Beyond the Mirror: Seechers by M.K. Williams

 

Summary

Beneath the surface of a London top university, an ancient society known as The Seechers, operate. They protect the world’s biggest secret. A hidden gateway to the subconscious world. Unlocked only by a mysterious liquid, found deep within the human brain. Dark forces close in, as subjects, known to possess the liquid, are kidnapped and experimented on. The Seechers must use all their knowledge and power to defend their world, from this growing new threat; before any lasting damage is caused to the subconscious of mankind. New philosophy student, Aris Fletcher, unravels the unimaginable world of The Seechers; as his bizarre dreams, present disturbing glimpses into the future.

My Thoughts

First of all, I kept picking this book up and reading the first few pages and then putting it back down.  I couldn't get myself to want to read it.  I put it on a specific TBR so that I would "have" to read it.  And, even then, I picked it up over and over for about 2 weeks before I finally got past the first few pages.  Then...  it clicked for me.  I finally got to a point when I Wanted to read it!  Actually, I didn't want to put it down!  

The plot is spot on and the world building.... so good!  Now, I do have to say that the cliffhanger, well, I'm not a fan of cliffhangers so, not my favorite.

Over all, this is a very good, fun read.  I definitely recommend!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Spotlight!!! The Ingenious and the Colour of Life by J. Y. Sam

The Ingenious and the Colour of Life by J. Y. Sam

From a beguiling new voice in contemporary fiction comes an astonishing novel about a group of mysterious children with the power to change lives...

Ever since young Milly Bythaway can remember, she’s had to hide who she really is – dumbing down an extraordinary genius in order to blend into the background. 14-year-old Tai Jones has been abandoned by his mother and forced to live as a homeless wanderer, but the appearance of a stray cat helps him realise he has a special gift: he can see thoughts and emotions of others in stunningly beautiful colours. A gift that is both wonderful and awful.

When the teenagers are brought together by a mysterious old scientist for their own safety, they are told of a common and forgotten past. One of hidden experiments, and a missing family that they yearn to find. But they soon hear of the disappearance of another child, the youngest, and find they are in an impossible dilemma. Saving themselves requires facing their deepest fears and delving into the ugly truth of their past – only to uncover something hidden in the dark... But if they can muster the strength to do so, it will bring about the most extraordinary and unexpected change. In the end, the children must work together, unleashing the full force of their intellect and genius, in an epic battle of the world's greatest minds.

The Ingenious and the Colour of Life is J.Y. Sam’s beautiful and heart-rending debut – a story that explores the fragility of human nature, with a dash of science, and the natural world, engaging both mind and heart in an eclectic blend of genres.

Legal Crime by Samiksha Bhattacharjee

 

Summary

Written by a thirteen-year-old author, this exciting and captivating page-turner transports you into the fascinating story of sixteen-year-old aspiring singer Fiona Watson who runs away from her family, oblivious to the dangers outside her shielded comfort zone. As she journeys through her new world, leaving her past behind and determined to find a new identity, she uncovers surprising secrets buried deep within her long ago...
How do her new friends link to her past? What secrets are they hiding behind their misleading smiles? How much of herself has she really left behind? And how will she cope when she realizes that she has made a huge mistake... one that could ruin her forever?

My Thoughts

First of all, the fact that this was written by a thirteen year old is pretty amazing!  However, that does make it a little more difficult to review properly and objectively.  With that being said, this was a good book!

I can see that with a little more maturity this author will be a wonderful writer!  This was an enjoyable read and I am honored to have been able to read and review this for this young, new author.  I am excited to see the growth that Samiksha will show as more books are written.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

337 by M. Jonathan Lee

 

Summary

337 follows the life of Samuel Darte whose mother vanished when he was in his teens. It was his brother, Tom who found her wedding ring on the kitchen table along with the note. While their father pays the price of his mother’s disappearance, Sam learns that his long-estranged Gramma is living out her last days in a nursing home nearby. Keen to learn about what really happened that day and realizing the importance of how little time there is, he visits her to finally get the truth. Soon it’ll be too late and the family secrets will be lost forever. Reduced to ashes. But in a story like this, nothing is as it seems.

My Thoughts

Before I even review the story itself, I must comment on the physical book.  This book is wonderfully done!  This hardcover book is double ended. One side is a bright yellow with a door.  It looks cheery and inviting.  The other is a darker blue with a door and seems gloomy and more mysterious.  You can start on either side, it will take you to the same ending.  Very clever!

Now on to my thoughts on the actual story.  Like the other books I have read by this author, I really enjoyed this one!  From the moment I started reading I was sucked in!  I had such a hard time putting it down (and probably neglected things that I should have actually been doing).

I loved the suspense and mystery and the ending, Oh. My. Word.

You are left hanging by the ending but it feels complete nonetheless!  Such great writing!  I absolutely loved it!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Other Mrs. Samson by Ralph Webster

 

Summary

Surviving two wars, sharing one husband, searching for answers...

A hidden compartment in a black lacquer cabinet left in an attic reveals the secrets of two incredible women: Hilda, born and raised in one of the wealthiest Jewish families in turn-of-the-century San Francisco, and Katie, whose early life in Germany is marked by tragedy and death. Their lives are forever entwined by their love of the same man, the brilliant and compassionate Dr. Josef Samson.

From the earliest, rough-and-tumble days of San Francisco, through the devastation of the Great War in Berlin and the terrors of Vichy France, and then to a new yet uncertain life in New York City, their stories span the most tumultuous events of the twentieth century. In the end, one of these women will complete the life of the other and make a startling discovery about the husband they share.

My Thoughts

This book, this book, this book.... I am a bit at a loss for words!  I loved it, then I didn't, then I did again.  I can say that I definitely never hated it!  Ever!  It captured me from the beginning and, while there were times I did get somewhat... not quite bored but not extremely taken in (is there a word for that?!), I fell in love with this story.

I have to say, Hilda was my favorite.  I loved her!  Her end in the story left me brokenhearted and so unsatisfied!  And, while I did like Katie, I desperately wanted more of Hilda.

The twist at the end had me reeling!  I was not expecting that at all and, honestly, could have done without it.  It disappointed me.  I do still love this book, I just hated to be disappointed in the character so much!

I highly recommend this book and will probably be reading it again before too long!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

As the Stars Fall: A Book For Dog Lovers by Steve N. Lee

 

Summary

A desperate dog. A scarred girl. A bond nothing can break.

When a young girl suffering with her own tragedy comes across an injured young dog, she can’t resist helping him. Both having braved the worst the world had to throw at them, the pair quickly form an unbreakable bond. They picture their future as an endless stream of adventures filled with love, laughter, and good times.

But life has one last cruel trick to play…

At one moment heart-warming, the next heart-breaking, this is the story of a desperate dog’s roller coaster journey to be the one thing every good dog dreams of being – a best friend. Through a touching tale, As The Stars Fall explores how compassion can make us whole again and friendship can heal even the most broken of hearts.

For animal lovers, pet owners, and anyone who has ever had a four-legged best friend, especially those who enjoy dog stories and animal novels such as:

A Dog’s Purpose
The Art of Racing in the Rain
Marley and Me
The One and Only Ivan

If you crave a story of love and loss, of compassion and belonging, of friendship that knows no bounds, you need to read As The Stars Fall.

My Thoughts

My heart can't handle books like this!  I am very much an animal lover so to read a book such as this, it is great and terrible at the same time.

This is the story of a dog.  It's his story through his eyes.  Kai sure went through a lot in his little life and, though this may be fiction, it wrecked me.  If you are expecting a light, fun read this isn't the book for you.  It is wonderfully written but very heavy.

I am both glad and sad that I read this book!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A Rainforest Adventure by Sharon C. Williams

 

Summary

Jasper is no ordinary parrot. He lives in the rainforest, which secrets he’s eager to explore. Jasper loves his home and his family, and he's also in charge of his younger brother Willie - a responsibility Jasper takes very seriously.

When he meets Charlie - a spider monkey with a penchant for food and a laid back attitude - he realizes he’s in for an adventure he never thought possible.   Even if this means getting into danger and worrying his mother to no end.

Exploring the boundaries of the forest, Jasper understands that there is more to the world around him. Who are the strange new creatures that have come there? With Willie and Charlie by his side, he will soon find out.

My Thoughts

This was a cute book, fun adventure, and a few laughs!  The relationship between Jasper and Willie is great and I love the new friendship relationships with George and Charlie.

Children will love the fun story and learning things about the animals and the rainforest!  This is a great book for children who are just getting into "chapter books."

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.