Book reviews – Page 9 – The Queens of Geekdom

Hope by Rhian Ivory #nspBookClub #bookreview #Han @Rhian_Ivory @zcollins1994

Hope by Rhian Ivory
Release date: 15th September
Buy it here
Goodreads

Description: The summer between school and sixth form. When Hope doesn’t get into drama college, and her friends do, all her plans fall apart. She’s struggling with anger, grief for her father and a sense that her own body is against her. She meets Riley on the ferry and his texts give her someone to talk to. But this isn’t a story about a boy fixing everything. It’s about trying new things, having the courage to ask for help and that when things seem to be all over, that might be just the beginning.

Characters
Hope is wonderful; she’s a strong and empowered voice. She uses that voice to inwardly project anger, fear and confusion. Sometimes it bleeds to an outward expression, but I felt it more within the inward thoughts and feelings.
Her passion for the performing arts are in conflict with her feelings of rejection from her final audition.
Seeing her overcome her obstacles of grief, mental health and relationships is incredibly endearing to the character.

Riley, the young man Hope meets at the start is an interesting character. While he is a romantic interest, there is something a little more innocent and organic about their connection and development.
Interestingly, we know very little about him, but we also see that he is complex and well rounded; not a 2-dimensional plot device that he could have come across as, had this book been in someone else’s hands.

Plot
It is a heartfelt plot, taking place over the summer between the end of GCSEs and the start of college education; whatever that might mean for Hope.
It is a clever, interwoven story; her job over the summer helps Hope in so many ways that you would not expect from the outset; from her undiagnosed mental health to her future beyond her dream career.

Writing
Having such a strong character is half the battle when it comes to this beautiful and educating novel. It is very clear that research has gone into this. From informing the reader about organ donation to Hope’s diagnosis.

This is a book that I will be purchasing many copies of in order to have them in my school lending library.

NSPBookClub

Hope will be discussed as part of the wonderful Zoe’s #nspBookClub on Saturday 14th October at 6pm. Come join us 😀

Countless by Karen Gregory #nspBookClub

Countless by Karen Gregory #nspBookClub
Buy it here
Goodreads
From Amazon: ‘Is there anything that’s concerning you?’ Felicity says. ‘College, home, boyfriends?’ Though she’s more or less smiling at this last one.
I don’t smile. Instead, I feel my face go hot. Silence stretches as wide as an ocean.
When I look up, Felicity has this expression on her face like she’s just seen Elvis. Slowly, she leans forward and in a gentle voice I’ve never heard her use before she says, ‘Have you done a pregnancy test?’
When Hedda discovers she is pregnant, she doesn’t believe she could ever look after a baby. The numbers just don’t add up. She is young, and still in the grip of an eating disorder that controls every aspect of how she goes about her daily life. She’s even given her eating disorder a name – Nia. But as the days tick by, Hedda comes to a decision: she and Nia will call a truce, just until the baby is born. 17 weeks, 119 days, 357 meals. She can do it, if she takes it one day at a time …
Heartbreaking and hopeful by turns, Karen Gregory’s debut novel is a story of love, heartache and human resilience. And how the things that matter most can’t be counted. Perfect for fans of Lisa Williamson, Non Pratt and Sarah Crossan.

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The Characters
I like Hedda. She’s not someone who’d like me, I’m sure. However, I admire the hard work she put into looking after her daughter, her independence against all odds, and most importantly, knowing when she needs help.
I like the ineffability of the eating disorder and while uncomfortable to read, I am fascinated about the thought process surrounding food.
Robin, subconsciously became a bloke I dated called Robin. Which didn’t help as I pilled all my characterisation onto him; which doesn’t fit the role he plays in the narrative. It’s a shame, because of my own experiences, it meant Robin didn’t jell within the book. Stupid, stupid me.

The Plot
The plot has a wonderful structure that follows Hedda from her discovery to her recovery.
Through the 300 odd pages, she meets Robin and faces obstacles in her relationship; family, friends and food.
The integration of numbers is wonderful addition to the plot; it’s subtle and charming.
It was so refreshing that while there was a hint of romance, it’s not the driving force of the plot. Almost as if it occurred organically, rather than a plot point Karen Gregory pinned the rest of the story around.

The Writing
I found the narrative voice tired and battle weary. It’s amazing how language can do that. Despite the first-person narration, I couldn’t put myself in Hedda’s shoes. I could empathise, and I wanted to reach out and help. Luckily, I was able to step back from what would be a gut wrenching feeling had I been sucked in.

The personification of Hedda’s eating disorder does not simply end at her naming it; it’s physical description and voice is something out of Legend. A demon, haunting Hedda until she could fight it.

Don’t forget to join Zoe on Saturday 7th September 2017 at 6pm when she runs the No Safer Place Book Club.

credit Zoe

The Sacrifice Box by @martinjstewart ‏#bookreview

The Sacrifice Box by Martin Stewart
Release date: 11th January 2018
Buy it here
Goodreads
So, yes… this is an ARC and I don’t remember where I got it from. I’d love to say that this is something rather spooky and that it’s just *found* its way onto my reading pile. However, I received 4 ARCS from 3 sources in 1 week, and I can’t remember if this was in my twitter giveaway or my subscription box.

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Description:

An atmospheric, chilling page turner from rising star Martin Stewart, reminiscent of Stand by Me and Stranger Things.

Sep, Arkle, Mack, Lamb and Hadley: five friends thrown together one hot, sultry summer. When they discover an ancient stone box hidden in the forest, they decide to each make a sacrifice: something special to them, committed to the box for ever. And they make a pact: they will never return to the box at night; they’ll never visit it alone; and they’ll never take back their offerings.

Four years later, the gang have drifted apart. Then a series of strange and terrifying events take place, and Sep and his friends understand that one of them has broken the pact.

As their sacrifices haunt them with increased violence and hunger, they realise that they are not the first children to have found the box in their town’s history. And ultimately, the box may want the greatest sacrifice of all: one of them.

Characters
I love all of the characters; each one was a unique and definable identity within the group. Something that must be hard to achieve when you have such a large ensemble.
Sep is my favourite; he is relatable and the primary focus of the story despite its third person narrative. His development and sacrifices are monumental to the plot and endears him to me just as a young Wil Wheaton once did in Stand By Me.

Arckle reminds me of Corey Feldmen in pretty much every filmic incarnation he’s had. I love the humour, and cursing, he brings to the group.
Okay, so I’m making reference to Stand By Me, but it’s so much more than that. The group represent the best of all teen ensemble movies; the Goonies, The ‘Burbs, IT and the modern day equivalent, Stranger Things. If it ain’t broke, why fix it, right? Except Stewart does fix it; we have a much more gender equal group and, not only that, they are characterised by their stereotypes. Both Hadley and Lamb are welcome editions that are not prom queens or cheerleaders.

Plot
A class horror plot, perfect for a night in when the air is crisp. With the supernatural element to set up the main part of the plot, you will feel a very creepy vibe from the very start.
The exploration of school friendships and how people drift is a refreshing change to many school based novels.
The action speeds to a crescendo in time for the final act of the book; well written and engaging. The whole book is resolved neatly and quite beautifully; the group going their separate ways while being closer than ever.

Writing
While the writing is engaging, I found the lack of establishing a location a little distracting. You see, in part it reads like a charming, sleepy, American town. However, there are also nods to British culture. It’s described as an island of the mainland, so I considered Scotland, Isle of Man and other coastal areas, but nothing really fit.
I even paused to google the named location in the book, but I wasn’t successful in confirming a location. It’s not something destructive to the plot and I once I reconciled myself with the idea that I was free to establish it as a perfect blend of UK and US I really quite enjoyed the location. (Turns out, all you really need to do is find the author on Twitter… that might give you a good indication it’s set on a island off the coast of Scotland. I’m so reading this book again come Halloween so I can read it as it was, i’m sure intended, with the characters having beautiful Scottish accents)
The use of third person was a strange novelty for me. I’ve been finding that most YA books lean towards first person narration. I don’t remember growing up there being so much first person, or a certainly a lack of third, but here I am having to get used to a form of writing that I was once comfortable with.
Obviously, this makes the writer a little omniscient; and that, I really like. It gave Stewart the freedom to travel in time and expand beyond Sep’s point of view.

Caterpillars Can’t Swim by Liane Shaw

Caterpillars Can’t Swim by Liane Shaw
Release date: 6th March 2018
Copy from Net Galley- available until 27^th October
Pre-order it here
Goodreads

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Description: For sixteen-year-old Ryan, the water is where he finds his freedom. Ever since childhood, when he realized that he would never walk like other people, he has loved the water where gravity is no longer his enemy. But he never imagined he would become his small town’s hero by saving a schoolmate from drowning.

Jack is also attracted to the water, but for him it’s the promise of permanent escape. Disappearing altogether seems better than living through one more day of high-school where he is dogged by rumours about his sexuality. He’s terrified that coming out will alienate him from everyone in town—and crush his adoring mother.

Ryan saves Jack’s life, but he also keeps his secret. Their bond leads to a grudging friendship, and an unexpected road-trip to Comic Con with Ryan’s best friend Cody, the captain of the swim team. They make an unlikely trio, but each of them will have the chance to show whether he is brave enough to go against the stereotypes the world wants to define him by.

I loved this book; from start to finish. I got to the half way mark so unbelievably quickly; I fired a quick message to my beautiful friend Zoe

Characters
Ryan is the most level headed and beautiful character I’ve ever had the delight to read. While he has a physical disability that does indeed cause him some frustration, I like that he is able to move past it and, as a character, show us that the chair is part of who he is.
Jack is a little bit of a mystery; owing to it being a first person narrative. At times I wish I could have had a few chapters from his perspective, just because I was itching to hear his voice. However, it’s not long before Ryan has broken down the barriers and Jack opens up. It’s worth the wait.

All in all, I was so very happy to have two strong male leads in a wonderfully refreshing novel.

Plot
The plot is much more complex that it appeared on the surface. It obviously has to deal with the immediate aftermath of the incident involving Ryan and Jack, but it evolves into a bittersweet road trip of self-discovery and growth.
I was about to grumble about the lack of a female presence outside of the two mothers, but then Clare and her friend turn up and I’m much happier
The final act is a sucker punch and brave twist to Jack’s journey that will have you reaching for the tissues.

Writing
Well, it had me hooked, and it’s the first book I’ve read in one sitting in a long while. I didn’t even put it down to eat or make a cuppa.
I was so invested in the characters that I NEEDED to know what happened. The chapters were a perfect length and there was no lulls that interrupted the flow.
Utterly perfect, from start to finish.

Warcross by Marie Lu

Warcross by Marie Lu
Buy it at here
Goodreads
From Amazon:

For the millions who log in every day, Warcross isn’t just a game–it’s a way of life. The obsession started ten years ago and its fan base now spans the globe, some eager to escape from reality and others hoping to make a profit. Struggling to make ends meet, teenage hacker Emika Chen works as a bounty hunter, tracking down Warcross players who bet on the game illegally. But the bounty-hunting world is a competitive one, and survival has not been easy. To make some quick cash, Emika takes a risk and hacks into the opening game of the international Warcross Championships–only to accidentally glitch herself into the action and become an overnight sensation.

Convinced she’s going to be arrested, Emika is shocked when instead she gets a call from the game’s creator, the elusive young billionaire Hideo Tanaka, with an irresistible offer. He needs a spy on the inside of this year’s tournament in order to uncover a security problem . . . and he wants Emika for the job. With no time to lose, Emika’s whisked off to Tokyo and thrust into a world of fame and fortune that she’s only dreamed of. But soon her investigation uncovers a sinister plot, with major consequences for the entire Warcross empire.

In this sci-fi thriller, #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu conjures an immersive, exhilarating world where choosing who to trust may be the biggest gamble of all.

The characters

It’s quite strange that I don’t recognise anything in the character of Emika, but I do connect with her character very early on. I’m invested in her story and her relationships.
She’s comparable to the likes of Katnis, Tris and even Ready Player One’s Wade. However, I feel as if boiling Emika down to this does her a disservice. She’s head strong, independent and modest; she is someone you will route for. She is a likeable character who charms her way into your heart in that first chapter.

Then there’s Hideo, the Billionaire creator of Warcross. He’s part mysterious, part icon of power and a whole lot of charm, for the right person. He’s a beautifully flawed character who I fell for very quickly. I am looking forward to seeing this character develop in the sequel.

The narrative sees Emika interact with many other characters and it’s amazing how her gut instinct about them shines through. It really does influence my own opinion of them, mainly because of my trust in her.

The plot

The plot is rich in world building; both in and out of Warcross. It takes time to breath and allow you to become familiar with the environment. Emika is hired to find a rebel force within the virtual world; and the novel explores the effort to find the culprit and the conspiracy that unravels as a result.
There are some questions left unanswered by Warcross’ closing chapter, but there are enough reveals to leave you feeling satisfied.

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The writing was clean and pacey; so much that I devoured Warcross in much the same way that I did with Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One.

New phrases used to describe new elements and technology within this world are well integrated and utilised without exposition to the point that you are not lost in this world or left feeling patronised.

It is a book where the action reads like it’s being played out on a silver screen; a talent that will forever be comparable to the work of my beloved Michael Crichton. It welcomes you in and leaves you begging for the sequel.

Truly Madly Awkward by Beth Garrod #nspBookClub

Truly Madly Awkward by Beth Garrod
Buy it at here
Goodreads
From Amazon:

Bella Fisher is back – and is cool, calm and collected as ever. So: NOT EVEN REMOTELY. Her fledgling relationship with Hot Adam seems to have stalled mid-flight (he isn’t really speaking to her), her big sister Jo has gone off to university leaving Bella to deal with ditzy Mum on her own, something is up with her best-friend-dynamic with Tegan and Rachel and horror of horrors, horrendous ex-boyfriend Luke has an ACTUAL MODEL as his new girlfriend. Mum opens up a doggy ice cream parlour – Give a Dog a Cone – which Bella is forced to help out at on Saturdays. Yes, dressed up as a dog. For some light relief she enters a radio competition to secure a performance from hot band of the moment The Helicans at her school – but another contestant begins turning into her sabotaging nemesis. Throw in a suspicious new lodger and the world’s most chaotic dog agility course and you’ve got another truly hilarious, truly relatable and truly madly awkward story!

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The characters
I like Bella. She fills the geeky hole left by the ending of Holly Smale’s Harriet Manners. Bella is the geek that goes wrong and you love her for it.
Her crush, Adam, is sweet and charming. Although I don’t find myself rooting for them; I’m picky and he’s a little dull for my romance satisfaction.
Bella is supported by a well rounded group of friends, all lovely people with their own problems. It was quite nice to have a book where there wasn’t a single character I didn’t like.

Then there was the lodger who wasn’t all she seemed. There was a trickle of mystery behind her glossy look and it’s quite delightful to see the character develop.

The plot
The book centres on the opening and running of a shop Bella’s mum has opened which works in parallel with Bella’s own journey; winning a competition for the band of the moment to play at her school.

It’s a easy read plot of situation build up, catastrophe and resolution. It’s wonderful, and not entirely predictable like it could have been. There’s a great end that will leave any reader satisfied.

The writing
It’s a personal thing for me, but working with students all day means I have very little time for the ‘teen voice’ that is represented here in Truly Madly Awkward. It’s not bad, by all means, but is not something I enjoy. It’s actually a testament to the writer that she is so competent that all the other elements were enough to keep me invested. It wasn’t offputting, but it did sometimes take me out of the narrative.
My biggest issue was the coupled words and the abbreviations. They are things that are banned in my classroom. I have no reason for it, other than I think I’m getting old.

However, leaving my grumpy aging arse aside; the writing is very current and one that the intended readers will love and it enables those readers to engage with Bella further.

No Safer Place Book Club
The wonderful Zoe over at http://www.nosaferplace.co.uk/ is holding a chat today at 6pm over on Twitter. Use the hashtag #nspBookClub, introduce yourself and come join us for an hour of fun, chat and bookish geekery.

Check out Hannah’s blog post about the Book Club here

credit Zoe

The Potion Diaries #bookreview #hanreview

Release date: 2.7.2015

From Amazon: The Hunger Games goes Princess Diaries in this modern, magical teen adventure!
When the Princess of Nova accidentally poisons herself with a love potion meant for her crush, she falls crown-over-heels in lovewith her own reflection. Oops. A nationwide hunt is called to find the cure, with competitors travelling the world for the rarest ingredients, deep in magical forests and frozen tundras, facing death at every turn. Enter Samantha Kemi – an ordinary girl with an extraordinary talent. Sam’s family were once the most respected alchemists in the kingdom, but they’ve fallen on hard times, and winning the hunt would save their reputation. But can Sam really compete with the dazzling powers of the ZoroAster megapharma company? Just how close is Sam willing to get to Zain Aster, her dashing former classmate and enemy, in the meantime? And just to add to the pressure, this quest is ALL OVER social media. And the world news. No big deal, then.
‘It’s so cool!’ Zoe Sugg, aka Zoella
‘Inventive, romantic, and downright delightful, The Potion Diaries cast its spell on me from page one, and is the most fun I’ve had reading in ages!’ Sarah J Maas, author of the Throne of Glass series
Buy it here
Goodreads

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My first thoughts

Such a beautiful, wonderful and sweet read. It felt like it belonged in a world with Howl’s Moving Castle. It was a lovely commuter read; good to pick up and quick chapters meant that I could stop without jolting the action.

The Characters

I initially struggled because of the protagonist’s name. However, once I got over that bit of mind-shit, I fell in love with her. Her loyalty and pride were what struck me first.
Even when she gave up, she never truly was defeated. I loved it and her voice. I willed her to win and find her place within the world.
Princess Evelyn was an interesting character while under the spell of a misused love potion. While it did seem jarring at first, I was grateful to be shown the inner workings of her thought process while falling in love with her own reflection.

The Plot

The plot is a joyous McGuffin filled adventure. Samantha becomes a Indiana Jones icon who aims to save the princess. Each item required for the potion comes with its own challenges.
Along the way, Samantha teams up with a wide array of friends, foes and locals. It’s never boring and keeps you on your toes.

The Writing

The writing is easy and light, ensuring you never lose your way and can pick up after a brief pause; not that you’ll want to if you can help it.
It’s world building will have you ordering the other books in the series before you’ve finished the last page.

It Only Happens in the Movies by Holly Bourne #bookreview #hanreview @holly_bourneYA

It Only Happens in the Movies by Holly Bourne #bookreview #hanreview
Release date: 1.10.17

From Amazon: Bad boys turned good, kisses in the rain, climbing through bedroom windows… It only happens in the movies. When Audrey meets Harry, it’s the start of a truly cinematic romance – or is it? Audrey knows that Harry is every movie cliché rolled into one. But she still chooses to let him into her heart…
Buy it here
Goodreads

My first thoughts
Holly is one of my favourite authors. I had a Waterstones voucher and there was something about Am I Normal Yet? that jumped out at me. I devoured it and then selected it as my World Book Night giveaway.
Bourne is the author many of us needed when we were teens. She’s honest and unflinching with what she covers. It Only Happens in the Movies is about to be released and I’m adamant it’s her best piece of work yet.

The Characters

Our protagonist is Audrey; self-aware and recovering from a brutal break up. She has support from her friends, but she’s slowly cutting them off.
She’s likeable, spunky with a delightful side of family-based anger. Anyone who has had family drama will relate to Audrey’s pain.
I totally understand where she’s coming from; she’s under pressure and copes by closing off, to everyone but the beautiful fuckboy Harry.
Harry. Now, Harry! If ever Bourne writes a sequel to this novel, I would love to see something from the perspective of Harry. He has all the markers of a Fuckboy, but I want to believe he was genuine. The only way I’ll ever be sure though, is if Holly tells me.

The Plot

The plot spans many months of Audrey’s final year in 6^th form. Between dealing with her heart-broken mother and her mounting work, she takes on a job in the independent cinema.
The story follows and subverts many Hollywood tropes as we see her develop feelings for Harry. It allows Audrey, and Holly, to explore the challenges and dangers people face when considering the ‘romantic’ actions of people in movies.
By the end of the story, Audrey has made headway with her family and made a discovery about Harry. She is given a choice in her own love life and her decision will surprise you. Most of all, it will give you hope.

The Writing

Holly’s writing is like a warm cup of tea on an autumnal afternoon; it soothes, it comforts and it feels like home.
Most of all, there is a delightful confidence hidden between the pages. She’s allowing her characters to breath and come to life, while ensuring you don’t miss a beat.
It certainly is her best book to date and I one day hope to have a daughter of my own whom I can present these novels to, in the hopes that she can become a well-adjusted young lady who can aspire to be strong and confident, just like Audrey and very much like Holly.

The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon #bookreview #gem @gemlovesbooks

The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
Buy it here
Goodreads

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Paige’s world is so exciting; it’s full of magic, mystery and danger!
It’s a very refreshing take on a dystopian genre with the beautiful writing, the language which is used and the imagery that has been created drew me in from the very first page and kept me utterly hooked until the last word.

It’s more literary, and more *clever* than The Hunger Games and Divergent etc., but by no means does that mean it’s hard going; I was completely enthralled by the plot, I loved Paige and Warden! The relationship that builds between them is not what I expected, and as the plot progresses and we learn more of Sheol 1 and the Rephaim, this adds an extra element of intensity and mystery. To me it’s one of those books that you just want other people to read so you can talk to them about it – there are plot elements that aren’t resolved (as you’d expect for what is projected to be a 7 book series) so I want to know if other people think the same things as me!
What I will say is that I hadn’t realised there was a glossary as if I turn to the back I have a naughty tendency to read the last few lines, so make use of that, it will help you get to grips with the different characters much quicker than I did.
NB. I wrote this review on 10th January 2014 and since then I have bought over 10 copies to give to friends and family, organised a Q&a and signing at Waterstones Bham with SS and her wonderful publisher sent me a box of copies to give away at raffle prizes for one of our fan parties. I always made sure this book was displayed in both the YA and fantasy sections of the shop so I could get more and more people to discover Paige’s world.

My love for The Bone Season and subsequently The Mime Order and The Song Rising) knows no bounds!

Bumped by Megan McCafferty #bookreview #gem @gemlovesbooks

Bumped by Megan McCafferty
Buy from Amazon

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I read this book in January 2013 and I am STILL thinking about it!

	The concept of bidding for conception contracts and receiving cash, college tuition and liposuction in exchange for carrying a baby doesn’t seem too implausible… and that’s what makes it scary! It’s the kind of thing that you think, yeah, in another 20 years that could definitely be happening. Melody and Harmony are wonderful characters and their feelings towards each other and the situation they are in are complicated and fascinating. I really liked seeing how their relationship with each other progressed along with the plot. It’s really fast paced and I couldn’t stop reading. Their dual narrative gave an insight in to each of their characters and highlighted the fact that even though they are identical twins, they are completely separate people and deal with their circumstances in entirely different ways. The society it is set in, and the advances in technology are so fascinating! I would love to see a film version of these books. I would strongly suggest buying Bumped and thumped at the same time so you can binge read this fantastic duology.

Butter by Erin Lange #bookreview #gem @gemlovesbooks

Butter by Erin Lange
Buy from Amazon

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A truly original and heartfelt tale of one boy’s struggles with his weight and his peers who are relentless in their bullying.

This is the kind of book that will have you laughing out loud on one page and sobbing your heart out at the next.

I genuinely didn’t know whether Butter would go through with his plan – to eat himself to death live on a webcam. It’s written with such intensity and insight into how he feels about himself and they way he is treated that you can’t help but fall in love with him and desperately want him to realise that he is so much more than just a fat boy, his personality shines through and I just wanted to scream at all the people who were bullying him.
If you like stories that are heart-warming as well as heart-breaking then this is for you!

It’s perfect for fans of R.J.Palacio, Jennifer Niven and John Green.

I am Traitor by Sif Sigmarsdottir #bookreview #han @gemlovesbooks

I am Traitor by Sif Sigmarsdottir
Buy it here
Goodreads
From Amazon: At the end of the world, who can you trust? The story of one teen’s fight against an extra-terrestrial invasion. For fans of Michael Grant, Suzanne Collins and Robert Muchamore.
London has been targeted by extra-terrestrial life and victims are transported to a terrifying other world.
Amy Sullivan is an unwilling hero. She runs until she can’t run any more. Then, she is taken.
To have a chance of saving herself, and her planet, Amy will have to put faith in those she fears the most. But what if it means becoming a traitor to everyone she has ever loved?
A modern-day War of the Worlds from one of Iceland’s bestselling authors.

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My First Thoughts

My first book after returning to work meant that my way of reading changed. Instead of a one-sitting blitz of the book, it became my 40minute muti-transport commute companion. It suffered as a result of my interrupted reading.

The Characters

I didn’t bond well with the protagonist, Amy. I can only imagine it was because I didn’t invest enough time in the initial read; my mind was always making sure I didn’t miss my next stop. The other characters are likeable enough; or unlikeable depending on their relationship with Amy.

The Plot

It’s a fairly standard sci-fi plot. I do like that the book starts after the invasion initially happens. There’s some look backs to life before the ‘Visitors’ arrived that adds some depth to the story.
As Amy crosses over from ‘invaded’ to ‘prisoner’, it progresses into a wonderful ‘Great Escape’ plot with a heart wrenching ending.

There was quite a lot of flipping between past and present which did remove some of the novel’s suspense. It was hard to be in the moment with Amy, when you already knew what would happen to her.

The Writing

There are some beautiful bits of writing within this book. From the description of the ‘Visitors’ to a stunningly accurate portrayal of London’s Canary Warf free of all people in a dystopian future.

However, there are some sections that are what I would call ‘conversational exposition’; more than a few times I felt that the conversation only enlightened the reader and not the characters that were having the exchange.

I really struggled with the afore mentioned past and present; partly because it removed any suspense or mystery to some parts of the plot, but mainly due to it taking the form of a diary. I’ve always struggled with mixing forms within narratives. It really upset me as I loved the premise completely.