Grinny (Grinny Series, book 1)

By Nicholas Fisk

Blurb: 
Great Aunt Emma is no ordinary old lady. But why is she so strange? For a start, she just appeared, grinning, on the doorstep, as if from nowhere. Why have Mum and Dad never mentioned her before—after all, she is supposed to be Granny's sister, isn't she?

Soon Tim and Beth start noticing more and more odd things about the great-aunt they've nicknamed 'Grinny.' And before long, they make a horrifying discovery. She isn't even human, she's as dangerous as a time-bomb and she has a fearful task to perform which involves them…

Review: 
I've had this book for a long time now and have eventually got round to reading it as part of my OWLS. Being honest, I can see why I've never picked it up before now and I don't know why I bought this book, maybe my reading style was slightly different 9 years ago. But I'm actually pleased I've read it, I sadly won't be reading the second book though. I have far too many books to read that are on my TBR so I've not got time to read more of a series that I don't like. I know some books do get better in further books but I don't think this book really has the potential and I really didn't like the writing style.

So this book is about two teenagers and their "great aunt Emma" turns up unexpectedly and lives with them for a long time. The two children start to realise that things don't add up when they start asking her questions about their grandma, and then their mother tells them to stop bothering her. They start working together along with their friend and try to find out who she actually is.

These kids are actually quite clever for their age for what they do, but then at the same time they are just typical kids and try and do things to annoy other people. Some of the things they did were quite predictable. 

Another thing that I found wrong with this book is that the children were forced into situations that they didn't like, no child should be forced into these situations especially since they knew that they were comfortable in the situation. It just tells them that they need to stay quiet in situations that they aren't happy with but they shouldn't they should speak up no matter what.

The reason why this book was rated 2 stars by myself was because it was just so predictable, it was slow, there wasn't much action and it was quite obvious with Emma. So it just sucked and then like I said before forcing children into horrible situations, I just don't agree with that. There are a lot better children books I'd recommend f you are wanting a child to read this book.

There isn't anything scary about this book, it is mainly a science fiction/thriller than a horror.

Favourite Character: Beth

Read: 01/08/19 - 02/08/19

2 stars out of 5

Written by Sammie

Grinny (Grinny Series, book 1)

By Nicholas Fisk

Blurb: 
Great Aunt Emma is no ordinary old lady. But why is she so strange? For a start, she just appeared, grinning, on the doorstep, as if from nowhere. Why have Mum and Dad never mentioned her before—after all, she is supposed to be Granny's sister, isn't she?

Soon Tim and Beth start noticing more and more odd things about the great-aunt they've nicknamed 'Grinny.' And before long, they make a horrifying discovery. She isn't even human, she's as dangerous as a time-bomb and she has a fearful task to perform which involves them…

Review: 
I've had this book for a long time now and have eventually got round to reading it as part of my OWLS. Being honest, I can see why I've never picked it up before now and I don't know why I bought this book, maybe my reading style was slightly different 9 years ago. But I'm actually pleased I've read it, I sadly won't be reading the second book though. I have far too many books to read that are on my TBR so I've not got time to read more of a series that I don't like. I know some books do get better in further books but I don't think this book really has the potential and I really didn't like the writing style.

So this book is about two teenagers and their "great aunt Emma" turns up unexpectedly and lives with them for a long time. The two children start to realise that things don't add up when they start asking her questions about their grandma, and then their mother tells them to stop bothering her. They start working together along with their friend and try to find out who she actually is.

These kids are actually quite clever for their age for what they do, but then at the same time they are just typical kids and try and do things to annoy other people. Some of the things they did were quite predictable. 

Another thing that I found wrong with this book is that the children were forced into situations that they didn't like, no child should be forced into these situations especially since they knew that they were comfortable in the situation. It just tells them that they need to stay quiet in situations that they aren't happy with but they shouldn't they should speak up no matter what.

The reason why this book was rated 2 stars by myself was because it was just so predictable, it was slow, there wasn't much action and it was quite obvious with Emma. So it just sucked and then like I said before forcing children into horrible situations, I just don't agree with that. There are a lot better children books I'd recommend f you are wanting a child to read this book.

There isn't anything scary about this book, it is mainly a science fiction/thriller than a horror.

Favourite Character: Beth

Read: 01/08/19 - 02/08/19

2 stars out of 5

Written by Sammie

The Call of Cthulhu 

By H.P. Lovecraft

Blurb: 
One of the feature stories of the Cthulhu Mythos, H.P. Lovecraft's 'the Call of Cthulhu' is a harrowing tale of the weakness of the human mind when confronted by powers and intelligences from beyond our world.

Review: 
I read this book as part of my resit for my OWLS, I needed an adult book that I could read in a day, and I'd been recommended H.P. Lovecraft recently so thought I'd give it a go. 

Pleased to say I did actually enjoy the book, it really wasn't my usual thing but it was good. The style of writing was totally different and I did struggle to start of with but I started to get the hang of it when I was coming to the end of the story sadly.

This short story is about the whole mystery, discovery and sightings of Cthulhu, I personally have never discovered the myth of Cthulhu and I think it is purely down because I don't really read horrors or any thrillers. But now that I am aware of this whole world, I am willing to read more of these sort of stories and I will definitely try and finish H.P. Lovecraft's works. 

Read: 31/07/19 - 01/08/19

4 stars out of 5

Written by Sammie

The Call of Cthulhu 

By H.P. Lovecraft

Blurb: 
One of the feature stories of the Cthulhu Mythos, H.P. Lovecraft's 'the Call of Cthulhu' is a harrowing tale of the weakness of the human mind when confronted by powers and intelligences from beyond our world.

Review: 
I read this book as part of my resit for my OWLS, I needed an adult book that I could read in a day, and I'd been recommended H.P. Lovecraft recently so thought I'd give it a go. 

Pleased to say I did actually enjoy the book, it really wasn't my usual thing but it was good. The style of writing was totally different and I did struggle to start of with but I started to get the hang of it when I was coming to the end of the story sadly.

This short story is about the whole mystery, discovery and sightings of Cthulhu, I personally have never discovered the myth of Cthulhu and I think it is purely down because I don't really read horrors or any thrillers. But now that I am aware of this whole world, I am willing to read more of these sort of stories and I will definitely try and finish H.P. Lovecraft's works. 

Read: 31/07/19 - 01/08/19

4 stars out of 5

Written by Sammie

Burn for Burn (Burn for Burn Series, book 1)

By Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian

Blurb: 
Postcard-perfect Jar Island is home to charming tourist shops, pristine beaches, amazing oceanfront homes—and three girls secretly plotting revenge.

KAT is sick and tired of being bullied by her former best friend.

LILLIA has always looked out for her little sister, so when she discovers that one of her guy friends has been secretly hooking up with her, she’s going to put a stop to it.

MARY is perpetually haunted by a traumatic event from years past, and the boy who’s responsible has yet to get what’s coming to him.

None of the girls can act on their revenge fantasies alone without being suspected. But together…anything is possible.

With an alliance in place, there will be no more “I wish I’d said…” or “If I could go back and do things differently...” These girls will show Jar Island that revenge is a dish best enjoyed together.

Review: 
I didn't really enjoy this book that much and I'm not sure whether I will actually read the other two books in this trilogy. Knowing me, I am more than likely to but I'm not going to be in a big rush to read them and I'll possibly just get the ebook format rather than the actual book.

The characters within this book were just far too cliche. They were just really cringe worthy and got on my nerves quite a lot. The first 100 pages of the book were so slow, to an extent there just wasn't much actually happening and I was so close to actually not completing this book but I pushed through. They were literally just starting the new term of school and one of the 3 girls had returned back to the main island with a whole new appearance to get this one guy to pay attention to her after so many years, it's just honestly quite pathetic. The one thing that possibly won't make sense is that the book is wrote so it flows and it's quite fast paced but it's slow because there's just physically nothing happening. 

There is trigger warnings within this book for depression, suicide and eating disorders! So you've been warned, it's nothing too drastic and doesn't go into much detail until later on in the book, but bullying is the main topic.

So basically, on to the actual main part of the book. There are 3 girls, they are different levels of popularity but all have one thing in common, they want to get revenge. So what happens is they all come together in secret and set these cruel plans to embarrass the people they want to get revenge on. Once it actually gets into this point, it's quite good and gruesome. But then also at the same time it's slightly extreme what some of them do. I'd also think that since some of them are aware of how bad bullying is that they wouldn't actually want this to happen to others, which is where the characters get on my nerves because I find them two-faced and bitchy. But aren't most females in a high school environment. You'd think I'd have learnt my lesson with the amount of books I've read like this.

Overall, this book would get 4 stars because if the slow start and the annoying characters, if you put them to one side you've actually got a decent book. Especially with that ending!

If you like bitchy, high-school drama, friendships and slow starts then this book is 100% for you. It's a lot different to her other series which I actually really enjoyed, maybe I just need to give this series more time.

Favourite Character: Kit

Read: 23/07/19 - 27/07/19

4 stars out of 5

Written by Sammie

Burn for Burn (Burn for Burn Series, book 1)

By Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian

Blurb: 
Postcard-perfect Jar Island is home to charming tourist shops, pristine beaches, amazing oceanfront homes—and three girls secretly plotting revenge.

KAT is sick and tired of being bullied by her former best friend.

LILLIA has always looked out for her little sister, so when she discovers that one of her guy friends has been secretly hooking up with her, she’s going to put a stop to it.

MARY is perpetually haunted by a traumatic event from years past, and the boy who’s responsible has yet to get what’s coming to him.

None of the girls can act on their revenge fantasies alone without being suspected. But together…anything is possible.

With an alliance in place, there will be no more “I wish I’d said…” or “If I could go back and do things differently...” These girls will show Jar Island that revenge is a dish best enjoyed together.

Review: 
I didn't really enjoy this book that much and I'm not sure whether I will actually read the other two books in this trilogy. Knowing me, I am more than likely to but I'm not going to be in a big rush to read them and I'll possibly just get the ebook format rather than the actual book.

The characters within this book were just far too cliche. They were just really cringe worthy and got on my nerves quite a lot. The first 100 pages of the book were so slow, to an extent there just wasn't much actually happening and I was so close to actually not completing this book but I pushed through. They were literally just starting the new term of school and one of the 3 girls had returned back to the main island with a whole new appearance to get this one guy to pay attention to her after so many years, it's just honestly quite pathetic. The one thing that possibly won't make sense is that the book is wrote so it flows and it's quite fast paced but it's slow because there's just physically nothing happening. 

There is trigger warnings within this book for depression, suicide and eating disorders! So you've been warned, it's nothing too drastic and doesn't go into much detail until later on in the book, but bullying is the main topic.

So basically, on to the actual main part of the book. There are 3 girls, they are different levels of popularity but all have one thing in common, they want to get revenge. So what happens is they all come together in secret and set these cruel plans to embarrass the people they want to get revenge on. Once it actually gets into this point, it's quite good and gruesome. But then also at the same time it's slightly extreme what some of them do. I'd also think that since some of them are aware of how bad bullying is that they wouldn't actually want this to happen to others, which is where the characters get on my nerves because I find them two-faced and bitchy. But aren't most females in a high school environment. You'd think I'd have learnt my lesson with the amount of books I've read like this.

Overall, this book would get 4 stars because if the slow start and the annoying characters, if you put them to one side you've actually got a decent book. Especially with that ending!

If you like bitchy, high-school drama, friendships and slow starts then this book is 100% for you. It's a lot different to her other series which I actually really enjoyed, maybe I just need to give this series more time.

Favourite Character: Kit

Read: 23/07/19 - 27/07/19

4 stars out of 5

Written by Sammie

Illumicrate - August 2019

Theme: Armed and Dangerous

Items: 

• The Stone's Throw Mug by @rosiethorns88  
• Sister Apple's Surprise Liquid Soap by Lovely Skincare
• Humanity Bottle Opener by Dust and Pages
• Weapons Bag by Chatty Nora
• Legendary Swords Cutlery Set by Hey Atlas Creative
• Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir with House Trading Cards
• Collectible Coin by Monolime

Review: 
Armed and Dangerous is my first Illumicrate box and I am so happy with it, it really impressed me. The theme sounded really good and the items were some of my favourites I’ve ever received in any book box.

The first item I came across was the mug. This mug is inspired by A Darker Shade of Magic and even though I haven’t read it, I found the mug so pretty. I already have the book on my to read list, so I’ll appreciate it even more in the future. I do love the design, although I don’t use mugs that much as I’m not a fan of hot drinks, so my sister will make more use of it than me.

Next is the soap, this is a shower gel styled soap of a lovely shade of green. It is inspired by Red Sister, which again is already on my to read list. My skin is very sensitive so I won’t be using it but it smells good so my mam will use it for her holidays.

The bottle opener really impressed me. I love the design of it and I will definitely make use of it. It is inspired by the book Scythe, which is pretty obvious in the design. I love how it looks like a scythe. It just really stood out for me in the box.

My favourite of all book boxes items is the bag. Usually, in these boxes if you get a bag it’s usually a tote bag but this box included an actual bag. The bag is yellow with little wands on it, must be Harry Potter inspired or wizards in general. I love it, it’s going to be my new everyday bag. 

This box also included a cutlery set. I believe this to be the item inspired by The Dark Artifices based on the box design. The cutlery came in a nice box which will be very useful if I need to take them anywhere. In the meantime, I will just use them when eating at home. The set itself wasn’t designed in anyway unlike the August July FairyLoot box that also had a cutlery set. However, I still like them.

The box also had trading cards about the different houses of the featured book and a little magnet for A Darker Shades of Magic. I like these, and have the magnet on the fridge.

The book in this box is Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir. The book is signed by the author with an exclusive designed page which is really pretty drawing of a sword. There is also black sprayed edges that suit the book and look really good. I think it sounds like my cup of tea, so when I eventually get round to it I’ll leave a review.

I would give this box an easy 5 stars. I love it, it was definitely worth my money and will get more from them after my book box search.

Rating: 5 rune out of 5

Written by Lauren

Illumicrate - August 2019

Theme: Armed and Dangerous

Items: 

• The Stone's Throw Mug by @rosiethorns88  
• Sister Apple's Surprise Liquid Soap by Lovely Skincare
• Humanity Bottle Opener by Dust and Pages
• Weapons Bag by Chatty Nora
• Legendary Swords Cutlery Set by Hey Atlas Creative
• Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir with House Trading Cards
• Collectible Coin by Monolime

Review: 
Armed and Dangerous is my first Illumicrate box and I am so happy with it, it really impressed me. The theme sounded really good and the items were some of my favourites I’ve ever received in any book box.

The first item I came across was the mug. This mug is inspired by A Darker Shade of Magic and even though I haven’t read it, I found the mug so pretty. I already have the book on my to read list, so I’ll appreciate it even more in the future. I do love the design, although I don’t use mugs that much as I’m not a fan of hot drinks, so my sister will make more use of it than me.

Next is the soap, this is a shower gel styled soap of a lovely shade of green. It is inspired by Red Sister, which again is already on my to read list. My skin is very sensitive so I won’t be using it but it smells good so my mam will use it for her holidays.

The bottle opener really impressed me. I love the design of it and I will definitely make use of it. It is inspired by the book Scythe, which is pretty obvious in the design. I love how it looks like a scythe. It just really stood out for me in the box.

My favourite of all book boxes items is the bag. Usually, in these boxes if you get a bag it’s usually a tote bag but this box included an actual bag. The bag is yellow with little wands on it, must be Harry Potter inspired or wizards in general. I love it, it’s going to be my new everyday bag. 

This box also included a cutlery set. I believe this to be the item inspired by The Dark Artifices based on the box design. The cutlery came in a nice box which will be very useful if I need to take them anywhere. In the meantime, I will just use them when eating at home. The set itself wasn’t designed in anyway unlike the August July FairyLoot box that also had a cutlery set. However, I still like them.

The box also had trading cards about the different houses of the featured book and a little magnet for A Darker Shades of Magic. I like these, and have the magnet on the fridge.

The book in this box is Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir. The book is signed by the author with an exclusive designed page which is really pretty drawing of a sword. There is also black sprayed edges that suit the book and look really good. I think it sounds like my cup of tea, so when I eventually get round to it I’ll leave a review.

I would give this box an easy 5 stars. I love it, it was definitely worth my money and will get more from them after my book box search.

Rating: 5 rune out of 5

Written by Lauren

The Shadowhunter's Codex

By Cassandra Clare and Joshua Lewis

Blurb: 
The Clave is pleased to announce the newest edition of the Nephilim’s oldest and most famous training manual: the Shadowhunter’s Codex. Since the thirteenth century, the Codex has been the young Shadowhunter’s best friend. When you’re being swarmed by demons it can be easy to forget the finer points of obscure demon languages or the fastest way to stop an attack of Raum demons. With the Codex by your side, you never have to worry. 

Now in its twenty-seventh edition, the Codex covers it all: the history and the laws of our world; how to identify, interact with, and if necessary, kill that world’s many colorful denizens; which end of the stele is the end you write with. No more will your attempt to fight off rogue vampires and warlocks be slowed by the need to answer endless questions from your new recruits: What is a Pyxis? Why don’t we use guns? If I can’t see a warlock’s mark, is there a polite way to ask him where it is? Where do we get all our holy water? Geography, History, Magic, and Zoology textbook all rolled into one, the Codex is here to help new Shadowhunters navigate the beautiful, often brutal world that we inhabit. 

Do not let it be said that the Clave is outdated or, as the younger Shadowhunters say, “uncool”: this new edition of the Codex will be available not only in the usual magically-sealed demonskin binding, but also in a smart, modern edition using all of today’s most exciting printing techniques, including such new features as a sturdy clothbound cover, a protective dust jacket, and information about title, author, publisher, and so on conveniently available right on the cover. You’ll be pleased to know that it fits neatly into most satchels, and unlike previous editions, it rarely sets off alarm wards. 

The old woodcuts and engravings have been replaced as well: instead, you’ll find lavish modern illustrations by some of the brightest luminaries of the fantastic. Creatures, weapons, people, and places have been carefully and accurately rendered by the likes of Rebecca Guay, Charles Vess, Jim Nelson, Theo Black, Elisabeth Alba, and Cassandra Jean. Chapters are beautifully introduced by the drawings of Michael Kaluta, and along with our condensation of the classic 2,450-page tome, A History of the Nephilim, you will find a selection of the best of the lovely illustrations of that volume by John Dollar. 

This edition of the Codex will be available in Institute libraries and what mundanes sometimes call “book stores” in October 2013.

Review: 
This book was just amazing. As always, it lived up to my expectations for Cassandra Clare. It was really nice to get back into her usual stuff compared to The Red Scrolls of Magic.

This book was very informative about the Shadowhunter world, you learn all sorts of different things and read about several things that we are already aware of from reading her main series. 

There was quite a few drawings to go along with a few things so that we don't have to imagine them ourselves and that we could actually see how Cassandra Clare imagined them. This made things a lot more interesting because everyone's imagination is different so it's nice to see the authors interpretation compared to ours.

Throughout this book; Simon, Clary and Jace have written notations and reading some of these are actually really funny. You can tell their different personalities from each other and some of the stuff they say just makes you remember the good times within The Mortal Instruments.

There isn't really much to say about this book apart from that it is wrote in the same style as The Mortal Instruments, with the same humour and it's very informative. It is fast paced and really enjoyable, I'd definitely recommend reading it if you like her other work. I'm really disappointed that it has taken me so long to get round to reading it.

Favourite Character: Simon

Read: 25/07/19 - 26/07/19

5 stars out of 5

Written by Sammie