#Shanannigans&039; Picks

[shanannigansthebibliophile]

A Perfectly Hair-Raising Tale of Obsession: The Doll Factory by Elizabeth MacNeal #BookReview #Gothic #HistoricalFiction #Mystery @SimonSchusterCA @esmacneal

Book Review

The Doll Factory (Publication Date: August 2019)

The Doll Factory, the debut novel by Elizabeth Macneal, is an intoxicating story of art, obsession and possession.

London. 1850. The Great Exhibition is being erected in Hyde Park and among the crowd watching the spectacle two people meet. For Iris, an aspiring artist, it is the encounter of a moment – forgotten seconds later, but for…

[shanannigansthebibliophile]

Blog Tour: #Review & #Giveaway! The Devil's Apprentice (The Great Devil War #1) by Kenneth B. Andersen @K_B_Andersen #BlogTour #TheGreatDevilWar #YAFantasy #BookBlogger

Blog Tour: #Review & #Giveaway! The Devil’s Apprentice (The Great Devil War #1) by Kenneth B. Andersen @K_B_Andersen #BlogTour #TheGreatDevilWar #YAFantasy #BookBlogger

I’m very excited to share this book with you all today! The Devil’s Apprentice is the first book in the incredibly imaginative, and wonderfully entertaining, YA Fantasy series, The Great Devil War.

Read my review, check out the exclusive content and be sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a digital copy of the book! 

The Devil’s Apprentice (The Great Devil War #1)

Genre: YA Fantasy

Phi…

[shanannigansthebibliophile]

Can I Gush? I Really Want to Gush!💕 Book Review: The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware #BookReview #BookBlogger #5Stars #Thriller @RuthWareWriter @SimonSchusterCa

Book review

I had meant to post this review earlier this summer! Way before the publication date (my apologies to Simon & Schuster Canada), but I had some technical difficulties with the only two books that I didn’t receive physical copies of. This one and The Doll Factory. I lost Doll Factory because it was archived by the time I had downloaded it for the fouth time, but that’s a story for…

[shanannigansthebibliophile]

Book Review: All the Stars for The Fireman by Joe Hill #BookReview #Horror #Apocalypse #BookBlogger @Joe_Hill

Book Review: All the Stars for The Fireman by Joe Hill #BookReview #Horror #Apocalypse #BookBlogger @Joe_Hill

Book Review

All the stars for this book! It’s been a week and I’m still thinking about it!

The Fireman (Publication Date: May 17, 2016)

From the award-winning, New York Timesbestselling author of NOS4A2 and Heart-Shaped Box comes a chilling novel about a worldwide pandemic of spontaneous combustion that threatens to reduce civilization to ashes and a band of improbable heroes who battle to save…

[shanannigansthebibliophile]

Book Review: Fractalistic by Gerardo Delgadillo #BookReview #YAContemporary #YALit #BookBlogger #Books #Mexico

This is the first book I've read written soley by Gerardo Delgadillo and it won't be the last.

Book Review

Look at this cover and tell me you wouldn’t have been intrigued as well?

This is the first book I’ve read written soley by Gerardo Delgadillo and it won’t be the last. I did read his joint book with Candace Robinson Bacon Pie however, and completely recommend it. You can read that review here.

Fractalistic

Expected Publication Date: July 9th, 2019

After moving to Mexico with her…

[shanannigansthebibliophile]

Book Review: Council of Souls (Fated Eternals #2) by Jen Printy #Review #UrbanFantasy #Paranormal #ParanormalRomance #bookBlogger

Check out my review for Jen Printy's "Council of Souls" , something a little meatier for your holiday reading list!

Book Review

Good morning fellow bookworms!

Today I have a review for the second book in a really cool series, called Council of Souls by Jen Printy, and it was really good! So good, I wished I had read book #1 first (facepalm), like Jen kindly recommended. Problem is, my TBR is drowning me so I forgot! Nevertheless, I got the gist and caught on quickly enough. – Confessions of a Bookworm

Council…

[shanannigansthebibliophile]

One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus @writerkmc #Review #YA #YAMystery #BookstoRead #BookBlogger

One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus @writerkmc #Review #YA #YAMystery #BookstoRead #BookBlogger

Book Review

This was such a good book! I wish I had read it sooner! One of Us is Lying (Release Date: May 30th, 2017)

The Breakfast Club meets Pretty Little Liars, One of Us Is Lying is the story of what happens when five strangers walk into detention and only four walk out alive. Everyone is a suspect, and everyone has something to hide.

Pay close attention and you might solve this.

On Monday…

[shanannigansthebibliophile]

Train to Busan #Review #Blogtober #Horror #Zombies #ShanannigansPicks #Halloween #TrainToBusan #Movies

Train to Busan #Review #Blogtober #Horror #Zombies #ShanannigansPicks #Halloween #TrainToBusan #Movies

Movie Review

Zombie fans near and far, this is a MUST SEE!

Unless, you’ve seen it already, which you probably have. I’m ashamed to admit that I only watched this recently, when as a fan, I should have watched it a long time ago!

Train to Busan (Release Date: July 2016- South Korea)

While a zombie virus breaks out in South Korea, passengers struggle to survive on the train from Seoul to Busan.

St…

[shanannigansthebibliophile]

Hey guys!

I’m back with Part 2 of my TBR Tackle! After another successful school drop-off (Again, she didn’t even look back *Sniff), I am going to pick up where I left off yesterday. If you missed Part 1, click here!

Science Fiction & Dystopian

Fly Paper: A Novel by Chris Angus

How do you fight a deadly disease that comes from beyond planet Earth?

When a 2,000-year-old mummy is unearthed in central China, investigators from all over the world fly in to Washington, DC, for a top-secret meeting, hoping to find an answer to its mysterious genetic anomalies.

But the scientists may have mistakenly released a new, deadly disease of extraterrestrial origins in the process of examining the genetic markers of the ancient mummy. The devastating human error causes a worldwide plague—one that penetrates the barriers of the human immune system. Sino expert Eric Logan and archaeologist Dr. Marcia Kessler lead an expedition back to the icy glaciers of China to extract a much older 20,000-year-old mummy, which could help them formulate a cure. Even as they embark on their mission, the strange illness afflicts the people around them, turning men into mindless monsters.

The team retreats to a remote Buddhist monastery and must hold off a vicious army of victims. As they wrestle with the possibility that they may be the last living humans on earth, someone finds an ancient burial object that may hold the key to ending the apocalyptic epidemic . . .

My Thoughts…

Sounds really good right? Well, it was okay but it wasn’t all I had hoped for.

It was well written and engaging enough, but it was missing something. Unfortunately, I can’t quite say what that something is but it left me feeling a bit unsatisfied.

Overall, a decent read with a good premise but had a lackluster ending. As the song says, “That don’t impress me much”.

Rating… C+

The Dreams by Matthew R. Flemming

Waking up in an unknown forest with four strangers, James has an unsettling feeling that the group is not alone. As tension mounts and he finds himself questioning the motives and loyalty of his companions, one of the group members disappears, leaving only a pool of blood behind. It soon becomes clear that something very large and unnatural is in the deep secret places of the forest. And it knows they are there.

My Thoughts…

This was originally a DNF. The first one in a long while. I loved the premise and the cover is brilliant, but it was so messy. Disorganized with way too many words. I hate overly descriptive writing!

This what I put on Goodreads:

DNF: Good premise by lacking proper execution. I couldn’t stick with it.

REVISED…

OK I finished it but only because I needed to know how these poor suckers ended up here. I still maintain my original opinion.

Yes, I went back and finished because I felt bad. It did not get any better!

Rating… D-

Ghost Virus by Graham Masterson

The girl had been staring into her mirror all morning before she picked up the small bottle of sulphuric acid and poured it over her forehead.

Samira was a young woman with her whole life ahead of her. What could have brought her to this? DC Jerry Pardoe and DS Jamila Patel of Tooting Police suspect it’s suicide. But then a meek husband kills his wife, and the headteacher of the local school throws her pupils out of a window. It’s no longer a random outbreak of horrific crimes. It’s a deadly virus. And it’s spreading. Somehow, ordinary Londoners are being infected with an insatiable lust to murder. All of the killers were wearing second-hand clothes. Could these garments be possessed by some supernatural force?

The death count is multiplying. Now Jerry and Jamila must defeat the ghost virus, before they are all infected…

My Thoughts…

This book is hard to classify. It’s a little bit sci-fi, a little procedural, with a paranormal backbone. The premise is a bit misleading, which I guess is the point but I thought I was going to be reading a good plague story.

I loved everything about this book until the origin of the virus is revealed. Then I was like, “WTF? Are you kidding me?” And not in a good way. It’s just so silly! Here I was thinking that this book had everything. Suspense, gore, mysterious virus, and then the author went and ruined it for me.

Maybe you will like it and won’t find the ending ridiculous. You’ll have to make that decision for yourselves.

Rating… C

Blue Skin: A Dystopian Vampire Thriller (Book #1) by Steven Jenkins

The world has turned inward, away from the sun, in the wake of a mysterious disease that has altered the human race. No longer able to bear healthy human children, our mothers and daughters have brought vampire-like hybrids into the world, and with it a new order. Now that reproduction has been banned, those left with young children face a terrible and devastating decision – turn your babies over to the government or pay the price. For young Freya, keeping her brother hidden is the only real option.

Enemies of the state, Freya must stand between her family and the forces of a fearful world. Although her brother may not be human, there is little else separating her and those of the blue skin.

Choices will be made. Lines will be drawn. The battle for humanity has only just begun.

BLUE SKIN is the first book in a 5 part vampire dystopian, thriller horror series.

My Thoughts…

Ooh I really enjoyed this book and the follow-up, Blue Skin: Book #2 that was released this past May. Good vampire stories are really hard to come by these days since the genre was drowned in vamp tales due to the Twilight phenomenon.

Blue Skin however, is an interesting mix of vampire and apocalyptic. The fact that the vampires are children make it especially horrifying.

Great writing, a unique plot and a strong female protagonist make this book appealing to all sorts of readers. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series!

Rating… A+

Contemporary Fiction & YA Fiction

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (Books 1-3) by Jenny Han

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean, who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, sealed it, and hid it in a box under her bed. But one day Lara Jean discovers that somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed, causing all her crushes from her past to confront her about the letters: her first kiss, the boy from summer camp, even her sister’s ex-boyfriend, Josh. As she learns to deal with her past loves face to face, Lara Jean discovers that something good may come out of these letters after all

P.S. I Still Love You

Lara Jean didn’t expect to really fall for Peter. She and Peter were just pretending. Except suddenly they weren’t. Now Lara Jean is more confused than ever. When another boy from her past returns to her life, Lara Jean’s feelings for him return too. Can a girl be in love with two boys at once?

Always and Forever, Lara Jean

Lara Jean is having the best senior year.

And there’s still so much to look forward to: a class trip to New York City, prom with her boyfriend Peter, Beach Week after graduation, and her dad’s wedding to Ms. Rothschild. Then she’ll be off to college with Peter, at a school close enough for her to come home and bake chocolate chip cookies on the weekends.

Life couldn’t be more perfect!

At least, that’s what Lara Jean thinks . . . until she gets some unexpected news.

Now the girl who dreads change must rethink all her plans—but when your heart and your head are saying two different things, which one should you listen to?

My Thoughts…

I’m lumping all 3 of these books together, not because they don’t deserve individual reviews (They totally do!), but because I read them all together, one right after the other like a big novel.

Why you ask? Well I watched the Netflix movie of course, and fell in love! (Read review)

As soon as the credits rolled, I quickly purchased all 3 books and had myself a lovely binge read. All 3 were fantastic! Nostalgia inducing, charming, adorable, and funny. I really enjoyed them and I’m happy with how the author ended the trilogy.

Want to hear something crazy though? I liked the movie more and something tells me I’m not the only one.

The actors had such great chemistry! ‘Lara Jean’ and ‘Peter’ were so good together on screen which added a whole new dimension to the story. Honestly, they made the story and I really hope the other books get movies too.

Rating… A+’s all around!

Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow

Charlotte Davis is in pieces. At seventeen she’s already lost more than most people lose in a lifetime. But she’s learned how to forget. The broken glass washes away the sorrow until there is nothing but calm. You don’t have to think about your father and the river. Your best friend, who is gone forever. Or your mother, who has nothing left to give you.

Every new scar hardens Charlie’s heart just a little more, yet it still hurts so much. It hurts enough to not care anymore, which is sometimes what has to happen before you can find your way back from the edge.

My Thoughts…

Warning: Major Triggers! Mental illness, Abuse, Addiction, Self-harm, Suicide, and Disturbing Scenes (Just to name a few).

I would give this AMAZING book 6 stars if I could! It’s riveting, evocative, heart-wrenching and incredibly illuminating. It’s not the easiest book to read but if you can stomach the darkness, it’s a brilliant story about survival and self-discovery. The protagonist ‘Charlie’ will take you on one hell of a journey but it’s worth it. Just be prepared to feel every emotion on the spectrum.

Honestly, I have nothing negative to say. I truly loved it, if that’s the right word, and can’t recommend it enough!

Rating… A+++

Well, I’ve caught up a ton with these two posts. They’re certainly some of the longest posts I’ve ever written lol. Like I said before, I had really gotten behind with my writing but I’ve never stopped reading (I’m 18 books ahead on my yearly Goodreads challenge) and I never will. 

I’d love to hear your thoughts on these books, especially if you’ve read them.

Until next time!

      #TBR Tackle & Mini Reviews (Part 2) #BookBlogger #BookReviews #Books #AmReading #BookHaul #Thriller #Romance #YA Hey guys! I'm back with Part 2 of my TBR Tackle! After another successful school drop-off (Again, she didn't even look back *Sniff), I am going to pick up where I left off yesterday.

[shanannigansthebibliophile]

The Date by Louise Jensen @Fab_fiction #Review #Thriller #BookstoRead #SummerReads @Bookouture @LittleBrownUK

The Date by Louise Jensen @Fab_fiction #Review #Thriller #BookstoRead #SummerReads @Bookouture @LittleBrownUK

Book Review

This is my first book by Louise Jensen, but it will not be my last! Wow! The Date (Release Date: June 21st, 2018)

Something bad has happened to Alison Taylor.

Her Saturday night started normally. Recently separated from her husband, Ali has been persuaded by her friends to go on a date with a new man. She is ready, she is nervous, she is excited. She is about to take a step into her…

[shanannigansthebibliophile]

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes #TBT #ThrowBackThursday #ThrowBack #FavBooks #Books #AmReading

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes #TBT #ThrowBackThursday #ThrowBack #FavBooks #Books #AmReading

Book Review Me Before You by Jojo Moyes, is a romantic novel first published on January  12, 2012 in the U.K.  It tells the story of a different kind of star-crossed lovers. Will Trainor was a highly successful and very wealthy CEO who lived his life to the fullest. A true member of the “jet set” crowd he traveled the world experiencing everything one can when money is no object and you have the…

[shanannigansthebibliophile]

Mini Review: The Pretty Ones by Ania Ahlborn @aniaahlborn #Review #Horror #Novella #MustRead #ShanannigansPicks

Ah this cover! Is gorgeous the right word when the type font is “Bold Blood Smears”? Sorry, I’m going to be a bit of a fan girl here and gush because I just love Ania Ahlborn and this novella is just another reason why. FYI, I got it for a steal! Just a $1.99! The Pretty Ones (Release Date: July 2015) New York, 1977. The sweltering height of the Summer of Sam. The entire city is gripped with…

[shanannigansthebibliophile]

The Shadow Girl by Misty Mount @MistyAMount #Review #YA #YoungAdult #Fantasy #ShanannigansPicks #MustRead

Book Review I haven’t been this excited about a book in ages! Not only do I get to organize two lauch events for Misty’s debut, I also made time to read it myself (I may have reorganized my TBR a tad) and it was wonderful! A true 5 star read! The Shadow Girl (Release Date: December 28, 2017) Shy, thirteen-year-old Zylia has always known she was different. Most teenagers feel unnoticed and unseen,…

[shanannigansthebibliophile]

See All the Stars by Kit Frick @kitfrick #Review #YA #Teens #ARC #Books

Book Review I have been off my YA game for a while and I’m trying to remedy that. “See All the Stars” is a brilliant start! I read loads of Dystopian YA but it’s been a long time since I’ve read a good contemporary book. I got lucky right out of the gate because this was a 5 star read! *Thanks to Netgalley, Kit Frick and Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for my e-ARC of See All the Stars…

[shanannigansthebibliophile]

#TBT Can You Keep A Secret by Sophie Kinsella #Throwback #ThrowbackThursday #Chicklit #Books

I adore Sopie Kinsella! She’s one of the first modern English authors who really made me appreciate contemporary British Fiction! So, I thought I’d throw it back and share one of my favourite titles with you all today. “Can You Keep a Secret” came out a few years after the ENORMOUSLY successful, “Confessions of a Shopaholic“(One of my favourite contemporary books EVER) and it was just as funny,…

[shanannigansthebibliophile]

The Simple Soul of Susan by Noel Branham #Review #Romance #Books #Goodreads

Book Review Such a lovely, feel-good book, it’s hard to believe this is Noel’s debut novel. After reading a month of horror and thrillers, this book was the perfect palate cleanser moving into the cold months of winter. The Simple Soul of Susan (Release Date: October 2017) Susan Combs had long ago found the love of her life. The only problem was the other party still didn’t know he had been…