Review: Etiquette and Espionage

''Learn how to finish, anything or anyone who needs finishing.''

A boarding school for girls -- sounds like a nightmare. Sophronia wasn't looking forward to all the curtsy and proper fainting techniques until she discovered what Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality was really about : algebra lessons on mixing the right poisons, werewolves and vampire teachers, super at 10 pm so a girl can sleep in the mornings... Paradise. Except there's a thief among them, whose evil plan could destroy everything, and it looks like Sophronia is the only one who can stop this madness. 

Carriger is know for mixing mystery, steampunk and paranormal in her Parasol Protectorate series. It was interesting to see that her formula carried on well into YA. She even included a romance between Sophronia and a boy named Soap. Despite the thrilling aspect, humorous undertones kept the story light and allowed it to turn into a series quite nicely. 

Makes you wonder which spy school Carriger attended. 

Review: IA Initiate

What exactly are heroes made of?

Naz and his nine year old sister Meri don't have it easy. Not only do they live in a neglected foster home, but in a neighborhood where gangs rule. One of them in particular wants Naz to join, forcing him to struggle even harder to find a way to get Meri into a boarding school. But who will take care of Naz -- how long will he be able to keep up before the gang gives him no choice?

Winston placed a lot of emphasis on the characters. Aside from the supernatural qualities that Naz is about to discover, his creativity and business intuition are even more admirable. The story is woven with action, dreams and even therapy sessions.

Prepare for an unexpected revealing ending

Happy Holidays

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to my all gorgeous followers.

Looking forward to spending another year with you discussing and dissecting books.

Feature and Follow Friday: I can live without you

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

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Q: Do you have a go to genre when you are happy, sad, or angry?

Une photo publiée par natalia k (@natyuniverse) le Sept. 9, 2014 at 2:26 PDT

Heartbreak causes me to go straight to the horror section. Imagine, reviewing a romance at that precise moment - the whole story would seem corny and cliched. I'd rather stick to horror at those times, plus my library has a good selection.

I recommend:

The Madman's Daughter Goes perfect with the theme.





What is your go to genre?

Review: A Monster Calls

Sometimes you need to hold on to something tight to let it go.

Connor's mum has cancer. Of course, Connor doesn't want you to know that -- he doesn't want anyone to know. Ever since the school found out, he keeps getting bullied or given special treatment by the staff. Things can't get any worse, until a monster arrives at his bedroom window and teaches him an important lesson.

Crying is not an option as Patrick Ness tears Connor's life apart. Cancer is a cruel enemy, and when battling with such forces, it's okay to scream, and beg, to shout for a monster to come out and defeat it for us. Connor's anger might not always seem justified, especially the way he treats his friend Lily or his grandmother who simply wants to help anyway she can. But it's part grieving.

Do not pass this one up! Susan Sarandon joined the cast not so long ago so make sure you read it before the movie comes out.