No Need For Leverage!: Leverage by Nancy S. Thompson

Leverage is a sequel to The Mistaken, a story about forgiveness, revenge and retribution as a man and a woman, Tyler and Hannah, become caught up in the Mafia. Leverage is the story of how even in their new life, old enemies come back to haunt them.

The writing style in Leverage is consistent with The Mistaken and still has the same exciting pace that ensures the reader is captivated all the time. There are no points in the novel where the narration is boring and this is something which really gives credit to the story.

At first glance, I was concerned that the plot of Leverage would be similar to The Mistaken and therefore would appear to be just dragging out the other plot line, however I was happy to discover that this was not the case at all and Leverage's plot was completely different of its own accord. Although still containing connections with the Mafia, as was really to be expected, Leverage features new twists and turns around every corner that Thompson manages to pull off as never seeming excessive or forced. The plot is captivating and you will hold on to every word.

In my review of The Mistaken, I spoke of how the novel was able to show me a different perspective on the subjects of forgiveness and retribution, something that I really hoped would also be present in Leverage. I was not let down in that respect! The moralistic viewpoints were still there but this time there was even stronger emphasis on them, that makes a reader actually want to change the ways that they look at things such as redemption.

The characters of Leverage that were featured in The Mistaken are consistent with it and Thompson does not fall down where many authors do in keeping her characters the same in both novels. Ty and Hannah remain their likeable selves and this new viewpoint from Connor means that your understanding of their emotional rollercoaster continues to grow throughout the novel.

Leverage is a fantastic sequel to The Mistaken and everything you would ever want it to be. Thomson continues that magic of hers in making a thriller much more than meets the eye.

ONE SENTENCE: A more than deserving sequel to The Mistaken with kickass action that continues to make you think

Fantastic Free Ranging Fleur: Escape From Cold Ditch by Alan Davidson

Escape From Cold Ditch is the story of a chicken called Fleur who must save some imprisoned hens from their miserable existence in Cold Ditch Farm. Fleur must use all of her wit and cunning to take down the farm from the inside.

A starting note: Before I had even started Escape From Cold Ditch, I was concerned that the book might be a bad attempt at trying to recreate Orwell's Animal Farm, as even the name itself gives off an Orwellian vibe. Fortunately I was wrong. Although Escape From Cold Ditch does have some Orwellian aspects to it, it does not have an overpowering Animal Farm scent, bearing in mind that the story line is totally different and  is based on an entirely separate issue. These Orwellian aspects, such as satire, do however fit very comfortably in the storyline.

The most obvious similarity between Escape From Cold Ditch and Animal Farm is the concept of a parallel, in the case of Escape From Cold Ditch, battery farming. The message that Davidson gives off is unwittingly clear and does make you contemplate your own position on issues such as these. The other parallel is of course, the escape attempts from the actual Colditz in Germany, where many men were imprisoned. The novel although about animals still manages to put forward to us the conditions under which the prisoners lived and ultimately gives a very strong feeling of injustice and cruelty.

All of the characters in the novel have personalities that can be identified in real people, giving fuel to the imagination. They are strong from the beginning, each becoming quickly distinct in their mind set allowing the reader to form fast attachments as I did to Homer. In fact, one of my favourite things about this novel is the incredibly clever names and use of symbolism such as 'Homer' who tells amazing stories, relating to the Homer, writer of the Iliad and the Odyssey.

It was this and the heart-warming image of a chicken that can understand English that resulted in my thorough enjoyment of the novel. This can be enjoyed by anyone of any age and I am delighted to have read it.

ONE SENTENCE: A heart felt and warming novel, Escape From Cold Ditch will leave you thinking with skilful Orwellian simplicity.

Can't Be Mistaken: The Mistaken by Nancy S. Thompson

The Mistaken could be seen as a story about violence but I see it as a story of love, forgiveness and retribution. There is much more to it than meets the eye.

It’s a story that you can't help but feel emotionally connected to. You feel every one of Tyler's emotions and feel to the depths of your heart his grief, love and times of depression. You also feel every blow that is dealt to him and this is without doubt the first novel that has ever 'moulded' me in this particular way to feel a character's pain. It's something that I can't put my finger on but it has a huge effect. Another thing that I can't quite put my finger on is Thompson's distinctive style of writing that although appearing conventional has elements to it that make it very powerful and drive the plot forward in a way that I will probably never understand.

The pace of the novel is exciting but not rushed and although it takes a while to pick up, the reader is rewarded with gritty thrills. Hannah and Tyler are great characters and Thompson more than succeeds in making them likeable and loveable. When reading you feel as though you are inside their heads and even develop an understanding for the way they think.

The Mafia connections add substance to the plot and ensure that the story is not far-fetched. You would find difficulty in not believing every word. Inevitably, the plot features a huge amount of violence but I implore you not to dismiss it based on this fact. The violence is not in any way glorified and makes a point rather than excites. It may be dark at times but I never had the feeling that it was unnecessary, it serves a greater purpose.

I have taken on-board a huge amount from this novel. Whether this was Thompson’s intention or not I have no idea but I would urge you to read it and see what you bring away. The novel is above all fresh, an emotional tale that still manages to keep up the excitement of a thriller.

ONE SENTENCE: An emotional rollercoaster ride with loads of bite and a gritty plot.

EnchANTing: ANTics by Dakota Douglas

ANTics is a story about 3 ants, BrillANT, ExuberANT and Hesitant and their adventures as they attempt to defeat Puggy, the spider.

The story is very easy going to read and flows in a way that is appropriate for children from about age 7 upwards. (I am not by any means an expert on this but I think this is around about the right age!)

The quirky features of the story like the names of the ants and their home InhabitANT are wonderful and are a brilliant way for children to learn the meanings of new words and expand their vocabulary (They are also amusing for any adults who may be helping out on the way!) The inclusion of characters of other species such as PleasANT and ElegANT are helpful in the plot and create a broad range of personalities that open up a whole realm of possibilities for future plots.

PleasANT is my favourite character (for obvious reasons ;) ) and I’m sure that kids will become quickly attached to their favourite. The main characters, Brill, Zube and HesistANT provide three different personalities that will provide a relateable character for any reader. They are warm and will make any child feel enthusiastic about the contents of their garden. The thoughts of the ants will also bring children to the ants’ level and allow them to imagine what things are like when you are that small.

The pace of the plot is good and the story keeps the excitement moving. The only quibble I have is that Douglas could have made more use of the two-legs’ house, but you never know this may be in the next book! As I have previously said excitement is easily kept and it is more than difficult to prevent yourself from wanting to know what is going to happen to the ants! Parents will be just as interested as their children!

ONE SENTENCE: Children will be enthralled in this backyard-world.

A Cracker-jacking Beginning: An Unfortunate Beginning by Natasha Brown

This story would be wonderful for any child aged between 8 and 13. The plot is exciting and the pace is fast enough to keep you interested without allowing the reader to lose track of what and who is going on. There were lots of features that I enjoyed.

To start with, I have got to say that I absolutely love Brown’s humour, which is unique in its approach and yet still has the laugh-out-loud effect of Rick Riordan’s ‘Percy Jackson’. The gags are little gems within the book and it is impossible not to smile when they do come up.

As I've already said, the plot is warm, exciting and different. Driving you through without any contemplation of stopping. The story-line is clever and incorporates a realm of different aspects but does not overwhelm. The ending is really very good and will keep you guessing until the end, although the wool will still be pulled over your eyes! (probably)

The character of Nimrod (great name. really great name.) is likeable and engaging and it is very difficult not to feel some kind of sympathy for him. Pepper is in the same way likeable and adds depth to the story, although I did find myself forgetting her back-story quickly but that may have just been me. Despite the some of the other characters appearing to be slightly on the flat side at times, I ended up taking a particular shine to Red, who remains my favourite character because of his courage and loyalty.

Brown’s style is intriguing and pleasant and I would not hesitate in recommending this to the younger reader. I hope we will see more of Nimrod’s adventures in the future!

ONE SENTENCE: Engaging and exciting, perfect for children aged 8 and upwards.

A Puzzling Mystery: The Puzzle (A Samantha Jamison Mystery) by Peggy Edelheit

Before reading this novel, I decided to look at some reviews of others on the book. I was surprised to see descriptions including ‘far-fetched’ and ‘a rambling description’, however I concluded that I would judge the book for myself without relying on other people’s conclusions. Upon reading the novel, I found these things to not be an issue in my reading experience! The portrayal of the novel as ‘far-fetched’, seems to be a harsh judgement bearing in the mind that the genre of the book was mystery, so if there had not been anything of this ilk then I probably would have been concerned! The portrayal of the author, Edelheit’s, work as ‘rambling’ also does not seem to fit the novel that I read. I found the novel to be engaging and the voice of the Sam, to be relatable and easy to read.

Other reviews aside, I very much enjoyed the plot of the story which, without giving too much away, is full of twists and turns. Sam as a character was someone with which you feel sympathy and admiration for, for the determination and effort she applies to solving the mystery. Other characters are also well developed giving you a real sense of what it would be like to live in a small town with numerous personalities and charms.

The novel is not what you would expect and I mean that in a good sense. Edelheit gives you all facts, yet fools you in the end, pulling a cat out of the bag that you were by no means imagining. I was very impressed with her style, having been reading mysteries for a number of years.

To conclude, ‘The Puzzle’ by Peggy Edelheit is a great story that will keep you on your toes with a can’t-stop-reading effect.

ONE SENTENCE: Looking forward to reading another of Edelheit’s future novels!

Finding the Light: Light (Gone Series #6) by Michael Grant

Wowzers that ending was great! I more than enjoyed this book.

Michael Grant has a way of writing that is so ruthless and so hostile that you can't put it down. It is so refreshing to read one of his books.

Light was no exception to this rule and literally had me on the edge of my seat with anticipation. With surprises around every corner (good and bad) it was really very difficult to resist urge to read it in every waking hour.

One thing I have always loved about these books are the characters who are so down to earth and have so much guts. Grant makes it very easy for the reader to become each character, one after the other and this gives a depth to the characters that I have not seen often.

How Grant came up with the idea of the FAYZ I don't know, but please read these books, they will not only improve your outlook on life but cause you great enjoyment while you're doing it!

ONE SENTENCE: A little bit more than enjoyable.