Thrill Seekers - Edwina Shaw

When Brian's Dad dies it sends both him and his brother off on wildly different paths. Brian has always been a thrill seeker but now he takes the drugs and drinking even further with his friends. On the other hand, his brother Douggie starts hearing voices and paranoia sets in. The group think nothing of experimenting with whatever they get their hands on, and trying out any adventure they can think of. They seem to go through their lives in a haze of drink and drugs.

Through the different points of view, you can see just how differently the characters see themselves and others. I liked reading the different characters, though I am not quite sure why some of them were included, particularly Beck.

I was surprised at how emotional I felt reading some parts of the book. It's not all wild rides as it may seem at first, there are genuine relationships and friendships. As the story progresses, the characters grow and mature, friendships change and family bonds get as complicated as they can. 

This book definitely calls for something strong and with all the risks the boys take, The Long Shot is a fitting drink. Shake the following with ice: 1 & 1/2 shots of tequila, 1/2 shot curacao orange liqueur, 3/4 shot lemon juice, a dash of sugar syrup and a dash of Angostura bitters. Pour into an ice filled glass and top with soda. Enjoy with a slice of panettone as it's Christmas!

I hope you've enjoyed my reviews and trying out the cocktails this year. Let me know how you've got on in the comments below. Happy Christmas everyone!!!

Mystery Blogger Award

Thanks to Amy (find her at Amy's Bookish Life) for tagging me in the Mystery Blogger Award. I've never done one of  these before so here goes!

What is the Mystery Blogger Award?

“The ‘Mystery Blogger Award’ is an award for amazing bloggers with ingenious posts. Their blog not only captivates; it inspires and motivates. They are one of the best out there, and they deserve every recognition they get. This award is also for bloggers who find fun and inspiration in blogging; and they do it with so much love and passion.”

– Okoto Enigma (the creator of the award)

Rules

* Put the award logo/image on your blog.

* List the rules.

* Thank whoever nominated you and provide a link to their blog.

* Mention the creator of the award and provide a link as well.

* Tell your readers 3 things about yourself.

* You have to nominate 10 – 20 people.

* Notify your nominees by commenting on their blog.

* Ask your nominees any 5 questions of your choice; with one weird or funny question (specify).

* Share a link to your best post(s).

3 Facts About Me

1. Summer is my favourite season, I'd live on the beach if I could.

2. I love anything to do with Space.

3. I wish I was more creative.

My Best Posts

Flawed by Cecelia Ahern

To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo

The Nowhere Emporium by Ross MacKenzie

Answering Amy's Questions

1. What got you into reading?

I don't really remember, I've always been a big reader since I was young.

2. Which book do you wish you had written?

Maybe something with Greek mythology, like the Percy Jackson series.

3. What Hogwarts House are you in?

Officially Gryffindor but I definitely feel I'm half Ravenclaw too.

4. If you could have dinner with any author dead or alive, who would it be?

Cecelia Ahern, I recently met her and she was lovely not at all intimidating like I imagine I'd feel with some super-famous authors.

5. Tell me your best joke!

Two cows in a field, one says "Moo", the other says, "I was going to say that!"

My Questions

1. What book do you recommend to everyone?

2. What is your favourite childhood book?

3. Which book destination would you like to visit?

4. What's your favourite bookish accessory?

5. What is your favourite cocktail?

I'm Tagging

Sophia at Impulsive Reader

Rain at BookDragonism

Christina at Chrikarublog

Cat at This Is One For The Books

Asha at A Cat, A Book, And A Cup Of Tea

Bex at My Shelf & Myself

Sarah at The YA Book Traveller

Jess at Jess Hearts books

Emily at A Short Book Lover

Rae at Thrifty Bibliophile

The Nowhere Emporium - Ross MacKenzie

Don't you just love finding an unexpected gem at the library? This book is so magical and intriguing that you'll find yourself wishing you could visit, even the cover cleverly invites you into the emporium.

While hiding from bullies, Daniel finds himself in a wondrous shop full of exciting and mysterious things. The owner is surprised to find him in the closed shop, but allows Daniel to wait till he feels safe to leave. The owner is even more astounded to find Daniel back the next day, as this is a magical shop and no one ever remembers it once leaving! 

Lucien Silver introduces Daniel to the mystical Nowhere Emporium. Full of magical staircases and mysterious rooms, there's a garden where every petal and leaf is aflame, a fountain of imagination and a library of souls. Then there's the mysterious Ellie, Mr Silver's daughter, who can't leave the emporium and can only be seen by Emporium workers. Mr Silver sees some potential in Daniel and offers to make him an apprentice, teaching him how to make Wonders of his own. 

The shop sounds a little sinister at first 'to enter you must pay a price' and you're not quite sure whether you can trust Lucien Silver. Customers are drawn to the shop, but then forget all about it once they leave. This all adds to the mystery and keeps you guessing. I loved the immersive magic of the book and will definitely be looking for more from this author.

The Nowhere cocktail I created is fairly light on alcohol but strong on flavours. I've used some of the smells that drift form the shop as it opens to customers, see if you spot them all when reading the book. I added shimmer to mimic the sparkling bricks of the hallways and a few Popballs at the bottom of the cocktail will be hidden at first but then surprise the drinker, like the wonders in the Emporium.

Put the following ingredients into a shaker with ice - 1 shot malibu, 1/4 shot blue curacao, 1/2 shot cranberry juice, 1/4 shot lemon juice, a few drops of chocolate bitters and a drop of liquid smoke. Shake them up and pour into a martini glass. Stir in a little blue shimmer and then drop in a few Popballs.

We Were Liars - E. Lockhart

This book was recommended to me by my lovely friend Helen so I just had to read it as soon as I could get myself a copy.

A life of endless summers where the rest of the year hardly seems to exist. Cadence and the rest of the Sinclairs spend every summer at her grandfather's private island near Martha's Vineyard. Blonde, rich and privileged, the family have every luxury and convenience at their fingertips.

All this changes after the accident. Now Cady has almost constant headaches and she cannot remember what happened to her that summer. Her mother doesn't want to let her go back to the island and she spends the next summer touring Europe with her father. Cady feels isolated from her cousins and suspects that something traumatic must have happened to her, especially when none of them bother to reply to her emails.  The year after, when she eventually persuades her mother to let her go back for part of the summer, she finds a very different island. Her grandfather has rebuilt his house as an austere Japanese villa and her cousins have moved into the empty house of one of her aunts.

What actually happened to Cadence? Her cousins won't tell her anything as they and the rest of the family have been told not to discuss it with her so she can remember by herself. All we know are the few vague details she is told about how she was found and she is sure that she must have some kind of head injury that the doctors haven't discovered.

The twist is quite clever and even after I finished, I tried to go back and find the clues but they were very well disguised. I don't know if anyone would guess what happened, if you've read it and figured it out, please let me know!

Cady, her cousins Johnny and Mirren, and their friend Gat, are known to the rest of the family as the Liars. I didn't feel like this was adequately explained and found myself wondering throughout the book. Particularly as it is in the title. There was a brief mention that they weren't called the Liars before Gat started coming to visit so I kept expecting to find that he had done something to earn their name. The version I read actually does explain it in the extras, which is useful.

Though every evening Cady's family gather for cocktail hour before dinner, I found this book was the hardest to match with a cocktail. Eventually I settled on an adaptation of the Pink Faced Liar. In a shaker with ice, mix a shot each of gin and vodka, half a shot of lemon juice and a couple of dashes of grenadine. Pour into a tall glass with ice and top with tonic, then give it a stir before serving.

Book Mix & Match 4

I chose a cocktail that makes me think of spring, as it has turned decidedly colder and more wintry as I write this. The Floral Daiquiri makes me think of warmer days. First rinse a little Creme de violette around a coupe glass. Muddle a few blueberries in a shaker, then add 2 shots of rum, 2/3 shot of lime juice, 1/2 shot of lavender syrup and 1/2 shot of elderflower liqueur. Shake with ice and strain into your glass. Then pick a book from the selection below and forget about the cold!

The Book of Dust - Philip Pullman

This is the story of Malcolm, who meets Lyra when she is just a baby. There seem to be a great many people interested in her and he immediately feels protective towards the little girl. He knows she will be important in the future and luckily his instincts are quite accurate in knowing who to trust and who may be a danger to her. When a great flood appears, he rescues Lyra and with the help of Alice and his trusty canoe, Le Belle Sauvage, will go to great lengths to get Lyra back to her father.

I was re-reading Northern Lights at the same time and this feels exactly the same, even though it is written so many years later. I loved it and found it so hard to put down every time I started reading.

I love the idea of daemons, another part of ourselves that we could actually talk to. This quote from the book pretty much says it all..."Of course, he and Asta were one being, so the intuitions were his anyway, as much as his feelings were hers."

City of Ghosts - Victoria Schwab

While Cass's parents write books about ghosts, she can actually see ghosts and even her best friend is a ghost. When her parents are asked to film a new ghost hunter TV show, they visit haunted Edinburgh. There Cass meets Lara, who is just like her and explains that they have a job to do. They have the power to send ghosts past the veil so they are no longer stuck in this world.

While quite a lot of this first book is world building, I am really looking forward to book two and more of Cass' adventures. Hopefully there will be more about Jacob's background, it definitely sounds like he is going to be an interesting character.

Strange The Dreamer - Laini Taylor

As an orphan child in a monastery, Lazlo loves to play at being a Tizerkane warrior and hardly dares to dream that he would someday day meet one, let alone be able to visit their fabled city of Weep. A chance encounter has him visiting the Great Library of Zosma and there the library decides to keep him. As he grows he spends all his free time researching Weep, finding out anything he can and even teaching himself the language.

When the Tizerkane appear at the library with a problem, he jumps at the chance to do anything he can to help but his life turns out to be far more connected to Weep than he ever could have imagined.

Lazlo's love of books is so wonderful, I can just imagine him as a child, being swallowed up by the library. 

I listened to the audiobook which probably helped a lot with the pronunciation of most of the words, I can't imagine how I would have read them to myself. The narrator's voice and the different characters were great, though I found the reading a little slow and had to speed it up a bit. I'm looking forward to book 2 though I think I will have to continue with audio now that I've started.

The Muse - Jessie Burton

I received the audiobook through City Read as this was the book of the month.

Odelle is trying to make a life for herself in London but is unsatisfied with her job in a shoe shop and manages to get a typing job at an art institute. There she meets Quick, who becomes her mentor. 

Around 30 years earlier, Olive has just moved to Spain with her parents. She lives to paint, though she can't really show her father, an art dealer, as he doesn't believe women can be true artists.

With the discovery of a painting in London, the girls' stories intertwine in an intriguing and mysterious way. There is plenty of suspense, whenever you think you have figured something out, it becomes even more puzzling.

The narrator was wonderful, with a number of very different voices and so much feeling and character.

Sea Witch - Sarah Henning

This book was not at all what I was expecting. It is a Little Mermaid retelling but with a lot more going on and turns out to be more of an origin story. Full of magic, surprises and betrayals.

It probably started off as a 3-star for me but got more interesting as I read on and by then end I really enjoyed it. I loved the descriptions of life by the ocean and how the villagers relied on the ocean as their generous but also merciless goddess.

What bothered me throughout was that I didn't really understand how someone could appear, looking exactly like a girl who drowned a few years ago, but everyone would just believe it wasn't her. Particularly one of her very best friends. I also would have loved to know how Anna, Evie and Nik became friends to start with, especially as Nik and Evie have 

to fight to be allowed to stay friends.

One Would Think The Deep - Claire Zorn 

Sam has no options after his mother dies suddenly and after an awkward phone conversation from the hospital, he moves in with his estranged aunt and his cousins. There's the ongoing mystery of why his mother lost touch with the rest of his family and even his aunt isn't speaking to his grandmother who vanished but has now reappeared. Gradually, through the story, bits of the past are uncovered and eventually the secrets are revealed.

This book immediately plunges you into all the emotions and doesn't let up all the way through. Sam is so troubled and you gradually find out that he is dealing with a lot more than the death of his mother. His cousin, Minty is the only one who seems happy to have him around. He takes him surfing and it becomes a way for Sam to forget everything going on in his life. When he's on the waves, his mind doesn't have space for anything but the feel of the ocean and the fight to stay alive.

I haven't been to Australia so I don't really know how authentic the descriptions and slang are but it all feels very genuine. I did have a little trouble with Minty's surfer speak but eventually managed to get the gist!

I actually had to make two cocktails for this book as they are both so good I couldn't choose between them. Which one do you prefer?

For the Orange Surfboard, combine the following in a rocks glass over ice. 2 shots orange vodka, 1 shot each of coconut rum and triple sec, 2 shots of orange juice and a splash of cranberry juice over the top.

For the Aussie Beachcomber, mix the ingredients in a shaker over ice, then strain into a rocks glass over more ice. 2 shots spiced rum, 1 shot triple sec, 1/2 shot orgeat, a dash of agave syrup (I skipped this as my orgeat was sweet already), the juice of 1/2 lime and 2 or 3 sprigs of mint. 

How to Be a Grown Up - Daisy Buchanan

First of all, a bit of a disclaimer. This book is aimed at 20 somethings which puts me just a little (a lot) out of the main demographic. However, I don't feel like a grown up most of the time so I thought it could still be useful. As if to prove that I need growing up advice, I caught myself trying to stuff the book into the teeny tiny little kids bag I had bought. However, there were also some signs it was not really for me, such as when I had to google Encarta... and I'm still left wondering what on Earth are jorts???

The book is full of humorous stories about experiences we all go through like making new friends, falling in love and trying to relax. While not exactly life changing, the book is actually full of bits of good advice, such as to keep moving. Sometimes just putting one foot in front of the other is enough of a purpose. It made me want to make an effort to widen my social circle. It is also good for just dipping into when you need advice on something particular. There are chapters for anything from how to be confident, how to make mistakes, and even how to wash your hair. As well as advice on panic attacks and how to be sad.

My favourite thing was the summaries and advice at the ends of the chapters. The section titled "Do you really need to tweet that?" was the absolute best part of the book. Hilarious and so very wise! But I also completely loved this line: 

I know...how important it is to remember quietly, 'I am good,' instead of screaming, 'Everyone else is better.'

This needs a proper grown up drink so a simple Martini is perfect. Contrary to James Bond's instruction, a Martini should be stirred not shaken. Take a mixing glass or pitcher and fill with 6 or 7 ice cubes. Pour a capful of vermouth into the pitcher, swirl around and pour out again, keeping the ice. Pour in 2 shots of gin and stir for a minute to ensure the drink is perfectly chilled and diluted. Strain into a chilled Martini glass, garnish with an olive and drink while feeling like a real adult (for a little while at least).

You Only Live Once - Jess Vallance

Grace is convinced she's going to die from a tropical disease she picked up on holiday. And the worst thing is that this all happens when she's already finished her exams! She decides this is the wake up call that she needs, she's been wasting her life studying and preparing for a boring job and boring life. But no more! She's determined to make every moment count from now on, starting with horseback riding on the beach, bungee jumping and doing something to help others. Of course, none of these turn out quite as she expected.

This book was hilarious in many places, touching and heart warming. Sometimes quite frustrating when Grace does something you just know is going to go wrong, but she always deals with it and moves on. It's all part of normal life after all. Grace's mum was one of my favourite characters. She's so straightforward and unflappable, no matter what Grace tells her. In some parts of the book she seems so wise and in others completely clueless, but always there for her family. Til is also a great character, though she seems so grumpy and unsympathetic at first. She's clearly very good for Grace and perfect for balancing her out.

I really enjoyed reading about Grace's experiences and loved how she just went for it, no matter how many times her plans fell apart and things did not go her way. Even when she makes mistakes she doesn't let that stop her. Book 2 in the series sounds like it will be just as funny, with Grace vowing to be completely honest for 50 days. I can just guess how that is going to go!

I found this delicious cocktail just perfect for Grace. To make the Awaiting Grace, get a tall glass and throw in a few basil leaves and a teaspoon of brown sugar. Muddle them together in the glass before filling with ice. Add a shot of Triple Sec, 2 shots of Vanilla Vodka and a wedge of lime. Top up with cloudy apple juice. Stir and serve.

YALC 2018

This year I decided to go to YALC (Young Adult Literature Festival) for two days instead of just the one I did last year. This definitely made it a lot easier and I had the second day to chill out a lot more. Also last year the authors I wanted to meet were all on different days so this doubled my chances of catching the ones I wanted! Here's everything I picked up there or took with me for signing, all laid out looking lovely!

I also entered a few competitions over the weekend and managed to win this gorgeous goodie bag for my amazing photo! I'm particularly pleased with the 'naps and snacks' socks.

And of course, you want to see the huge pile of books I managed to get signed by some of my favourite authors. It was wonderful to meet them all and they were all so lovely to talk to. I imagine it must get pretty tiring talking to so many people and signing your name so many times but they all made time to chat.

I manged to pick up a few free books though I definitely feel there was less than last year. While the organisers this year have tried to make proof giveaways a bit fairer by doing raffles and such, it seemed there were a lot fewer copies of the books. No doubt this will change again next year. In general I found the festival a bit less organised but sometimes you just have to go with it! Here's my haul.

And of course I had to buy a bunch more to add to my towering TBR. Some I bought for signing, some I already wanted, and some simply jumped into my arms from the publishers' stalls. But all have come to a loving new home. These are just the ones I hadn't read yet, though I am pleased to say I've managed to read three of these already. I can't wait to read the rest, why can't I have endless time to read???

Did you visit YALC this year or any other year? I'd love to hear about your experiences and any other festivals I need to know about. Let me know in the comments!

Between Darkness and the Light - Paul Mitchener

I am happy to be today's stop on the blog tour for Between Darkness and the Light. Read on for a guest post from the author, Paul Mitchener and also his cocktail recommendation!

Henry has no idea that he is anything other than a normal, slightly lazy, teenager or that his mother is not even human. After a fight with his mother he spends all day walking around and ends up in the forest where he meets a couple of very strange characters. After this he soon finds out a lot more than he ever expected. I really liked the character of Bert, one of the guardians. He reminded me a bit of Hagrid, telling Harry that he's a wizard! I felt like this book was at least a third longer than it needed to be, but it was interesting enough to keep me reading.

Here, Paul talks about his main protagonist:

My main protagonist (Henry) is a young and bored teenager, who quickly learns that there is more to this world than he could have ever imagined. At first, he’s like any other boy of his age but through a series of events he learns to grow up fast. Whenever I wrote about Henry I couldn’t help but think back to my own teenaged years and his relationship with Bree reminded me of how I felt when I met my first love, excited but also uncertain of his own feeling. Henry starts off as an insecure teenager, unsure of himself and the world around him, but quickly become stronger, wiser and more assertive as the story line progresses, and at the end of the novel, Henry is no longer a teenager but had become a man that is no longer afraid to stand up for what he believes, a man that those around him and those that love had come to admire. One of the main things I like about Henry is that he is a likeable character which most young adults would be able to relate to, but above all, I feel that he is a believable character.

Paul's cocktail recommendation is a Brandy Collins:
50 ml Brandy, 25 ml Squeezed Lemon Juice, 15 ml Sugar Syrup, 15 ml Soda Water, Maraschino Cherry, Lemon Slice. Mix the brandy, lemon juice and sugar syrup in a tall glass with ice. Top up with soda water, garnish with a maraschino cherry and a lemon slice and serve.

A Sky Painted Gold - Laura Wood

Lou thinks of the Cardew house as hers. Sitting on an island of it's own, the house has been abandoned for some time when she decides to explore both the island and the house. Discovering orchards full of delicious fruit and a library full of books, she can't help going back and feels more at home there than at her own house. Eventually though, Robert and Caitlin Cardew come back to the house for the summer, to get away from London after losing both their parents.

As her friendship with the Cardew siblings grows, Lou is drawn into the life of glitz and glamour, parties and champagne, and she really doesn't want to go back to her sleepy village life. But everyone has secrets of their own and despite the easy way the Cardews live, even they have difficulties that Lou doesn't realise.

Lou is a wonderful character, I absolutely loved her slightly sarcastic humour. In fact, I'm a little bit in love with all the characters, even the ones I thought I would dislike at the start. Though some of the friends seem shallow at first, everyone has more to them than you think and the friendships and loyalties are deep. The descriptions of the parties made me feel like I was there, dancing and losing myself to the music. I enjoyed the book so much, I really hope the author will be writing more YA. Thanks to CHCCYA Festival for the proof copy. Hopefully I will be able to get it signed at YALC!

I started reading this book on holiday, with a jug of gin mojito next to me. A lovely neighbour made us a jug of mojito. It was full of fresh mint that was so tasty, I didn't want to throw it away away when we finished. So I refilled with gin, tonic and lemon juice, then left in the fridge to soak up all the flavours. So summery and delicious!

The Dark Gifts Trilogy - Vic James

First of all, aren't the covers just so beautiful together? I love the theme that runs through them and it fits in with the books wonderfully (unfortunately Bright Ruin isn't out yet to finish my picture!).

Not all are free

Not all are equal

Not all are saved

This is a world so similar to ours, but sent in a different direction by the Equals, the elite of society who possess Skill and can do magic.

The books are mostly written in the points of view of Luke and Abi, but some chapters are narrated by other characters. Quite often ending in suspense, the various points of view are woven together so masterfully and they constantly surprise you. All are written so well that you want to continue with them but then you can fall into the next character so easily too. I didn't find it all confusing as some multiple POVs can be.

As I have reviewed all three books here, I've tried my best to avoid spoilers, or at least no more than the back of the books gives away. I am so glad to have met Vic James and got my first copy signed. It was the perfect excuse to buy myself a copy and I am so happy I did. Hearing her talk about the book definitely sent it way up my TBR list.

Book 1 - Gilded Cage
Have a quick ten years. This is the farewell most common people receive as they go to do their 'days'. 10 years of service to the Equals. Equals rule Britain and by law, everyone else has to serve them for a period, before they receive many of the rights most people would take for granted. Abi's family decide to do their service together, working for the Jardines, one of the most aristocratic of the Equal families. Abi thought this would help to keep them safe, but they are split up when her brother Luke is taken away to one of the worktowns. They both try to settle in to their new lives, while still working to find a way to be reunited. But danger seems to lie around every corner and neither way of life seems safe. The three sons of the Jardine family are as different as can be. Gavar is intimidating, proud and distant, seeming to barely notice the commoners, Jenner is a rare unSkilled Equal, which Abi hopes means that he will be more understanding, and Silyen is a complete mystery, exceedingly powerful but almost childlike in his curiosity.
I could not believe it ended on such a cliffhanger! I had to order Tarnished City immediately and pounced on it as soon as it arrived.

Book 2 - Tarnished City
Forget whatever you thought you knew of the characters in book one, this second book in the trilogy turns pretty much everything upside down. I'm still reeling!
Abi needs to save Luke, Luke is trying to figure out what on Earth Silyen is up to and the Equals all have their own agendas.
Some of them are starting to realise exactly what they can do with their power and even the other Skilled are no longer safe.
While this one doesn't end on quite as much of a cliffhanger as book one, I still needed to start book three, Bright Ruin, as soon as possible.

Book 3 - Bright Ruin
I was lucky enough to get an advance Netgalley copy of this book but I will still be buying it as soon as it is released, the covers look so lovely together and I need to have them all!
In this final book, the stakes are higher than ever and the nation needs to be remade, but in what way? Is it possible for things to reform and improve for everyone? Powers are growing, unimaginable truths thought to be hidden forever are being discovered and unlikely alliances are formed. With so many schemes, plots, double crossing and ulterior motives, I almost gave up trying to figure out who to trust and decided to just go with the flow. I enjoyed this final book almost as much as the first two but was upset with how many characters died in this one. I almost started expecting it whenever something big was happening. The ending was both satisfying and frustrating at the same time! I was screaming inside as it's probably frowned upon on the tube.

I found the perfect cocktail to drink with the books, the Golden Bird. Skill is portrayed as a golden, almost liquid substance and the bird fits in with the motif on the covers.

Add the following ingredients to a shaker with ice, shake and strain into a martini glass. 1 shot each of rum, Grand Marnier and pineapple juice, 1/2 shot of Banana liqueur, 1&1/2 shots of fresh orange juice. Garnish with an orange beak on the rim.

After The Fire - Will Hill 

Outsiders are bad and they cannot be trusted. Moonbeam has known this most of her life since it has been drummed into her by Father John and he knows what is right and what is wrong. She has been living inside the Fence since her parents brought her there as a young child. Now she is alone, though part of the bigger community run by a very strict Father John. But she remembers what it was like before he was in charge and she starts to question the way things are. What if HE is wrong? Even just thinking this could get Moonbeam in trouble and she doesn't know who she can trust, who else might be thinking like her.

Then the community is raided by Governments, who they have all been taught to mistrust. The majority of the story takes place in the aftermath, when Moonbeam and some of the other children are being kept in a secure facility as they are interviewed by Doctor Hernandez and Agent Carlyle. Moonbeam struggles to get past the influence of Father John and open up to the two interviewers.

Gradually, through alternating After and Before threads, the story is revealed and it is so much more complex than you can anticipate. The book kept me guessing all along and was full of suspense in both of the story lines. I had so many questions throughout and if anything I had even more as the book progressed.

I got emotional so many times and felt like my poor heart was completely wrung out by the end. I just did not want to put it down! I have recommended this to so many even people even before I had finished it. I have read tons of good books recently but this really has to be one of the best in some time.

I heard the author talk about his book at a recent book festival (see previous post).  I was part way through the book and already enjoying it at the time and hearing some background made it even more interesting. Though some of his comments made me slightly nervous about what was going to happen! Getting my copy signed was a bonus.

You need a long drink to keep you going through this book as you won't want to stop for refills. The colour of an Aperol spritz almost matches the cover of my copy. Mix 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Aperol and 1 part soda in a large glass with lots of ice. A beautiful drink and very refreshing.

The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes - Ruth Hogan

I was so excited to hear of a second book by Ruth Hogan, author of Keeper Lost Things, and have been waiting impatiently for this book ever since then. You can imagine how happy I was to receive a review copy. To make it even better, look at the little goodies it came with!

After tragedy struck 12 years ago, Masha has only been existing, rather than living. She continues on but everything is tainted by her sadness until she realises that her own life hasn't ended and she needs to start really living again. Seeing how other people have coped with death and managed to move on without forgetting their loved ones, she is inspired to enjoy life again.

The story is told mostly from Masha's point of view but also partly from the point of view of Alice, and you wonder where their lives will cross, what could it be that brings the two women together? There are some tiny hints as you read but nothing substantial until much further in the book.

Despite the serious theme of the book, there were some hilarious sections. You have hope that Masha will get through as she has a great sense of humour. The description of a play Masha attends with her best friend is the funniest thing I've read in a while and I would have loved to be there to see it myself. I also love how Masha sees beauty in everything and everyone. She makes various new friends as the book continues, including the intriguing woman she calls Sally Red Shoes.

The book was quite slow moving but still enjoyable, a comfortable read but quite emotional in places. There's a real lesson to live life with joy, without being preachy at all.

Angels were a recurring theme in the book so I've made an Angel Juice.  Combine all the following ingredients in a shaker and first shake without ice (this is due to the egg white). Then add ice and shake again, strain into a martini glass and enjoy!

1 shot pear vodka, 1/2 shot each of elderflower liqueur, sauvingon blanc wine, apple juice & lemon juice,  1/4 shot of sugar syrup and 1/2 an egg white. Garnish with an apple fan.

CHCC YA Fest

It has taken me a while to get my thoughts together but here's my update on the marvellous Chadwell Heath Community Centre Young Adult Festival. The first thing that caught my eye as I walked in was the swag table, where I managed to get myself proofs of A Sky Painted Gold and Zenith. There were also some cute badges and bookmarks. In addition there were copies of books hidden around the venue where I found Unveiling Venus.

 

There were lots of interesting panels, with authors discussing Villains, Best Friends and First Loves in their books, as well as a writing workshop and Chloe Seager giving us some Literary Agent tips. When I eventually get round to writing my bestseller I will definitely be getting myself an agent!

I got to meet Will Hill who signed my copy of After the Fire with some very good advice. This is one of my favourite books in a while, if you haven't read it yet then get on it now!

Some of the other authors in attendance were Elizabeth and Katherine Corr, Alice Osman and Non Pratt. Hearing them all speak about their books has definitely made me add a few to my TBR list (already towering and ready to topple and kill me in my sleep) and books were available to buy at the venue.

The festival was a fun, intimate and cosy event. It was very well organised so you could attend all the panels and still have your books signed. At some festivals I've been to there's a trade off between signings and panels which can be very disappointing. At the end there were refreshments, raffles and games where you could win even more books and book-related goodies. The venue was great, what better place for a festival than in a library? And there were some great decorations around the place, including the room of requirement doubling up as the green room.

It's a shame that the festival couldn't go ahead as a 2 day event as originally planned but I had a great time anyway and I'm very glad to hear that it will be back next year. I'm sure it will be even bigger and better.

The Potion Diaries - Amy Alward

Samantha Kemi's family were once the premier potion makers in Nova, apothecaries to the Royal Family. But when big corporations started using synthetic ingredients, they were left behind. ZA corp has teams of alchemists and can synthesise ingredients, making them far cheaper than the authentic natural ones.

Princess Evelyn accidentally gives herself a love potion meant for someone else and then falls madly in love with herself. This triggers a Wilde Hunt in which all Nova's alchemists must compete to find the cure before it's too late to save the princess. Sam decides to join, against her grandfather's wishes and battles to discover the recipe which is illegal and has been lost for over a century. Add to this the handsome son of her biggest rival, who seems to genuinely care about her and about finding a cure, regardless who manages it. Nevertheless Sam is naturally a bit sceptical of his true intentions.

I really enjoyed the story, the characters and the magical world. I've already started reading the second book, Royal Tour, and I am hoping it will be just as fun as the first.

Sam's creative thinking about mixing her potions reminds me of myself thinking about a new cocktail. Trying to decide which ingredients are needed to get the desired results and which go together well. I have used some of the love potion ingredients to create my cocktail, the Nova Love Potion.

Unfortunately I don't know where to find Abominables but I have managed to find some of the ingredients such as this lovely shimmery Unicorn Tears gin. I won't give the significance of all the ingredients* but hopefully as you read the book it will all become clear!

First of all brew up some jasmine tea, you don't need much so make sure it is strong. Leave to cool.
Shake up 1 shot of Unicorn Tears gin, 1/2 shot each of cranberry juice and lemon juice and a dash of rose syrup with ice, then pour into a rocks glass full of ice. Top up with a shot of jasmine tea and stir in a little blue shimmer to turn the cocktail purple. At the last minute add a drop of Chambord (I won't say what this relates to as it is a bit of a spoiler!). Garnish with a few rose petals.

*If you do want to know, leave a comment below or message me on twitter...

To Kill a Kingdom - Alexandra Christo

When Elian saves Lira from drowning after her mother turns her human and steals her siren's song, he has no idea this is the same girl who almost killed him. Still he doesn't know if he can trust her though they may need to work together to find what they are both looking for.

Lira and Elian are both great characters with as many similarities as they have differences. Both are reluctant royal heirs to their kingdom's throne and both feel like they cannot live up to their parents' expectations. But while Elian has made it his life's mission to rid his world of the threat of the Sirens, Lira spends her life killing princes and stealing their hearts, earning the title Prince's Bane.

To say this is just a Little Mermaid retelling is to sell it short. Though it has a surface similarity in that a mermaid (or siren in this case) loses her song, it is far more than that. There are many more levels to this story and plenty more adventures going on.

I absolutely loved the magical world of Lira and Elian. I found it delightful realising that the Siren language Psariin is actually Greek and many of the place names have hidden meanings. It is full of intriguing Kingdoms with Greek connections. Elian's home land, Midas, where everything is golden. Pagos is the land of ice and snow, while the sirens live in the Diavolos sea.

I have named my cocktail the Prince's Bane. It brings together the Greek theme with ouzo for the liquorice aroma Elian has and the green/blue colour of the sea.

Shake up 1 shot of ouzo, 3/4 shot lemon juice, 1/2 shot each of blue curacao and apple Sourz and a dash of sugar syrup with lots of ice. Strain into a glass and stir in a little blue shimmer to make it even prettier. Garnish with a star anise floating on the top like a little boat on the sea.

Book Mix & Match 3

So many books! I decided to do another quick round of short reviews to catch up a bit.

The well known Heisenberg principle states that you can know what you're drinking, or what you're reading, but not both at the same time! So the Heisenberg cocktail is perfect when there are so many books to read that you don't know where to start.
2 shots of tequila, 1/3 shot of maraschino, 2/3 shot lemon juice and 1/4 shot each of lavender syrup and blue curacao. Shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass with a salt rim.

As you wish - Chelsea Sedoti
Eldon lives in a little town in the desert, where nothing much happens apart from being close to area 51. At least, that's what he and the other residents want everyone to think, while in fact his town is extremely special. Everyone who lives there gets a wish on their 16th birthday. A real, guaranteed, wish come true. While the rest of the town thinks this is the only thing that really matters in life, Eldon isn't so sure any more. His birthday is coming up and he still doesn't know what to wish for, despite his mother's request.
Eldon has seen first hand how wishes can ruin lives and is determined not to make the same mistakes other people have made, so he asks everyone he can about their wishes. These are touching stories which I found so emotional to read. I can't even imagine what I would choose if I had the chance.

The Hanging Girl - Eileen Cook
Skye is desperate for money and what she makes on her fake tarot readings for the other pupils at her school aren't going to be enough. When an opportunity to scale up her fake predictions presents itself, she decides to take the chance but she doesn't realise how much more complicated things are than she expected. Skye convinces herself that Paige won't really be hurt, it's only for a couple of days and then she'll have the money she needs so she doesn't have to let her best friend down.
There's plot twist after plot twist, just when you think you have a clue what's going on, you realise that you really have no idea.
I really enjoyed this book, the writing was very clever and I will be looking for more from this author.

How to Hang a Witch - Adriana Mather
Samantha Mather is unwillingly moved to Salem, home of the witch trials. Her father is in a coma and the high medical bills mean her step-mother can't afford to keep them in their New York home. There she must learn a lot more about her ancestry than she ever wanted to know. Throw in an angry ghost, some bitchy teenagers and an ancient curse and Sam has her work cut out for her. The author makes you suspect almost everyone in this book so you never really know who Sam can trust.
This is narrated by the author which I think gives an extra insight into how she really wanted the characters to feel.

Undercover Princess - Connie Glynn 
Lottie has spent her life trying to live up to her ideal of a princess, she has her motto to be kind, brave and unstoppable.  Lottie promised her mother, before she died, that she would be happy and do her best to go to Rosewood Hall school. When she manages to get a rare scholarship, she never expected that she would have a real princess as a roommate and that she would end up pretending to be her.
This is the first in a new series and I think there is plenty more to the story and to the mystery of Rosewood Hall.

Rebel of the Sands - Alwyn Hamilton
Amani is probably the best shooter in Dustwalk, but as a girl she has no rights as lives at the mercy of her aunt and uncle. When she overhears her uncle deciding that he should marry her himself as she will never find a husband of her own, she is even more determined than ever to flee to Izman. While putting her plan into action she meet a mysterious foreigner, Jin, who has his own reasons for running away. Together they escape on a magical horse, but the adventures only just begin here.
I enjoyed the book but not enough to rush out for the second in the series. I probably will read it eventually because I do want to know what happens to Amani and Jin.

This Is How It Always Is - Laurie Frankel

Rosie and Penn have 5 boys, until their youngest child, Claude, reveals that he wants to be a girl. While his parents and brothers are all as supportive as they can be, they know it won't be as easy for the rest of the world to accept him. They all struggle with how to handle the changes, how to advise Claude, how much is going to be accepted. Is this the whim of a small child or something deeper? Does he just like dresses or is he really a girl inside? Rosie asks herself so many questions though all she really wants to do is protect her child.

As Claude grows from toddler to young boy, from Claude to becoming Poppy, the book deals with the different stages he and the family go through. Their own understanding and acceptance as well as dealing with school, friends and the rest of the outside world. The other boys are also growing meanwhile, with their own needs for attention.

I liked the idea for the story but at the beginning of the book I found it all a bit too light and easy. It read a bit like a love story, with Rosie and Penn knowing even before they met, that this would be the one. I felt it difficult to relate to people who just know things, know their own minds so easily. Are there really people like that? That passed quite quickly though, once getting into the main part of the story it stopped being so simplified.

I found the descriptions of the markets and countryside in Thailand really brought it to life. I didn't find Bangkok quite as dirty and hectic as described but I can imagine it depends which sections you're in. Overall I really enjoyed the book though I thought it was a bit longer than necessary.

Make yourself a Thai Red Daiquiri to sip while you read. Muddle a few cubes of red pepper in a shaker and then add 2 shots of rum, 1/2 shot each of lemon juice and coconut water, 3 thai basil leaves and a dash of sugar syrup. Shake them all with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a slice of pepper.

The Waking Land - Callie Bates

I'm excited to be part of the blog tour for this fantastic book. Read on for my review and a competition to win a copy of your very own. And of course a cocktail to make!

A world where magic is forbidden, revered in secret by some, but feared by others.

Elanna was abducted by the king when she was only 5 years old. Brought up by him as a daughter and taught that her real father was a traitor. But is everything she has been taught all these years actually all false? When she is forced to flee after the death of the King, she learns many truths that were hidden from her until now. Including how much magic she has running through her. She discovers that her father believes her to be the reincarnation of Wildegarde, a goddess who could move the Earth and see through the eyes of the animals.

After living most of her life in Eren, Elanna feels Ereni. But when she reaches Caeris the old feelings of her family home come back to her and as she feels her powers growing she realises how much she is also Caerisian. She feels torn between the two places and doesn't want to betray either. Instead she eventually understands that she needs to find a way to unite them under a new King.

Despite being a YA book, Elanna seems very mature and relatable to all ages. I loved the magical world described in the book. I enjoyed this book so much and am so glad I already have book 2 The Memory of Fire to read.

I have a copy of this great book to give away to one lucky winner. You can enter by email or on twitter. Send an email to booktails.comps@gmail.com with 'The Waking Land Competition' in the subject and ensure you're following my blog by email. Or retweet the competition tweet which you'll find on twitter with the hashtag #Booktails. Open UK only, competition ends 24th February.

Forgive me for the cliche but as it's Valentine's Day, I've made a Loved Up cocktail. Shake up the following ingredients with lots of ice and pour into a pretty glass. I've added some edible hearts to garnish. 1 1/2 shots tequila, 1/2 shots of triple sec, chambord and lime juice, 1 shot orange juice and a dash of sugar syrup.