Young Adult

Review From- https://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/2016/09/stalking-jack-the-ripper-by-kerri-maniscalco-book-review-giveaway/

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I’ve always been fascinated by Jack the Ripper. I don’t know why because I’m not a fan of violence or gore or creepy people or really anything that this serial killer was. I suppose the mystery just pulled me in more than anything else. These events happened so long ago that Jack the Ripper almost feels like a legend to me. How could someone that evil really exist? But he did, and Kerri brings him to life in her shining debut in a way that is chilling and disturbing, yet captivating.

As soon as I heard about Stalking Jack the Ripper, I was all over it. I HAD to get my hands on it and was delighted when the publisher sent me a copy for review. My excitement grew when I found out I was put on the blog tour with The Irish Banana Review, and I dove into this novel as soon as I could. Honestly, it was like hitting ice cold water. This book made my skin crawl, made me cringe and squirm, and totally grossed me out! Because Audrey Rose is a medical examiner’s apprentice, descriptions of the people she performed autopsies on were very detailed in a graphic, yet scientific way (seriously, the science helped me a little). I felt like I was reading a piece of an episode of NCIS or CSI. Intestines and reproductive organs are mentioned! Eeeeew! I hated picturing what was done to these innocent women! It definitely took some getting used to. Kerri did her research, let me tell you.

All the yucky was nicely balanced by Kerri’s lovely writing style. She did a beautiful job, and I loved the flow of her words. At times things dragged a little bit for me, but it was ok because I enjoyed the writing so much. The story was very intriguing, yet I wanted more suspense throughout (and maybe a little less gore because ouch). There are some major twists and turns at the end, however, that were well worth the gradual build-up for me.

I loved Audrey Rose. She’s got so much spunk and tenacity. She’s a modern thinker, and won’t let anyone keep her from her dreams. She’s also brave and a little crazy for wanting to perform autopsies, but you know. That’s ok! I also loved Thomas and his dry sarcasm. There’s a few twinkles of romance here and there between these two, but very little. The groundwork has been laid, and Kerri posted a little snippet from book #2 on Twitter recently that had me swooning a little, so I’m excited about where these two head in the future!

All in all, this was a great read that threw me out of my comfort zone. I can’t wait to see where book #2 brings us. The creepy atmosphere makes this the perfect fall weather read, and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to someone looking for a unique spin on such a famous event in history. Read it with the lights on and on an empty stomach! Kerri Maniscalco is an author to keep an eye on, for sure.

The Summer’s hottest YA Horror!

Review From- https://neverjudgeabookbyitscover.co.uk/2022/08/book-review-the-honeys-by-ryan-la-sala-dont-miss-this-summers-hottest-ya-horror.html

Image From- https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/895f0425-ffa8-4711-93ff-a74325bfd353

The Honeys follows Mars, when his twin sister, Caroline, is horrifically dies in front of him, he is haunted by it. Ever since attending Aspen Summer Academy, Caroline changed, she grew cold and distant from him and his family especially when she became a ‘Honey’ – the camps royalty. Her death sparked an anger, a revenge in Mars. So he attends Aspen in her place, however his gender fluidity caused the camp problems the last time he were there as he doesn’t quite conform to their traditions. All he wants to do to truly find out what really happened too her whilst also wanting to be accepted and infiltrate the Honey’s. What he doesn’t realise is that this is something is toying with him that is lurking deep within the camp.

What surprised me the most was the narrative of the novel. Ryan La Sala’s writing is unique, beautiful yet horrifying seductive. I loved how stunning and beautoful the world building and locations of the book as he just pulls you right into the story. Like nothing could possibly happen here when there’s this twisted darkness weaved throughout the story. Some aspects of the book especially the last 25% – it has a way of crawling right under your skin, making your hair stand up on end.

I feel the last month, my reading has really diversified and this was my first LGBTQ+ YA featuring a gender fluid character. What I loved was how I felt educated and on reflection we see Mars trying to fit in and how society (the camp) is this instance views him. I loved how we see Mars being true to himself throughout the whole no matter what.

Don’t let this gorgeous, summery cover fool you. It did me as soon you open to the first page, by the end of the first chapter, your reaction as a reader will be priceless. What I thought was something like a lgbtq+ YA thriller I was sorely mistaken. It isn’t until your 75% into the book that you truly see was lurking beneath. Something sinister, toxic and stinging to the core. Intrigued are you not?!

My new favoruite read of 2022! Unique and totally unforgettable!

Review From: https://ppld.org/teens/book-reviews/2999

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I have heard mixed reviews about this book so I kept a neutral expectation for it. This book completely broke my standards. The magic, lore, and world in the this book is so unique, creative and perfectly easy to understand and be captivated by. There were some points where I was slightly bored but I’m ever so glad I stuck through because when it did get dramatic, oh did it get dramatic. This book is perfect for those who like an equal mix of fantasy and romance and a small portion of action, of course.
The female main character is totally relatable especially for those who can relate to the role of the cautious yet extremely caring older sibling. Scarlett risks everything for her sister and she has such a big heart. Scarlett’s decisions will have you on the edge of your seat, because in this book it’s hard to forget that everything is just an act.
Speaking out for the hopeless romantics, the two main male characters, Dante and Julian, are everything! I swear I blushed a couple times because of them. The story wouldn’t be nearly the same without them.
This book will forever be engraved in my memory. You will never forget the feeling of the magical world inside Caraval and Isla de los Suenos. Even though it wasn’t 5 stars, this will definitely be in my top books of the year.
I didn’t quite understand the intensity of this repeated quote but always keep in mind, “remember it’s only a game”.