Kind of Cruel - Sophie Hannah Review

Goodreads

Described as having "perfected the psychological thriller" (Bookseller), Sophie Hannah deserves plenty of praise forKind Of Cruel, a chilling novel which takes fear and suspense to a whole new level. 

When Amber Hewerdine consults a hypnotherapist as a last resort, she doesn't expect that anything much will change. She doesn't expect it to help with her chronic insomnia ... or to hear herself, under hypnosis, saying words that mean nothing to her: "Kind, cruel, kind of cruel". Words she has seen somewhere before, if only she could remember where ...
She also doesn't expect to be arrested two hours later in connection with the brutal murder of Katharine Allen, a woman she's never heard of 

Review

Even though this is the 7th in the Spilling CID series, I haven't read any of the others and found I still knew what was going on. So please if that is the only reason you aren't going to pick up this book, forget it. In the Press Release I received for this book the Sunday Express said

"Crime novels are often dismissed in literary circles for not being literary enough. Yet Kind of Cruel is exactly the intelligent, reflective and stunningly written novel that has literary critics 'swooning' and judging panels lining up to reward."

When I read this quote I thought can this novel really be that good? It is. The thought which has gone into the process of writing this book must of been exhaustive, the storyline is so well developed between the array of characters that when the explanations came out about the killer they were pages and pages long. Linked so closely that you couldn't see the connections throughout the book until the very end. A  lot of reviews say that they had no idea who the murderer was until the very end. Unfortunately I did, however because of the intricate plot lines I hadn't realised the full story or in fact the full potential of this characters skills. So even though I guessed the killer the ending was extremely satisfying. 


The only reason the book didn't achieve 5 stars was because there was a lot of characters to get my head around at the start of the book which I felt made reading it a tad slow. Once you have your head round who everyone is you begin to become engrossed. I really liked the characters Nonie and Dinah, they bring the story together and also add a little bit of humour all the way through. They have very specific ways which they like to adhere to and often tell Amber off for certain things that they like a certain way. Near the end of the novel they become more than just children and become vital in solving the murders. 


There were some very infuriating characters in the novel, one of which was Jo, Ambers sister-in-law, she has a very bossy persona which is taken out on everyone she knows. When Jo and her family disappear one Christmas for the whole day no one has any idea where they went and no one ever mentions it. This is where Kind of Cruel starts and Amber is determined to find out the secret that Jo is hiding by running away. The control she has over her family is baffling to Amber and because she has only married into the family she is the only one who might be able to mention the unmentionable. 


I've been fairly vague with my discussion of characters because I don't want to give anything away. This is a brilliant book which I would recommend to any crime fans. 

Top Ten Tuesday #30

Top Ten Books that have been written in the past 10 years that I hope will still be being read in 30 years time. 

1. The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins

I think this would be really good as part of the syllabus in schools, it has loads of political ideology as well as the themes of war and love. I think it would really encourage kids to read something they enjoy as well as having lots of underlying connotations which they can get their teeth into for analysis. 

2. The Time Traveller's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger

This is still one of my favourite books of all time. I just hope that others will wish to read it in the future. Time travel :-) 

3. Harry Potter Series (but I think that's a given)

Do I need to say a reason for this? :)

4. Noughts of Crosses - Malorie Blackman

This is already in schools so I think that this one will be around for a long time. 

5. Lone Wolf - Jodi Picoult

I think because Picoult handles difficult issues in her books they will be read for a quite a long time into the future. I personally feel exhausted after reading some, but they are so worth it.

6. The Somnambulist - Essie Fox

I really liked this book, seeped with history you can really appreciate the characters stories. 

7. Before I Go to Sleep - S J Watson

This thriller should definitely be appreciated in the future, it has one of the most intricate plots of all the books I have read.

8. P.S I Love You - Cecelia Ahern

Great story, great film, I would love this to be around in the future. It was a newer concept in regards to story telling so was refreshing to read.

9. The Bloody Chamber - Angela Carter

Love updated fairy stories, these will never go out of style. 

10. The Ice Cream Girls - Dorothy Koomson

This applies to any Dorothy Koomson book really, her story lines are intricate and I hope that people will still appreciate them in years to come. 

What about you?????

Musing Mondays #15

This week’s musing asks…

If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop and look it up right away?

I must be honest I don't, I just simply skip over it and hope that I can work out the context or I just skip it anyway because generally one word isn't that important to the plot :-)

Quite a quick musing this week but let me know if you look up words in the comments!

Straight to Heaven - Michelle Scott Review

Goodreads Synopsis

Hell’s newest employee, Lilith Straight, thinks she’s got a handle on her job as the Devil’s temptress until she finds herself going horns-to-halo with a guardian angel who’s determined to rescue Lilith’s next victim. To make matters worse, William Darcy, the hottest demon in hell, is trying to undermine Lilith’s mission with a few temptations of his own.


Review

Well I have to say I might have enjoyed this book a little more than the first. It pumps the reader with witty comments like the first but throws in a lot more action to go with it. Lilith has come to terms with the fact that she is an succubus but is still unsure about William Darcy and worried about her future fate, along with her daughters. She is still living with the guilt of what she did to Tommy and Jasmine and is still trying to repair the relationship. 

I was a little worried that this novel might be very similar to the first, but I have to say it is even better. I particularly liked the competitive edge between Lilith and William which really shows the development of Lilith's character across the two books. Miss Spry is now 'motivating' her staff rather than threatening them, this new edge to the character creates rifts between Lilith and William which makes the book very different to the first. 

Perhaps the most developed character in this novel I thought was Mr Clerk. I cannot believe that Scott's publisher wanted her to take this character out!!!! I think he is vital to both novels storyline and Lilith's character development, not mentioning William Darcy's. Mr Clerk becomes very lovable as a victim of both Miss Spry and William Darcy. The change that he experiences really makes the novel and leads us into the third book. 

Lilith must now carry out assignments with the added fear that angels will come too in order to stop her completing them. I really liked this added extra confusion to the assignments which left the tasks just as interesting as before. It made the novel much more exciting. Well worth a read!

Straight to Hell - Michelle Scott Review *Blog Tour*

Goodreads Synopsis
The moment Lilith Straight dies, the Devil appears to claim her soul and cash in on a family curse. Now, Lilith has no choice but to work for him. The job is bad, the boss is worse and she can’t imagine how she’ll explain her new reincarnation to her eight-year-old daughter. But then an arrogant, yet oh so yummy, incubus shows up…and hell heats up just a little more.


Review
First off I have to say I really didn't know what I was expecting from this book and when Dani asked me to take part I decided to give it a try. Lilith is 35, quite a more experienced female protagonist than I'm used to reading about lately. She is driven by a house full of vibrant females who keep her busy almost all of the time. Jasmine (her sister), Ariel (her Niece) and Grace (her daughter). 

But, Lilith has been made a succubus because her great great grandmother had made a deal with the devil. She must complete assignments set by Miss Spry whilst keeping control of her family life. Lilith's adventures become quite witty at times and keep you hooked on the action. The novel also keeps you on your toes because making a pact with the devil you never know what she might do. 

Scott throws in a little bit of Austen as she brings in a incubus called William Darcy. He never fails to tempt Lilith throughout the duration of the book. I really loved this take on Darcy as normally he is portrayed as angelic and women swoon, the women still swoon but he has an evil twist which was really refreshing. It is also how I thought of him throughout Pride and Prejudice too!

Perhaps my favourite part of the novel was a subplot involving a little boy who is scared by a demon each night in his bedroom. Each night a demon visits him and stops him sleeping which is why he falls asleep in school all the time. I thought this was a great little addition to the novel which made it quite light hearted and proved that Lilith didn't only care for herself. Her conscience makes her all the more likeable as a protagonist and when decisions get a little tougher the she has the readers full support. I must admit when I read the  opening lines 'A year ago I , Lilith Straight, was the woman you always wanted to be.' I thought I would seriously dislike the stuck up female protagonist that was inferred from these lines.

This blog tour lets me delve STRAIGHT into the second book kindly offered as an ARC by Michelle Scott. 

Michelle Scott Blog Tour Interview

I'm delighted to be involved in this blog tour hosted by Dani at Pen to Paper, she was raving about Michelle's books so I knew I'd have to join in this one. To spark off your interest here's a lovely interview with Michelle and if you want to read any of the reviews of Straight to Hell/Straight to Heaven just click onto Pen to Paper and all the links are there. 


There is also an amazing giveaway to enter on Michelle's website (link at the bottom) You can win a 2GB IPOD SHUFFLE!

First of all what sparked off your Passion for Novels?

I’m pretty sure that, like Lady Gaga says, I was born this way, lol.  I’ve loved stories from the moment my mother first read one to me.  Not long after that, I was making up my own stories.  In high school, I sequestered myself in the basement and wrote quite a lot of (really terrible) novels.  We all have to start somewhere.
All authors have a struggle, what was the moment when you knew you'd made it? Was there a point where you ever nearly gave up?

Well…I know I haven’t made it.  I’ve written and published several novels, have gotten some wonderful reviews, and even made it into Amazon’s top 100, but I still don’t feel as if I’ve made it.  I doubt that even the heavy hitters like J.K. Rowling truly feel like they’ve made it because there’s always that thought that tomorrow when you get up, the sales numbers won’t be there, the fans will grow distant, or some other book will take your place.  As a writer, you keep striving.  It’s like chasing the rainbow’s end.

I give up about once a month.  Seriously.  Being a writer is very demanding mentally.  You not only have to motivate yourself to write every day, but you also have to endure things like bad reviews, troublesome deadlines, and frustrating details.  Plus, there are very few people with whom you can really kvetch.  My husband is a wonderful man and a patient listener, but he’s not a writer, and he isn’t always able to empathize with my frustrations.  So, once a month, I let myself have a childish tantrum and swear that I’ll never write again.  Then I get up the next day and go back to writing.

Have you always wanted to be an author or did you just get that magical idea for a novel?

I’ve always wanted to be a writer.  Always.  I have so many ideas for novels that my brain is on overload most of the time.
Where do you write? Do you have a special place?

In the summer, I write in the attic above my garage.  It’s a very pleasant spot filled with castoff furniture and my children’s artwork.  It also has a nice stereo so that I can listen to my music while I write.  What it doesn’t have is heat!  So, in the winter, I move to my bedroom.  I have a desk by the window where I can work.  I’m very particular about where I write.  I cannot write anywhere but the attic or my bedroom.  The desks must be perfectly clutter-free, and the room must be clean.  If anything is out of place, I can’t concentrate until I’ve put it to rights.
What authors are your inspirations for writing?

Stephen King is my one great inspiration.  I’ve admired his work since I first picked up a copy of The Shining in high school.  I also like Margaret Atwood and Charles deLint.  I write fantasy and urban fantasy, but I’ll read just about anything.  Right now, I’m reading Mystic River by Dennis Lehane and admiring how well he writes interior dialogue.
Favourite books?

The Shining by Stephen King; The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood; Trader by Charles deLint, American Gods by Neil Gaiman; Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susannah Clarke…  the list could go on forever, lol.
What was the first writing project you can remember thinking up? (even if it was when you were young)

The very first story I remember writing was in first grade, so I was probably six.  It was a story about a fairy who had her wings shot off by a farmer.  The fairy’s mother rescued her by attaching a new pair of wings.  I even illustrated it!  My mother, bless her heart, still has a copy of that somewhere.
Do you base your characters on people you know or are they just inventions?

They are just inventions.  They develop their own personalities and histories as I write the stories.  For example, I didn’t realize that Tommy was a vegan until I started writing  more about him. As I focus in on each character, I get to know them better.

Is there a character in the novel you think you'd get along best with?

Probably Tommy since he’s the most easy-going.  Also, it would be very interesting to talk about religion with him. And since he’s good at baking, I’d get fresh cookies, lol. 
I love Mr Clerk in the novel, did he develop whilst writing or was he always going to soften his nature?

Thanks!  Can you believe that my editor wanted me to take him out of the book?  I was like, “N-o-o!  Not Mr. Clerk!”  So he stayed in.  He also developed a lot (and continues to develop).  At first, he was simply Miss Spry’s whipping boy/toady, but he is starting to grow a backbone and become his own person.  I’m very fond of him as well, and when I figured out how he really fit into Lilith’s story, I understood that he has a heart of gold.  Which is weird considering he works for Hell.
What can we expect to see from this heroine in the future?

One thing you can count on is that she never gives up fighting for her freedom!  On the other hand, Miss Spry doesn’t give up, either, so that means Lilith’s life remains complex.  In the next book (which I’m hoping to release in December) Lilith discovers more about her real father, finds herself in a very compromising position with her neighbor, and sees an entirely new side of William.
A lot of writers have a song which they think captures their novel, if you could sum up the essence of your book with a song which one would it be?

Wow…that’s hard.  I guess I would go with “Love Song” which was originally done by The Cure.  Personally, I prefer Adele’s cover of that song.

Any advice to wannabe writers like me?  

Be kind to yourself.  Yes, you must write every day and you must have goals, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself.  If you don’t make the New York Timesbestseller list, that doesn’t mean that you are a failure or that you aren’t a good writer!  Always value your achievements and take credit for everything you accomplish.  If you finish a novel, celebrate that!  If you make a sale, jump up and down for joy.  You are your own best cheering section.

Bio

Michelle Scott received her MFA from Wayne State University.  Her stories have appeared in such places as Orson Scott Card’s Intergalactic Medicine Show,All Possible Worlds and Realms.  Her fantasy novel, The Dragons of Hazlett was nominated for a 2009 EPPIE Award.  Michelle’s YA novels include the vampire romance, Blood Sisters, and the fantasy Uncommon Magic.  Her latest fantasy novel, An Anthem for the Battle Lands, was recently released from Mundania Press, LLC.  Michelle lives in southeast Michigan with her husband and three children.

Links

My webpage – http://www.mscottfiction.com

My blog - http://www.mscottfiction.com/21stCenturyWriter/

Product page - http://www.amazon.com/Straight-Heaven-Lilith-ebook/dp/B007ZT6BRA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1336499297&sr=1-1

Page Turner #5

I always see some amazing lines in books and I never tell anyone about them or are able to share them. I also didn't want this hop to be randomised as a teaser. This hop is so that whatever page you are on in your book you share a line from that page. Ideally the first line, but if it contains a SPOILER choose one that isn't. 
As a creative writing student reading just a line can inspire so many thoughts so I wanted to give this hop a try. Please feel free to join in! 

• Tell us the book you are reading
• The Page Number
• Then give us a cheeky line which is particularly good. 
• Then add your answer to the comment box!
• If you have a blog feel free to comment with the link and link back to Passion for Novels in your post :-)

This week mine is...

Kind of Cruel - Sophie Hannah

p71

" I'd have stayed up all night if necessary, listening as I fast-forwarded verbally through my entire life - everywhere I've ever been, everyone I've ever met - in the hope of homing in on the moment that contained my sighting of that piece of paper."

Musing Mondays #14

This weeks musing 


What do you do with the book before you start reading it?


Well I have to say that depends what type of book I'm reading. So if I'm reading a novel, I look at the front, the back and then flip through the pages - I'm not sure why but this seems to be a common trait. And, my most recent development would be to update my Goodreads page for what I am about to start reading.
In contrast if it is an ebook and I'm out of the house (or even sometimes in the house) I just pick a title that catches my fancy and just start reading. I have to say I have found some amazing books like this - some I wouldn't have read if it I had read the blurb myself. A lot of the books on my kindle are from Netgalley or purely recommendations which means, no sometimes I really have no idea what the books are about!!




What do you do?

Showcase Sunday #2

I actually haven't posted this for a couple of weeks because I just have had nothing to show you all! But this week I seriously went all out and have LOADS to show you!!!! Thanks to Vicky at Books Biscuits and Tea for hosting!!! As usual just click on the pictures for the synopsis'


University Reads

Netgalley Reads

Paperbacks

Love in Bloom Giveaway Hop

Well here it is, another amazing giveaway here at Passion for Novels. I'm having a little bit of a Maria V. Snyder week this week so I decided that the giveaway will consist of any of Maria's book which are under seven UK pounds (I'll put a list up)


If you're interested in winning a signed copy of Touch of Power you can enter another giveaway I am running here.


I would like to again thank I Am A Reader, Not A Writer for hosting along with Portrait of a Book.


As usual some rules...

• Please do not put your email addresses in the comment boxes, be safe on the net! If you do not use the rafflecopter form your entry won't count. Sorry (but it is actually quicker to use rafflecopter for you too!)
• You must be a follower of Passion for Novels via GFC to enter this hop, in the extra info I will need to address of the blogs you follow in order to verify your entry. 
• This hop will run from 17th - 24th May 12:01am EST
• If you win you will be emailed, I will not pass on any information to any third party and you will only be contacted if you win.
• The prize is shipped directly from The Book Depository so I cannot take any responsibility for the condition you may receive it. 
• Please note this is open Internationally

These are the possible books on offer....

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Maria V. Snyder Author Interview

Lets welcome Maria V. Snyder to Passion for Novels .... if you would like to enter for a SIGNED copy of her book click here.


First of all what sparked off your Passion for Novels?
MVS: I always loved to read and daydream and watch movies. But what started me writing was boredom at work (shhh...don't tell ;). My work was either crazy busy or dead dull - it was during those dull times that I started jotting down the stories that had been swirling around my head.

All authors have a struggle, what was the moment when you knew you'd made it? Was there a point where you ever nearly gave up?
MVS: The phone call from my first editor offering me a two-book contract was the point where I realized I had a new career. About three months before that call, I had decided to focus my energies in writing non-fiction articles and teaching and had applied to Seton Hill University's Masters Program in writing. However, I kept sending out my book, thinking I should exhaust all my options before changing directions - and three months later, I found a publisher. But I still continued to write articles and I earned my Masters degree.

Have you always wanted to be an author or did you just get that magical idea for a novel?
MVS: I wanted to be a meteorologist and chase tornadoes. However I sucked at forecasting and went into environmental meteorology, which isn't near as exciting. The writing started as a hobby, something to challenge me and I was soon hooked.

Where do you write? Do you have a special place?
MVS: I write in my home office. My husband designed and built my desk, and my built-in bookcases from cherry wood from the farm he grew up on. It's lovely and inspiring and I have all my toys and weapons in here :)

What authors are your inspirations for writing?
MVS: My inspiration for writing strong female characters comes from reading Marion Zimmer Bradley, Barbara Hambly, Kate Elliott, and Sheri S. Tepper. I also was inspired by Joss Whedon's Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV show. My style is inspired by the mystery writer, Dick Francis - he always wrote in first person point of view and ended his chapters with mini cliff-hangers - and I tend to do the same :)

Favourite books?
MVS: The list is endless! Currently, I'm loving Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey Series, Rachel Caine's Morganville Vampire Series, and Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series. I recently read Ilona Andrew's On the Edge and loved it!

What was the first writing project you can remember thinking up? (even if it was when you were young)
MVS: Good question! I must admit, I hated to write when I was young! But I do remember writing the beginning of a novel in my last year of university. It was about a girl in university who goes scuba diving off the coast of Florida. She accidently swims through a time portal and is transported into the future - the people of the future are starving and use their time machine to catch fish from the past. My friend Jeanne read it and didn't say a word! She was trying to be kind - it was awful :) Although it wasn't a bad idea, just horrible writing skills.

What made you use your main character as a healer?
MVS: Yelena, my character in Poison Study had healing abilities, but that was just one of her many talents. I wanted to explore what it would be like to be a healer. Avry has to take on the injury or illness and then heal herself. The ability to heal with magic is very appealing to me. As a mother, I hate to see my children sick or injured and always wish I could make it all go away. I also have to give credit to an old Star Trek episode titled The Empath about a race of healers/empaths who would can take on the injury or illness of another. I watched all the Star Trek episodes, but this one always stayed with me.

Do you base your characters on people you know or are they just inventions?
MVS: I do use people I know as side characters. My main characters tend to be a combination of various traits I find appealing. I do like strong female protagonists who are independent and smart - I can't help it and I also manage to have a bear-sized guy who acts as a protective older brother. Maybe becuase I don't have a brother and always wished I did.

Is there a character in the novel you think you'd get along best with?
MVS: Belen is my favorite in Touch of Power - he's that protective older brother I've always wanted.

I love Kerrick in the novel, did he develop whilst writing or was he always going to soften his nature?
MVS: All my characters develop as I write the story so I don't know how they're going to change until I put them through the paces and see how they react to danger and stress. Sometimes they don't react well - I like flawed characters who change as the story progresses.

What can we expect to see from this heroine in the future?
MVS: Well Avry is going to take advantage of the rumor that she has X (I don't want to spoil it for anyone!). She's going to go undercover and try to make amends with her sister, while learning what Tohon is up to.

A lot of writers have a song which they think captures their novel, if you could sum up the essence of your book with a song which one would it be?
MVS: For Touch of Power - I think Bryan Adam's song, "Everything I do, I do it for you" is perfect :)

Any advice to wannabe writers like me? 
MVS: I've lots of advice :) My biggest one is persistence - keep writing and keep submitting. I also have a bunch of free writing advice articles on my website here:http://www.mariavsnyder.com/advice.php for anyone who is interested.

Thanks so much for inviting me on your blog. If your readers would like more info about me and my books, I have the first chapter of all my books on my website as well as a number of free short stories they can read. Here’s the link:http://www.mariavsnyder.com And my blog is:http://officialmariavsnyder.blogspot.com

INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY SIGNED COPY OF MARIA V. SNYDER'S TOUCH OF POWER!

After reviewing Maria V. Snyder's book she has kindly agreed to provide a SIGNED copy of her book Touch of Power for one of Passion for Novels' lovely followers. Don't miss out!!!


Here is an interview with the lovely author!

As usual a few rules

• Please do not put your email addresses in the comment boxes, be safe on the net! If you do not use the rafflecopter form your entry won't count. Sorry (but it is actually quicker to use rafflecopter for you too!)
• You must be a follower of Passion for Novels via GFC to enter this hop, in the extra info I will need to address of the blogs you follow in order to verify your entry. 
• This hop will run from 17th May - 4th June 12:01am EST
• If you win you will be emailed, for this particular giveaway I will pass your email onto the author so she can contact you to find out your address details, this is because I will not personally be sending out the book and it will come directly from the author. 
• Please note this is open Internationally and is incredibly special because it is SIGNED
• Please note the image above may not be the same copy that you receive, it may have different cover art. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Top Ten Tuesday #29

So this week the lovely people over at The Broke and the Bookish decided to allow free choice so I decided to go for...

Top Ten Strong Female Characters

1. Katniss Everdeen - The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
Perhaps the most obvious choice with all the recent hype about The Hunger Games lately. I love Katniss, she consistently shows how much of a powerful character/woman in all three books of the trilogy. I find that I don't get bored of Katniss as a narrator and she continues to amaze me during all three books. 


2. Avry of Kazan - Touch of Power - Maria V. Snyder
This is my most recent read and I respect this character so much, which is rare in fiction. She delves into the action without thought for herself and as a Healer she is selfless. I really enjoyed reading about her and cannot wait to read more


3. Lily Bard - Lily Bard Mysteries - Charlaine Harris
A lot of people go straight to Sookie when talking about strong female characters in Charlaine Harris' work. I prefer Lily Bard, I think she is a much stronger female character, she is a damaged heroine who becomes someone very strong because of her experiences. 


4. Catherine - Into the Darkest Corner - Elizabeth Haynes 
Although this character has OCD she is still such a strong character as the novel develops. She moves from a wreck to someone who can overcome problems making her a very strong female character - perhaps more than others because she comes out of weakness to become strong. 


5. Rue - The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
This is my favourite character in this trilogy, she is 12 years old and shows so much bravery and honour she really makes me almost proud of her. I continue to be destroyed by what happens to her every time I read the book and become overwhelmed at how much I love this character. 


6. Nora Dearly - Dearly, Departed - Lia Habel
A woman who hangs around with Zombies has to be a strong female character right? And she dresses in Victorian clothing which I think is actually really cool. 


7. Melanie Stryder - The Host - Stephanie Meyer
Although I haven't read this book for a VERY long time this character continues to stick in my mind. An outsider she learns the trust of the people around her to become a strong element in the outcome of the book. I prefer this protagonist to any in the Twilight Saga ... unless Taylor Launter has his top off...


8. Valentina - Her Fearful Symmetry - Audrey Niffenegger
This character I really didn't like most of the way through if I'm honest, but the way she deals with the events that take place I cannot ignore her as one of the bravest female characters I have seen in a novel. 


9. Mary Reilly - Mary Reilly - Valerie Martin
I love this character because it is a retelling of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde which is one of my favourite classic books. She takes the story from a new angle and is a very brave female character in the novel.


10. Lisbeth - Millennium Trilogy - Steig Larsson
I may not necessarily like everything Lisbeth does but you can't argue that she is a brilliant character in the Millennium trilogy and no one can argue her strength in both mind and body. 

Touch of Power - Maria V Snyder Review

Goodreads Synopsis
Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan absorbs their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Fifteen Realms, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life...

Review
Avry of Kazan is a very unique character whose power seems to be the most useful thing in society as well as the most selfless. The only problem is that Healers are hated, people think it is the Healers who started the plague and therefore are killing all the Healers. Avry is captured by the local town for saving a young girls life, a band of rogues save her only to ask her to heal someone who may be against Healers too! Avry is an amazing character, she is very strong willed even though, for most of the book she remains bound to the band of rogues. She is a very clever female protagonist and I really enjoyed finding out about her life on the run. What really tugged at my heart strings during the novel was how Avry would heal people and scar her body and go through pain in order to heal strangers. Her completely selfless nature makes her completely lovable. 

Kerrick is perhaps my other favourite character, I warmed to him after the section I found quite amusing which was the hide and seek. The band claims Avry will never find Kerrick but little do they know he also hides a secret to which only Avry becomes privy to. I love that Kerrick is a constantly developing character throughout the novel making him more and more enticing with each page turn. 

The fantasy world is very very well developed and I felt this world was believable, which I always find vital when reading a novel like this. I loved the history Snyder put into the novel about the nine mountains and the Fifteen Realms, it really helped the reader place themselves within that world. When I can fully immerse myself into that world I really know that the author has done a good job. 

In terms of writing I found that Snyder always kept me hooked onto the action, hooking you right from the first page. I found myself becoming one of the rogues as she speaks about them almost lovingly. The novel was ended nicely with a nice hook to drive you into the next book which I can't wait to read! I think there are lots of nice clues into the rest of the series and I hope it turns into lots of books which will keep me hooked. I had never come across this author before and I'm delighted to say I'll be buying many more of her books in the near future. 

Now, this book hasn't been out too long and after chatting to Maria she has kindly agreed to do an Author Interview AND and INTERNATIONAL giveaway of a SIGNED copy of her book!!! Look out for the giveaway later in the week! 

Musing Mondays #13

This weeks musing asks...


Do you prefer to read to the end of a chapter or can you stop just anywhere?

Normally I like to read to the end of the chapter but lately I have had very little time to read so I have been stopping anywhere. Also a few of the arcs I've been reading don't have chapter breaks yet so I've had to adapt to that. A really quick one this week, let me know your response in the comments!