stick together and don’t let each other down. I would give this book a 8/10. 

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling Review

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling Book review

Well as you probably all already know this is the second book in the legendary Harry Potter Series.

Click here to see my Harry Potter and the Philosophers stone review

In this book we continue to follow Harry Ron and Hermione in their journey of magical learning. With a new Defence against the dark arts teacher, vain and self-centred Professor Lockhart, this year promises to be as eventful and magical as the last. Again everyone does a review on this book and most of you will have, by choice or not, read this book at some point.

With a mad house-elf on his case as Harry is supposedly in ‘Grave danger’ the year doesn’t start well for Harry as he gets blamed for the house-elf’s doings at uncle Vernon’s dinner party and bars are fitted over his windows. Harry is then rescued by the Weasley brothers who, without their parent’s consent, fly the enchanted car to collect Harry, his owl Hedwig and all his magical supplies from Privit drive. Harry then spends the rest of the summer at the Burrow – the Weasley’s humble and ramshackle home. Then on the day they are due to travel back to Hogwarts the platform barrier blocks them out, forced to take the magical car they break all rules and fly to Hogwarts. This causes chaos in both the Muggle and Magic world with many sightings and consequences that could get both Ron and Harry expelled from the place they love the most.  

This is the cover of the book that I own:

As you can see the cover shows that a flying car plays a large part in the travel in this book. Also there is the Smarties prize winner section at the bottom of the cover. The cartooned images of Ron and Harry highlight their most prominent features; this is for Harry his lightening shaped scar and for Ron his ginger hair and freckles. I really enjoyed this book as, despite the fact that I have read this book loads before, I picked up on many new details that I had either forgotten or skipped over inn past readings. This is why I think that this series is so fab- the way that the books have appeal to the young and old alike and that no matter how many times you read this book a new detail or snippet of conversation that doesn’t become relevant until later book can be picked up on. I like to think of it as being a book that just keeps giving and giving as there is always something to be learnt about the books and the characters in them.

I would give this book an age rating of 10+ years as they can be enjoyed by a 10 year old on one level but a few years later enjoyed on a completely different level.

Please comment if you spot any spelling or grammar mistakes so I can correct them xoxox

Harry Potter and Philosopher's stone by JK Rowling book review

Harry Potter and the philosopher’s stone by JK Rowling book review.

Well I know that everyone knows about this book and that I can’t say that many people will gain anything new from this review but I feel that its only right that I write about how much this book (and the books and films that follow) have, and continue to, make me happy and inspire my imagination.

To begin with I would just like to thank JK Rowling for creating the much loved characters like Harry, Ron and Hermione and the hated characters such as Voldermort and the Malfoy family. Even though I know she is far too busy to look at our blogs it just feels right to thank her.

Anyway onto the book…

One of the many covers designed for this book is this one

  

This cover shows a key point in Harry’s discovery into the world of magic and his dark history. His face shows shock at the Hogwarts express and also the method of reaching platform 9 ¾. The text of the title is simple with a short reviewing quote at the bottom of the page; in this case it is from the Sunday Telegraph.

My favourite character in this book is definitely Hermione Granger as she is quite a swot as she has read all of their books before even entering the Hogwarts building. Plus she is always the first to manage to complete anything in all of her classes and is often looked upon as a know it all and a goody two shoes. I see a likeness between me and Hermione as I am always the first to have read anything and am never happy to break the rules.

In this book Harry is introduced to the audience as a young baby, as his parents have been killed he then is taken in by his uncle and aunt Dursley. The Dursley’s swear to stamp out all of the magic in baby Harry and bring him up telling him that his parents died in a car crash and that is where he obtained his lightning shaped scar. Little did Harry know that every wizard child knows his name and his story as he is hailed as the ‘chosen one’ as he managed to ‘defeat’ Voldermort.

The book also follows Harry and his friends as they settle into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The trials they face with the new subjects that resemble nothing like the maths and English that Harry is used to studying.

Well I find it extremely pointless saying how much I enjoyed this book as it’s kind of hard not to enjoy this wonderfully written book. I would say that a reader would have to be at least 10 to fully understand all parts of the book but there is no way a maximum age to read the book.

Please comment with spelling and grammar mistakes so I can correct them  xoxox

Boys for beginners by Lil Chase Review

Boys for beginners- Lil Chase- Review

This book is not my normal read but I am glad I did read it as it shows that sometimes even if you make a massive change to yourself it may not make a good impression on the boy who you want to notice you. So in the short “Sometimes it’s best to be yourself because that’s who your loved for being.”

This is the cover of the book- from this cover it is easy to gather that this book is mostly aimed at teenage girls rather than younger girls or even boys! It shows makeup and pretty dresses and bag but also football boots. This could suggest that either the main female character enjoys playing football or that the boys that she likes like football. 

 The main theme of the book is the transformation of Gwynnie, a teenage girl who up until the arrival of Charlie is only interested in Football and Spurs football team. The book follows her transformation from tomboyish sports person to a beautiful and boy magnet girlie girl. Will she get Charlie this way or will he forever see her as his football mate not a potential girlfriend. 

In her quest to get her man Gwynnie deserts her football mad male friends and befriends the BB club, the club is one of the most powerful and influential groups in the school. The BB club all share one goal to get their naval pierced. Whilst Gwynnie really doesn’t want this she realises that this group is the only group that can teach her all of the skills (like makeup application) that she needs to make Charlie notice her.

Will she get her man?

I really enjoyed this book even though, as I mentioned before, it is not my normal read. I think that this book is probably best suited to girls over the age of 11 as it talks about boys and sex.

 Please comment with spelling and grammar mistakes so I can correct them xox

Hunger Games-Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins Review

Hunger Games Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins Review

This book is the third and last book in the Hunger Games trilogy. I expected a lot from this book as I have previously read the first and second book in this series and enjoyed them both very much.

Click here to see my Hunger Games Review

Click here to see my Hunger Games Catching Fire Review

Again I found the first few pages of this book quite hard to get into but once the book got started I saw the magic of Suzanne’s writing begin to take a hold of me again. This book definitely shows new sides to both Katniss and Peeta. Once Katniss has shown herself as the symbol of rebellion there is no turning back to the peaceful life for her or her family. It’s a big decision for a teenager to make- even one who has survived the wrath of the Hunger Games twice.

Here is the cover of the book:

The reds and oranges show flames- not just of the war but the flames of burning friendships and relationships too. The feather is from the Mockingjay bird.

This book is mainly about the trials that Katniss is facing after escaping half way through the Quarter Quell Hunger Games. The immediate problem for Katniss is that she has been separated from her supposed partner Peeta.  

Will Katniss chose to be their Mockingjay?

Despite the fact that I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone I would say that to fully grasp the concept and not be put off by any graphic and bloody moments a reader would have to be at least 12 years of age.

Please comment with Grammar and Spelling mistakes so I can correct them. xox

Hunger Games-Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins Review

The Hunger Games-Catching Fire review

Catching Fire is the second book in the Hunger Games trilogy. I went into reading this book with high hopes as I had just finished reading the first book in the series and had thoroughly enjoyed every page. Click here to see my Hunger Games review.

I found the first few pages of this book quiet boring after the thrilling and gripping action of the actual games but once I began to understand the danger that Katniss (Everdeen) and Peeta (Mellark) are in I began to understand why this series has three books rather than the one. The romance seen in the first book has harsh consequences for both Katniss and Peeta’s loved ones which for Katniss includes her lifelong best friend Gale.   

The cover of this book is quite bright blue- a stark contrast from the dark black of the first book’s cover.  This suggests a happier and jollier theme to the book. Here is the cover of the book:

This book is mostly about the implications of Peeta and Katniss’ last few minutes in the arena in which they were about to eat the poisonous berries. This would have left the Capitol with no Hunger Games winner. Their behaviour has sparked rebellions in many of the districts. The Peacekeepers are trying their hardest to stifle all rumours but Katniss and Peeta see it all on their victory tour.

The Quarter Quell brings new surprises and pressures for the couple and I can guarantee that this book will grip you just as the 1^st book did.

I think that the feelings of Katniss and Peeta are explored further as their relationship is taken to the next level and Katniss has to figure out her feeling for Gale compared to the feelings she has for Peeta.

Despite the fact that I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone I would say that to fully grasp the concept and not be put off by any graphic and bloody moments a reader would have to be at least 12 years of age.

Please comment with Grammar and Spelling mistakes so I can correct them. xox

Hunger Games- Suzanne Collins Review

Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins

Ok so bear with me because this is my first attempt at a halfway decent review…

The Hunger Games is the first in the trilogy of the same name – I am now onto reading the second book Catching Fire so look out for that review very soon.   

I am going to start off with the comment that everyone says when asked about this book, it was amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed turning every page. Now whilst that may be true I hope to give a more truthful and less general review than just that statement.

Let’s start at the very beginning- with the cover.  The dark cover gives of the impression that the book isn’t going to be all flowers and pretty girly happiness. The splatters of blood confirm that assumption. In my opinion the cover suits the book perfectly- no false hope that this book is going to lift the spirits and make the world a happy place.  Here is a picture of one of the many front covers for this book:

   

Sometime in the future America has been completely destroyed and replaced by a cruel place named Panem. Panem is split up into many, in fact 12, districts. Each district has its own trade, eg district 12 has the coal trade at the heart of its district. To punish the districts for rebelling many years ago every year the Hunger Games take place- these Hunger Games are supposedly sport. Every district has to give 2 tributes, a male and female aged 12 to 18. These tributes then fight it out until the death. Only one tribute can come out alive. The only thing to make this whole thing worse is that the whole of Panem is forced to watch their loved ones fight and kill each other. In the wealthier districts tributes are brought up to enter these games so are training in war and survival skills for many years before they even get the opportunity to enter the games, so obviously these ‘Career tributes’ have the upper hand when it comes to direct contact with other tributes in the games.   

In the seam area of District 12 times are hard- money and food are scarce and the only way Katniss and Gale manage to provide for their families is by hunting illegally in the woods just past the District 12 fence. The time of the reaping is drawing ever closer- and while the chances of Katiniss’ sister getting chosen to be the female tribute from district 12 to enter the 74^th Hunger Games Katniss still worries about how her young sister would cope in such a harsh environment. To cut a long story short Katniss ends up being the female tribute. The rest of the book is about the trials and the journey she goes on throughout the games.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book; every page held my attention brilliantly by making me care about the main characters (Katniss). I think that Suzanne Collins is a wonderful writer who knows just the right amount of gore and blood to put into a book without it becoming disgusting and/or stop appealing to a girly and feminine audience. At every point I was gripped to the story and am very glad that my friends recommended this book to me.   

Despite the fact that I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone I would say that to fully grasp the concept and not be put off by any graphic and bloody moments a reader would have to be at least 12 years of age.

Thank you for reading xoxo

Please comment with spelling and grammar mistakes so I can correct them.