Lemmie Ferguson loves her eighteen-year-old sister Rose more than you can imagine. To Lemmie, Rose is everything - a best friend, hero, goddess.
Rose Rouge is impetuous, wild and arty.
Rose Rouge is FUN.
Thanks to the remarkable Rose, and Lemmie's own special marshmallow magic - her rainbow-coloured, vanilla-flavoured, sugar-spun way of looking at the world - Lemmie's life is bright and glittery and gorgeous.
But Lemmie's trying to forget that life hasn't always been so sweet. And then bullying, bossy Sian starts at school, and threatens to rub the sparkle off everything once and for all. Lemmie needs extra marshmallow magic now. She needs Rose Rouge. But where is she?
Marshmallow Magic..isn't the type of book I would usually read at all. Though with it being summer and the next university year coming faster than I imagined, I wanted something simple, sweet and fluffy to read before the big books come out. (I swear I will finish The Rainbow this week!)
It's definitely aimed at pre/young teens and so i'll review it as that. It was absolutely lovely.
I was bullied as a child myself so instantly I could relate to Lemmie (as most kids could, I imagine). Throughout the book Lemmie is sharing secrets and discovering who she really is, and how important relationships are.
I wasn't expecting the bombshell about Rose at the end of the book at all (no spoilers from me) but once it was revealed I felt even more protective of Lemmie. As a bullied child myself I had the same fears as her. How would I ever make friends? What if my friends decided to believe all the bad things people said? Why don't my parents realise what's going on?
Lemmie's story tells of a girl who faces her fears and comes out better for it. It shows that truth is important, especially when you're being true to yourself. It also shows that real friends stand by you no matter what, and the people who aren't there at the end were never worth bothering about. It's inspiring and a real feel good book.
Currently Reading: The Rainbow - D.H.Lawrence
Books Read in 2011: 34
Sunday, 31 July 2011
Dating Hamlet - Lisa Fiedler
It isn't easy dating a prince, especially when that prince is Hamlet. In fact, it drives Ophelia to madness... Or does it?
Since the death of his father, Hamlet has descended into deep depression. To make matters worse, the Danish court is filled with lies and deceit.
Was hamlet's father murdered by King Claudius?
Is Polonius truly the father of Laertes?
Who can be trusted as a friend, and who are enemies?
Ophelia has to find a way to save her prince and herself in this gripping novel full of romance, ghosts and a touch of alchemy.
Could it be that Hamlet ISN'T the great tragedy we've believed it to be for all these years...?
I bought this book a fair few years ago for 25p at an old bookstore. Being a big Shakespeare fan it interested me but until now I never really felt like reading it. I wish I had read it sooner!
Despite all of the bad reviews i've read about Dating Hamlet, I loved every minute of it. The relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia was so touching to read. I actually got emotional at how sweet they are together!
My favourite part in particular was definitely the ending. Hamlet and Ophelia lived and went on to Verona - the setting of Romeo and Juliet. The mention of a schoolfriend of Hamlet's by the name of Romeo and an apothecary that would be very interested in Ophelia's death-like sleeping potion made me laugh! How excellent would it be if Hamlet and Romeo were actually friends? Now THAT is a book I would read!
Obviously, it is not meant to follow the plot of Hamlet like it was scripture, and for that reason, I thought the book was fabulous and well worth the 25p I paid. A great find and just another reason why it's good to snoop around little bookstores rather than buying from places like Amazon (as wonderful as Amazon is!)
Currently Reading: The Rainbow - D.H.Lawrence
Books Read in 2011: 34
Since the death of his father, Hamlet has descended into deep depression. To make matters worse, the Danish court is filled with lies and deceit.
Was hamlet's father murdered by King Claudius?
Is Polonius truly the father of Laertes?
Who can be trusted as a friend, and who are enemies?
Ophelia has to find a way to save her prince and herself in this gripping novel full of romance, ghosts and a touch of alchemy.
Could it be that Hamlet ISN'T the great tragedy we've believed it to be for all these years...?
I bought this book a fair few years ago for 25p at an old bookstore. Being a big Shakespeare fan it interested me but until now I never really felt like reading it. I wish I had read it sooner!
Despite all of the bad reviews i've read about Dating Hamlet, I loved every minute of it. The relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia was so touching to read. I actually got emotional at how sweet they are together!
My favourite part in particular was definitely the ending. Hamlet and Ophelia lived and went on to Verona - the setting of Romeo and Juliet. The mention of a schoolfriend of Hamlet's by the name of Romeo and an apothecary that would be very interested in Ophelia's death-like sleeping potion made me laugh! How excellent would it be if Hamlet and Romeo were actually friends? Now THAT is a book I would read!
Obviously, it is not meant to follow the plot of Hamlet like it was scripture, and for that reason, I thought the book was fabulous and well worth the 25p I paid. A great find and just another reason why it's good to snoop around little bookstores rather than buying from places like Amazon (as wonderful as Amazon is!)
Currently Reading: The Rainbow - D.H.Lawrence
Books Read in 2011: 34
Saturday, 30 July 2011
Stefan's Diaries Vol 1 - L.J.Smith
Stefan and Damon weren't always fighting or succumbing to their bloodlust. Once they were loving siblings, who enjoyed all the riches and happiness that their wealthy lifestyle afforded them; loyal brothers who happened to both fall for the same beautiful woman. Once they were alive...
Most people who know me, also know that i'm not a fan of L.J.Smith's writing. However, being a big fan of the TV series The Vampire Diaries, I made my way through the books. This one however was different. I found that her writing was exciting and the story was fabulous. Katherine was finally portrayed as I imagined her to be and the relationship between the brothers was tender and enjoyable to read. This book was realistic whereas I found her previous works to be too farfetched and occasionally laughable. I am so glad that I continued reading her Vampire Diaries books and i'm very much looking forward to reading the next volumes in Stefan's Diaries.
Currently Reading: The Rainbow - D.H.Lawrence & Dating Hamlet - Lisa Fiedler
Books Read in 2011: 32
Most people who know me, also know that i'm not a fan of L.J.Smith's writing. However, being a big fan of the TV series The Vampire Diaries, I made my way through the books. This one however was different. I found that her writing was exciting and the story was fabulous. Katherine was finally portrayed as I imagined her to be and the relationship between the brothers was tender and enjoyable to read. This book was realistic whereas I found her previous works to be too farfetched and occasionally laughable. I am so glad that I continued reading her Vampire Diaries books and i'm very much looking forward to reading the next volumes in Stefan's Diaries.
Currently Reading: The Rainbow - D.H.Lawrence & Dating Hamlet - Lisa Fiedler
Books Read in 2011: 32
Wintercraft - Jenna Burtenshaw
When Kate Winters' uncle is taken by the wardens of war-torn Albion, just as her parents were ten years earlier, she is determined to rescue him.
But Kate is being hunted by a far more dangerous enemy. Silas Dane - a killer with a haunted past - has recognised Kate as one of the Skilled who have the rare ability to see through the veil between life and death. He's determined that she'll help end his own personal nightmare; unfortunately, she isn't the only one with plans for her...
As the Night of Souls approaches, a secret hidden deep beneath a graveyard city holds the key to the fate of Kate, those she loves and even Albion itself...the lost book of Wintercraft.
Wintercraft was one of a pile of books that my cousin had told me to read. I picked it up because the cover was pretty, despite the fact I shouldn't judge! I loved the story and immediately felt a connection between myself and the characters in the book. Silas may be the bad guy but I really felt for him and by the end of the book I was desperate to know more! The storyline hooked me straight away. I loved that I was reading a book where the main quest was to find a book! The only bits I didn't really enjoy were the lengthy descriptive sections. They weren't bad but I felt that they slowed the story down quite a bit and I was desperate to get back to Kate's adventure. As a whole, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it. It's the first book in the Wintercraft series and hopefully i'll be able to read the next one soon.
Currently Reading: The Rainbow - D.H.Lawrence & Dating Hamlet
Books Read in 2011: 32
But Kate is being hunted by a far more dangerous enemy. Silas Dane - a killer with a haunted past - has recognised Kate as one of the Skilled who have the rare ability to see through the veil between life and death. He's determined that she'll help end his own personal nightmare; unfortunately, she isn't the only one with plans for her...
As the Night of Souls approaches, a secret hidden deep beneath a graveyard city holds the key to the fate of Kate, those she loves and even Albion itself...the lost book of Wintercraft.
Wintercraft was one of a pile of books that my cousin had told me to read. I picked it up because the cover was pretty, despite the fact I shouldn't judge! I loved the story and immediately felt a connection between myself and the characters in the book. Silas may be the bad guy but I really felt for him and by the end of the book I was desperate to know more! The storyline hooked me straight away. I loved that I was reading a book where the main quest was to find a book! The only bits I didn't really enjoy were the lengthy descriptive sections. They weren't bad but I felt that they slowed the story down quite a bit and I was desperate to get back to Kate's adventure. As a whole, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it. It's the first book in the Wintercraft series and hopefully i'll be able to read the next one soon.
Currently Reading: The Rainbow - D.H.Lawrence & Dating Hamlet
Books Read in 2011: 32
Thursday, 21 July 2011
Birth of a Killer - Darren Shan
When terrible events force young Larten Crepsley to flee his home he finds himself alone in the world. Then he meets the mysterious Seba Nile, who introduces him to the ways of the vampire clan. But will Larten turn his back on humanity forever...?
As a fan of 'The Saga of Darren Shan', this was a must read for me.
I really enjoyed it, though I was a little disappointed that I finished the whole book in three hours. I would have liked more detail but as it's primarily for children, I understand why it doesn't. The story moves fast and kept my attention solidly.
It was great when I came across characters like Seba Nile, Vancha March, Mr Tall, and Mr Tiny from the Saga of Darren Shan.
I really liked the fact that you don't need to have read The Saga of Darren Shan to enjoy or understand the book. It's a prequel so it can be read as a stand alone book. I've read that it's a series of 4 books, and book 2 is available now in hardback.
Currently Reading: The Rainbow - D.H.Lawrence & Wintercraft - Jenna Burtenshaw
Books Read in 2011: 30
As a fan of 'The Saga of Darren Shan', this was a must read for me.
I really enjoyed it, though I was a little disappointed that I finished the whole book in three hours. I would have liked more detail but as it's primarily for children, I understand why it doesn't. The story moves fast and kept my attention solidly.
It was great when I came across characters like Seba Nile, Vancha March, Mr Tall, and Mr Tiny from the Saga of Darren Shan.
I really liked the fact that you don't need to have read The Saga of Darren Shan to enjoy or understand the book. It's a prequel so it can be read as a stand alone book. I've read that it's a series of 4 books, and book 2 is available now in hardback.
Currently Reading: The Rainbow - D.H.Lawrence & Wintercraft - Jenna Burtenshaw
Books Read in 2011: 30
Sunday, 17 July 2011
Write or Die
I was thinking about the writing competition I wrote about in a previous blog, and as I was looking up writing tips I came across this website: http://writeordie.com/
I haven't yet used it myself but if anyone has or does, please let me know what it's like! I plan on using it over the weekend as I make my first attempt at an entry for the competition :)
C x
I haven't yet used it myself but if anyone has or does, please let me know what it's like! I plan on using it over the weekend as I make my first attempt at an entry for the competition :)
C x
Good Reads
I've recently started re-using a website called Good Reads. It's a place to keep track of books that you've read, want to read, find new books, follow your favourite authors and even make new friends!
I absolutely love it so if you want to check it out: www.goodreads.com
Feel free to add me as a friend, here: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4320856-caragh
C x
I absolutely love it so if you want to check it out: www.goodreads.com
Feel free to add me as a friend, here: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4320856-caragh
C x
Saturday, 16 July 2011
Writing Contests
My best friend sent me a link to a writing contest and i'm seriously considering entering it! I thought i'd post the link here incase anybody is interested, and so i'll remember where to find it.
http://www.fantasybookreview.co.uk/blog/2011/04/10/fantasy-book-review-fantasy-short-story-competition-2011/
Currently Reading: The Rainbow - D.H.Lawrence
Books Read in 2011: 29
http://www.fantasybookreview.co.uk/blog/2011/04/10/fantasy-book-review-fantasy-short-story-competition-2011/
Currently Reading: The Rainbow - D.H.Lawrence
Books Read in 2011: 29
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