Pageflicker's Blog
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Travel Reviews
  • Latest Books and Awards

                       Book  Reviews

Where the world ends - Geraldine McCaughrean

4/14/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Geraldine McCaughrean takes us back to 1727, to a sea stac located off the island of St Kilda. 
Where the World Ends tells the story of Quilliam, his friends and a few adults that travel to this remote stac to
hunt for small animals and bring back resources such as feathers, oil and flesh which are vital for the Islanders.Their 
annual adventure on the island was nothing out of the ordinary. Days flew by as the crew collected birds and gazed at the
picturesque and mesmerising view. The powerful waves crashing into Warrior stac, the smell of salt and song of the birds all 
added to this harsh environment’s beauty. But they started to realise that the boat that was supposed to get them back hasn’t come yet.
They waited. Maybe there was a storm so were forced to set sail in the next few days? Maybe the islanders needed to get a new boat as the old one was being repaired? 
But hope, warmth and light slowly faded like the setting sun from the hearts of Quill and his friends. It must be the end of the world, they thought, why else
would nobody bring them home? This tale of survival and friendship enthralled me from the beginning.I loved the vividly described flashbacks from Hirta, 
the characterisation of Quilliam and the point of view the story was told from. 
The description of the weather and birds on the Stac are evocative and realistic making this book even more authentic.
 Overall, this undoubtedly original book is a delight to read and I would recommend it for children aged 12 to adults as I believe 
this is a book everyone can enjoy. 

0 Comments

The territory, escape (BOOK 2) - SARAH GOVETT

4/13/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Hello my fellow PageFlicker fans! What have you been up to lately. Remember, if you have any book review recommendations comment down below - I will definitely read them! Anyway down to the review. This book review is about the second book in The Territory series but don't fret if you haven't read the first book, you can read my review on it below. 

The last book ends with Noa and Raf finding out that they passed the TAA but their beloved friend Jack was going to be send off to the disease ridden wetlands. Noa promised to save Jack, her lifelong friends that she couldn't lose. In the next days, Noa and Raf collected resources and supplies for their malignant and treacherous journey. Mosquito repellent, matches, clothes, water purification tablets - they took it all. Although getting through the fence will be tough, the toughest part would be parting from their families. As Noa's parents wished her good luck in college, Noa just smiled but inside complete agony and anguish tore through her as she knew the chances of them saving Jack and returning in time was slim to none. 

This fresh-dystopian novel tells us a story of love, support and persistence. I especially enjoyed this novel as Govett didn't suddenly imagine that Noa and Raf are some kind of heroes but just teenagers. They survived through humanity and love.  Moreover, when Noa and Raf enter the Wetlands we see that people there are trying to build a society - a new life. Children here a being born and educated. Generations are setting up villages and living here. This community is building an opposition team, hatching plans to overthrow the ministry. An elite team are recruited - to hack, fight and destroy. These people are fighting for a better future for the Territory - they want humanity and kindness - not a corrupt and unfair society. But although their master plan sounds magnificent and easy to pull off, others will hold them back. 

I really enjoyed this fast paced, vivid, survival book. It made me cry and scream with joy. Many times I guessed what will happen later in the book but Sarah surprised with twists and turns in the plot. The one negative for me is the ending of this book - it didn't satisfy me - nothing major was revealed and nothing happened (in my opinion). This is why I hope there will be a new book in the series - continuing from this engrossing and enthralling book. 


0 Comments

A spoonful of murder - robin stevens

4/9/2018

1 Comment

 
Picture
How are you my fellow PageFlicker fans! What have you been reading lately? Well..... in these spring holidays I've read a bunch of wonderful books but this book is a must read. 
This is Robin Steven's 7th book in her Wells and Wong murder series and if you haven't read her previous book - I encourage you to do so as they are gripping, enthralling and filled with delighting characters and sinister murders. 

Hazel's Grandfather passes away so Hazel and her detective friend, Daisy, head to the vibrant and bustling city of Hong Kong. But upon their arrival, they discover that Hazel has a new baby brother, Teddy.
Just as Hazel begins to get used to the new addition to her family, tragedy strikes - a member of Hazel's household is murdered and her baby brother - kidnapped! If matters couldn't  get any worse, the killer has framed Hazel for committing this dreadful crime as the murder weapon is Hazel's jade pin. Hours later, a telephone rings in the Wong household. Everyone is anxious and panicked - is Teddy alive? Where is Su Li's murderer now?  A muffled voice on the other side of the phone commands a ransom to be paid - 100 thousand dollars in return for precious Teddy. 
The Detective society are once again on the hunt - following all clues and leads to retrieve Teddy and avenge Su Li's death by exposing her murderer. This fast paced book is filled with many intricately crafted characters and a well thought out plot. I also loved how Robin Stevens explored the complicated theme of family - maternal and paternal bonds - how overwhelming and difficult it is to have many siblings and how it feels like to not be the favourite. 
Moreover, I loved the fact that Daisy was no longer in charge - this reverse of dynamics gave this book an interesting spin making this book a more enjoyable read. The vivid descriptions of Hong Kong - it's urban, metropolitan vibe contrasted against the lush, opulent and abundant array of flowers, wildlife and humid climate makes me feel like I'm in Hong Kong myself. This adds to the overall authenticity of the book. 
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Thrilling, original and fast-paced - I would recommend this book to lovers of mystery and murder. If you would like to check out the authors website and read about her other books, here it is:

https://robin-stevens.co.uk





1 Comment

    Archives

    August 2019
    July 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017

    Author

    Here are reviews of books I've read recently that I think you may find interesting.

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photo used under Creative Commons from wuestenigel
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Travel Reviews
  • Latest Books and Awards