Han – Page 9 – The Queens of Geekdom

Book of Fire by Michelle Kenney #bookreview #Hanreview

Book of Fire by Michelle Kenney #bookreview #Hanreview
Release date: 25.08.2017
From Amazon: Life outside the domes is not possible. At least that’s what Insiders are told.
Twins Eli and Talia shouldn’t exist. They’re Outsiders.
Their home is a secret. Their lives are a secret. Arafel is a secret.
An unexpected forest raid forces Talia into a desperate mission to rescue her family while protecting the sacred Book of Arafel from those who would use it as a weapon. As Talia and her lifelong friend Max enter the dome, she makes some unexpected discoveries, and allies, in the form of rugged Insider August, that will change the course of her life forever.
She’ll stop at nothing to save her family but will she sacrifice her heart in the process?The Fire Sermon meets Gladiator in this brilliant YA debut.

My first thoughts

I was lucky enough to win a proof copy of this wonderful debut novel. I devoured it, I loved it, I want someone to wipe my memory so I can read it all over again. I felt like I was dipping into a world born from my childhood favourite sci-fi movies and books. From Logan’s Run to Mad Max, this book was what I always wanted.

The Characters

All characters are well rounded and being fully engaging, you care for them and you wish for the people of Arafel to remain safe. However, there are certain characters who take your heart straight away.

Talia is a new breed of hero that is emerging in the literary field; confident, strong and accepting of what fate brings her way. Those of you who have just read Will Hill’s After the Fire will feel right at home with the strong-minded twin from Arafel who finds herself on a rescue mission.
Being the protagonist and narrator means you get to know her a little more, feel her pain, urgency and motivation.

My favourite character was Unus, the Cyclops. He’s Ludo in Roman glory; the beast that’s friendlier than a Labrador puppy. Proving that we shouldn’t judge on appearances. I’d go so far as to say I loved him more than Ludo; and he’s been in my heart for over 20 years, so that’s some feat.

There are also Max and August. I’m going to say very little about them, as I feel they speak for themselves. August, however, I will say has won my heart like a certain Warden in Sam Shannon’s Bone Season. They are not alike in any way, other than I have the upmost respect for the challenges they face as part of their lives.

The Plot

It is a world building, McGuffin plot of the most outstanding order. It’s the perfect introduction to what I hope will be many novels inside this wonderfully constructed world. It’s a new age of future; one in which the people have driven themselves to and aspects are reminiscent of the ground-breaking novel Brave New World. It’s scary, but there is a way out in the form of the Arafel. I just can’t wait to see them successful.

Having to save her family is the perfect motivation for Talia. I’m quite happy with the partial resolution to the narrative knowing that there is a second book. Even if there wasn’t, the open ending is rather refreshing and the final line of the epilogue is fuel for the fan fiction bunnies out there.

The Roman element of the plot is genius. It gives an almost Steampunk feel to the novel. So much so that I feel there should be a name for this element or historical fusion. It’s integrated well and explores the idea that sometimes the way forward is the way back. I have always loved the ancient civilisations to the point that I felt at home reading the book.

The Writing

Kenney’s writing is digestible and clear, despite having many Latin words and phrases to add to the world building process. I often found I didn’t need to look to the glossary provided, but it’s a nice touch for those who are not as well acquainted with the past.

The mission is well constructed single person narrative and the action sequences are so well written it’s as if they’ve leaped of the silver screen.

Rick and Morty Series 3 Episode 5- The Wirly Dirly Conspiracy #Hanreview

Rick and Morty Series 3 Episode 5- The Wirly Dirly Conspiracy

AKA- Rick and Jerry go on an Adventure

MV5BMjg2OWExOWUtZDA3NC00ZGZiLTgwZmUtNWIyYTAwMGY1Zjc2XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNzk0Mjk1Nzk@._V1_SY1000_CR0,0,1119,1000_AL_

From Wikipedia: At Morty’s request, Rick takes Jerry on an adventure to make him feel better. The two of them stop at a resort on another planet covered in an immortality field, which makes it impossible to die inside of it. Jerry encounters a creature who claims that Rick is responsible for his kingdom being usurped. The creature convinces Jerry to help him kill Rick, and gives him instructions on how to do it. However, when Rick apologizes to Jerry for ruining his marriage, Jerry changes his mind and escapes with Rick back to earth. Meanwhile, Summer at home attempts to enlarge her breasts, after a guy breaks up with her for another girl, but she ends up magnifying herself using a machine labeled “Morphizer”. Beth fails repeatedly to fix the problem and accidentally releases some creatures that were inside the machine. Morty figures out how the machine works; he manages to restore Summer’s size, and uses it to deform his sister’s ex-boyfriend, Ethan, for making her cry.

YES!!! Rick and Jerry episode! Immortality field, bad parenting and revenge death. It may have started as a ‘fake adventure’, but I really enjoyed seeing Rick and Jerry together. I think I’m going to be happy with any episode that puts

Morty- Coolezzz. Morty started the episode annoying the hell out of me as usual. However, by the end I bloody loved him. He stood up to his mum, worked out how to use the machine Summer finds and he is so uber chilled when dealing with Summer’s ex.

Please, don’t let this be the end of this Morty. In fact, I want to see this Morty face off with Rick.

Summer- Body issues. Once again, R&M are covering some gritty stuff. Yes, it’s not explored as much as perhaps some other issues, but it’s actually Morty’s response that is important. He not only tells Ethan, the ex, that what he did was okay. He even gives his mother a lesson on how to talk teen which leads to an awesome riff on Honey, I Blew Up the Baby.

Jerry- This was an amazing episode for Jerry. The adventure takes him on his own moral journey and, as a result, allows him to confront the biggest issue in his life; Rick. Jerry taking Rick on the Wirly Dirly and the fire fight that happens as a result is pure genius. I loved Jerry’s response to Rick losing his intelligence.

Overall, it’s a solid episode with fun sequences and an awesome final scene.

Richardson and Richardson: Jewellery, Cards and Party Pieces #YALC #GeekChic

Richardson and Richardson
Jewellery, Cards and Party Pieces
#YALC #GeekChic

YALC was an amazing time for me. It was the first time of catching up with Gem, my person, in ages. I dressed to impress (myself), having spent the last few months in a stupor I finally had a reason to pull out all the stops. That included wearing one of my favourite possessions; a Richardson and Richardson necklace.

The amount of comments I got about the item was overwhelming. I informed people that they had a stall downstairs, but when I ventured downstairs I realised how hard it would be to find. I wish I’d had a handful of cards to give to the curious people.

http://www.richardson-and-richardson.co.uk/Richardson_and_Richardson/Home.html

As their website says, they are a mother and daughter team from the heart of Kent. If you want to meet them in person, they have a stall at Greenwich market on Sundays and have a selection of their pieces. I own four myself and I’ve bought many as gifts.

If you can’t get to Greenwich, or don’t want to wait till the next Con you are in luck. R&R have a shop on Etsy with their extensive collection; just find the link on the webpage. Don’t see anything you want (crazy person), or you just want something specific for an event; drop them a line and they will see what they can do.

About the Jewellery
The jewellery is created from laser cut coloured Perspex and ply and with prices starting at £6.95 there’s something for everyone; especially the book geek in everyone.

They come beautifully boxed, ready for giving as a gift. What I love is that they cover a wide range of geeky fandoms; from new (Stranger Things) to the classic (Labyrinth). The only problem you’re going to have, is which one you’re going to by first.

Final Portrait (15) #review

Final Portrait (15)
Director- Stanley Tucci
Released: 18.8.2017

lAvvbFXSjJ16B5iDfDbUKcdZVe2

From IMDB: In 1964, while on a short trip to Paris, the American writer and art-lover James Lord (Armie Hammer) is asked by his friend, the world-renowned artist Alberto Giacometti (Geoffrey Rush), to sit for a portrait. The process, Giacometti assures Lord, will take only a few days. Flattered and intrigued, Lord agrees. So begins not only the story of an offbeat friendship, but, seen through the eyes of Lord, an insight into the beauty, frustration, profundity and, at times, downright chaos of the artistic process. FINAL PORTRAIT is a portrait of a genius, and of a friendship between two men who are utterly different, yet increasingly bonded through a single, ever-evolving act of creativity. It is a film which shines a light on the artistic process itself, by turns exhilarating, exasperating and bewildering, questioning whether the gift of a great artist is a blessing or a curse.

The Good
Being set in Paris in the 60s, the film oozes charm and romantic beauty. The palate from Giacometti’s work transcends to the screen in a way that is reminiscent of Greenaway’s The Cook, the Thief, Her Wife and Her Lover. At so many points during the film, I could have paused it and made a print to hang on a wall.
The script is charming, unrelenting and brutally real. Both Hammer and Rush, along with Shalloub, have brilliant chemistry and comic timing. It’s subtle humour that doesn’t detract from the drama.
Rush, I’m told, is an uncanny representation of the late artist. For that, I’m yet to be able to confirm. However, it is an amazing performance from the man. His movements, mannerism and misery are all consuming in the performance. From the moment he appears, to the walks in the grave yard (High Gate Cemetery I predict, as it was said that it was all filmed in London) he is the epitome of a tortured artist.
The music is an uplifting reprieve from the heavy drama as Lord starts sitting for his portrait. It’s light, it’s the definition of French culture and has me begging for an original soundtrack in my audio collection as soon as physically possible.

The Bad
While Stanley Tucci is without a doubt an amazing director; this is his 5^th outing behind the camera, it is the first time he’s not graced the screen. It really is a shame to not see him on the silver screen.

Hammer’s frustration at the artist’s process is magnificent. Playing Lord as someone who cares about reputation and making connections, you can clearly see his patience being kept at bay for as long as possible.
It’s divine to see the methods he comes up with to combat the mental and physical issues that come with sitting for a portrait, days on end. It leads to some beautiful conversations with other characters and the pay off in the final act is a work of art (no pun intended).

The Ugly (Truth)
Being a biopic, it’s a raw, dramatic and, at times, a cruel life of a talented, yet tortured artist.
Both women in the film are treated unrelentingly badly. His wife is kept at a distance, watching Giacometti have a long-standing affair with a prostitute. Even the wife’s wish to go to an artist’s gala opening is overshadowed by the purchase of a car for the lover.

It’s heart breaking. Neither woman has a fulfilling relationship with the man; even Giacometti’s exchange with his lover’s pimp shows he doesn’t truly love her. He’d pay ten times the fee set in the negotiation, but he won’t buy her out of prostitution.

Suits Series Episode7 (Home to Roost) #review

From IMDB:

Rachel confronts Mike about his secret after she takes a risk to protect him. Harvey’s involvement with Paula causes problems.

Certainly, one of the stronger episodes of series 7 so far. A lot of the threads are at least coming into fruition, even if there is still a lack of fun or even team work within the firm I normally root for so much.

Louis
This episode focuses on past employee Stephanie and her intent to sue Louis for sexual harassment. Such a heart-wrenching episode for Louis and the plot really gives him time to grow.
It’s not often you get to see Litt so vulnerable that once he’s gotten through his usual tantrum (which isn’t as bad as it could have been), it’s easy to see why Stephanie relents.
His desperate for it not being filled as sex harassment is linked to him getting into this mess in the first place; his fears of not becoming a father.
I really am hoping that when Louis says to Donna “I can finally move forward with my life.” He really means it. He’s a lovely bloke (people think I’m crazy, but I do think he is just a little misunderstood and in need of some love) and is deserving of a happy life.
My favourite moment from the episode comes in the form of the gift he gives the intern who has just had a baby. That baby grow is just so damn cute and it reminds me that Litt is not just a lawyer; he’s a god damned brand.

Harvey
I started this episode thinking that I really like the developing relationship between Harvey and Paula. He’s happy, and it works. Okay, I know Donna is end game and I sort of feel guilty for wanting this relationship to work, but I know it’s not going to last so please forgive me for indulging in the good vibes.

However, it was as if the writers knew I was getting to comfortable and they threw in the conflict of Harvey telling Donna. We all know why it’s so hard for him. Even Paula knows.
That said, I couldn’t help but melt a little when he agrees to the term ‘boyfriend’. Never has a relationship seemed so easy with him. Even Scotty was kept at arm’s length, and she was the only other woman I thought could win his heart other than Donna.

Mike
The award for the most privileged, sulking, arsehole goes to Mike Ross. I’m struggling to feel sympathy for the client because Mike is going about it all the wrong way.

Even after Harvey finds out, Mike is an indignant little shit who has his priorities out of kilter. Rachel, Donna and Harvey all feel the weight of his decisions.

Alex is very quickly running out of time with me. His scene at the courthouse was unprofessional, out of character and downright nasty. The case is thrown out, Mike’s acting like a diva and Rachel is clearly starting to worry about the man she’s about to marry.

To top this off, Mike was still trying to cut a deal with Gallo; something everyone has warned him again. The word ‘revenge’ was used in relation to Gallo one too many times today.

Just as I thought, Harvey is angry. And, just like I predicted, he’s getting on board with the suit in question. Something’s not right and, while Mike did a bad thing, Harvey can’t help but be won over by the integrity of the case. Will Mike ever be given true consequences for his actions?

Questions and predictions

Gallo’s target for revenge is going to be Rachel
Paula and Donna will meet. I still don’t know how they will get along.
Paula will be the one to end it with Harvey or Donna is going to be to blame
Alex will not remain with the firm.
Louis is either going to have a new romance, or he is going to look into adoption.

Editing Emma by Chloe Seager #bookreview

Editing-Emma-1080x714

From Amazon: When Emma Nash is ghosted by love of her life Leon Naylor, she does what any girl would do – spends the summer avoiding all human contact, surrounded by the Chewit wrappers he left behind.
Seeing Leon suddenly ‘in a relationship’ on Facebook, however, spurs Emma into action. She vows to use the internet for good (instead of stalking Leon’s social media),chronicling her adventures on her new Editing Emma blog.
But life online doesn’t always run smoothly.
From finding her mum’s Tinder profile, to getting catfished and accidentally telling the entire world why Leon Naylor is worth no girl’s virginity… Surely nothing else could go wrong?!

Commentary
Gah! Just, Gah! As someone who has been using a mental health app called Lyf to anonymously vent about my own break-up sudo-ghosting situation, I loved every character of this book. I finally felt like I wasn’t alone in what I was going through. Not telling my friends about the relationship, or the subsequent break up meant I didn’t have an outlet; I totally understand Emma’s approach and not since Gabrielle Zevlin’s Elsewhere have I had a book arrive in my life with such perfect timing to help sooth my broken heart and soul. I felt this book. From cover to cover; I laughed, I empathised and I cried.

Characters
Emma
She’s a likable character. It was like looking at a mirror. Yes, there was an element of self-centredness, but it’s Emma’s blog; that’s allowed. She is also quite insightful about her own behaviour and rather candid about her ‘selfishness’ which makes the flaws rather humbling.
If you want a strong female role model for teens; I present to you Emma Nash. Yes, she has questionable taste in men, but she is a good friend (when not boy-focused) and so very open about her sexual needs; even if at times it’s simply that she’s not sure what she wants. Her exploration of masturbation is refreshing and liberating. While, I won’t lie, I was squirming when it was first approached, however that’s because it’s not considered the ‘norm’ to discuss such things. I have my hang-ups about sex, masturbation and the discussion of such topic. Perhaps had such a book been around, I might not have the same mindset.

Others
There isn’t a stand out character for me. That’s not to say they lack individuality or they haven’t been developed. It’s simply that they are all so crucial to the flow of the book; not as devices, but as realistic pieces on a chess board.
Leon, Greg and Steph are up close and personal within the blog posts. Their personalities don’t pop and shine as they would had the novel been written in another way, but that is the point; we’re seeing them how Emma sees them. Instead, we get Emma’s feelings towards them. I love that. It feels much more intimate.

Plot
The plot is a catalogue of raw thoughts, feeling and actions from the protagonist. There is very little in the way of looking back on the relationship with Leon that Emma was craving to get back. It is always looking forward, through Emma’s attempts to date to her trying to gain some form of closer with Leon.
The plot makes clear use of time; from weekend parties to midweek lessons with friends and stalker victims nicknamed Apple.
It’s Emma’s commentary upon her mother’s dating life that I love the most. While there is more of a story there; obviously she is not going to divulge all the details to her daughter, I really like only having the pieces. The mother narrative draws on parallels in my own life and makes it feel very real.

Writing
I’m not going to lie, I was a little worried I wasn’t going to like the style of Editing Emma. I have never been fond of books imitating letters, emails and texts that sometimes break up the narrative.
I’m so glad I put that aside to allow myself to fall in love with Editing Emma. Yes, it’s a blog, but Chloe Seager has done an incredible job at balancing the structure and style to provided what comes across as a realistic blog without compromising the narrative flow.

51wUjMwaP6L._SX316_BO1,204,203,200_

I have already purchased an additional copy and it’s currently finding its way to a dear friend of mine and I intend to have many copies ready for my students when September comes around.

Thank you Chloe for pushing boundaries to bring women closer together.

The Fallen Children by David Owen #bookreview

Release Date: 4.5.2017

From Amazon: Inspired by The Midwich Cuckoos, The Fallen Children is a gripping ‘science fiction-meets-real world’ story of the teenagers who, during one inexplicable ‘Nightout’, have their futures snatched away by circumstances beyond their control. It is a story of violation, of judgement, and of young people who must fight to defy what is expected of them.

I am in love with this book. Not only do I want someone to wipe my memory of it so I have the joy of reading again, it’s currently in a pile of books waiting to be collected by a friend. I need everyone to read it. If this isn’t turned into a film by the end of 2018, it will be a travesty.

Characters
Owen presents a diverse group of teens who are so interconnected that it’s difficult to talk about one without mentioning the others.

Initially I am drawn to Morris. I’m not sure if that’s because he’s the first voice I hear or whether he is the one who has no reason to stay, but volunteers to be involved from the very start. He’s a likable character making the best of the environment he has grown up in. I admire most of the decisions he makes and even when he falters; he has the right intentions.

While it is an ensemble narrative, I can’t help but feel that Keisha is the protagonist. The other characters have her as the connecting feature, she drives at least the second part of the narrative and she’s surprisingly the one I identify and empathise with.

At first, I felt Olivia was a little underdeveloped, but then I realised that was more because she was not as connected as the other girls; reinforced by use never having narrative from her perspective. It’s quite a beautiful device, subtle and effective.

Effort has gone into making the women of this novel real. From emotions, cramps and fears; it’s all there. I know I shouldn’t be giving more credit to the author, it’s their job to make it believable. However, when Your author is a man, I think some time needs to be spent on that. Owen has crafted 3 distinct female voices and they are so authentic, if you told me they were written by a woman, I wouldn’t question it.

Plot
There’s two sections to this book and a time jump that splits the two. The true horror of the book comes in the second half.

The sci-fi aspect is so grounded in realism that, like the girls, you begin to question your perception of the story. It takes a perfect pace and is able to switch characters to propel the narrative along. The abilities gained by the girls also means that things can be conveyed in other ways.

The second half, however, sees the consequences of ‘Nightout’ comes to fruition. No one is left unaffected; even the reader. You are left questioning whether society would respond in this way. The horror comes from knowing they would.

I want more, but I don’t need it. The plot is resolved so as a reader you are satisfied, but there are questions that an imaginative mind will ask. The book holds a wealth of ideas for those inclined to write fan fiction and leaves enough questions on the tip of the brain to be invited to do so.

Writing

The writing is clean, clear and and just a hint of colloquial language. Some might say there could have been more of a distinction between voices, but I would rather have the character’s personalities and identities developed rather than a literary voice. For example, Maida is shown to be conscientious of her Islamic faith, right down to the Arabic used during prayer. It’s an intimate detail that Owen has taken care to include.

There are lessons to be learnt within The Fallen Children, but the writing places the book firmly into a place where you don’t think anything is rammed down your throat. Except for fear. There’s a whole chuck of atmosphere in this novel. Any more and I’d be placing the book in the freezer.

I can’t wait for what David Owen has in store for us next.

The Bone Season: Samantha Shannon #review

Release date: 24.4.2014

From Amazon:

EVEN A DREAMER CAN START A REVOLUTION

Nineteen-year-old Paige Mahoney works in the criminal underworld of Scion London. Her job: to scout for information by breaking into people’s minds. For Paige is a dreamwalker, a clairvoyant and, in the world of Scion, she commits treason simply by breathing.

Summary

I love this book. I don’t know how I’m so late in reading it. I believe my best friend had told me about it many, many times. However, it went in one ear, out the other. I’m frustrated that it took me three days to read, however circumstances what they are, I kept getting ripped out of this world and into my own.

Characters

Paige
What I love about the development of Paige is the fact that nothing is made of her gender. There are comments of strength and weakness, but they are never in relation to her being female.
She is flawed, as the best heroes always are. Paige is our eyes into the world in which Clairvoyance has been declared illegal. She’s strong willed, moral (to a point) and selfless.

I love her and I can’t wait to delve into the sequels. At no point did I wish I could see the efforts of Jax, Nick et al once Paige had been taken. I felt like I was supporting her, just by being there. She had me hooked from the start and I will never leave Paige’s side so long as Shannon keeps writing.

Warden
Warden started life in my mind as a younger love child of Alan Rickman and David Warner. If I’m honest, he still remained that way, he just got younger as the book progressed. With an air of mystery, I wasn’t quite sure of him even as I closed the book.
However, his motives did seem clear as I came to the final act. Without spoiling them all I can say is Shannon excels in drip feeding believable hints that make the ending believable.
He’s someone I craved to see more and more throughout the book. I wanted him to be someone a little more than he seemed; Shannon does not disappoint.

Story

The story is artfully woven, throwing the reading readily into the world of seclusion, mythology and resentment. While there are action sequences, Shannon takes her time in building up relationships between characters.
Using whole chapters to delve into Paige’s past could, in other writer’s hands, seem clunky. However, Shannon develops these scenes and doesn’t allow the narrative to lose its flow while reading. Once you have finished the book, you will see how clever and creative these additions are to the story. Not only in terms of character, but to the plot and world building as well.
The story hints at a literary universe that will be with us for many years. Paige is for those of us who have needed something a little bit more substantial than the dystopian trilogies on offer. This story has given us enough questions to run for a series of books and perhaps be compared to that of Harry Potter and Cassandra Clare in terms of scope.
The most important aspect of this story is that it gives you a satisfying ending while leaving you with questions.

Writing

Part way through I text a friend and recommended this book to her. She loves The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothuss. I will have to relent and say this writing is better for me. The styles are similar, but Shannon is much more concise and flowing. As much as I love Rothuss myself, I have to read his work in chunks. The Bone Season would have been read in one sitting had I not been attacked by unrelenting conversations of my father.
For a story set in the future, I’m so happy that the writing still brought in an element of an old world. It drew itself back into nature. At least it did for me.
I would put this alongside Lani Taylor’s Daughter of… series too. The writing, like Lani’s, is griping, gritty and pure. It takes you to another world; something many writers would love to achieve and here is Shannon, doing so with an organic ease.

I’m very much looking forward to getting back to London so I can purchase the next two books available. I’m even ignoring my distress at having to buy the third in hardback.

Solitaire- Alice Oseman #bookreview

41Z1l1FXooL._SX334_BO1,204,203,200_

Release date: 31.7.2014

From Amazon:
In case you’re wondering, this is not a love story.

My name is Tori Spring. I like to sleep and I like to blog. Last year – before all that stuff with Charlie and before I had to face the harsh realities of A-Levels and university applications and the fact that one day I really will have to start talking to people – I had friends. Things were very different, I guess, but that’s all over now.

Now there’s Solitaire. And Michael Holden. I don’t know what Solitaire are trying to do, and I don’t care about Michael Holden. I really don’t.

This incredible debut novel by outstanding young author Alice Oseman is perfect for fans of John Green, Rainbow Rowell and all unflinchingly honest writers.

16697999

Characters

I relate so much with Tori. She is a very pessimistic narrator and it’s rather refreshing. It’s not teen angst either, it’s something deeper. Something ineffable. Which is perfect for someone like me who has suffered on and off with depression since I was about 12. Of course, at the time I was just a ball of emotion and couldn’t articulate. It’s reassuring as a thirty-something that I wasn’t alone and that any children I teach, or my own will have this platform to explore these feelings that we initially don’t understand, but also are afraid to express.

I was a bit confused by the actions of Lucas, the childhood friend. However, having recently seen Colossal, this appears to be a thing. The old high school trick of; if they’re horrible to you, they like you. At least in Solataire it’s done in a refreshing, original way.

Michael is a solid character, although I don’t believe the bad boy persona for one second and I’m desperate for some material from his point of view. I always have to remember that I’m only getting the view of Tori and she’d not omniscient.

Story

The story for me, being a teacher, is a little farfetched. I can’t switch it off when reading. I always text my best friend once I’ve finished a book and my response when I informed her that I preferred Radio Silence was ‘I’m a teacher, if that was going on in my school I’d like to think we’d shut that shit down.’
That said, removing that I really enjoyed the organic progression of the plot and the impact the pranks of Solitaire were having upon Tori’s mental health. Having the addition of her brother was genius. Tori would perhaps have unravelled a little sooner had she not felt an obligation to keep it together for her family.

Writing

Alice Osemen gives a strong voice to Tori. Her style makes for a very quick and easy read. There aren’t cliff-hangers at the end of chapters, which is good because it is a book you could digest in one sitting.

Osemen is certainly up there with Holly Bourne and Cat Clarke not only in writing, but in her approach to issues that need to be addressed for us to have a happy, healthy and understanding next generation.

The Loneliest Girl in the Universe written by Lauren James

51i0HeGHynL._SX324_BO1,204,203,200_

Release date: 7.9.2017
Buy it here
Goodreads
Description:
Can you fall in love with someone you’ve never met, never even spoken to – someone who is light years away? Romy Silvers is the only surviving crew-member of a spaceship travelling to a new planet, on a mission to establish a second home for humanity. Alone in space, she is the loneliest girl in the universe until she hears about a new ship which has launched from Earth with a single passenger on board. A boy called J. Their only communication is via email and due to the distance between them, their messages take months to transmit. And yet Romy finds herself falling in love. But what does Romy really know about J? And what do the mysterious messages which have started arriving from Earth really mean? Sometimes, there’s something worse than being alone…

“I got so lucky. In what could have been the worst, most isolating time of my life, I’ve found the greatest friendship.”

As someone who loved The Martian (both the book and the film, but mainly the book) and loathed the Jennifer Lawrence led film Passengers, I did start this book with a little trepidation. Was Romy going to be a teen angsty version of Chris Pratt’s Jim?

No, no she was not. Instead she was a highly relatable person (not teen, not female. She is a character that spans ages and genders.) who is thrown into an isolated situation that she did not chose, had no training for and is doing the best she can,

Here’s were James truly gets me. There are two things that tend to disengage me as a reader; integrated fan fiction and emails to progress the plot. However, where other writers sometimes fail James uses both with precision and skill. Not only do I know I need to read them, I want to read them. The emails don’t feel like an invasion of privacy but an exploration of a blossoming friendship. It helps that Romy refers to them as part of her own inner dialogue.

I find the building relationship between Romy and J believable. The exploration of death, grief and guilt is impeccable and heart-breaking. You will want to lift Romy out from the pages and give her a hug; you’ll want to tell her she’s not alone.

There’s a sucker-punch, Alien-esque final act that puts Romy right up there with my favourite role model; Ripley. And while it takes a leaf out of some sci-fi tropes, it does not feel contrived. It also made me recall one of my favourite horrors; Urban Legend. In my head, I’m screaming “Natalie”! There’s a nostalgia to this novel that makes it strangely refreshing.

Despite the story being set in space, James addresses many problems we all face today. It’s the perfect landscape to explore the dangers of online dating, for example. In modern society people are finding it harder to meet a potential partner in an organic way. Our fear of being alone, leads us to this online forum that requires us to take a leap of faith.

Whether Lauren James intended to or not it feels like I’ve found one of the best modern allegories I’ve had the pleasure of devouring in a long time. When I return to school in September, this is the book I intend to recommend to each student in my classes with the hopes they do learn that sometimes there are sometimes worse things than being alone.

The Loneliest Girl in the Universe is available for pre-order and will be released 7th September 2017

Otherworld Written by Jason Segel and Kristen Miller

https://www.change.org/p/yalc-uk-get-jason-segel-and-kirsten-miller-at-yalc-2018?recruiter=752308687&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=share_petition&utm_term=share_twitter_responsive – Please sign this petition to get Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller over to the UK for YALC.

Release Date: 31.10.2017
Buy it Here
Goodreads
Description:
For fans of Black Mirror and HBO’s Westworld, and readers of James Dashner and Veronica Roth, Otherworld is the first book in New York Times bestselling authors Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller’s new YA sci-fi-thriller series. The future is now. And the future is terrifying.
There are no screens. There are no controls. You don’t just see and hear it–you taste, smell, and touch it too. In this new reality, there are no laws to break or rules to obey. You can live your best life. Indulge every desire.
It’s a game so addictive you’ll never want it to end. Until you realize that you’re the one being played.
Welcome to Otherworld, where reality is dead. Step into the future. Leave your body behind.
The frightening future that Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller have imagined is not far away. Otherworld asks the question we’ll all soon be asking: if technology can deliver everything we want, how much are we willing to pay?

“They forgot nothing real can be perfect.”

Slated for a Halloween release, I couldn’t think of a better time for this pre-dystopic world building cyber novel to enter reader’s lives. Yes, it will make for a spooky read for those inclined during the evening of trick or treat. Yes, it will make for a good Christmas present and yes, you will most likely get a copy from me for Christmas.

To write this review I went back to my Good Reads progress comments thinking that would give me a basis and prompt to write. There were so many quotable moments and I knew I didn’t move from my comfy spot to get some post-its. Alas, I didn’t have much written. In fact, I only updated it 3 times. That’s because I was unable to put the book down long enough to update. Only comfort breaks and the need to appear sociable stopped me from devouring it in one sitting. I guess that just means I’ll have to pick it up for another read shortly.

I came to the novel hoping to have it compete for my love of Ready Player One. What I got was so much more. While Ready Player One is consumed by 80s nostalgia and the society is already accepting of the gaming platform in which the storyline is based, Otherworld is less reminiscent, much more relevant and loaded with foreboding and fear of what this technology could bring. It is a fable and Simon is not the only person on a journey of social and technological discovery.

The thing I love most about this book is that stylistically this is a book that has been missing from my reading life for a long time. It’s a cinematic techno-thriller, worthy of sitting on myself alongside the master of the genre and my favourite author, Michael Crichton and his counterpart Robin Cook. (Interestingly enough, Crichton directed the film Coma, which was written by Robin Cook.) I hope I’m right in thinking that Segel was a fan of the original Westworld growing up. I’d even go out on a limb and say he’s seen Coma. There’s too much passion and a labour of love around the creation of this book for there not to be.

The world building, pace and ‘Coma’-like jeopardy and moral ambiguity all make this a must read that will keep you on tenterhooks right until the last line. It reads like it could be lifted right from the pages and placed onto the screen. Its a story that is inclusive, despite its focus theme. I’m the furthest from a gamer and at no point did I feel Otherworld, Segel or Miller were isolating me from the plot.

There are secondary characters that some may feel are underdeveloped. I would agree to a certain degree; I want to know more about them. However, I would argue that this is realistic of some people we meet online. There is also enough hints to prompt people’s imagination and to also feel for the characters. I suspect the two characters in question will prompt many a fanfic over the next few years.

As the book comes to a close, there is enough of a resolution to satisfy any reader, while the set up for the follow up novel is a nice touch and one that should promote many chats, both online and in person while we wait, as patiently as we can for that second book.

In the year that you are waiting for the sequel, you might like to try the following:

Jurassic Park- Michael Crichton
Disclosure- Michael Crichton
Coma- Robin Cook
Maze Runner- James Dashner
The Special Ones- E M Bailey

The Hitman’s Bodyguard- 15 #Hanreview

The Hitman’s Bodyguard- 15

Release date:17^th August 2017

Tagline: Never let him out of your sight. Never let your guard down. Never fall in love.

Starring: Samuel L Jackson, Ryan Reynolds, Gary Oldman

From IMDB: The world’s top bodyguard gets a new client, a hit man who must testify at the International Court of Justice. They must put their differences aside and work together to make it to the trial on time.

The Good

SLJ and Reynolds work so well together as the comedy thriller duo. It’s a joy to see the two of them wind each other up and help each other out when needed. It’s a typical buddy film; hating each other first, but ending with a mutal respect for one another. SLJ surprisingly got the funnier lines and the lighter characterisation and it was quite beautiful to see him play up against Reynold’s straight laced ‘boring is best’.

The humour is there, but there’s also heart behind the plot. What motivates each man is not something to chuckle at; leaving you on the edge of your seat for a whole different reason.

Gary Oldman, doing what he does best. The one thing I love about this man is his versatility. You can find him in blockbusters, Indie flicks and Oscar bait. Here he’s playing the villain to a tee. Accent is a little hammy, but it’s Oldman. We will let him off.

The violence and action sequences where well shot and had the same gloss as recent films like Kingsman. It’s a good touch for people like me who find the realism of violence a little hard to take in a comedy film.

The Bad

I really don’t like the setting. Normally I would be very excited to see a film set in London, but I just wasn’t quite sold as to having two American leads running around the UK. I also don’t get why SLJ was arrested somewhere else and ends up in Manchester.

It’s about 30 minutes too long for me. I was starting to feel a little restless and with a quick edit, they could have brought it down to a comfortable length.

There were two scenes that didn’t quite have the impact I think the film makers were wanting. Firstly, was Reynold’s character pissing into a bottle, for SLJ finding it later in the movie. I suspect at some point, the plot involved someone drinking. But as it stands there was no payoff for the initial scene.

Secondly, the revelation of the ‘mole’ within interpole was missing something. As an audience, people may miss it as we already know quite early on who it is. However, the part that gives the person away to Reynold’s ex makes no sense. It’s missing a scene or dialogue saying the action is a trade mark move of the dictator.

The Ugly

How many motherfucker’s can you fit into a film?! I lost count in the first 20 minutes. I was around 12, but I was only counting SLJ’s and then Salma Hayek fired off about 4 in quick succession. Reynolds was right, SLJ was ruining the word. Did I laugh; yes, I did. However, few hours after I watched it, I’m finding the joke a little spent. One word does not a catch phrase make.