Saturday Review - Surviving Extinction by Tara Ellis and Mike Kraus

Title: Surviving Extinction
Author: Tara Ellis and Mike Kraus
Series: Extinction #6
Pages: 171
Release Date: August 6^th 2021
Format: Kindle
Buy it: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads
 
Synopsis: All roads lead to one end as the forces of good and evil come together in a mind-blowing conclusion in book 6 of the Extinction series.
Tired of the usual post-apocalyptic story? Welcome to your new addiction.
An underwater explosion devastates a chain of islands.
A mysterious illness begins to spring up across the world.
Earthquakes shatter the west coast, causing untold damage and loss of life.
To the ordinary observer, these events appear random and coincidental - but for some they're all pieces of a global puzzle that leads to one conclusion: the end of humanity.
In a desperate race against time, the survivors must not only survive but learn to adapt to an insidious set of foes, each more dangerous than the last.
From the #1 best-selling post-apocalyptic author Mike Kraus, writing with best-seller Tara Ellis, comes a terrifying post-apocalyptic survival thriller tale that's guaranteed to keep you up at night.
Point of Extinction is a 6-book post-apocalyptic survival thriller series from the authors of Flashpoint, Final Dawn, Surviving the Fall and Storm’s Fury. With a deep emphasis on characters and real-world science, this post-apoc tale will keep you reading well into the night.
 
My Review: In the final instalment of the Extinction series Peta’s group have made it to Suriname but now they face the wrath of not only the Amazon Jungle but Dr Davis and the Cured.
 
The groups of survivors path intersects with Jessica’s at the preserve and now Jessica must help the group connect with the Lokono and a possible cure for the destruction that is happening to mankind.
 
They now face adversaries both seen and unseen as well as demons they have all tried to bury but what they don’t know is that they were not the only ones making their way to Suriname, Mads who they thought was dead has joined Jessica’s dad and as she gets closer to the Libi Nati her morality starts to be exposed.
 
Currently Reading: Enslaved by Emily Vaughn
Read in 2022: 16/40

Review - Escaping Extinction by Tara Ellis and Mike Kraus

Title: Escaping Extinction
Author: Tara Ellis and Mike Kraus
Series: Extinction #5
Pages: 180
Release Date: June 25^th 2021
Format: Kindle
Buy it: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads
 
Synopsis: The jungle hides many secrets waiting to be discovered as allies become enemies and the final countdown begins in book 5, the penultimate chapter of the Extinction series.
Tired of the usual post-apocalyptic story? Welcome to your new addiction.
An underwater explosion devastates a chain of islands.
A mysterious illness begins to spring up across the world.
Earthquakes shatter the west coast, causing untold damage and loss of life.
To the ordinary observer, these events appear random and coincidental - but for some they're all pieces of a global puzzle that leads to one conclusion: the end of humanity.
In a desperate race against time, the survivors must not only survive but learn to adapt to an insidious set of foes, each more dangerous than the last.
From the #1 best-selling post-apocalyptic author Mike Kraus, writing with best-seller Tara Ellis, comes a terrifying post-apocalyptic survival thriller tale that's guaranteed to keep you up at night.
Point of Extinction is a 6-book post-apocalyptic survival thriller series from the authors of Flashpoint, Final Dawn, Surviving the Fall and Storm’s Fury. With a deep emphasis on characters and real-world science, this post-apoc tale will keep you reading well into the night.
 
My Review: In the 5^th instalment of the series we see the characters all trying to survive once more now that they have arrived in Suriname now that the Amazon Jungle is starting to attack back.
 
After having been rescued by ICONS and then running from them to the CDC Peta has to overcome her burdens and chase down the link between the unexplained disasters and the deadly pathogen.
 
Once The Kuru began Jason tried to gather all the information on the prion disease from those he trusted and set out to find his daughter and anyone left who could help find a cure.
 
Tyler has proven to be a valuable part of the group since losing his mum and leaving his dad at the CDC lab for him the journey has been personal, he needed to help find a cure not just for his did but before time ran out.
 
Jessica is now living at the Libi Nati preserve with her nanny Akuba now that her dad has left her after recovered from the sickness and changed but he's not the only one that Jessica has to worry about, the whole jungle is changing.
 
Was heading for the Amazon Jungle where the source of the prions was located be the right thing to do?
 
Currently Reading: Enslaved by Emily Vaughn
Read in 2022: 16/40

Review - Spread of Extinction by Tara Ellis and Mike Kraus

Title: Spread of Extinction
Author: Tara Ellis and Mike Kraus
Series: Extinction #4
Pages: 188
Release Date: May 7^th 2021
Format: Kindle
Buy it: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads
 
Synopsis: As the true effects of the Kra Puru are made known across the world, a desperate plan to save the world is put in motion in book 4 of the Extinction series.
Tired of the usual post-apocalyptic story? Welcome to your new addiction.
An underwater explosion devastates a chain of islands.
A mysterious illness begins to spring up across the world.
Earthquakes shatter the west coast, causing untold damage and loss of life.
To the ordinary observer, these events appear random and coincidental - but for some they're all pieces of a global puzzle that leads to one conclusion: the end of humanity.
In a desperate race against time, the survivors must not only survive but learn to adapt to an insidious set of foes, each more dangerous than the last.
From the #1 best-selling post-apocalyptic author Mike Kraus, writing with best-seller Tara Ellis, comes a terrifying post-apocalyptic survival thriller tale that's guaranteed to keep you up at night.
Point of Extinction is a 6-book post-apocalyptic survival thriller series from the authors of Flashpoint, Final Dawn, Surviving the Fall and Storm’s Fury. With a deep emphasis on characters and real-world science, this post-apoc tale will keep you reading well into the night.
 
My Review: With the earth now angry the balance has been disrupted and there is only one price to pay; the devastation of the human race or their souls, book 4 brought more surprises to a world where so much has already happened.
 
With all the characters now coming together under one goal and destination their paths will cross in ways they never would have guessed.
 
Peta has nothing left to lose on her chase to the source of the deadly pathogen but rising above the odds she finds the strength to keep going and although she has spent the last several years on her own she now has to rely on her new found friends to achieve her goal.
 
Tyler proves that he is worth being with the group on their journey, with his mum dead and his dad being left at the CDC sick with The Kuru he must pitch in to help get to Suriname to get the cure for his father.
 
Ex-Marine Jason is just the right guy to have with you while travelling across the world during an apocalypse but with his nightmares surfacing will he be able to find the strength to continue to help the group?
 
14 year old Jessica has had to watch her dad become someone else after being infected with the Kru Puru; emotionless and uncaring; he is now distant and wants to gather as many people like him as he can so he can emerge with a new race to overpower those immune to the disease.
 
While on their journey to the Libi Nati Peta faces her demons as a new kind of evil lurks in the Amazon Jungle will relying on everyone’s strengths be enough to overcome the barriers?
 
Currently Reading: Enslaved by Emily Vaughn
Read in 2022: 16/40

Review - Brink of Extinction by Tara Ellis and Mike Kraus

Title: Brink of Extinction
Author: Tara Ellis and Mike Kraus
Series: Extinction #3
Pages: 183
Release Date: March 26^th 2021
Format: Kindle
Buy it: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads
 
Synopsis: While Peta's group barely escapes the Yellowstone eruption, Jason is shocked by an unexpected return and a dangerous new turn for the deadly Kra Puru in Book 3 of the Extinction series.
Tired of the usual post-apocalyptic story? Welcome to your new addiction.
An underwater explosion devastates a chain of islands.
A mysterious illness begins to spring up across the world.
Earthquakes shatter the west coast, causing untold damage and loss of life.
To the ordinary observer, these events appear random and coincidental - but for some they're all pieces of a global puzzle that leads to one conclusion: the end of humanity.
In a desperate race against time, the survivors must not only survive but learn to adapt to an insidious set of foes, each more dangerous than the last.
From the #1 best-selling post-apocalyptic author Mike Kraus, writing with best-seller Tara Ellis, comes a terrifying post-apocalyptic survival thriller tale that's guaranteed to keep you up at night.
Point of Extinction is a 6-book post-apocalyptic survival thriller series from the authors of Flashpoint, Final Dawn, Surviving the Fall and Storm’s Fury. With a deep emphasis on characters and real-world science, this post- apocalyptic tale will keep you reading well into the night.
 
My Review: This is the 3^rd instalment of the Extinction series and the part took a bit of a dip in the series compared to the last two but I still enjoyed reading it.
 
In Brink of Extinction it has been 12 days since the MOHO exploded and we find out why ICONS were really interested in the MOHO and now realising that they should have left it well alone and with the earths tectonics continuing to shift, nature and mankind are on the brink of being wiped out.
 
Peta thinks she know how to stop the world from ending but with travelling almost impossible due to the dangers of not just the earth but the people rioting she needs help in getting to the origins of the prion disease and Devon her colleague who escaped from the Mohorovicic Discontinuity (MOHO) with her is the man to help her and they head for the Centers For Disease Control (CDC) where the government’s last best hope failed due to The Kuru is Peta leading them on a mission that is doomed to fail?
 
Tyler fully believes that Peta can pull off the impossible after she saved him and his father from Madagascar and with both of his parents now victims of the MOHO disaster he is left on his own as they all travel to Suriname in hopes of finding a cure and nothing will get in his way.
 
From the moment the earth changing event began Jason was thrown right back into his past where he was struggling with surviving the war where many perished in front of him and with the help of his loyal dog Marty he is able to focus on the present and not give up on finding his daughter, he is hoping that whatever genetic property he has that makes him immune to The Kuru also makes his daughter immune too. Along with his friend Eddy who had managed to recover from the disease Jason travels to the CDC lab.
 
Jessica feels alone now that her father has been affected by the Kra Puru and left her alone she must come to terms with her new reality and although she doesn’t want to believe the old stories of the prion disease she can’t help but see that people who survived the Kra Puru have changed and now her loving jungle is sick too.
 
Peta, Devon, Tyler, Jason and Eddy are all on the same quest but for different reasons, can they all work together to achieve their main goals?
 
Currently Reading: Enslaved by Emily Vaughn
Read in 2022: 16/40

Review - Layers of Extinction by Tara Ellis and Mike Kraus

Title: Layers of Extinction
Author: Tara Ellis and Mike Kraus
Series: Extinction #2
Pages: 168
Release Date: February 12^th 2021
Format: Kindle
Buy it: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads
 
Synopsis: As the world-wide effects of the apocalyptic scenario continue to develop, tough decisions must be made for the sake of humanity itself.
Tired of the usual post-apocalyptic story? Welcome to your new addiction.
An underwater explosion devastates a chain of islands.
A mysterious illness begins to spring up across the world.
Earthquakes shatter the west coast, causing untold damage and loss of life.
To the ordinary observer, these events appear random and coincidental - but for some they're all pieces of a global puzzle that leads to one conclusion: the end of humanity.
In a desperate race against time, the survivors must not only survive but learn to adapt to an insidious set of foes, each more dangerous than the last.
 
My Review: After the MOHO explosion causing V8 eruptions and 9.3 earthquakes the survivors learn that they are not over the worst of it yet as a deadly virus is unleashed and not everyone will survive unharmed.
 
Peta is tasked with finding out what is causing the spreading disasters but after finding out that ICONS are not who they portrayed themselves to be Peta and Devon go rogue and now on the run they have to find a way to stay alive.
 
Now in the Nevada plains after escaping the military in the midst of a Yellowstone eruption Tyler and his parents teamed up with Peta and Devon out of desperation and with already losing so much will the coming days take more from the young boy?
 
Jessica was fortunate to be tucked away on the Libi Nati Preserve in Suriname being one of a few to escape the original events unscathed, the local hot springs erupted into geysers and people began to fall ill including her father but when he wakes up he is not himself and Jessica has to turn to the local Lokono for help and they reveal the terrifying truth about the Kra Puru disease that the whole world is calling The Kuru.
 
Jason left Seattle trying to figure out how he was still alive when he had watched so many die from the disease while working in the hospital, he goes in search of a daughter he has never know while carrying a folder full of crucial information and trying to survive.
 
Mads worked with ICONS to try and cover up her guilt but she is blinded by the real threat as she works becoming infected with The Kuru, she is forced to choose what her final act will be, will she do good or be selfish?
 
This was a great 2nd instalment in the Extinction series and I cannot wait to see how it unfolds in book 3
 
Currently Reading: Enslaved by Emily Vaughn
Read in 2022: 16/40

Review - Point of Extinction by Tara Ellis and Mike Kraus

Title: Point of Extinction
Author: Tara Ellis and Mike Kraus
Series: Extinction #1
Pages: 216
Release Date: February 6^th 2021
Format: Kindle
Buy it: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads
 
Synopsis: An ancient killer. A nation torn apart. One woman will stop at nothing to save her family - or die trying.
Tired of the usual post-apocalyptic story? Welcome to your new addiction.
An underwater explosion devastates a chain of islands.
A mysterious illness begins to spring up across the world.
Earthquakes shatter the west coast, causing untold damage and loss of life.
To the ordinary observer, these events appear random and coincidental - but for some they're all pieces of a global puzzle that leads to one conclusion: the end of humanity.
In a desperate race against time, the survivors must not only survive but learn to adapt to an insidious set of foes, each more dangerous than the last.
 
My Review: This is the first book in the extinction series and another post- apocalyptic series by Tara Ellis and Mike Kraus, again this story is told in several POVs which is not my favourite way to tell a story but it works in these kinds of stories.
 
When Dr Henry Crane a brilliant Marine Geophysicist goes into the Indian Ocean to take a look at the MOHO Island an underwater volcano he that had started to collapse to get samples the seafloor collapses, the MOHO Island explodes and causes a deadly pyroclastic flow, tsunamis and a toxic methane to be released into the air killing millions but this is just that start of a series of events.
 
Peta and her assistant Devon are a few hundred miles away when the explosion occurs and they have to run for their lives to escape death, being rescued by a mysterious corporation ICONS Peta is wary of their intentions.
 
Tyler is a 16 year old who though he had finally found somewhere he could belong before then explosion but when he is trapped in Madagascar with his dad he must follow a plan that his mother set out for them and Tyler find out that his mum a Naval intelligence officer was hiding stuff about the MOHO Island from him.
 
Jessica grew up in Suriname with her father deep in the Amazon Jungle and all she wants is to keep her family together, her father created their own island on an old Dutch Sugar plantation and converted it into a scientific research post where he studied the unique qualities of the local hot springs the Libi Nati, when the MOHO exploded the hot springs changed.
 
Jason a retired combat medic is now suffering from PTSD and when the disaster occurs the United States suffers from record breaking earthquakes he goes to the trauma centre at the hospital he now works at to help out
 
Madeline a crazy and relentless researcher had researched the cataclysmic anomalies from the safety of her home and she could see patterns through her unique view and she knew parts of the truth about why ICONS were so interested in the MOHO.
 
Tara is one of my go to authors and even though I don’t really read post-apocalyptic books I had to read this especially after liking the first one she did with Mike Kraus and I couldn't put it down and I had to read the second one as soon as it came out.
 
Currently Reading: Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin
Read in 2022: 15/40

Review - Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult

Title: Plain Truth
Author: Jodi Picoult
Pages: 464
Release Date: October 25^th 2004
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads
 
Synopsis: From the bestselling author of My Sister's Keeper comes the riveting story of a murder that shatters the picturesque calm of Amish country -- and tests the heart and soul of the lawyer defending the woman at the center of the storm.
 
The discovery of a dead infant in an Amish barn shakes Lancaster County to its core. But the police investigation leads to a more shocking disclosure: circumstantial evidence suggests that eighteen-year-old Katie Fisher, an unmarried Amish woman believed to be the newborn's mother, took the child's life. When Ellie Hathaway, a disillusioned big-city attorney, comes to Paradise, Pennsylvania, to defend Katie, two cultures collide -- and for the first time in her high-profile career, Ellie faces a system of justice very different from her own. Delving deep inside the world of those who live "plain," Ellie must find a way to reach Katie on her terms. And as she unravels a tangled murder case, Ellie also looks deep within -- to confront her own fears and desires when a man from her past re-enters her life.
 
My Review: I originally read this book about 10 years ago and even though the plot is sad I enjoyed it.
 
Katie had been sneaking away from her Amish home with the help of her mother to visit her brother who had left the Amish community  and these she meets a boy and they grow close and do what any normal 18 year old does and they sleep together, this results in Katie getting pregnant but she doesn’t tell anyone about the pregnancy and pretends that it never happened.
 
One night she goes into labour and she sneaks off into the barn and gives birth but this baby does not survive and Katie hides the baby, this has the police getting involved and 18 year old Katie is charged with murdering her newborn baby and it is Ellie job to prove that Katie never killed her child.
 
Currently Reading: Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin
Read in 2022: 15/40

Saturday Review - In Conclusion, Don't Worry About It by Lauren Graham

Title: In Conclusion, Don’t Worry About It
Author: Lauren Graham
Pages: 64
Release Date: April 3^rd 2018
Format: Hardback
Buy it: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads
 
Synopsis: Advice for graduates and reflections on staying true to yourself from the beloved Gilmore Girls actress and New York Times bestselling author of the memoir Talking as Fast as I Can and the novel Someday, Someday, Maybe.
"If you're not where you want to be on this day - don't worry about it. Because the spotlight aspect of life? That's not the satisfying part."
In this expansion of her 2017 commencement speech at her hometown Langley High, Lauren Graham reflects in her hilarious, relatable voice, on growing up, pursuing your dreams, and living in the here-and-now. "Whatever path you choose, whatever career you decide to go after, the important thing," she writes, "is that you keep finding joy in what you're doing, especially when the joy isn't finding you." She reminds us to be curious and compassionate, no matter where life takes you. "Whether you hope to be an actor or a politician or a mathematician, I've learned that empathy and kindness are your most valuable tools." Grounded and inspiring, this is Graham's roadmap to a happy life: "Be a fan, not a theater critic."
 
My Review: Lauren Graham’s dad nominated her to give the commencement speech at her old school and this short but funny book gives advice to the students who are graduating, it tells them to remember that no matter what they want to do in life sometimes you might get their right way sometime it may take longer than you first thought but to always be true to yourself.
 
Currently Reading: Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin and Sky's Story by Louise Allen
Read in 2022: 14/40

Review - Shadowed Heart by Candace Wondrak

Title: Shadowed Heart
Author: Candace Wondrak
Series: A Death So Sweet
Pages: 337
Release Date: February 1^st 2021
Format: Kindle
Buy it: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads
 
My Review: I read this book as my good friend Alice was starting a book club and this was the chosen book, it sounded like it would be something I would really enjoy so I voted for it but I actually didn’t really enjoy it at all.
 
After the death of her parents, Lola becomes a killer she is known as the Night Slayer as she stalks the clubs and kills anyone who harasses her while she’s having a good time only she end up killing the wrong guy, the son of a crime lord.
 
The Luciano family track her down and kidnap her and make her their pet where she has to do their bidding she actually fits into the family and helps them out on ‘jobs’.
 
To be honest the books was okay but I didn’t think that a murderous lunatic like Lola would be someone who got along with the mob, sure she fits in and enjoys helping them with their ‘jobs’ but surely she would rather just keep doing what she was doing before they captured her.
 
Currently Reading: Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin and Sky's Story by Louise Allen
Read in 2022: 14/40

Review - Elbow Grease: Teamwork Wins by John Cena

Title: Elbow Grease: Teamwork Wins
Author: John Cena
Series: Elbow Grease
Pages: 32
Release Date: January 5^th 2021
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads
 
Synopsis: It's up to Elbow Grease, the little blue monster truck who never gives up, to help his brother and his whole monster truck family in this Step 1 reader from superstar entertainer and #1 New York Times bestselling author John Cena!
A fun and fast-paced leveled reader from multitalented mega celebrity John Cena! Elbow Grease and his four monster truck brothers love to race--but even the fastest racers have to slow down every once in a while, whether it's to stop for a tune-up, tire change, or some extra gas. Except Crash is having so much fun, he doesn't want to stop! Can Elbow Grease and his brothers work together to reel Crash in? Young readers will love Elbow Grease and his monster truck family in this Step 1 reader based on John Cena's Elbow Grease picture book series!
Step 1 Readers feature big type and easy words for children who know the alphabet and are eager to begin reading. Rhyming and rhythmic text paired with picture clues will help young readers decode the story.
 
My Review: This story is written by the WWE wrestler and film star John Cena for children who are just starting to read, it follows a monster truck named Elbow Grease and his family as they take part in a race, when one of the brothers does not stop the others must work together to help him out. The monster trucks all have different personalities and all look different so the children will be able to recognise the monster trucks on sight.
 
Currently Reading: Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin
Read in 2022: 14/40

Review - Elbow Grease: My Monster Truck Family by John Cena

Title: Elbow Grease: My Monster Truck Family
Author: John Cena
Series: Elbow Grease
Pages: 32
Release Date: January 7^th 2020
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads
 
Synopsis: Meet the little truck who never gives up--Elbow Grease--and his four monster truck brothers in this Step 1 Step Into Reading leveled reader from superstar entertainer and #1 New York Times bestselling author John Cena!
A fun and fast-paced leveled reader from multitalented mega celebrity John Cena! Elbow Grease has four big brothers--each one special and unique in his own way. Meet tough Tank, fast Flash, smart Pinball, brave Crash, and of course Elbow Grease, who never gives up, in this Step 1 reader based on John Cena's Elbow Grease picture book series! 
 
My Review: This story is written by the WWE wrestler and film star John Cena for children who are just starting to read, it follows a monster truck named Elbow Grease and his family and we get to know each of the monster trucks. The monster trucks all have different personalities and all look different so the children will be able to recognise the monster trucks on sight.
 
Currently Reading: Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin
Read in 2022: 14/40

Review - Elbow Grease: Get Out and Play by John Cena

Title: Elbow Grease: Get Out and Play
Author: John Cena
Series: Elbow Grease
Pages: 32
Release Date: January 7^th 2020
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads

Synopsis: Join Elbow Grease, the little truck who never gives up, as he plays with his monster truck brothers in the rain and sun in this Step 1 Step Into Reading leveled reader from superstar entertainer and #1 New York Times bestselling author John Cena!
A fun-filled leveled reader from multi-talented mega celebrity John Cena! Elbow Grease loves to race, splash and play with his four monster truck brothers: Tank, Flash, Pinball and Crash! The brothers enjoy a play day in this Step 1 reader based on John Cena's Elbow Grease picture book series!

My Review: This story is written by the WWE wrestler and film star John Cena for children who are just starting to read, it follows a monster truck named Elbow Grease and his family as they play together in the rain getting muddy. The monster trucks all have different personalities and all look different so the children will be able to recognise the monster trucks on sight.

Currently Reading: Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin
Read in 2022: 14/40

 

Review - The Dinosaur that Pooped a Pirate by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Pointer

Title: The Dinosaur that Pooped a Pirate
Author: Tom Fletcher and Dougie Pointer
Series: The Dinosaur that Pooped
Pages: 32
Release Date: August 20^th 2020
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads
 
Synopsis: Danny and Dinosaur sailed out to sea on a ship that was crooked and old.

With a map in Dan's hand of a faraway land, where a pirate had buried his gold . . .

So begins this hilarious, swashbuckling adventure for Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter's much-loved characters Danny and Dinosaur!

This poop-filled extravaganza is brought to life by the preposterously talented illustrator Garry Parsons, and the brand new sea-shanty rhythm is perfect for reading out loud.

Join Danny and Dino on this rollicking, rhyming delight, packed with action and adventure, pirates and peril...plus some very silly surprises!

My Review: I really love these Dinosaur stories, in this story Danny and his Dinosaur go in search of buried treasure and as usual Dino starts to eat everything in sight until Danny and the Dinosaur are eaten themselves, How will Danny and Dino escape?
 
This story is really entertaining even to adults.
 
Currently Reading: Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin
Read in 2022: 14/40

Books Read in 2021

So 2021 was just as bad a year as 2020 because of COVID-19 and because of me being ill but I was able to surpass my goal of reading 40 books and I read 46. A lot of my reads in 2021 were rereads due to not being able to go to the library and me not wanting to buy more books until I had read the ones I already own.

Here's what I read in 2021:

1. Gravity Happens Lizzie James
2. Elbow Grease: Teamwork Wins! by John Cena
3. Wintercraft Jenna Burtenshaw
4. Blackwatch by Jenna Burtenshaw
5. Legacy by Jenna Burtenshaw
6. In Conclusion, Don't Worry About It by Lauren Graham
7. Addicted to Love by Alice La Roux
8. Claws that Catch by Alice La Roux
9. Paint it Red by Alice La Roux
10. Good Girl by Alice La Roux
11. Breeding Lilacs by Alice La Roux
12. Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult
13. Shadowed Heart by Candace Wondrak
14. Point of Extinction by Tara Ellis and Mike Kraus
15. Layers of Extinction by Tara Ellis and Mike Kraus
16. Brink of Extinction by Tara Ellis and Mike Kraus
17. Spread of Extinction by Tara Ellis and Mike Kraus
18. Escaping Extinction by Tara Ellis and Mike Kraus
19. Surviving Extinction by Tara Ellis and Mike Kraus
20. Myths and Legends by Laura Greenwood
21. Die for Me by Amy Plum
22. Summer Hollow by Jennifer Malone Wright
23. Keeper Vs Reaper by Jennifer Malone Wright
24. Keeper of the Peace by Jennifer Malone Wright
25. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis
26. Oi Aardvark by Kes Grey
27. Another Forgotten Child by Cathy Glass
28. Hidden by Cathy Glass
29. Damaged by Cathy Glass
30. Cut by Cathy Glass
31. Will You Love Me? by Cathy Glass
32. Daddy's Little Princess by Cathy Glass
33. The Saddest Girl in the World by Cathy Glass
34. Pool House by Melissa Lozada-Oliva
35. The Brick Slayer by Harold Schechter
36. The Pied Piper by Harold Schechter
37. Little Slaughterhouse on the Prairie by Harold Schechter
38. Beauty Slain in Bath by Harold Schechter
39. The Veil by Rachel Harrison
40. Addie Bell's Shortcut to Growing up by Jessica Brody
41. City of Villains by Estelle Laure
42. Fated by Alyson Noel
43. Payback by Natalie Y Moore
44. A Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket
45. Isabella the Warrior Queen by Kirsten Downey
46. Missing: A Boy and the Evidence Against His Accused Killer by Joaquin Sapien

My goal for 2022 is 40, I know I can read that as I've done it before but with life going back to being 'normal' again means I will be going back to work after my operation as well as having my final year of university starting later this year.

I hope you all get to do plenty of reading in 2022 and you all keep safe x

Happy New Year

I would just like to wish everyone a very happy New Year

Remember to read lots of books and be nice to each other

Have a great New Year love Annamarie

Happy Christmas

I would just like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas, I hope that Father Christmas brought you lots of nice new books.

I'm Back

So I haven't posted much over the last 12 months even though I have been reading a lot due to COVID and but it's been because of 3 things 1) University is hard now I'm almost on my final year and 2) I've been in hospital with Kidney stones and I'm awaiting and operation and 3) I've mainly been re-reading my favourite books of the last 10 years of blogging and I have to say that most of these books are still just as good, if not better the second time round.
 
Now that I have finished college and I'm not volunteering due to being ill I plan on catching up on reviews over my Christmas break and lining up some author interviews. Below are some of the books I need to review and post, these will go live as soon as I can pull myself away from my books.
 
1) Shadowed Heart by Candace Wondrak
2) Point of Extinction series by Tara Ellis and Mike Kraus
3) Myths and Legends by Various Author's

4) Graveyard Guardian's by Jennifer Malone Wright

5) Various Cathy Glass books

 
Happy Reading and Keep Safe x

Blog Birthday

Today is the blogs 11th birthday to Annamarie's Book Reviews.

I hope you have enjoyed reading my reviews for the last 11 years as much as I have enjoyed writing them.

Saturday Review - The Good Girl by Alice La Rou

 

Title: The Good Girl
Author: Alice La Roux
Pages: 216
Release Date: April 5th 2021
Format: eBook
Buy it: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads

Synopsis: Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Nothing can describe the town of Silvercrest better.

This seemingly charming, sleepy town is ruled by The Society. An elite organization swimming in Old money that originates back to the founding families. But money cannot hide the stench of death and deceit which lingers amongst the sweet smelling hydrangeas that surround white picket fences.

Tristan Radcliffe might be my fiancé, but not through choice. Nothing in my life is a choice.

I am always a good girl, obeying my family as expected because I am Elena Montgomery, a child of The Society.

And this was the life we lived.

My Review: I loved this story in The Society anthology and I was really glad that it got extended.

The Society will do anything to protect their way of life, even if that means forcing Elena to marry Tristan. Elena is a perfect student who loves to dance and tries way too hard to please her father even when he doesn’t have her best interests at heart. Tristan on the other hand would rather smoke weed and paint.

Elena doesn’t want to marry Tristan she wants to go to college but her father is having none of it he won’t have her ruin his look as Mayor, the only person who sees the real Elena is Tristan.

Tristan spend the whole book pushing Elena trying to remove the strings put in place by her father, he wants her to be free and be herself but all Elena wants to do is please her father and be a good girl.

During this extended version we got to see more of the background characters throughout Elena and Tristan’s chapters and I LOVED Tabitha and how she looks out for Elena and Elena’s mother who helps Elena to finally be herself even if Elena thinks the mother-daughter time is a test.

Can Tristan win Elena round or will her father push her too far?

Currently Reading: Brink of Extinction by Tara Ellis and Mike Kraus
Read in 2021: 11/40

Review - In Conclusion, Don't Worry About It by Lauren Graham

Title: In Conclusion, Don't Worry About It
Author: Lauren Graham
Pages: 64
Release Date: 3rd April 2018
Format: Hardback
Buy it: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads

Synopsis: Advice for graduates and reflections on staying true to yourself from the beloved Gilmore Girl acctress and New York Times bestselling author of the memoir Talking as Fast as I Can and the novel Someday, Someday, Maybe.

"If you're not where youwant to be on this day - don't worry about it. Because the spotlight aspect of life? That's not the satisfying part."

In this expansion of her 2017 commencement speech at her hometome Langley High, Lauren Graham reflects in her hilarious, relatable voice, on growing up, pursuing your dreams, and living in the here-and-now. "Whatever path upi choose, whatever career you decide to go after, the important thing." She reminds us to be curious and compassionate, no matter where life takes you, "Whether you hope to be an actop or a politician ot a mathematician, I've learned that empathy and kindness are your most vauable tools." Grounding and inspiring, this is Graham's roadmap to a happy life; "Be a fan, not a theater critic."

My Review: This is a short and sweet book about the commencement speech that Ms Graham made at her old high school in 2017 that her dad signed her up for with some awesome advice. The things that she talks about are relatable and motivational.

She talks about life and how no matter what you go on to do after high school don't stress about what comes next as you never know where life will take you even if you think that you have it all figured out.

The message of the story is that if you don't know what you want to do with life after high school then that's fine you have time to decide later in life and it will all be okay, as long as you embrace the present and do not worry about the future.

I really loved the little doodles that she included in with the book.

Currently Reading: Something, Something, Maybe by Lauren Graham
Read in 2020: 5/40

Review - Addicted to Love by Alice La Roux

 

Title: Addicted to Love
Author: Alice La Roux
Series: 
Pages: 57
Release Date: 5th February 2021
Format: Kindle
Buy it: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads

Synopsis: Motherless and living with a father who would rather get high, than move off the couch and get a job, Tammy Reuben has always been trailer trash. And she's never been ashamed of that fact, until now.

Rich boy Luke Anderson is everything she hates. Privileged, arrogant and completely unaware of life on the other side of the tracks.

So when he strides into the record store she works in, why does he make her feel uncomfortable in her own skin?

And why does he make her feel like she has potential to be something more?

Put that Aqua Net away and slip into something a little more comfortable with one of twelve couples as they fall in love in Pine Grove.

My Review: I really enjoyed this story, I loved Luke as he took care of Tammy even though she was plenty capable to look after herself especially once she had gotten rid of the toxic people in her life and had gotten herself out from under her dads roof.

Tammy is really smart and is really good at turning something cheap into something cute and looking like it's not actually from a charity shop.

This book is really up there with my favourites by this author.

Currently Reading: Someday, Someday Maybe by Lauren Graham

Read in 2020: 5/40

Review - Gravity Happens by Lizzie James

 

Title: Gravity Happens
Author: Lizzie James
Pages: 167
Release Date: 16th December 2020
Format: Kindle
Buy it: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads

Synopsis: A friends-to-lovers Christmas stroy

Lauren

He was there, Through all the good times, and the bad, when my world collapsed and me family passed away, he was there. He picked me up and gave me a reason to keep going. He just never saw that the reason was him.

Thomas

My best friend started oulling away. The girl who has always been by my side was now too busy for me. Suddenly, the revolving door of my bedroom no longer held my attention, and I wasn't sure why.

Would Thomas finally wake up and see what he'd been missing all this time?

Find out if this crazy pair finally take a chance and allow their love story to unfold this Christmas.

My Review: Thomas and Lauren have been friends for years, his mum took her in after her parents died and Lauren has loved Thomas for a long time but he never noticed her as anything but a friend, he always seemed to have a girl and this annoyed Lauren to the point that she decided to move on and get on with her life.

Lauren starts to date in an attempt to move on and Thomas decides that he doesn't like it and even stops seeing girls himself and he starts to notice Lauren and finally starts getting the hints that his friends and family have been giving him about Lauren liking him.

Thomas didn't like the fact that Lauren was dating and he starts to make a move on her and Lauren pushes him away until eventually they both decide to give love a chance.

Overally I liked this book, I was a quick read and had plenty to keep you going.

Currently Reading: Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham
Read in 2020: 5/40