Recommendations · Reviews

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman // Review

Title: Good Omens by Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman

Rating: ★★★★★

Release: 1st May 1990

A perfect balance between hilarity, brilliant story telling and an all round fun loving book about accidentally misplacing the Antichrist – what more could you want?

I had never read a Terry Pratchett book before but I already loved Neil Gaiman, so when my other half recommended this to me I was extremely excited. As soon as I finished it all I wanted to do was restart it and devour it all over again, I loved it.

Right from the first page I was hooked, this book has such a way of pulling you in without you even realising it’s a marvel. I loved how throughout the entire book it mixed hilarious moments that would leave you with tears in your eyes, but then would also include serious moments and remind you of the underlining plot of the Apocalypse within the novel. No book has ever created such a perfect balance within these two feelings before but this had everything I wanted.

I also really liked how at the start of the book, there is a character list, almost like a play, to help you get to know the unique names of each character so you know who they are as soon as you start reading. It was such a unique addition to the book that I couldn’t help but love it.

Each character had such a brilliant purpose and the friendship between the demon Crowley and the angel Aziraphale was one of my favourites. It was so interesting to see the two representations of Good vs Evil working so well together, the underlying message of them working as a team was a lovely addition. They were both so funny and also so hard working to please not only their master but also to help right the wrongs in the world, they were just developed with such wonderful skill.

It was also extremely nice to see the different POV’s in relation to the uprising of the Apocalypse such as the Four Horsemen, the Kraken and how Adam the Antichrist all prepare for the upcoming end of the world. It allowed us insight into every character mentioned with the book which is so rare, but the talent in the writing style allowed this to shine through.

I also loved how human the Antichrist, Adam, and his hellhound, Dog, is. They bring such a normality to such a crazy book with such death defying plot lines, and it was the most brilliant contrast. When everyone comes together at the end, I couldn’t help but be on the edge of my seat to see what happens, but also laugh at the sarcasm of both Crowley and Adam. It was a perfect ending for this wonderful book.

There is no doubt in the world that the late but great Terry Pratchett and the wonderful Neil Gaiman are some of the best writers to have ever blessed our world, but this book proves that not only are they brilliant together but when they come together they create an absolute masterpiece. With a story that is so unique that I know I’ll never read anything like it, and with the wonderful character creations within the story, this is a story that will forever be deserving the title of ‘one of the greatest books in existence’ and I hope everyone gets the chance to read it.

Have you read Good Omens? What did you think? Leave a comment below!

Until next time,

Keep Reading,

Meggan x

Recommendations · Reviews

A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab // Review

Title: A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab

Rating: ★★★★★

Release: 23rd February 2016

The second instalment in the thrilling magic filled series will leave you never wanting it to end, and dreaming of living in the mysteriously magical Red London.

The ending of A Darker Shade of Magic, the first book in this series, was one of my favourite endings of any first book in a series ever, and the start of this book carries on that title as the opening to this book is one of my favourites. I love how time has passed between the books and seeing how the characters have developed in the time we haven’t read about them is so interesting.

Lila Bard quickly became one of the best female characters I’ve ever read about and with her entrance into this book, my love for her definitely hasn’t changed. I love her development within this book, she has become so much more headstrong and has taken the chance at living in Red London, and made it her own by following her dreams. She has such a big heart but I also love how she kicks into action at the slightest look of trouble.

The writing style is once again absolutely amazing within this book, and the relationship between Kell and Rhy is beautifully written. After the events of the previous book I wasn’t sure how they would react to each other, but the love and tension between them is written so brilliantly that it feels so real.

The introduction of some new (and old) characters is such a great inclusion, and such a massive shock that it’s a perfect addition to the story. I love Alucard’s sassiness and how he challenges Lila, he’s the perfect opposition for her and I really like that challenge against her boisterous character. The relationship that grows between Lila and Kell is also written so well that it doesn’t take over the entire story, it’s always in the background of the main plot leaving you desperate for their relationship to develop!

The introduction of the Elemental Games is absolutely brilliant. The fight scene between Kell and Lila is something I’ve lived for since the moment they met, and it lived up to my expectation! They are such a brilliant match and I love how Lila gets to show herself off for once and show she isn’t the little woman who needs protecting like she was in ADSOM, it’s such an important scene between them both.

The lead up to the ending of this book filled me with so much tension I could barely sit still. The old character we meet also has such a brilliant development and keeps you on the edge of your toes the entire time they are here. The plot of this book is so different to ADSOM and that’s why I love it. It’s a different story in the same world, exactly what you’d want from a sequel.

The ending left me absolutely begging for the next book, and even know I am eager to know what happened after the final page. It left me with so many questions about the next book, A Conjuring of Light, and I know that the book is already going to ruin me emotionally.

With a perfect plot twist, amazing character development and the best villain of the series so far, I am in absolute love with this book and with Schwab’s talent. I can’t wait to get stuck in with the final book and see what is next in store for Kell, Lila and the London gang.

All three books in the Darker Shade of Magic series are out now in all major outlets and book stores! Be sure to pick them up and start your own adventure!

Until next time,

Keep Reading,

Meggan x

Anticipated Releases · Recommendations · Reviews

Starr Gone by Kim Briggs // Review


Title: Starr Gone by Kim Briggs

Rating: ★★★★★

Release: 2nd June 2017

This series just keeps getting better and better as shown by the explosive and action packed third book in the Starr Fall series.

First off I would just like to once again mention that I absolutely love this series, and I would even go as far as to say this was definitely my favourite book of the series so far. The book continues almost exactly where Starr Lost finished off, and that’s just what I wanted! Starr Lost ended on such a cliffhanger and the outcome of the cliffhanger was handled perfectly.

The character development was AMAZING in this book. How Starr develops compared to the first book is something I’ve been waiting for the entire series, and I couldn’t be happier with the badass Starr we have throughout this book. I loved how we got to see Starr separated from the main ‘team’ and got to see how she copes with things on her own, and just how quick thinking and quick witted she is as a person. I love her and Christian’s relationship in Starr Lost, but seeing how she takes things in her stride without him, is absolutely brilliant. Kim you’ve outdone yourself with Starr here, one of my favourite female characters in the world.

Not only is Starr’s character development but Di has such a change in herself and learns so well how to not only be a part of team, but to lead it in Starr’s absence and I love her. I love how strong she is, but that she also shows weakness in this book, such as her explaining why she never felt she belonged. The underlying message within this book that family doesn’t have to mean blood, and sometimes your closest family are those that you least expected is one of my favourite things about the entire series. The closeness of the team as a whole is better than ever in this book, and I love it.

The plot in this book was such a shock from the last two, the twists and turns that carry out throughout it are made me constantly on edge to know what happens next, and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I love the introduction of the new enemy the team have to face (no spoilers!), it adds such a fresh narrative to the story and keeps you on your toes, even three books in.

The ending was once again incredible. I was not even slightly expecting the book to end there, so when I pressed to turn to the next page and it came up with Acknowledgements I was frantically scrolling praying that there would be more! As shocking as it was, it was such a perfect ending, not the biggest cliffhanger but still making it so I need the next book now!

This series just keeps getting better and better, and with perfect character development, twisting narrative to keep you on your toes, and wonderful writing to keep you wanting more, it looks like the reign of Kim Briggs is definitely set for this year. I can’t wait to see what the next book has in store for Starr and the team!

Thank you again to Kim for sending me Starr Gone! You’re an angel! It’s out on Amazon on the 2nd June 2017 so make sure to check it out and pre-order now!

Don’t forget to read the first two books in the Starr Fall series if you haven’t yet – they’re both available in eBook format or paperback on Amazon! Links for all three books are below:

STARR FALL – Amazon KindleAmazon Paperback

STARR LOST – Amazon KindleAmazon Paperback

STARR GONE – Amazon Kindle

Until next time,

Keep Reading,

Meggan x

Anticipated Releases · Recommendations · Reviews

Warlock Holmes: The Hell-Hound of the Baskervilles by G.S. Denning // Review


Title: Warlock Holmes: The Hell-Hound of the Baskervilles by G.S. Denning

Rating: ★★★★★

Release: 16th May 2017

The stunning and action packed sequel in the Warlock Holmes series is the perfect follow up to the cliffhanger of the previous book, and leaves you laughing, crying and wanting the next book instantly!

I was desperate as soon as I finished the first book in the series to pick up the next book, so when I found this beauty had been sent to me by the wonderful author I put down the book I was reading and instantly began this! Thank you G.S. Denning for sending it to me!

From the first page I was hooked once again, just like I was in the first book. I absolutely loved how it followed on with ease from A Study in Brimstone. I feel a lot of the time seuqels are make or break for a series, but this entire book made me fall even more in love with the world of Warlock and John! The first chapter or so made me giggle so much, John is one of my favourite characters ever created and his friendship with Warlock throughout this book was brilliant.

I loved how their friendship that was already established in the first book just evolved and the love they have for each other is so nice to see, very reminiscent of the love and friendship John and Sherlock have in the original stories, which was a brilliant comparison. It particularly stood out to me just how much inner development these characters have been given to not only now trust their own judgement but each others, and I loved to see that development happen so brilliantly and so subtly. It was a uniquely brilliant touch to the story.

Once again the book is split up into different cases and told through John’s notes which I LOVE! It feels so authentic, like John is telling a story rather than you having to live with them through it, and feels a lot more personal with the audience. It’s also genius how each story fits with the next in some way, rather than being completely separate and leaving you wondering why it was included, thank you G.S. Denning for being so brilliant.

The cases included in this book were once again so accurate to the original stories that I am amazed at just how well Denning creates this new adaptation. It feels so new, yet with the familiarity of the stories we all know and love so well, it really is something to be in awe of. Throughout the book I love the hints we get to Moriarty and how subtly they are included, so he isn’t the main story but is definitely still a reminder that he’s there! The inclusion of a certain characters backstory is also absolutely amazing. I wasn’t expecting that to be included at all so the fact we get an insight into the actions of a certain character that we haven’t as of yet so far, it was the best surprise and addition!

The ending was something else. It was so personal, with John talking to the audience specifically and was so cryptic that I literally cannot wait for the next book to be out! I need to know what happens and what John meant! The ending is so clever, hinting at what is yet to come but still not giving much away so it leaves you begging for the next book – my favourite kind of cliffhanger!

This book was a perfect example of just how not only a sequel should be written, but a perfect example of how to write a beautiful adaptation of a classic series, and make it your own! I loved everything about it, from the character development, the new cases, and Floofy! It was a story that kept me hooked with laughter and action throughout and I can’t wait until the next book is out and I can once again immerse myself into the world of John Watson and Warlock Holmes!

*NOTE: I was sent this book in return for an honest review and that is what I have written. All opinions are my own and are completely truthful.*

This book is out in the UK on May 16th 2017 so make sure you get your pre-orders sorted now to receive it on the day! You won’t regret it!

If you’re new to the series then the first book in the series, Warlock Holmes: A Study in Brimstone, is out now at all major outlets!

Until next time,

Hapy Reading!

Meggan x

Reviews

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas // Review // Slight Spoilers!


Title: A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

Rating: ★★★★★

Release: 2nd May 2017

The thrilling and emotional conclusion to the bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses trilogy shows exactly why Maas has dominated the bestselling list.

This book was completely everything I’ve ever wanted to end this beautiful trilogy. I have waited so long since finishing ACOMAF (which became my favourite read of all time last year!), and I knew from the moment I held it in my hands this was going to be something special.

I have loved Maas’ writing style ever since I first read the Throne of Glass series, and this book definitely doesn’t let me down, if anything it proves just why she is an absolute Queen when it comes to YA. One of my favourite parts in this book was how we got to see different Courts other than the Spring and Night! I loved entering the Summer Court and travelling with Feyre through Winter and Autumn. It made the world within the story feel so much bigger and made me fall more and more in love with Prythian, and the world in which our favourite characters live.

Not only was the world building perfect, but the characters within the world were so brilliantly developed it was amazing. Finally meeting the rest of the High Lords was something I have wanted for SO LONG, and I’m so happy that we got to meet them. I loved how each High Lord has such unique personalities, and you could really tell the differences between the High Lords we’ve already gotten to know and love (Looking at you Rhys), and those we have really only just met (I love Helion).

The development within the Inner Circle was also so beautiful, I absolutely love how tight knit they all are, and how they accept Feyre being their High Lady. Their utter dedication to her brought a tear to my eye. It was so lovely to also have the Inner Circle completely involved in every single part of the narrative, and how well Nesta and Elain fit in. Nesta and Elain are such welcoming characters to the series, and the love between the Archeron sisters is one of the most beautiful things. The dedication both Feyre and Nesta have for Elain was so beautifully created and written, Sarah – you have outdone yourself.

One of my favourite parts was how this book started out with just Feyre alone in the Spring Court. The development that happens here is AMAZING. To think that the last time we saw her in Spring Court she was a broken woman, to now her being such a strong independent woman that holds her own and is badass as hell, it’s absolutely brilliant and I love that we got that comparison between the two different Feyre’s!

A lot of YA books have a tendency to make out that the main characters are completely ‘flawless’ and handle anything without any problems, which definitely isn’t the case in real life. It was amazing to see that when Feyre trained with Azriel, she did get tired, and did get sore and couldn’t do EVERYTHING she wanted to, it added such an aspect of realism to the story and showed that just because something doesn’t happen straight away doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try your best and work towards a goal.

If I had one thing I would change (which I would literally barely change anything), it would be that Rhys and Feyre say the words ‘my mate’ so much, that by the end I actually felt like it wasn’t a word anymore! I love how they constantly refer to themselves as it because it’s so sweet of them, it feels like they constantly remind themselves of it because they can’t believe it’s real (THEY ARE SO CUTE), but sometimes it seemed repetitive, but was easily overlooked by the beautiful writing.

We met some old friends and the scene where they return was my ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE. I love how they were reunited and the battle scene at the end filled me with so much love for every single character that I literally had no idea how to hold it in.

I also once again need to talk about THAT ENDING. Well I say ending, the last 100 pages or so KILLED ME. I won’t post spoilers but that was the most stressful time of any book, and for the first time in my life I actually shouted out loud when I got to one of the pages. No book has ever made me feel like that, showing just how much I LOVED this book!

The overall conclusion of this beautifully intricate story was absolutely perfect. I never knew how I wanted this arc of the series to finish off, until I read the end and then realised that that was exactly everything I wanted. It was such a lovely ending to Feyre and Rhysand’s story and well deserved after the UTTER STRESS of the chapters previous!

I have so much more to say about this book, and I have so many feelings! This series has ruined me, but in the best possible way. I’ve laughed, I’ve cried and I’ve shouted at it, but this series will forever hold a special place in my heart. I’m so sad this particular trilogy it’s over but knowing the A Court of Thorns and Roses series has more books to come makes me unbelievably excited!

Thank you Sarah J. Maas for introducing such wonderful characters into my life and making me dream of living in Prythian forever (Velaris would be my favourite place). Thank you for allowing me to immerse myself in this beautiful world, and for giving me one of the most amazing stories to treasure forever.

You can read my ACOTAR review here: Review!

You can read my ACOMAF review here: Review!

What did you think to ACOWAR, and the entire series? Was it a good ending for you? Leave a comment below with your thoughts!

Keep Reading,

Meggan x

Anticipated Releases · Release Day Posts

STARR GONE COVER REVEAL!

Hi everyone!

IT’S HERE, IT’S FINALLY HERE! I’m taking part in this blog tour to help to reveal the GORGEOUS new cover for Starr Gone, the third book in the Starr Fall series by Kim Briggs!

Without further ado, here is the new cover!!

⭐⭐⭐ Unveiling a new cover ⭐⭐⭐
Book Cover
STARR GONE
by Kim Briggs

Series: Starr Fall Series, Book 3
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary, YA Romance, YA Thriller

Publication Date: June 3, 2017

A Starr gone. A team betrayed.
You never know who your true friends are until a gun’s pointed at you. One will take a bullet, and the other will pull the trigger. Starr learned that lesson the hard way.
The perfect smile. A killer attitude. General Treadwell wanted nothing more than to turn Starr Bishop into the ideal assassin, but she’s far more valuable as Jessica Chamberlain, granddaughter and heir to Chamberlain Chocolates. Luckily, he’s found two enthusiastic replacements. They lack Starr’s intelligence, but no matter, they possess their own weapons of persuasion along with a flair for the dramatic, and that’s never a bad thing.
Di, along with Christian, Frank, Ben and Coda, are determined to keep Starr safe, but the depths of betrayal crack the very foundation of the team. When Starr becomes a pawn in a game of power, money, and manipulation, Di channels her WWSD (What Would Starr Do) to rally the team. She owes her best friend that much. No… More.

Pre-order Now for $2.99 Only!

Amazon | Kobo | iBooks

UK! Pre-order Now for £2.38 Only!

Other Books in the Series

Don’t miss the other books in the Starr Fall series.
Book Cover
STARR FALL
Series: Starr Fall Series, Book 1
When the Organization decides Starr would make the ideal assassin, she needs to escape the island and disappear. While in hiding she meets dark, moody, and dead sexy Christian Evergood. Christian makes Starr forget that the Organization is after her, but their lives are more entwined than either one realizes.
One Starr falls, and a killer rises!
Buy Links: Amazon | Kobo | Barnes & Noble
“Great start to a new YA series! This was definitely an enjoyable read with a cliff hanger of an ending.”
– K.G. Fletcher, Goodreads reviewer
Book Cover
STARR LOST
Series: Starr Fall Series, Book 2
A Starr falls, and a family is found.
On the run from the Organization, Starr and Christian find safety on the Qualla Boundary with their friends, Ben and Coda, but Starr needs answers. She owes her dear dead friends, Sami and Jody, that much. She forms a team of her own to fight the general and his recruits.
Life becomes tense on the Qualla Boundary, sparks fly, and the Organization is about to smash in their door.
Buy Links: Amazon | Kobo | Barnes & Noble
“After reading Starr Fall I didn’t think anything could top that at all. Then I read this book… I just loved it, and the ending was INCREDIBLE.”
– Meggan Turner, Goodreads reviewer

Giveaway

WIN $10 AMAZON GIFT CARD
Giveaway Graphic

About Kim Briggs

(Blogger Note: She is an actual angel!)

Author Pic

Kim Briggs once smashed into a tree while skiing. The accident led to a concussion, a cracked sternum, temporary notoriety as a sixth grader returned from the dead, and the realization that fictionalized accounts are way more interesting than just slipping on the ice.
An unhealthy obsession with conspiracy theories combined with a love of travel and happily ever afters led Kim to write her YA novel, Starr Fall, where a secret organization decides 17-year-old Starr Bishop is not only the model student, but the ideal assassin. While in hiding, Starr meets dark, moody, and dead sexy Christian Evergood. Cue the swoon worthy music. But it’s not all happily ever afters for Kim. Her NA novel, And Then He, explores the dark and scary corners of the human psyche. Following a night of innocent flirting with a handsome stranger, Tiffani finds herself in the midst of a nightmare she can’t escape. And Then He is available through Amazon and other major book retailers. Starr Fall released November 2016 with Inkspell Publishing, followed by Starr Lost in January 2017 and Starr Gone in June 2017. Her novella, Avalanche is part of the Valentine Kisses Anthology and released February 14, 2017.
When she’s not doing something writerly, Kim can be found jumping into snowdrifts with her three kids, husband, and dog. She’s careful to avoid trees.
Visit her website and sign up for updates: http://www.KimBriggsWrite.com.
Please like her Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/KimBriggsWrite/.
Chat with her on Twitter: @KimBriggsWrite.
She shares writing love with her INK Sister Alison Green Myers at INK Sisters Write: http://INKSistersWrite.Blogspot.com.
Social media links:

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Monthly Wrap Ups · Reviews

April Wrap Up!

Hi everyone!

I really didn’t read many books last month! It was the final month of university deadlines, so it meant I barely had any time to read, which was very sad! However the three books I did manage to get round to reading were definitely worth it! A nice range of genres too! Here we go: 


Title: Horns by Joe Hill

Rating: ★★★★

Review: I love Joe Hill’s books so much, but I’d never read this book or seen the film! I knew that the film was really well received so I couldn’t wait to actually read the book! It didn’t let me down at all, from the first page I was hooked and the writing was absolutely amazing! I will have a full review up soon for this book, but I recommend it so much! The story and the characters worked perfectly together and I couldn’t put it down!


Title: The Who’s Who of British Crime: In The Twentieth Century by Jim Morris

Rating: ★★★★★

Review: True crime is one of my favourite genres, I love reading about this type of thing, and since this one was entirely about Britain (where I live!) it intrigued me even more! I borrowed it from the library and it was such an interesting read. It had such good information for each point, and was brilliantly written.


Title: Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

Rating: ★★★★★

Review: My best friend bought me this for Christmas as it was said if you loved The Book Thief (my favourite book ever!), then this was also set to be a favourite. It didn’t lie, I am so in love with this book! The writing style was so beautiful and had some absolutely gorgeous quotes in. I love the relationship between Maddie and Queenie and it even brought me to tears at one point! I completely sold my heart over to the characters within the book, and I’m emotionally ruined in the best way! A full review will be up soon!

That’s it for last month! I can’t wait to see what this month has in store for me! It’s only the 2nd May and ACOWAR is out so it’s looking like a pretty good month already!!My April Book Haul video will be up on my YouTube channel soon, but until then click here to catch up on my videos!

Until next time,

Happy Reading!

Meggan x
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