Hi everyone! I just wanted to show you a new little blog I set up, my main blog will still defiantly be page-turner, this is just a small blog about my life! I hope you enjoy it!
http://beth-dontcallmelittle.blogspot.com/
Merry Weekend!
Beth x
Sunday 22 January 2012
Tuesday 10 January 2012
India Dark by Kirsty Murray
A story of secrets, lies and lost innocence. MADRAS, 1910: Posey Swift and Tilly Sweetrick are caught up in a scandal that will change their lives forever. Singing and Dancing across a hundred stages as members of a troupe of Australian child performers, they travel by steam train into the heart of India. But as one disaster follows another, money runs short and tempers fray. What must the girls do to protect themselves, and how many lives will be ruined if they try to break free?
Review:
I usually don't settle for historical fiction - yeah, I like history, but sometimes certain parts bore me. But not this book! It is set in 1910 in India. A theatre company travels the world which leads to adventures, secrets and lies, and disasters that lead trouble for Posey and Tilly...
First of all, I must comment on the writing. It is exquisite. I loved the metaphors and descriptive language used, it is one of the reasons why I didn't want to put the book down. For example; the first line is "Daisy opened her mouth and lies flew out." Brilliant! Another teaser is:
"Her face so pink and white, her lips so plump and sweet, her lies so vile. I had to cover my ears. I shut my eyes too, wanting to block out the courtroom, to neither see nor hear the evil."
I love how it is so descriptive. The book made me feel like I was there, with Tilly and Posey. What makes it even better is that the book is based on a true story, so the events are even more thrilling if you are aware that this happened in reality.
I am not sure what age group to recommend it to. Some of the dialogue can be a bit young, not something people would say in real life. Sometimes I found the book hard to relate to, which made it at times not as gripping. During the middle I felt like I couldn't really be bothered to carry on reading it, like it was a bit of a chore. However, I am glad a did carry on because the ending is beautiful! I can also see why the author had to make the beginning a bit longer to go with the story.
India Dark has all different genres - romance, adventure, action, loneliness, dishonesty, friendship - so I guess lots of different people will enjoy this book. I may recommend this book slightly more to girls 8-14, because it is told from a two girls perspectives and about their lives.
If you are a historical fiction fan, this book is for you! This book takes not only the characters on a journey, but yourself too. I have been re-reading my favourite parts a lot, I didn't want it to end.
I usually don't settle for historical fiction - yeah, I like history, but sometimes certain parts bore me. But not this book! It is set in 1910 in India. A theatre company travels the world which leads to adventures, secrets and lies, and disasters that lead trouble for Posey and Tilly...
First of all, I must comment on the writing. It is exquisite. I loved the metaphors and descriptive language used, it is one of the reasons why I didn't want to put the book down. For example; the first line is "Daisy opened her mouth and lies flew out." Brilliant! Another teaser is:
"Her face so pink and white, her lips so plump and sweet, her lies so vile. I had to cover my ears. I shut my eyes too, wanting to block out the courtroom, to neither see nor hear the evil."
I love how it is so descriptive. The book made me feel like I was there, with Tilly and Posey. What makes it even better is that the book is based on a true story, so the events are even more thrilling if you are aware that this happened in reality.
I am not sure what age group to recommend it to. Some of the dialogue can be a bit young, not something people would say in real life. Sometimes I found the book hard to relate to, which made it at times not as gripping. During the middle I felt like I couldn't really be bothered to carry on reading it, like it was a bit of a chore. However, I am glad a did carry on because the ending is beautiful! I can also see why the author had to make the beginning a bit longer to go with the story.
India Dark has all different genres - romance, adventure, action, loneliness, dishonesty, friendship - so I guess lots of different people will enjoy this book. I may recommend this book slightly more to girls 8-14, because it is told from a two girls perspectives and about their lives.
If you are a historical fiction fan, this book is for you! This book takes not only the characters on a journey, but yourself too. I have been re-reading my favourite parts a lot, I didn't want it to end.
RATE: 4.5/5
Publisher: Templar
Publication date: 1st January 2012
Pages: 336
Edition: Paperback (ARC)
Sunday 25 December 2011
Merry Christmas! + Giveaway!
Merry Christmas! To celebrate Christmas on my book blog, Page-turner I'v decided to do a...... 60 second countdown giveaway! Here are the rules....
Merry Christmas! To celebrate Christmas day at Page-turner I have decided to do a,.... 60 second countdown!! I am going to do a 60 second countdown for you to vote for your favourite book (out of the given options) You can only vote once within the minute. The countdown opens at 6:00pm and ends (1 minute countdown) at 6:01. To vote e-mail me your answer at: page-turnerby-beth@hotmail.co.uk within the minute (please include your name and age) The book options to vote for will appear on the sidebar today (Christmas day) but voting is only open on THE 28TH OF OCTOBER-6:00 - 6:01.
BUT!!.... THERE IS ALSO A TWIST....
Whoever voted for the book that won, will be entered in a prize draw. And so the next day, I will pick randomly a winner out of the people in the prize draw and they will win the book that won the vote (of the 60 second countdown)
I am holding the challenge on the 27th of December because it is a few days after Christmas and I know around Christmas day and boxing day you all spend time with your families.
Happy new year!
Beth :
EDIT: GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED
Merry Christmas! To celebrate Christmas day at Page-turner I have decided to do a,.... 60 second countdown!! I am going to do a 60 second countdown for you to vote for your favourite book (out of the given options) You can only vote once within the minute. The countdown opens at 6:00pm and ends (1 minute countdown) at 6:01. To vote e-mail me your answer at: page-turnerby-beth@hotmail.co.uk within the minute (please include your name and age) The book options to vote for will appear on the sidebar today (Christmas day) but voting is only open on THE 28TH OF OCTOBER-6:00 - 6:01.
BUT!!.... THERE IS ALSO A TWIST....
Whoever voted for the book that won, will be entered in a prize draw. And so the next day, I will pick randomly a winner out of the people in the prize draw and they will win the book that won the vote (of the 60 second countdown)
I am holding the challenge on the 27th of December because it is a few days after Christmas and I know around Christmas day and boxing day you all spend time with your families.
Happy new year!
Beth :
EDIT: GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED
Wednesday 7 December 2011
Everblossom: A Short Story and Poem Anthology by Larissa Hinton
An anthology that will quench your thirst for more than the ordinary. Everblossom is a journey through poems and short stories that may seem ordinary on the surface but dig a little deeper and the world not only shifts. It changes.
From the author who brought you Iwishacana/Acanawishi, she now brings you a dash of everything from dark fantasy to the paranormal to even romance. So prepare yourself to delve into the three stages of the flower from bud to blossom then back to seed, you'll go through them all with a whole new perspective on what it all truly means.
I adored this anthology; it has everything I want in a story. Gripping storylines, memorable characters, convincing romance and beautiful writing. I didn't know this collection of poetry and stories would be so good - but I hope my review convinces you to read it so you don't hesitate like I did!
Every one of the stories had the potential to be turned into a proper book - every single one of them. When it finished, I wanted more! I was genuinely upset when the whole collection ended and the bar at the bottom of my kindle said 100%. The stories didn't feel uncompleted or anything, but they left on good cliffhangers that made me think "Is that the end? Nooooo!"
The poetry is beautiful. There is only about six poems, but they are all unique and nicely paced in their own way. There are also a few different versions of the same poem called 'Words Speak Volumes' and it is basically a random word on each line. Well, not totally random. I noticed that each word related to the one above it. It had me thinking and reading it for ages - the author is a genius!
It was a good, fast read. I read it in one sitting, hooked. After reading a big heavy read, it was nice to have a light collection of easy stories to read. I recommend this to all different kinds of people, as most of the stories are made up of different genres. There are some disturbing things that may upset others however - like a gruesome part about eating humans. Basically, somebody just pulled an arm out of there pocket and started nibbling it (I am not sure if this is a comedy or horror.... both I think....)! Don't expect too much of it, as it is only approximately 70-80 pages, but I really enjoyed it so I do think - if you have an ereader - you should read it. Dear Larissa Hinton, is there any chance for Everblossom 2?!
RATE: 5/5
Publisher: Self
Publication date: 12th August 2011
Pages: 80
Edition: E-Book
Source: For Review
To buy this book click HERE.
To buy this book click HERE.
Wednesday 30 November 2011
The hunger games
This is a review I posted on my blog a couple of months ago, I just loved this book so I had to share it with you!...
I keep on going on about about how brilliant the Hunger games was, so I thought it was about time I actually told you about it!.......
My Review
I'v never read a book like this in my whole life. Im not normally into thriller adventure books and even though the synopsis sounded amazing, it wasn't my usual type of book. I began reading and was completely mesmerised by this book from the first word I read to the last word I read. The scary thing is, the author set the book in the near future, and it had me thinking, is this what our future could be like?!
It was one of those books were you have NO CLUE how the author came up with such gripping, awesome ideas. I would describe this book as scary and thrilling and,..... romantic. The author weaves in all these genres into one book, which makes it even more brilliant. I would also maybe describe this book as realistic. Even though this story isn't true and as you can tell from the synopsis, this wont happen tomorrow, but it makes you believe it COULD happen, and lots of scenes from the book are realistic.
In this story, the Capitol (The government) completely rule over the whole of america (were this book is based) They divided it into 12 districts and force people, from the age of only twelve, to compete in a deadly game live on TV, Just to make people remember that they are the ones in control.
You can tell that this book is defiantly an amazing scary thriller, but you must be thinking, "why did she say this book was romantic?" Well, actually the whole is based on a on-going romance. Gale, is a boy who grew up with Katniss (the main charactar) , they both share there love for hunting and the outdoors world. Like Katniss, his family is poor and has been left fatherless from a mine explosion. You would think that there perfect for each other but... (I'll stop there because If I keep describing the relationship between Gale and Katniss, im sure I will end up ruining the book for you!)
Then of course... there's Peeta. The mysterious boy who is not a main charactar until the actual games (the hunger games) start. Him and Katniss are the two people are chosen to fight in the games. Before the games, Peeta shows a random act of kindness by giving her a loaf of bread (not all people could afford bread in the village Katniss lived in, and Katniss was quite poor) A romance unfolds when in the hunger games arena, but there's a catch....
Only one person can win the Hunger games. They could end up killing each other.
It was one of my favourite books of all time and I dont want to reveal any more but I'll say this: The 2nd book had a LOT to live up to!!
10/10
10+
I keep on going on about about how brilliant the Hunger games was, so I thought it was about time I actually told you about it!.......
Winning will make you famous.
Losing means certain death.
In a dark vision of the near future, a terrifying reality TV show is taking place. Twelve boys and twelve girls are forced to appear in a live event called the Hunger Games. There is only one rule: kill or be killed.
When sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen steps forward to take her sister’s place in the games, she sees it as a death sentence. But Katniss has been close to death before. For here, survival is second nature.
I'v never read a book like this in my whole life. Im not normally into thriller adventure books and even though the synopsis sounded amazing, it wasn't my usual type of book. I began reading and was completely mesmerised by this book from the first word I read to the last word I read. The scary thing is, the author set the book in the near future, and it had me thinking, is this what our future could be like?!
It was one of those books were you have NO CLUE how the author came up with such gripping, awesome ideas. I would describe this book as scary and thrilling and,..... romantic. The author weaves in all these genres into one book, which makes it even more brilliant. I would also maybe describe this book as realistic. Even though this story isn't true and as you can tell from the synopsis, this wont happen tomorrow, but it makes you believe it COULD happen, and lots of scenes from the book are realistic.
In this story, the Capitol (The government) completely rule over the whole of america (were this book is based) They divided it into 12 districts and force people, from the age of only twelve, to compete in a deadly game live on TV, Just to make people remember that they are the ones in control.
You can tell that this book is defiantly an amazing scary thriller, but you must be thinking, "why did she say this book was romantic?" Well, actually the whole is based on a on-going romance. Gale, is a boy who grew up with Katniss (the main charactar) , they both share there love for hunting and the outdoors world. Like Katniss, his family is poor and has been left fatherless from a mine explosion. You would think that there perfect for each other but... (I'll stop there because If I keep describing the relationship between Gale and Katniss, im sure I will end up ruining the book for you!)
Then of course... there's Peeta. The mysterious boy who is not a main charactar until the actual games (the hunger games) start. Him and Katniss are the two people are chosen to fight in the games. Before the games, Peeta shows a random act of kindness by giving her a loaf of bread (not all people could afford bread in the village Katniss lived in, and Katniss was quite poor) A romance unfolds when in the hunger games arena, but there's a catch....
Only one person can win the Hunger games. They could end up killing each other.
It was one of my favourite books of all time and I dont want to reveal any more but I'll say this: The 2nd book had a LOT to live up to!!
10/10
10+
EDIT: SORRY FOR THE BLUE HIGHLIGHT ON THE REVIEW.
Happy reading!
Beth :)
Monday 7 November 2011
Girl, Missing by Sophie McKenzie
Synopsis:
Lauren has always known she was adopted but when a little research turns up the possibility that she was snatched from an American family as a baby, suddenly Lauren's life seems like a sham. How can she find her biological parents? And are her adoptive parents really responsible for kidnapping her? She manages to wangle a trip across the Atlantic where she runs away to try and find the truth. But the circumstances of her disappearance are murky and Lauren's kidnappers are still at large and willing to do anything to keep her silent...
Review
Wow. Just simply....wow! Girl, Missing is probably one of my favourite reads ever! I could read it again and again and it would still be No. 1. Well done Sophie, you should be proud. It is a proper page-turner which will capture readers old and new.
This novel is about Lauren, an adopted girl who feels lost and unloved. She is determined to find out the truth about her, but does the truth lead to danger?
One day Lauren finds a missing children website and is bored. She types her name into the search box and a girl named Martha Lauren Purditt pops up off the screen. She begins to wonder after traces of evidence...is this her?
Straight away McKenzie gets your attention. The opening line reads 'Who am I?', and it is impossible not to read on.
During the book you are never bored. Something happens in every chapter that leaves you hanging. Everything was just brilliant about this story; the characters, storyline...everything! My only complaint is that the cover is not very appealing. I can't tell you too much without spoiling the story, so you might as well read it!
I recommend this for everyone. Even though the story is seen through the eyes of a girl, this novel is definitely worth reading for both genders. My favourite character was Jam. He stuck by Lauren, even when she was being slightly selfish at times. I particularly loved the romance, it was perfect.
I am definitely interested in more of Sophie's books, especially the sequel to this coming out soon! Sister, Missing will be published in the autumn and I have pre-ordered it. I LOVED this book - read it now!!
EDIT: Since I wrote this 5/4/11, I have already read the sequel and enjoyed it just as much!
RATE: 5/5
To buy this book click HERE (if not, well...why not?).
Thanks for reaching the end of my review! I hope you come back to read more of mine! ;-)
Zoe xx
Tuesday 1 November 2011
Welcome post!
W E L C O M E
T O
B O O K L I S S !
Hi! Welcome to Bookliss, a new blog for book reviews! Me and Zoe crook from Bookhi are the two Bloggers here at Bookliss. Zoe and I will both be reviewing books and I hope you like our reviews! If you go to the about the bloggers page me and Zoe have written a bit about our selves (which means there's a lot about reading!)
Hopefully I'll get to post my first review soon :) I hope you like the blog!
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