Review of Dragon's Green by Scarlett Thomas

Name:  Dragon's Green

Author: Scarlett Thomas

Type of Book:  Hardback

Genre: Children's/fantasy

My Review

I had this book from a one-off Ninja Book Box (if you've not heard of it take a look at my unboxing also on my blog here:http://jensbookworm.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/unboxing-ninja-book-box.html) so I had no idea what book I was getting but I wasn't disappointed. It's a charming story about a little girl discovering the world of magic. 

Effie discovers the magical world after the death of her Grandfather. I loved the magical world in this book and the idea of magic, it's different to anything I've read. When Effie's grandfather dies he leaves her magical objects and a library of books. The books are sold and the story follows Effie's journey to get the books back and also her first steps into the world of magic. It's an enthralling and interesting read. A charming book which will appeal to fellow bookworms because in this world books are powerful and it is indeed possible to get lost in them. 

I could not stop reading this book and I will definitely be keeping a look out for the next one in this series called 'Worldquake Sequence'. I loved the style of the writing and the humour and the way everything comes together in the story. Each character is individual and there are plenty of mysteries still to be unfolded in the next book, one such mystery is what happened to Effie's mother. 

Although this is a children's book it is not childish in anyway and will definitely appeal to adults and for anyone who loves reading books about books.  

Book Review: Borne by Jeff VanderMeer

Name: Borne
Author:Jeff VanderMeer
From: lovereading review panel, free for review, hardback copy

I have previously read two other books by JeffVanderMeer (book one and book two of the Southern Reach trilogy) and loved them. He is an author who is completely unique, the characters/creatures and the ideas/worlds within in his novels are so imaginative, it's enough to make an aspiring writer filled with awe.

I was a bit dubious when I read the blurb online which references a flying bear, but thankfully I ignored my doubts-I should do this more often- I know that I can trust Jeff VanderMeer to write an enthralling novel to excite my curiosity, even if you do feel like the proverbial cat. Jeff VanderMeer always has a darkness in his novels, there's always something that shocks you and amazes you.

Borne is an engrossing eye-popping story,  a novel of a dark world and of the touching relationship between Rachel and the creature Borne who she discovers. You have to wonder at the ideas and imagination of Jeff VanderMeer- from huge, flying bears to worms that diagnose your illnesses. Genius.

I can only say I would recommend this book and I found it hard to put down. How can you contain it's spectacularly weird world into a few normal words to explain it to someone? I will definitely be reading more by Jeff VanderMeer, and if you love weird, unusual books, sci-fi ot fantasy you'll love this. And if you don't step outside your comfort zone and give it a try.

UNBOXING: Ninja Book Box

Last month I finally decided to buy a Ninja Book Box. I decided to treat myself. If you've not heard of it, Ninja Book Box is a subscription service (or one off, like I did) where you recieve a mystery book and some related treats. 

Why did I choose this one?

Well, there are a lot of different book subscriptions out there. This one is  for a new book from an independent publisher. It cost £29.99 for a one off box.

The theme for this months box also interested me, it is: 'Magical Lands'

Why buy a book box?

Treat yourself or a fellow bibliophile. I loved the idea of someone picking out a book for me, something I wouldn't have thought to read or didn't know existed. It's a fun way of finding new books and authors. And not only do you get a book but little gifts related to the book too.

Anyway, you can find all the info you want on their website: http://www.ninjabookbox.com/about. But here is my unboxing.

UNBOXING

I was so excited when I got my hands on this box that I tore open the packaging, it was all neatly wrapped in tissue paper and with bubble wrap. So:

 What's in the box?

I had this (above) little welcome note explaining about the contents of the box and then (as you can see in the photo below) an envelope which I still haven't opened. A recipe card for nutmeg hot chocolate which I have to try and an invite to discuss the book on the forum.

The treats in the box were (as shown below) a lovely quote on embossed card which I have to find a frame for, well suiting the magical theme and so true! A 'magical library' candle which reminds me of incense and New Age shops, can't wait to try that. It's also glittery. And dragon fruit seeds, I've never tried dragon fruit myself but the timing is great as I'm always wanting to grow things in the spring.

I was confused about the next items but I'm sure once I've read the book it will all make sense. A little pouch with a tiny glasses charm and a dragon, I love dragons. 

Oh, and here is the book:

I didn't expect a children's book. This is a signed edition! That was also a surprise. And it's glow in the dark! At first I was sceptic but read five chapters in one go I was sucked in straight away. It's a charming story about a little girl who is discovering magic, her grandfather has entrusted her to look after his books and left her some rather mundane objects which are not normal at all. I will be reviewing the book on here once I've finished reading it. 

What did I think about the box?

It cost £29.99 and it is worth the price. It is obvious that so much thought and effort has gone into this box and it was so exciting and delightful unwrapping all the little treats, each little gift in the box is related to the book. They were things I'd seen online (the candle) or things I'd love (seeds, dragon charm) but never would decide to buy for myself. This is a great treat to get yourself, it's a proper gift because you don't know what is going to be in the box but you know that it's going to be amazing. 

I'm so happy with my Ninja Book Box!

Review of: The Blackhouse by Peter May

Title: The Blackhouse

Author: Peter May

Hardback, library book

I started reading this book expecting it to be a crime novel, something different for me to read to challenge myself. But although there is a murder that needs to be solved, more attention is given to Finn Macleod's past. Finn Macleod does investigate the murder but at the same time his past is unfolded as he meets his old friends and enemies. It's a slow story that although disappointed me (as I expected something different) did intrigue me and I continued to the end. I loved the way the author presented the emotions and feelings of the characters, the tiny details of the past. How themes of loss, regrets and nostalgia are touched upon in a profound if subtle way. I enjoyed the setting and discovering Finn's story. 

However, the end and the resolution did not meet my expectations, I felt that there were not many clues to the resolution in the story and I'm not sure whether it is believable or not because of that. Maybe things should be hinted at more so we can think something's going on, so that when the solution is presented you don't wonder at it. Unless I missed something?

 After such a long drawn out story it did seem to end abruptly, all the information given quickly and I did not like the pacing at the close of the book. 

I expected a fast pace conclusion, I feel that it was just a quick end to a long tale.

I did enjoy this story and I would recommend it, I'm just not sure about the end and would be interested to know what others make of it?

Mental Health Week

So I hear it's mental health week, if it's one thing that we don't seem to take care of enough it's our mental health. We know how to ease or prevent a cold-or the myths and theories anyway. And we know what to do when we have minor illnesses. We see a doctor for our physical problems but how many will actually go and speak to someone if they have anxiety or depression?

When it comes to our mental health we stumble along blindly. It always amazes me how many people suffer with mental health issues, maybe we need to teach people and start with children, how to look after their mental health? Not just how to look out for symptoms of the serious stuff, but how to deal with stress (yes, finally they are accepting teens get stressed!) and general life upsets. I remember being a child, I had anxiety then too I just didn't know what it was!

Talking about anxiety, here's a good book that helped me when I was struggling with panic attacks in my teens:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00GHK733Y/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

The best thing for mental health is exercise, for me it's yoga and when I remember mindfulness meditation. You can find free videos on youtube and a lovely free course is often running on futurelearn:
https://www.futurelearn.com/

If you're reading this and you have mental health problems here's me sending positive caring thoughts you're way:

And remember you are not alone (can't say that without thinking of that advert, 'you're not alone, we're a loan!' That's ruined that phrase for me). Find some support, online if you can't talk to someone face to face just yet. Don't bottle it up write it down.

You are stronger than you think and if you're feeling bad right now remember that it will pass. It's always worse than you think. I promise.

New book

Watching 'Once Upon A Time' has given me a new appreciation for fairy tales. This book is an anthology of fairy tales but not the sweet Disney ones. This is a horror anthology.
The first story is called 'Find my name' by Ramsey Campbell it's a delightfully eerie tale set in the modern world.
I don't know if many read short stories but if you lack time or energy to read short stories they are the perfect antidote.
Now I want to read more by Ramsey Campbell....

It's been a while

It's been some time since I posted on here. I've been waiting on a book from the library continuing my challenge of reading out of my comfort zone. It's been a hard time for me lately so reading and writing has been difficult. I've been reading 'The Book of Life' by Deborah Harkness book three of The All Soul's Trilogy and it's helped me to escape for a bit. I've been thinking about starting a new book but can't decide which one. I can't buy new ones I'm bring strict with myself for a change. I need some comfort reading and I'm wondering if other people have a book they turn to when they need a uplifting read?