BOOK REVIEW | The Court Of Miracles by Kester Grant

"You must make your enemies your allies. And if you can't do that, then destroy them.

Them, and all who follow them, so that fear doesn't come for you when you sleep." 

A diverse fantasy reimagining of Les Misérables and The Jungle Book. Fantastic!

A great Young Adult fantasy novel with a wholly original plot and great world building. 

This book is set in 1828 Paris after a failed revolution; in times that are dark and sinister with a royal regime lacking any real interest or compassion for those less fortunate themselves. These royals are merciless and pretty much live for themselves and fellow nobility, leaving the remaining residents of Paris to live in famine, poverty and despair. As a result nine underworld criminal guilds known as the Court of Miracles have formed. Our protagonist Nina, is a very talented cat burglar and is a member of the Thieves Guild. When her adopted sister Ettie attracts the unwanted and terrifying attention of the Tiger (the lord of the Guild of Flesh), Nina is forced to embark on a dangerous path to protect Ettie and do all she can to keep her safe and out of the ruthless clutches of the the Lord of the Guild of Flesh. Breaking into the palace of Louis XVII, stealing from royals, seeking allies with ghosts and facing her fears, Nina's will to protect her younger adopted sister forces her into the worst parts of the dark underbelly of Paris. But saving Ettie from the Tiger risks setting off a vicious war between the guilds. 

Admittedly, it started a little slow with a lot of information and world building thrown at you. I did become slightly worried that the plot wouldn't have much suspense or keep my interest. However it was totally worth the slow plot as that all changed a few chapters in and I was enthralled into an underworld of secrecy, law, thieves, assassins and more! 

This book is beautifully written with amazing descriptive language and little stories of revolution thrown in between chapters. I loved the historical aspects of this book and the way in which the author greatly captured a dark Paris in a unique and interesting way. The court systems and 'Guilds' where also really well explained and added SO much more depth; it made the story and the protagonists feelings and decisions easier to understand and empathise with. The characters where also a very well done element of this fantastic book; all unique and likeable which made you invested in them and the story so much more. The main character in this book was probably the best thing about it. Starting as a small, quiet girl relying on her sister and leading a sad average life, she later becomes a fierce and brave admirable woman who you can't help but cheer for through out the story. Her character development was very well done!

I greatly enjoyed this book and once I got through the slow start I couldn't put it down! I cannot wait for a sequel as the story of Nina and Ettie doesn't seem to be over just yet. Their friendship and sisterhood warmed my heart and proved that love trumps all. A four star read that I'd highly recommend if you love a good fantasy. If you’re not a fan of romance in your books, then this book is for you! There isn't any romance in this book but there is definitely enough to suggest there could be in a sequel. Instead, this book greatly focuses on sisterhood and friendship and i adored it. 

Available:  04/06/2020. 

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Thank you for reading, 

Synopsis from Goodreads: 

Les Misérables meets Six of Crows in this page-turning adventure as a young thief finds herself going head to head with leaders of Paris's criminal underground in the wake of the French Revolution.

In the violent urban jungle of an alternate 1828 Paris, the French Revolution has failed and the city is divided between merciless royalty and nine underworld criminal guilds, known as the Court of Miracles. Eponine (Nina) Thénardier is a talented cat burglar and member of the Thieves Guild. Nina's life is midnight robberies, avoiding her father's fists, and watching over her naïve adopted sister, Cosette (Ettie). When Ettie attracts the eye of the Tiger--the ruthless lord of the Guild of Flesh--Nina is caught in a desperate race to keep the younger girl safe. Her vow takes her from the city's dark underbelly to the glittering court of Louis XVII. And it also forces Nina to make a terrible choice--protect Ettie and set off a brutal war between the guilds, or forever lose her sister to the Tiger. 

BOOK REVIEW | The Love Hypothesis by Laura Steven

I really enjoyed this book! It was such a lovely cute read. The aspects of physics made it so interesting and gave it much more depth. I could definitely tell that a lot of research had gone into this book and I actually learned a thing or two about some scientific theory ha! The representation in this book is also a really good thing about it. The main character was so fun and well written and the innuendos added so much more humour. I also liked how the book had some good emotional elements and was a story showing a young girls journey to self discovery and sexuality. I really adored both her dads especially Vati he was a hilarious character! A book that I read with ease and thoroughly enjoyed. 3.5 stars!

Rating: ★ ★ ★.5 

Thank you for reading, 

Synopsis from Goodreads: 

Physics genius Caro Kerber-Murphy knows she’s smart. With straight As and a college scholarship already in the bag, she’s meeting her two dads’ colossal expectations and then some. But there’s one test she’s never quite been able to ace: love. And when, in a particularly desperate moment, Caro discovers a (definitely questionable) scientific breakthrough that promises to make you irresistible to everyone around you, she wonders if this could be the key. What happens next will change everything Caro thought she knew chemistry – in the lab and in love.

Is her long-time crush Haruki with her of his own free will? Are her feelings for her best girl friend some sort of side-effect? Will her dog, Sirius, ever stop humping her leg?

BOOK REVIEW | The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller

'They never found the body of the first and only boy who broke my heart. And they never will.'

Our protagonist Alessandra's heart was broken by her first love and since then has turned cold when it comes to love; seducing lovers who give her expensive things and using them for her own needs until she discards them when she no longer has a use for them. Eventually she tires of this same routine and comes up with a new plan. When her farther comes to inform her that her sister has had no luck of winning the affections of the Shadow King, Alessandra see's this as an opportunity to acquire all that she desires; power. She will win the King's heart, make him fall hopelessly in love with her, marry him, become queen and and then kill the king; taking the kingdom for herself. But theres a catch, it is the law that you cannot be within 5 feet of the King and his shadows. Alessandra must find a way past this to win his heart and take the kingdom. 

I ultimately enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down. It was a super easy read and I actually read it within a day. The plot was super interesting and I was always wondering where the story would go. The reason it was a three star for me was simply because I struggled to really like or empathise with the main characters. They are very selfish and there is also a lot of classism and dislike towards the poor in this book which kind of took away my enjoyment at times as I had issues with it. It's not the most action packed book but the romance aspect was really fun and I really liked it overall! 

Rating: ★ ★ ★ 

Thank you for reading, 

Synopsis from Goodreads: 

Alessandra is tired of being overlooked, but she has a plan to gain power:

1) Woo the Shadow King.
2) Marry him.
3) Kill him and take his kingdom for herself.

No one knows the extent of the freshly crowned Shadow King’s power. Some say he can command the shadows that swirl around him to do his bidding. Others say they speak to him, whispering the thoughts of his enemies. Regardless, Alessandra knows what she deserves, and she’s going to do everything within her power to get it.

But Alessandra’s not the only one trying to kill the king. As attempts on his life are made, she finds herself trying to keep him alive long enough for him to make her his queen—all while struggling not to lose her heart. After all, who better for a Shadow King than a cunning, villainous queen?

BOOK REVIEW | My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

"Femi makes three, you know. Three, and they label you a serial killer."

I picked this book up from my work as it was in our proof copies pile and decided to give it a read due to the fact it's shortlisted for the Women's Prize For Fiction 2019 and, not to mention it's title being very intriguing in it's own right. I wasn't too sure on what to expect regarding this book due to how short it is at just 223 pages. All I knew going in is that it follows two sisters; one being a serial killer. 

This novel is set in Nigeria amid a corrupt system of law and order; a country that doesn't have the best policing and police resources available, following a protagonist named Korede. Korede is used to continuously coming to the aid of her younger sister Ayoola, helping her clean up and dispose of the bodies of boyfriends that she apparently kills in 'self defence'. At the start of the book we quickly learn that Ayoola may be very beautiful on the outside but on the inside is the opposite, as it becomes apparent early on that she doesn't ever seem to have any guilt or that of a conscience regarding the murders of her previous boyfriends. 

"She killed him on the first strike, a jab straight to the heart. But then she stabbed him twice more to be sure. He sank to the floor. She could hear her own breathing and nothing else." 

This quote in particular gives us an insight into the type of person Ayoola is and further instigates her cold-heartedness. Her sister Korede on the other hand seems to feel far more guilt and remorse for her sisters victims. 

Korede is a very quiet nurse with an obsession for neatness and cleanliness. We find out early on that she isn't the most sociable character as she seeks comfort and friendship in a patient who is in a comatose state; spilling all her sisters secrets and her own suspicions as to weather or not they truly were acts of self defence or if her sister is now statistically, a serial killer after three murders. We are also alerted to her love interest at the start of the book, a colleague of hers, Tade the doctor. However the only thing close to a plot twist in this book is her sister Ayoola winning the attentions and affections of Koredes crush, Tade. This deeply impacts our protagonist as it pains her emotionally, but also gives way to much worry and stress over the likely possibility of the man she loves becoming just another of Ayoola's victims. It is clear throughout the book that deep down Korede carries a lot of anger towards her sister and a great deal of jealousy due to her sisters remarkable beauty and ability to always get her own way throughout life. However, despite these feelings she always puts her sisters wellbeing and freedom from being caught first; helping her to get rid of evidence and continuously coming to her rescue regardless of the personal cost. Ayoola is completely self absorbed and unaware of the hardships she puts onto her sister through her actions, which, she never takes any real responsibility for. 

The sister's dynamics in the book are what I find to be most compelling and add so much more depth and intrigue to the story. Even though Korede thinks her sister may well be a serial killer, cold blooded and soulless as opposed to the victim she continuously claims to be, she cannot stop herself from protecting her younger sister in any way she can, even if that means going against what she knows to be right and just. 

I really enjoyed the uniqueness of this book and the constant suspense it provided, never knowing if the sisters where about to be caught at any given moment. The story is very intriguing as you never know what may happen next and what turn it may take. However, I was very disappointed that this story lacked any plot twists, it definitely would have made the story a lot more interesting. The writing was also rather mediocre and could have been done better to give the book an even more thrilling feeling to reflect it's very bold title. Another thing that did disappoint me when finishing this book is that the story isn't over when the book is. We never truly get to understand why Ayoola is the way she is, and how she truly feels about the murders. Therefore I feel that the ending could have been done a lot better by giving the reader these answers, or at least a reason behind why the characters have the particular traits they do. 

I rated this book four stars on goodreads as I did really enjoy it. It was an interesting, easy read that I couldn't put down and a book that holds my interest and attention that well is deserving of four stars for me! 

Thank you for reading, 

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis from Goodreads: 

My Sister, the Serial Killer is a blackly comic novel about how blood is thicker - and more difficult to get out of the carpet - than water...

When Korede's dinner is interrupted one night by a distress call from her sister, Ayoola, she knows what's expected of her: bleach, rubber gloves, nerves of steel and a strong stomach. This'll be the third boyfriend Ayoola's dispatched in, quote, self-defence and the third mess that her lethal little sibling has left Korede to clear away. She should probably go to the police for the good of the menfolk of Nigeria, but she loves her sister and, as they say, family always comes first. Until, that is, Ayoola starts dating the doctor where Korede works as a nurse. Korede's long been in love with him, and isn't prepared to see him wind up with a knife in his back: but to save one would mean sacrificing the other... 

BOOK REVIEW | DID I MENTION I LOVE YOU? BY ESTELLE MASKAME

Okay so I didn't really know what to expect from this book... the storyline sounded really interesting and i'm a sucker for ya romance books they're totally my guilty pleasure. However the whole 'main character falling in love with her stepbrother' storyline did make me a little apprehensive. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this book and ended up giving it four stars on goodreads although,  I probably would have given it a 3.5 if I had the option. 

So I won't lie; this book is full of cliches and is very cheesy at times but I found that once I was a couple of chapters in I couldn't stop thinking about reading it when I wasn't. You know when a book just consumes your thoughts and when you aren't reading it your mind is constantly wondering whats going to happen next? well that is how the book made me feel. 

At first I didn't really understand how the main character Eden could possibly fall for her stepbrother Tyler because he just seemed like a totally awful person and I didn't fathom how there could be more to him and also how he could redeem himself. However, I like how the forbidden romance unfolded between the two. 

An aspect of this book I really enjoyed was the mystery surrounding Tyler and why he was such a 'jackass' as described by Eden. This element of the story made it all the more intriguing. I would have to argue it was a little bit of a slow burner but worth the wait. The ending did seem a little bit rushed to me in a way *SPOILER WARNING* as the whole story builds up to everything happening just so that Eden and Tyler could be together; they have finally admitted their feelings to one another, Tyler has ended things with Tiffany yet all of a sudden Eden decides to quit at the final hurdle... After Eden realised her feelings for Tyler she did everything she could to continue things with Tyler in a way and seemed very enthusiastic in pursuing their forbidden romance. Then suddenly Eden out of nowhere decides to do the right thing and end things just as things can begin... It was kind of disappointing and even though  it was a good element to the story and more realistic it could have been executed better and not so abruptly. The rushed ending to the story and slightly strange epilogue is what decreased by rating. But I did really enjoy this book and I can't wait to pick up book 2 in the future! 

Thank you for reading, 

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis from Goodreads: 

When sixteen-year-old Eden Munro agrees to spend the summer with her estranged father in the beachfront city of Santa Monica, California, she has no idea what she’s letting herself in for. Eden's parents are divorced and have gone their separate ways, and now her father has a brand new family. For Eden, this means she's about to meet three new step-brothers. The eldest of the three is Tyler Bruce, a troubled teenager with a short temper and a huge ego. Complete polar opposites, Eden quickly finds herself thrust into a world full of new experiences as Tyler's group of friends take her under their wing. But the one thing she just can't understand is Tyler, and the more she presses to figure out the truth about him, the more she finds herself falling for the one person she shouldn't – her step-brother.

Throw in Tyler's clingy girlfriend and a guy who has his eyes set on Eden, and there's secrets, lies and a whole lot of drama. But how can Eden keep her feelings under control? And can she ever work out the truth about Tyler?

Did I Mention I Love You is the first book in the phenomenal DIMILY trilogy, following the lives of Eden Munro and Tyler Bruce as they try to find their way in an increasingly confusing world. 

BOOK REVIEW | STALKING JACK THE RIPPER BY KERRI MANISCALCO

In all honesty I really don't have a clue exactly where i first saw this book or how i found it but OH MY GOD am I glad that I did. This book!!!!!! I'm struggling on how exactly to word my feelings regarding this book right now because I have all the feels. Do you ever read a book that is so incredibly good and captivating that you don't want it to end so you read it as slowly as possible? just me? (awkward) but this book is THAT kind of book. Now obviously there is a degree of grotesqueness in this book but Kerri Maniscalco's writing captures this dark part in history in the most amazing way to the point of wanting to experience the life of the main character - Audrey Rose (even if that means existing in the same time period as a murderous maniac). Also would you look at that cover?! 

Since this is my first book review and I am by no means good at this kind of thing I will keep my review fairly brief. I will try my best to make my jumbled up thoughts make sense. *Potential spoilers ahead*

Synopsis from Goodreads: 

Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord's daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.

Against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world. 

Quote on the back of the book cover: 

 "I was the girl who loved the ripper". 

Okay so I have to admit I am totally a sucker for a romance story and a bit of mystery and this book perfectly offers both! Having a romance story alongside the main plot of the book just made it all the more intriguing; especially considering this is a story based upon Jack the Ripper, one of the most notorious serial killers in Britain's history to date. 

The plot of this book is interesting to say the least. One thing I adored most about this book was the way in which Maniscalco was able to capture (in my opinion) 18thy century London exactly as it has been portrayed to be. Through the use of dialect, intricate details regarding characters clothing and including a particular portrayal of status and social conduct in the Victorian era, I got a true sense of what it would have been like to live in the upper class during the 18th century. 

The main character Audrey Rose Wadsworth is a character I absolutely adore in this book. Unlike other women within the 18th century whom lived for gossip, afternoon teas, expensive gowns and propriety, Audrey Rose is engulfed in her dark curiosity and her love for science; leading to the majority of her time consisting of cutting up dead bodies as an assistant to her uncle at his laboratory. Blood and dead bodies were something she was used to and did not phase her until the day the first mutilated corpse of a dead prostitute arrived for her uncle to examine. Understanding the brutal and hateful manner in which this crime had been committed, it sparked her dark curiosity even more. Audrey Rose became determined to solve the mystery of 'Leather Apron' (Jack the Ripper) to also prove the stereotypes against women to be both stupid and wrong. However with her family falling apart and going against the status quo, her character faces a variety of challenges. The hardships of love and friendship along with trying to be a step ahead of a murderer who preys upon women, leads Audrey Rose's character to become reckless. Never the less I can't help but admire her as she is both fierce and smart through out the book and constantly challenges societies views of women during the 18th century. 

Although Maniscalco uses Audrey Rose's character to touch upon feminism and it's importance, I feel at times that it was counterproductive due to the way in which her character judges other women as not being as open minded as her. She openly makes assumptions that they do not consider other things apart from what society tells them too which I found to be rather contradictory. I feel that if Maniscalco had touched upon feminism and inequality a lot more through the use of Audrey Rose's character, it would have given the book a deeper sense of connecting with it's main character. Furthermore it would have also created a more intensified insight as to what it was like to be a woman in a time were they viewed as inferior to men. On the contrary, I do feel that the touch upon feminism was substantial enough and I'm gladded Maniscalco chose to incorporate it into the story to make it much more realistic and believable.

My favourite character has to be Audrey Rose's love interest/side kick. An upper class young gentlemen in society named Thomas Cresswell, who seems completely cold and disconnected from all emotion; particularly when it comes to murders and corpses. His character is very flirtatious and witty making him instantly quite likeable, although at times his arrogance does become rather annoying with regards to him being very aware of his own intelligence. The further into the book we get the more the mystery of Thomas Cresswell is unraveled, revealing him to actually be very caring;  especially towards Audrey Rose. All I have left to say on this character is that Thomas Cresswell owns my heart.

This is a story that constantly provokes your imagination and curioustiy throughout and leaves you guessing at each page. I loved the 'plot twist' so to say, and did not expect Jack the Ripper to be the character he was. The reasoning behind sed character being Jack the Ripper was unique to say the least and very random; interesting none the less. I would have liked a slightly longer ending and more information about how deeply the events of this story impacted the surviving characters but the ending did leave room for your imagination to do its own thing. 

 The only real negative I could find with this book was the letters from Jack The Ripper that were included in certain parts. The font that they were in was near impossible to read and resulted in me merely skimming over them, guessing the words or having to ask someone if they could read what they thought it said. 

Over all I would definitely rate this book 5/5 and have already been recommending it to every other bookworm I know! If you're looking for a unique read that incorporates history, romance and a little bit of feminism (in its own way) then it's definitely worth picking up this book. If you have read this book leave a comment down below on what you thought of it and what rating you would give!

If you actually made it to the end of this review then thank you for reading what probably makes no sense and is very grammatically incorrect (its nearly 2AM as I am writing this so sleepiness is my only defence). Find this review on my goodreads page: goodreads.com/vanillaxmoon

Jodie x