Haven't They Grown by Sophie Hannah

 Haven't They Grown

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)

Review:

A creatively, intriguing story that was cleverly put together.

The main character, who is a middle-aged mother, whom I've hardly read about due to teen fiction, is presented with unique dynamics with her teenage children. It was interesting to live in the shoes of a mother with teenagers since it's rare to see in books. She has distinct thoughts about technology and how they should be treated.

The book starts with the main character, Beth, dropping off her son at a football match, until she realises that one of her old friends, whom she hasn't been in contact with for 12 years, lives nearby. After dropping her son off, she went back to the old house for a little nose around, until she saw the gates to the house, opened. A vehicle drives into the front garden, and who she sees come out is Flora, her best friend from 12 years ago. However, it seemed that Flora was on the phone, distressed about something, worrying Beth, when 5-year-old Thomas and 3-year-old Emily came out of the car, exactly like they were 12 years ago. How were they the same age? What's going on in the household? And especially, where is Georgina, the youngest child?

The story is packed full of countless mysteries to be solved with stalkers, danger, and threats, making Beth worried for all the children, including Flora. What was happening at number 15 Wyddial Lane?

I thoroughly enjoyed finding the clues with Beth in a less big investigator way, only herself, showing the family's relationship after their wife and mother have become obsessed with a terrifying mystery. Although, I would have liked to hear more about her son's opinion on the investigation since it was mainly the daughter.

What will Beth find out about Flora? Where is her husband? And why haven't they grown?

How to Hang a Witch by Adriana Mather

 How to Hang a Witch

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)

Review:

A novel based on a real place, written with countless twists and turns from a fictional story.

After the passing of Samantha’s grandmother, whom she’s never seen, and her father in a coma, Sam had to move from New York to an intriguing old town with history from centuries ago, named Salem.

After stepping into a historical, old house, her grandmother lived in, Sam sensed that something was wrong. From the incredibly friendly neighbours to the peculiar haunts and mysteries around the house, finding a diary in a secret room, questioning where the hangings took place.

Sam became the target of the descendants since she is an ancestor of an infamous person who is hated by the public. She was tormented by the other descendants until she found out that somebody worse was her enemy after a centuries-old curse revived, and she had to end it by herself with a mystical figure.

This book was an exciting read that intrigued me with each page. There were many twists I never expected, making me anxious near the end for the main character, Sam. Questions that flow along well, being answered left and right, unknowing of the enemy, who started to turn the entire town against Sam over countless catastrophes.

An incredible read that excites every moment.

Mary Poppins Comes Back by P.L. Travers

 

Mary Poppins Comes Back 

 

Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)

Review:

An exciting sequel to a classic children's book series with countless adventures and magic to spark your interest.

In comparison to the first book, the sequel had a much better flow inter-winding through each chapter. However, this book remains confusing by making you wonder when some of the scenes took place. The first couple of chapters had a remarkable flow to them, but it eventually got lost in the middle of the book.

The descriptions were intriguing, catching you in, except with a few questionable wordings, such as describing the music as gay. Of course, this book was written in the 1930s, so I found it fascinating to read the wording that the author used as an adjective, even though I didn’t agree with a couple.

Mary Poppins comes back to a noisy number seventeen, Cherry Tree Lane, where the children were ever so naughty. The mysterious Poppins invites the children and reader to go on countless adventures by learning important lessons and going to a circus made of stars! Although, all good things come to an end.

Overall, the stories were fun, but they weren’t as memorable as the first book. However, the ending has now left me intrigued by how Mary Poppins will come back again.

 

Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers

 Mary Poppins

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 stars)

Review:

A classic story that I struggled to engage with as a kid, and still found it longer to get into.

I was excited to read the story of Mary Poppins after watching the films around the Christmas season each year. It was extremely interesting to see where the origins of the famous nanny came to life.

Each chapter felt like its own individual story that feels each adventure takes hold months apart from each other, instead of a flowing novel that I was expecting as a whole. The chapters had distinct stories from a compass that teleport around the world to a dancing cow, which works wonders for the target audience.

We start in a familiar place, similar to the film. Nannies are queued up at the gate of number seventeen, Cherry Tree Lane, who lived the Banks and their four children. Jane was the oldest. Then Michael, and finally the youngsters, who are a set of twins, John and Barbara. They were known as naughty and mischievous children, making the Banks frustrated and struggle to find their very own nanny to look after the kids, until a woman using an umbrella, flew by with the wind, holding a handbag made out of carpet! Her task was to care for the children and ensure they were disciplined. Poppins takes the kids on adventures that make Jane and Michael curious about where their new nanny is from, showing how unique and mysterious she is.

Although I found this book difficult to get into at first, I found each adventure and story charming and distinct from each other. A book, which I recommend for sparkling imagination. 

Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson

 Good Girl, Bad Blood

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5 stars)

Review:

After feeling disappointed by the show, I knew that I needed to read the sequel, and wow was I satisfied.

The book starts around April, almost a year after Pip started investigating the Andie Bell case. She has a successful podcast and a heart warming relationship with her assistant in the investigation, Ravi (although, I wish there was more involvement with Ravi in this book to show their chemistry as a couple). However, Pip has stepped down as a detective due to the consequences of working on the last investigation, almost getting killed and her close family and friends suffering. Until she hears a knock from one of her closest friends, asking for help after their sibling has gone missing, last seen at the memorial for Andie and Sal.

This book was brilliant, making the reader feel engaged and like they are once again working with Pip on the case. The investigation had many twists and turns that I didn’t expect up to the very end, having the reader on the edge of their seat. This made me excited to keep reading because I was curious with how Pip could find the missing person.

I do believe that the first book was slightly better since it had more evidence to understand, even though I knew that the first case was for a school project and had a log, but I think it helps the reader to easily follow the process and gather in the information and evidence. Although the book still flows nicely, it was intriguing to differ from a case from five years ago and currently present.

The plot was excellent in filling me in, and I enjoyed how the author portrayed social media, showing how theories and fake news can make people turn away from Pip, making the reader feel annoyed at them for believing in this, similar to how it feels online.

Overall, the story and depth of the characters were amazing. Although, I would have loved more interactions between one another, especially Pip and Ravi, so I could see more of their chemistry as a romantic relationship. I am heavily excited to read the third book in the trilogy to see how the ending of this book has now changed Pip’s life.  

Girls in Tears by Jacqueline Wilson

 Girls in Tears

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Review:

An easy read, with deep meanings.

When you think of Jacqueline Wilson, you think of children’s books, such as Hetty Feather and Tracy Beaker. Books that are targeted towards children with deep subjects from child labour, being an orphan, and parents divorcing. With words and stories that kids could understand. I was surprised when I was gifted Girls in Tears a couple of years ago when I was still an older teen due to the language and experience, I had reading Wilson’s stories. However, after reading this particular book, I instantly knew who the target demographic was: young teenagers. Important topics include: eating disorders, one's self-image, alcohol, sex, and relationships towards romantic partners, family and friends. Something that teens and young adults worry about often.

The story teaches teenagers, especially girls, that crying in any situation is normal and it’s okay to feel these emotions. Something that could make them feel embarrassed about when they shouldn’t have to be. Each character had development, making them want to mend relationships with one another, whether that is towards parents, best friends, or romantic partners.

Not many authors mention or make the normality that it’s okay to showcase these emotions on important topics. No matter if you are happy or sad, you can cry and shouldn’t feel embarrassed when showing your emotions. I really do commend Jacqueline Wilson for writing this kind of story. 

Let's Play Murder by Kesia Lupo

 Let's Play Murder

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review:

Wow!! An incredible piece of fiction with twists and unexpected turns of events, making you think twice about trusting the main character, a risk many authors don’t take.

Veronica finds herself in the game whilst playing with her sick brother on VR. After an event that made her dislike using the console, she decided to play. A mysterious investigation of a crime, which players have to solve to win a prize, but how much does it take to win?

The ending took me by surprise, doubting what I had thought about Veronica and how each scenario had ended up. Mysteries that were bigger than the actual game itself evolved, making the story more intense and wanting you to carry on reading.

The characterisation was fascinating. Each character had distinct determinations, making the story more suspenseful, and all had chapters that made their individuality and personality spark, giving the reader different opinions about them.

I loved the writing, bringing the world into my imagination with intriguing descriptions, making the building collapse and age on each level, creating a dark atmosphere.

I would highly recommend this book!

The Shining by Stephen King

 The Shining

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Review:

The Shining was an incredible story that hooked me from start to end. For someone who hasn't watched the film before, the setting and descriptions intrigued me with the characters, even sympathies when they grew darker due to their origins. I could picture each word in my head, knowing that the story was amazing and each description was particular for building suspense. Stephen King is an exceptional author, exceeding my expectations of this book. However, I didn't find this story horrifying, but the plot stressed me out to continue reading for poor Danny.