Watership Down by Richard Adams

Author: Richard Adams
ISBN: 9780140306019
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 480
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Penguin Books






"Fiver could sense danger. Something terrible was going to happen to the warren - he felt sure of it. So did his brother Hazel, for Fiver's sixth sense was never wrong. They had to leave immediately, and they had to persuade the other rabbits to join them. And so begins a long and perilous journey of a small band of rabbits in search of a safe home. Fiver's vision finally leads them to Watership Down, but here they face their most difficult challenge of all...Published in 1972, "Watership Down" is an epic journey, a stirring tale of adventure, courage and survival against the odds."


I first heard about Watership Down when I was a child when it was shown on TV. I grew up loving this movie, and kept it so close to my heart ever since. As I loved the movie so much, I discovered the book and so purchased it.

My expectations of the book were that it would be wonderful and I was hoping that it would have me gripped throughout the book.... But sadly it is not the case, it just did not keep me gripped. Usually when I find a book a chore to get through I stop reading it, so this book can't be that bad, as it had something that made me want to keep picking it up to read. It started off well but half way into the book is when I began to get bored with it, and I did rush through the last 50 pages because I just wanted to be finished with the book, not because I was enjoying it but because I wanted to end it. I also felt it was 180 pages too long. That was my main issue with the book, the story just seemed to be drawn out too much, and I kind of got fed up reading about rabbits.

However on a positive note, reading it, I learned about Rabbits behaviour and how they live, and also the chapters with the stories of Frith and El-ahrairah were brilliant. I really did enjoy those.

I most probably won't read this book again, but instead I'll watch the dvd.

I give it 6/10.

The Subtle Knife By Philip Pullman.

Author: Philip Pullman
ISBN: 978-0-439951-79-1
Genre: Fiction/Science Fiction.
Pages: 325
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Scholastic

"What is he? A Friend, Or an Enemy?" "He's a Murderer"

"Will has just killed a man. He's on the run. His escape will take him far beyond his own world, to the eerie disquiet of a deserted city, and to a girl, Lyra. Her fate is strangely linked to his own, and together they must find the most powerful weapon in all the worlds."

This is the second in the 'His Dark Materials' series. Having enjoyed the first 'Northern Lights' I was looking forward to following the story about Lyra and how it all turns out. From the first page I was hooked, and I very quickly became attached to Will. In fact I prefer Will to Lyra.
Having read two of the books, although I enjoy them I don't really connect with Lyra. But I like her Daemon. I don't know why? I just don't feel enough from her in the book, may be that will change in the third book for me? I loved The Witches, The Shaman and the different world in this book, in fact I loved a lot of things.
I did see some similarities in this book compared to J K Rowling Harry Potter series. The Spectres in this book, seem no different to the Dementors in Harry Potter.

In The Subtle Knife, how the different worlds are explained, is actually similar to something I believe in. But I won't go into all that stuff lol.

Anyhow, the story is about how Will after making sure his mum is safe, goes on the run in search of his father. He finds himself in a different world to his own where he meets Lyra. This worls is very different from his own. There they begin to help each other and a new journey begins in Lyra's quest.

In my opinion this book is better than Northern Lights, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was quickly drawn into the book, was able to visualize the scenery the people and the adventures that took place. A very good read and so far a brilliant series!

Northern Lights by Philip Pullman.

Author: Philip Pullman
ISBN: 978-0-439951-78-4
Genre: Fiction/Science Fiction.
Pages: 397
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Scholastic


""Without this child, we shall all die."

Lyra Belacqua and her animal daemon live half-wild and carefree among scholars of Jordan College, Oxford. The destiny that awaits her will take her to the frozen lands of the Arctic, where witch-clans reign and ice-bears fight. Her extraordinary journey will have immeasurable consequences far beyond her own world..."

It was last year that I first heard about Philip Pullman. After J K Rowling had released her last installment of the HP series. I saw a lot of people on the internet recommending Philip Pullman. My sister in-law also recommended the 'His Dark Materials' but I never got around to getting them until, the release of 'The Golden Compass' on the Cinema (which I haven't watched).
I was a little put off by all the hype with this book (due to the Cinema release) but I decided to try it. I am pleased I did.

I really did enjoy this book, I liked Lyra, and I loved the whole thing about having Daemonds, and not being able to live without the other, and the search for Dust.
Lyra was a likeable character and a strong willed one who won't let anything stop her. I also liked her Bear friend, Iorek Byrinson, he was a strong character and I am hoping we'll see him in the next book (not sure about that though considering....)
This book was fast paced and easy to get into, there was barely a boring moment and I was gripped all the way through. It was easy to visualize the scenery described, and feel the emotions that were expressed, and to also have a good vision of the characters throughout. Both children and adults will enjoy this book. I just wish my son would sit down and read, as he'd love it!

There's two characters I didn't like in the book and yes of course it's Mrs Coulter and Lord Asriel. Nasty nasty people!!!! :)


Definitely worth reading, and I am really looking forward to reading the next installment which I shall start today. I am hoping to see Lyra grow more as a person and to find out more about what it is she must do. She seems a very lonely person, with only the love of her daemon to comfort her. But I'd better shut up or I'll end up giving some of the story away to those who haven't read it.

Oh yes and, I'm not even going to compare this to J K Rowling's HP series, as I loved her books too.

The Magic Cottage by James Herbert

Author: James Herbert
ISBN: 0-330-37625-x
Genre: Fiction/Horror
Pages: 394
Format: Paperback
Publisher: PAN

"We thought we'd found our haven, a cottage deep in the heart of the forest. Charming, maybe a little run down, but so peaceful. That was the first part of the Magic. Midge's painting and my music soared to new heights of creativity. That was another part of the Magic. Our love for each other - well, that became the supreme Magic. But the cottage had an alternative side - The Bad Magic." "What happened to us there was horrendous beyond belief. The healings, the crazy sect who wanted our home for themselves, the hideous creatures that crawled from the nether regions, and the bats - oh God, the bats! Even now those terrible things seem impossible to me. Yet they happened..."

This is the second time I've read this book, having read it for the first time years ago. I had forgotten the story so reading it again, was really enjoyable. Although James Herbert is not my most favourite author I really do like some of his books. Reading his books are a little like reading Stephen King's books, I have to be in the 'mood' for it. Otherwise, I'll soon get bored.

Anyway, it took half of this book to get through for anything to really happen, the first half is learning about Midge and Mike, and them moving to the cottage and some of the strange things that begin to happen. Midge is getting over her parents deaths and they both move out into the Cottage. Things happen that they can't explain, and the cottage seems to have a life of it's own. Not too far is a group of people, who are part of a sect. Things seem OK at first, but Mike is suspicious, and as Midge begins to become more friendly with them, the sect begin to get in between them both. There is more to this story but, if I carry on I'll be telling you the whole story!!!

This book is pretty spooky, I was especially spooked when Mike's friend 'Bob' comes to stay with his girlfriend Kiwi. They're awoken to Bob's screams as he sees something 'unnatural' in the cottage, and swears never to return again.

Overall, this is a good spooky ghost book. Which will have you shouting down at the characters, saying No! Wake Up! RUN! I loved the way Mike was described, and the whole relationship he had with Midge. It was sexy in places and had me laughing and smiling a long with them.
I loved how the Cottage was described, it made me want to move in there.

If you're a James Herbert fan, you'll love this book. If you haven't read this book, give it a go. You may find you'll love it.

Stardust by Neil Gaiman.

Author: Neil Gaiman
ISBN: 978-0-7553-3751-4
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Pages: 216
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Review

"There is a way into Faerie, beyond the fields we know, and it lies in a village called Wall, somewhere in the early Victorian era. Every nine years there is a fair on the other side of the wall, where Faerie sells its wares to the mundane. Farmer Duncan Thorne had his moment of mad love with a witch's bondservant; Tristan, his son, turned up in a basket nine months later. Now Tristan is old enough to fall in love, and promises Victoria a falling star... This is a fairy story in the tradition of George MacDonald and Hope Mirlees; a book of passion and terror and wit which reminds us that Faerie is not a safe place, or a fair one. And at its edges there lurk other stories--Neil Gaiman's work in comics and television has previously shown his capacity to evoke mystery and glorious magic by telling us just enough and no more, but he excels himself here. Charles Vess's illustrations, (Vess collaborated with Gaiman on key episodes of The Sandman), have charm and occasionally more--the stars dance, Pan looms from the forest, a witch queen rides a chariot driven by goats and Tristan journeys by candlelight leagues at a step."

This is another book, my eldest son bought me for Christmas. I had seen the movie which I thought was good, but the book is so much better. In the movie they had changed some things and left some important other factors out which are included in the book.

This novel was magical and fun to read, it was the first of this kind I have read. I enjoyed being taken into the world of faerie and reading about unicorns, goblins and witches, and stars ;)
I put this down as a young authors book, from teenage upwards, the reason for this is, there is some sexual reference in the beginning chapters, not much though.

This story is about how a young boy Tristian Thorn, promises to collect a fallen star for his love Victoria Foster, he sets out on his travels as she promised him, his hearts desires if he brings back the star for her. He has to cross the Wall into faerie land, and his adventures begin.

If you like fantasy, you will enjoy this book.

For One More Day by Mitch Albom.

Author: Mitch Albom
ISBN: 978-0-7515-3750-5
Genre: general Fiction
Pages: 200
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Sphere


"This is the story of a man named Charley who loses his job, leaves his family, and decides, one night, to end his life. Somewhere between this world and the next, he encounters his mother, who died years ago, and he spends one last day with her - a day he never had on earth. This 'ordinary' day covers the whole of their existence, and reveals how Charley, like many children, was constantly forced to choose between his mother and his father. He gets the chance many of us yearn for - to ask the questions never asked while our parents are alive. In the end, Charley learns how little he really knew about his mother, how her love saved their family, and how deeply he wants the chance to save his own."

I borrowed this book from my sister, after reading 'The Five people You Meet in Heaven' which I loved.
This book is about how a man finds himself becoming distant from his family, and his story is told by another. In this novel, 'Chick' tries to take his own life, and in doing so, is met by the spirit of his mother.

It's a really lovely book, an easy read and again, some would finish it in a day. This book helps you to look at your own life, and will may be make you realize not to take things for granted, especially your family.

Definitely worth having on your book shelf.

The Five People You meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

Author: Mitch Albom
ISBN: 0751536822
Genre: general Fiction
Pages: 231
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Sphere

"From the author of the phenomenal number one bestseller TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE, comes this enchanting, beautifully written novel that explores a mystery only heaven can unfold. Eddie is a grizzled war veteran who feels trapped in the toil of his father before him, fixing rides at a seaside amusement park. Then he dies in a tragic accident, trying to save a little girl from a falling cart. He awakens in the afterlife, where he learns that heaven is not a lush Garden of Eden, but a place where your earthly life is explained to you by five people who were in it. These people may have been loved ones or distant strangers. Yet each of them changed your path forever. As the story builds to its stunning conclusion, Eddie desperately seeks redemption in the still-unknown last act of his life. Was it a heroic success or a devastating failure? The answer is as magical and inspirational as a glimpse of heaven itself."

With the recent passing of my father, this is one book I 'needed' to read. I was gob smacked my eldest son even thought about buying me this book for xmas, let alone actually surprising me with it on xmas day.

This was a wonderful little book, with a lot of meaning to it. It helps you to understand why certain things happen to you in life, and how we are all connected.

This book is basically about a man who dies, and is met by five people, who in some way affected how he lived his life. Some are family while others are strangers. I really can't go on to tell you more, as you have to read it for yourselves. All I can say is, I found the book left me wanting more. I wish the book had been bigger so I could go on reading. It's a light read and some people would finish it in a day.

It's a very comforting read and one worth having in your book pile to be read.

Katharine The Virgin Widow by Jean Plaidy.

Author: Jean Plaidy
ISBN: 0-09-949314-4
Genre:Historical Fiction.
Pages:310
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Arrow


"Widowed within months of her marriage to the frail Prince of Wales, Arthur Tudor, Katharine of Aragon's virginity is the subject of much speculation. A pawn between the Spanish and English monarchies, the question of whether her marriage to the Prince was ever consummated decides both her fate, and England's. Her life has become a far cry from what she knew as an Infanta of Spain and Princess of Wales. But in the wings awaits Henry, Arthur's younger, more handsome brother, the future King of England and her only escape from poverty. He alone has the power to restore her position, but at what sacrifice?"

I had wanted this book for ages, and so when I got it I was thrilled! Queen Katherine of Aragon was my favourite Queen of the Tudors. I've only ever read one other book of Jean Plaidy's Saint Thomas's Eve. I think I'm coming to a decision that Jean Plaidy isn't one of my favourite authors, as although I enjoyed this novel for the historical content. I didn't connect with any of the characters, and I didn't feel a part of the book. I just didn't get a sense of the surroundings or any emotion. I also didn't like the fact that Katharine's marriage with Arthur was rushed, whereas with Philippa Gregory's The Constant Princess, Philippa turned it into a beautiful love story, and I loved that.

I wanted a little bit more of detail in Jean Plaidy's book, but I felt like she was skimming through it, and not delving deep into the character and bringing them alive.
It's been mentioned to me before that Jean Plaidy's books are more like History lessons, and I have to agree. Some people love her books, but for me I much prefer Philippa Gregory, as I feel Philippa brings her characters alive. I'm not saying Jean Plaidy was a rubbish writer, just that her books aren't for me.

My rating, OK if you want a book that isn't exciting but, you want to read for the historical facts.

The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice.

Author: Anne Rice
ISBN: 0-7088-3153-2
Genre: Fiction/Horror
Pages:599
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Warner Books


"'Ah, the taste and feel of blood when all passion and greed is sharpened in that one desire!' Lestat: a vampire - but very much not the conventional undead, for Lestat is the truly alive. Lestat is vivid, ecstatic, stagestruck, and in his extravagant story he plunges from the lasciviousness of eighteenth-century Paris to the demonic Egypt of prehistory; from fin-de-siecle New Orleans to the frenetic twentieth-century world of rock superstardom - as, pursued by the living and the dead, he searches across time for the secret of his own dark immortality."

After reading Interview with the Vampire, I was really looking forward to reading the second in this series. The Vampire Lestat is, Lestat's story, his side of events that took place and how he became a vampire. This book was really fun to read, it was gripping in places and emotional. I've become really fond of Lestat, whereas, in Interview with the vampire, from Louis point of view he's a unkind.

Reading this book I could visualise easily the scenery and events taking place, I loved reading how becoming a vampire affected him, and I really liked reading about his relationship with Gabrielle. I'm really looking forward to the next installment which is The Queen of the Damned.

A really good read!

9/10

The Other Eden By Sarah Bryant.

Author: Sarah Bryant
ISBN: 978-1-905005-11-6
Genre: Fiction
Pages:459
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Snowbooks


"Devastated by the death of the beloved grandfather who raised her, precocious young pianist Eleanor Rose heeds the words of the unknown woman in her dream. Leaving the security of her privileged life in Boston, she heads for Eden's Meadow, a Louisiana estate which she has never seen, and which has been closed since her grandmother died there mysteriously twenty-five years earlier. She longs for a tranquil haven, in which to nurse her grief and concentrate on her music, and at first Eden's Meadow seems to be just that. But Eleanor's shocking discovery of a forgotten painting, the timely arrival of a letter from a man who seems to hold the answers to the questions it raises, and her growing love for an enigmatic Russian musician draw her into a labyrinth of past and present deception, which ultimately threatens her sanity and her very life."


I was very kindly sent this book for 'free' by Snowbooks, and as soon as it came through the post, I began reading it. I loved the cover of this book and knew I was in for a treat.

It's the first time I have read a novel like this. I am a big fan of Historical fiction, but I have never read a novel that contained information on Classical music. I'm not really even a fan of Classical music and yet, I found myself completely taken in with this book.

The author described the surroundings with a lot of detail and I was taken in by the story, I felt as though I was there with them, and I was living Eleanor's life with her, going through each trial in trying to solve her Mothers past. In the chapters when Alexander and Eleanor played the Piano together and also at other times on their own, I was taken in by this and I was able to visualise the effect the music had on them, it seemed to reach out to me. This was one of my most favourite parts of the book. I'm now considering listening to some Classical music. See what this novel has done to me! ;)

I could go on to describe lots more about this book, both Eve and Elizabeth play an important part in this novel, but to go on would only give the plot away and possibly ruin it for others.

For me this book was a beautiful love story that I didn't want to end, but it was also sad. If you like novels that contain history, hauntings, suspense and romance, then this book is for you.

This is one of the best books I have read this year. I will definitely be reading more by this author.

Wicked by Gregory Maguire

Author: Gregory Maguire
ISBN: 0-7553-3160-5
Genre: Fiction
Pages:495
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Review


"An astonishingly rich re-creation of the land of Oz, this book retells the story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, who wasn't so wicked after all. Taking readers past the yellow brick road and into a phantasmagoric world rich with imagination and allegory, Gregory Maguire just might change the reputation of one of the most sinister characters in literature."


I borrowed this book from my sis, after she had read it and loved it. I'd seen some other people I know have read it too, so I wanted to check it out. It's the first book I've read from this author.
This is one book I will not allow my sis to sell at one of her boot sales, it has to stay on her book shelf!!!! LOL

As you can tell I loved this book. I wasn't quite sure what to expect at first? I knew it was about The Wicked Witch of the West from the movie The Wizard of Oz, we all loved so much as children. As I read the book I began to fall in love with Elphaba, and I loved reading about every minute of her life in this novel. I also became really fond of Fiyero, Glinda, Nanny and Doctor Dillamond. Basically I loved them all really! Except the Wizard........ Hmmmm.

This novel is different to the movie, and it is really a book for adults, and is a tale from the side of: The Wicked Witch of the West. For me this book was a light, enjoyable, cosy read. It was a book that I loved snuggling up to on my bed or in the bath to read. I just loved entering their world. However, I know that some people have said it wasn't a light read for them as it contained political issues (personally I hate politics in real life). I guess this is where we all differ, and what a boring place it would be if we all agreed on everything.

There wasn't a boring moment in this book, it was exciting, emotionally moving and funny.
I haven't seen the Musical, may be one day I will?

So to sum this book up, it was and is.. EXCELLENT!
I'll be reading more from this author! ;)

Holy Fools by Joanne Harris

Author: Joanne Harris
ISBN: 0-552-77001-9
Genre: Fiction
Pages:383
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Black Swan


"Set in seventeenth-century France against a backdrop of witch trials, regicide and religious frenzy, this is the story of Juliette, one-time actress and rope-dancer. Forced by circumstance to seek refuge with Fleur, her young daughter, in the remote abbey of Sainte Marie-de-la-Mer, Juliette reinvents herself as Soeur Auguste under the tutelage of the kindly Abbess. But times are changing: the murder of Henri IV becomes the catalyst for massive upheaval in France. A new appointment is made, and Juliette's new life begins to unravel. For the new Abbess is Isabelle, the eleven-year-old child of a corrupt, noble family. Worse, Isabelle has brought with her a ghost from Juliette's past, masquerading as a cleric, a man she has every reason to fear..."

Being a Joanne Harris fan, I was really looking forward to reading this book. One of the things I like in her books is she writes about paganism. She is my most favourite author of pagan fiction. However, this is not one of my favourite books.

I liked the main character Juliette, I felt for her at times and was enjoying her story. I felt like I could connect with her and visualise what was going on around her. I really liked her.

Lemerle, I didn't connect with. I found his part in the story interesting and wanted to read more, but he didn't 'grab' me.

The abby with the other Nuns, I didn't really feel I could connect with. I found this part of the story hard to get into.

Basically the story is set in the seventeenth century when witch trials were taking place. Juliette who is part of a traveling circus, is forced to take cover in an Abby with her daughter Fleur. Lemerle a man, from her past turns up and he takes Fleur away from her mother. Juliette's struggle to get her daughter back begins.

I'm glad I read this book, there were times I felt it was boring in places and hard to get into, and so I didn't feel like carrying on with it. But, there was something there that made me want to pick the book up to find out more. So I kept with it.

So to sum it up, it was an OK read. Not one of my favourites. One that will sit on my shelf till I read it again. I sort of feel like this is the sort of book I'd enjoy more the second time around.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (Audio)

A Christmas Carol

"A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, a time-honored classic, follows Ebenezer Scrooge's tranformation from a selfish and bitter man to a generous benefactor after he is visited by a series of ghosts.Scrooge, having gone to sleep, is first visited in his sleep by the Ghost of Christmas Past, a phantom who enkindles in him regret of his former lack of compassion. The Ghost of Christmas Present shows Scrooge Christmas as it would unfold the next day, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come leads Scrooge through a series of scenes involving an unsympathetic creditor who turns out to be Scrooge himself. A changed man, Scrooge shares his newfound Christmas spirit, much to the wonder of others, and in the years that follow he honors Christmas with all his heart."

This is my second Audio Book, and I have to say I really did enjoy it. I don't have much experience with narrators having heard just two audio books, so I'm not sure what is supposed to be good and what isn't in an narrator? The narrator with this audio book, was good I thought. He used different voices for each character, although at times I wanted to laugh at some of them. I just thought a couple of the voices he did were funny, as they seemed to change accent too. However, that didn't ruin it for me, as I really enjoyed listening.

I hadn't read A Christmas Carol before, although I've seen different version of the movie. A Christmas Carol is my most favourite Christmas movie. So when I saw this as an audio book, I downloaded it, put it onto my MP3 player and began listening when I was cooking dinner or doing the gardening. I enjoyed every minute of it, I was able to visualise what was being read, and I felt a part of the book. Listening to this also got me a bit emotional, as I went through each journey with Scrooge. When some lines were said like when the Spirit of Christmas Present says to Scrooge about tiny Tim.;

``If these shadows remain unaltered by the Future, none other of my race,'' returned the Ghost, ``will find him here. What then? If he be like to die, he had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.''

Scrooge hung his head to hear his wn words quoted by the Spirit, and was overcome with penitence and grief.

This really got me choked. And also after he has been visited by all three Spirits, and wakes up on Christmas day, a changed man, that got me emotional too.

Over all, I loved this audio book, it was a free download and the quality of the sound was brilliant! There are some free audio books out there on the net, where the sound quality is appalling. But it just goes to show that if you search, you can find some great free audio books to start of with. I'm definitely a fan of them now and will hunt some down in my shops soon.

The Magic Shop by H. G. Wells (Audio Book)

Thought Audio.com

"This is a charming tale from H.G. Wells about a young boy named Gip who visits a magic shop for his birthday with his father. But this is not just any magic shop – the shopkeeper insists that this is a genuine magic shop. The story is an entertaining adventure as Gip, like any young boy of his age, experiences the pure enjoyment of true magic while his skeptical father grapples with having to draw the line between slight of hand and genuine magic"


I listened to my first Audio Book, today. I searched on the net for some 'free' ones and found a few sites with them. So I downloaded The Magic Shop by H.G. Wells, narrated by Michael Scott.

I wasn't sure what sort of book it was and realised it was a child's book, this didn't put me off as I like reading Young authors books anyway. It was really quite charming. It's about how Gip goes to a magic shop with his father for his birthday, and strange magical things happen. It's a short story and only last half an hour. So it's not the sort of book I would be drawn into, with it being so short and also aimed at young children. I'm glad I listened to it though, it was good cooking dinner and being told a story at the same time. The narrator is American and I enjoyed listening to him tell this story. I wouldn't say it was the best but being my first I am sure to find better ones. I want to look out for some English ones, and audio books that I can get gripped with, ones that have emotion and that can make you feel as though you are there.


It is my first H.G. Wells book and I would look for some more. I think if my 11year old son Joe, would like to listen to this.

Harry Potter and the Deathy Hallows by J.K Rowling

Author: J.K Rowling
ISBN: 978-0-7475-9105-4
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Pages:607
Format: Hardback
Publisher: Bloomsbury

"'His hand closed automatically around the fake Horcrux, but in spite of everything, in spite of the dark and twisting path he saw stretching ahead for himself, in spite of the final meeting with Voldemort he knew must come, whether in a month, in a year, or in ten, he felt his heart lift at the thought that there was still one last golden day of peace left to enjoy with Ron and Hermione.' With these words "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" draws to a close."

I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book, but I was not one of the many that was at the shops at 12am to get it! LOL. I got mine at 8:30am Saturday morning.

Having read most of the other books (I just have Chamber of secrets to read, but have seen all the movies) I was so excited to read this book, I wanted to know: Was Snape really bad? Did Dumbledore really die? Was Harry going to die?

Well all was answered in this book, as I was half way through I was making lots of guesses and had guessed the correct answer about Harry, although at the time I wasn't sure? Hubby had cheated by looking up on the net the morning it came out; the plot of the book, and loved knowing that he knew and I didn't! LOL. Men really! doh!

Anyway, I can say that I totally enjoyed this book! I loved every minute of it. I never found a dull moment and found it was fast paced. It was easy to read and I love J.K Rowling!!!
I've seen some reviews slating the book, I'm wondering why? I guess some people really wanted the worst to happen in the book and evil to prevail!! Hmm?

I have loved the Harry potter books, J.K Rowling gave us Harry Potter Hermione & Ron, Dumbledore, Snape, Sirius, amongst other great characters.
This book I felt tied everything up nicely, as I read the book I once again fell in love with the characters. I felt like I was there with them, it was easy to visualize the surroundings and people and events that were taking place. There are some surprises in the book, people who die, events that take place etc.. I won't go on about that as I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't read it yet. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I was laughing, I was totally drawn in and three quarters through the book I was in tears! I found the last quarter of the book very emotional.
I so felt for Harry in this book, I wanted to reach out to him.

I can't say there was anything in this book I didn't like. Because I loved all of it. I think J.K Rowling is an amazing writer, she has given children and adults the story of Harry Potter (which will be passed down for generations to come), and I can't wait to read her next project.

Fantastic!

The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory

Author: Philippa Gregory
ISBN: 978-0-00-719033-1
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 518
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Harper.


"The year is 1539 and the court of Henry VIII is increasingly fearful at the moods of the ageing sick king. With only a baby in the cradle for an heir, Henry has to take another wife and the dangerous prize of the crown of England is won by Anne of Cleves. She has her own good reasons for agreeing to marry a man old enough to be her father, in a country where to her both language and habits are foreign. Although fascinated by the glamour of her new surroundings, she senses a trap closing around her. Katherine is confident that she can follow in the steps of her cousin Anne Boleyn to dazzle her way to the throne but her kinswoman Jane Boleyn, haunted by the past, knows that Anne's path led to Tower Green and to an adulterer's death"

Being a fan of Philippa Gregory's novels, I was really looking forward to reading this book. I always find her Tudor novels a treat to read, and know I'm in for something special.
I enjoyed reading about Anne of Cleaves and Katherine Howard, I hadn't read a novel with them in it before. Another thing I liked about this book, was we got to see another side to Jane Boleyn. I actually felt sorry for her in this book, while in The Other Boleyn Girl I hated her.
Kathrine Howard in this novel I did find a little irritating, as her immaturity got to me, but I know the author was trying to show how young she was and her immaturity compared to the grown up court.

As I've read Philippa's Tudor novels, I've learnt more about history by going on the true historical facts. Henry VIII was not a nice man at all, he was to be feared and thank god those times are past.

So, here I get to sum the book up and I have to say I did enjoy it, although I was irritated a little by Katherine Howard. It's not my favourite novel in the Tudor series, it comes third to The Other Boleyn Girl and The Constant Princess. The Virgins Lover and The Queens Fool, follow.

House of Echoes by Barbara Erskine

Author: Barbara Ersikine
ISBN: 0-58-351149-X
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 421
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Harper Collins


"When Joss, who is adopted, decides to trace her natural parents, she finds her deceased mother has left her a country mansion in her will. Joss and her family are thrilled to start a new life, but gradually they begin to understand the house's terrible past."

I was really looking forward to reading this book, after hearing that some people really enjoyed it but, sadly I hated it! I had to slug through the last pages and basically rushed through the book to finish it.

I thought I was in for a good horror story, but I didn't find it scary and I was sick to death of reading about the whining from the two sisters Joss & Lyn. Whine whine whine!!!! I couldn't connect with any of the characters either. This book just didn't keep me interested. I found that I didn't really like Joss. I'm not sure if it was her character or the way the author writes? As even some things Joss husband (Luke) said to her, just didn't seem right in the book to me? There was just too much whining going on and not enough action and there didn't seem to be any atmosphere to this book.

I wouldn't even compare this book to 'Jame Herbert's The Secret of Crickley Hall', which imo was 100 times more exciting and scarier than this book.

This was my first Barbara Erskine book, I have Sands of Time sitting on my shelf, but that will be going way down on the list! Sorry to all those who like her, I know this book has been highly recommended else where. But I just didn't like this book.

My Rating: Obviously disappointing.

Read Print

I'm not usually one for online books, but I came across this site a while back called 'Read Print' and book marked it. I've decided I'm going to have a go at reading some of the books on here. They're all Classics. My first I think will have to be Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol.

Here's the link if anyone else is interested. My library is closed atm, so this is going to come in really handy.

Read Print

The Little House by Philippa Gregory

Author: Philippa Gregory
ISBN: 058351149X
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 360
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Harper Collins



"It was easy for Elizabeth. She married the man she loved. It was harder for Ruth. She married Elizabeth's son and then found that, somehow, she could never quite measure up. This thriller examines what women want and what they fear, as Ruth confronts the shifting borders of her own sanity."


Philippa Gregory does it again, as she delivered this fantastic moving novel!
I was gripped from page one. After reading this book I have come to a conclusion that Philippa Gregory is my most favourite author, she's my number one. Not only can she write Tudor fiction, she can also write thrillers. This book had me wanting to jump into the story and help Ruth, and wanted me to open Patrick's eyes!

Basically the story is about how a daughter in-law cannot live up to her Mother in-laws expectations. Nothing she does is right, and when it comes to her having a baby, she can't even do that right. There is something sinister going on behind the scenes, the Mother In-law (Elizabeth) has other ideas for Thomas, her grandchild. She wants to bring him up and Ruth doesn't fit into her family. Ruth's in-laws threaten to have her put into a mental institution. But I can't tell you anymore, as you'll have to read it. I was so sure how this story was going to end but, I was surprised with a shock ending!

My rating: Totally gripping and very moving!!

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Author: J.K Rowiling
ISBN: 0-7475-8108-8
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Pages: 607
Format: Hardback
Publisher: Bloomsbury


"In the sixth and most recent book, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the last chapter, titled "The Second War Begins," started:
'In a brief statement Friday night, Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge confirmed that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has returned to this country and is active once more.
"It is with great regret that I must confirm that the wizard styling himself Lord - well, you know who I mean - is alive among us again," said Fudge.'
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince takes up the story of Harry Potter's sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry at this point in the midst of the storm of this battle of good and evil."


I decided to re-read this book so that I could refresh my memory for the new coming and last installment of Harry Potter. Having enjoyed this book the first time I read it, I enjoyed it much more the second time around. I have enjoyed reading the journey with Harry and the rest of the guys, it's like you get to be apart of what's going on. This book is much darker than the others but so enjoyable. I had tears in my eyes at the end. The only part I'm not convinced about is Harry and Ginny. The saddest part is no more of a certain lovable character :( .
Although I loved this book, my favorite HP book so far remains to be The Order of the Phoenix.

My Rating: Loved every minute of it.