Book Review | Normal

Title: Normal

Author: Danielle Pearl

Genre: Contemporary

Pages: Estimated around 440

Series: The first book with a sequel on the horizon

Publisher: Smashwords

Rating: 5 stars


It's the kind of situation most people would dread. Starting at a new high school, in the middle of my senior year, in a new town, in a new state. I know no one. No one knows me. That's what I'm counting on.
A year ago, Aurora "Rory" Pine was just a normal teenage girl - just as sweet and naive as the fairy tale princess she was named after.
But this isn't a year ago.
Rory is broken, and now suffering from a debilitating anxiety disorder, wrought with precarious triggers, she moves across the country to escape the source of her troubles. Her plan is anonymity, but that's easier said than achieved for the new girl having a panic episode outside of calculus. The worst part? There's a witness - and a gorgeous one at that.
Sam is a walking trigger for Rory. Incredibly handsome, built like the star athlete he obviously is, and undoubtedly popular, Sam outwardly represents everything Rory despises about high school. But as the fates keep throwing them together, a connection sparks that neither ever expected, and certainly couldn't ignore.
But Sam has issues too, and Rory's past won't just stay in the damned past. When friendship evolves into something deeper, can a girl utterly destroyed by the worst kind of betrayal and a boy battling demons of his own ever have a normal relationship? Is that even what they want? Find out in NORMAL, a gritty story of trust and abuse, heartbreak and salvation, and if they're lucky - love. This is not a flowery romance - not for the faint of heart.

I would firstly like to apologise if this review turns out to be a bit of a shambles as after reading Normal I find I am in the midst of a rather serious book hangover. It's been a good few weeks since I've left a story world with a sense of loss and a painful ache for more (A bitter-sweet feeling for all readers) but this book seriously had me completely dangling from its every page.

I am very hesitant when it comes to giving books a 5 star rating. I only reserve my full praise for once I've finished the book and gauge how much I want more and how much I want to relive it again. After reading this book I was totally lost in returning to the real world and enjoyed my reading experience so much that it was easy to award the 5 stars to Danielle Pearl's work.

I've read a few contemporary books and indeed fantasy books about teenagers who have serious issues and even disorders and usually you find out what their issue is and why that have it within a few chapters. This book was tantalizingly reluctant to give away why Rory isn't 'Normal'. I loved this as it kept you guessing and left your brain to do plenty of detective work! 

The book started to jump back in time every few chapters to show a scene from Rory's past so that by the time you neared the end, you learned through this 'chapter time travel' why she suffers from her anxieties. I really liked this as it made Rory more relatable and it gave you great insight into her life and how she has changed in such a short space of time, but also how in so many ways she is unchanged.

There were some great plot twists so the ending really wasn't predictable and in no way did it end with a happily ever after, despite Rory's fairytale name. Some people may not agree but for me, I loved this. I felt that after all she's been through, no matter what she deserves, Rory's story could never be totally perfect. Yes it could be happy, but there would always be a shadow looming over that happiness. In many way I think it did have a happy ending, Rory accomplished so many things and fought her demons with such courage but I liked how it didn't end in the usual, controversial way.

The characters were amazing. Rory was inspiring and in so many ways an excellent example and role model. Sam...well I suppose the only way to describe him is utterly gorgeous! The description of Sam and so many other characters were so well written that I could picture their images so well it was like they were alive in my mind.

The writing style was so inviting and gripping; I couldn't put it down! Every time life rudely interrupted my reading or I forgot my kindle, I could hardly stop thinking about it. This is exactly what I look for in a book and I would like to congratulate Danielle Pearl on her magnificent writing ability. 

The book did have a few explicit scenes - scenes that made my heart melt and others that made it thud uncontrollably. The book drove such strong emotions out of me that I could share with Rory making it a fast-paced exhilarating read!

To round off every post I end with at least one item of constructive criticism for every book. For this one I have been sat in front of my computer screen for a good 5 minutes trying to find something and I really can't come up with anything other than the amount of swearing. I found towards the end of the book swearing was used in almost every sentence for certain characters and although I agree that sometimes it was necessary. Sometimes I thought it was maybe in excessive use. But seriously, that's all the criticism I can find!

I can't recommend this book enough to anyone over the age of 14 who wants a book with true meaning, emotion and excitement! One of the best books I've read all year...truly awesome! This book deserves so much praise and it should be a huge success...watch this space!

Happy Reading,

Hebe xxx

Book Review | Instant Karma

Title: Instant Karma

Author: Donna Marie Oldfield

Genre: Contemporary

Pages: 324

Series: Stand alone

Publisher: unknown

Rating: 4 stars


Do you believe in karma? Materialistic, selfish estate agent Siena Robinson doesn’t – until she hits a disastrous run of bad luck that makes her wonder if she has brought it upon herself.

In Instant Karma, Siena moves to the quiet village of Fenville, where the locals are opposing a development that will see a beloved hall and library replaced by new flats and shops. What her neighbours don’t know is that she is one of the developers and stands to make millions from the deal.

But then Siena discovers that her high-school sweetheart, Aiden, is leading the protest and she finds herself acting as a double agent who is torn between her neighbours’ plight and making lots of money.

Will Siena betray her new friends and let greed ruin a second chance with Aiden? And will she ever find out who or what is behind her run of bad karma? 


I've been reading a lot of fantasy at the moment so it was really nice to be offered to read a genuinely good contemporary book. Instant Karma was exciting with true morals and complex characters.

Firstly I'd like to talk about the cover... I don't know about everyone else but bright coloured covers seem to be all the rage. Personally I'm loving it! Instant karma's cover immediately catches your eye... It's simple yet inescapably unmissable!

Admittedly, it wasn't particularily gripping from the first page but there were still enough subtle hints and hooks to prevent me from putting it down and to keep telling myself 'one more chapter.' Which is always inevitably the biggest lie I tell myself! By the end I craved more and I devoured it's contents in a day! 

One thing that bugged me at the beginning is that the main character wasn't particularily relatable. Siena is rude and selfish and usually, one likes a main character that is inspiring and one can look up to them... This wasn't really the case here but as the book went on I gained respect for certain characters and even some for Siena. I found I kept trying to come up with excuses for Siena and although she was really unlikeable, sometimes you had like snippets of insight into her former 'good' self and it gave me enough hope to believe maybe it would turn out ok.

The plot was really good and I got that bitter-sweet twist in my stomach as you were put in Siena's shoes and were completely torn between love and money. Although this is infuriating it made it even more gripping and exciting. I thought the romance that played into the book was really sweet and made me squeal a little at times and scream in frustration at other times which, in my opinion is just how a book should be.

There was a major plot twist, which I really didn't see coming! Wow! But I thought it was good...maybe a little too unexpected and unrealistic but none the less, it kept you on your toes and open to new ideas! 

I thought the book had good, clear morals and it is unusual to find a book with such a strongly communicated message, I thought this gave the book purpose, which I really enjoyed.

The writing style was pretty good, it suited the style of the book and it was laid out very clear and quite simply so it was easy to follow and you didn't have to try hard to push through the text. While this made it a light easy read, it didn't make it compelling or give my brain a lot of work to do. However, having said this I think that the style actually really suited the book and it was nice to read something so easy-going!

All in all, the book was really very good! I'm extremely grateful for Donna Marie Oldfield for sending this little gem my way and I seriously recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a light, gripping contemporary read!

Happy Reading,
Hebe xxx

Book Review | Demon Stones

Title: Demon Stones

Author: Michael Drakich

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 582

Series: Related works

Publisher: Smashwords

Rating: 3 stars



It’s been almost a hundred years since warlock meddling freed the demons from their underground domain. Their eventual capture has encased them in large stones across all the lands. They became known as the demon stones.
Over time, the truth of their imprisonment devolved into legend and tales to frighten children.
Now, the seven kingdoms are in upheaval. The demon stones are being opened and the vile creatures once more roam the land. War has broken open between realms as the fingers of accusation are pointed.
Caught in the middle is Gar Murdach, a farm boy who recently passed the age of ascension of sixteen marking him as a man, and his younger sister, Darlee, as they both struggle in their separate ways to escape the horrors wrought by the demons and the war that swarms round them.

If I am perfectly honest, the beginning of the book really didn't have me hooked. I disliked the characters and thought that life was rather boring. It wasn't until at least a quarter of the way into the book where I really started to crave the chapters more and more.

Once I got into the book, I got a great description of each character that I could then interpret in my individual way. I began to really respect some characters and find depth in others, which at first seemed shallow and uncomplicated.

I really enjoyed how the plot thickened really nicely towards the end, following different character's endeavours  The great thing was that it wasn't too complicated that I got confused when swapping between characters but each 'thread' of the story had plenty of suspense and mystery to keep me guessing as to what was going to happen next.

I really liked how the females in the book were not portrayed as weak, but they were hardy and at sometimes (in my opinion) far braver and more heroic than some of the male characters. Darlee, Gar's sister and Silk turned out to be far more complex and tough characters than I first expected. 

I did think that the book was slightly more male oriented, with lots of battle and fighting, however, I actually enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would and in the end I was really feeling the suspense and I was keen to read on for another chapter...or two...or three.

I thought the writing style was great. A nice amount of slightly more complex vocabulary in parts but it was very understandable and quite addicting. The descriptions and emotions of characters were magnificent. I think Michael Drakich's writing deserves so much praise!

I really enjoyed the relationships between the characters. I really liked how they all tied in and your opinions on people's perspectives and loyalties were sometimes completely flipped. I loved this as it made the books unpredictable and kept me guessing throughout.

The factor I thought as the best thing about the book was how it was set in a totally new place. I loved that I could use the map at the front to see where the references were and it also left my imagination to do a lot!

My main criticism would be that I did think the book went on for a bit too long. At the beginning I wasn't very engaged and although I really got into it and became utterly hooked, especially at the end. I thought hat at times I was trudging through. The book was quite long and this may have been part of the challenge.

All in all, I thought the book was amazingly well written, with some good complex characters and a really textured plot. I recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy or sci-fi, especially boys!

Happy reading,

Hebe xxx

The Book Backlog Dilema

I realised the other day that I haven't done a simple post in ages. I mean, I've published a few reviews but no proper posts, where I tend to ramble on about things in the life of a fangirl that spark my interest. Or things that I simply want to share with the internet. And then, today, an idea suddenly hit me like a Bludger to the head...

Recently, I've found that on top of my colossal list of books that I've had recommended to me or have spotted in Waterstones, it seems that all of a sudden all of my favourite authors are releasing more books! This, of course is amazing! But sometimes I feel I really do struggle to keep up.
I mean, all this would be fine, if it wasn't for the massive backlog of review books I have been sent. Now, please understand that I am not in any way being ungrateful for all the wonderful books authors send me so generously, but being a fairly busy schoolgirl, and being a person who struggles to say 'no' (especially when it comes to books) I now find myself in a position where I am reading 2 books at a time, yet still have 10 reviews to do.

I am a strong believer that reading should be for pleasure and so I will allow myself a to read books that I have bought for myself. At the moment, I am reading 'Blood of Olympus' by Rick Riordan (for all you Percy Jackson fans - OH MY GODS!!) and I am also reading 'Demon Stones', which is a review book kindly sent to me that I am really enjoying.
You can't force yourself to read. If reading becomes a chore instead of a treat then all the fun and purpose is drained. Reading for the sake of reading simply isn't the point. The joy of jumping into a different world and the satisfaction you can get from that is one of the reasons I love to read.  I found myself only reading to wade through all my reviews and get them done so no impatient authors should email me with their complaints. Then I realised: they don't mind!
Surely, it would be better to take my time to enjoy their book than to treat it like a chore? Is that not the point?
Although I am slightly more calm and content after discovering that there is no need to rush, I am still feeling the full force of the backlog dilema!

I find I am stuck in this vicious cycle of craving, buying, reading and debt. I also find that I have so many books on my shelf that I haven't read! Why do I want more? The answer is simple: (apart from the slight book addiction of course) Media.
I know what you're all thinking: Media? What has this got to do with anything said so far? In fact...what has really been said so far because I'm about 5000% sure I've just got myself caught up with an impulsive book-reading addict. (Congratulations if you've made it so far by the way!) But I promise you Media is the answer. Without other pages on social media such as Facebook and Instagram, without amazon reviews or even blogs like this one, I wouldn't have even half the amount of access I currently do to what books everyone is raving about and what books I should definitely read.
Of course, without media, you could still find me outside Waterstones with my face squished in a mask of wonder against the window, but I probably wouldn't have discovered half the books I have through the internet. Of course, in a way this is fantastic as I have found so many books I love through media...yet it means that I have so much to read and too little time. If I could read constantly, this wouldn't be a problem! But school and life tends to get in the way a bit so the pile just keeps rising slowly but surely. The problem really is that I love having all these books available to me but at the same time, it's almost becoming stressful. It's a love-hate relationship!

At the moment I am willing myself to read my books that are of top priority at the moment. This includes: review books (obviously) and releases that I have been anticipating. So far, I am cutting back on my list to the books I really really want to read and I'm taking my time! I know the pile will never truly be conquered...but I can at least try to tame it!

Is anyone else feeling this struggle or am I going insane?!

Happy reading,
Hebe x

Book Review | The find

Title: The Find

Author: Gregg Bell

Genre: Thriller/crime

Pages: 305

Series: Stand alone

Publisher: Thriveco

Rating: 4 stars


What can a mother do when she has no money and a dangerously sick kid?

She can make a mistake.

In a moment of desperation, cleaning lady Phoebe Jackson tries to pawn the diamond-bejeweled Rolex she found in a mobster’s locker. Turns out the watch is a fake, but the mobster isn’t—and he’s on to her.

I was really excited to be given the chance to review this book as I have read one of Gregg Bell's other books (Jamie's Gamble) and I really enjoyed it. The synopsis also really drew me in, it's short yet gripping and I was highly anticipating this read.

The first thing I loved about the book was how clever the plot was. At the start the plot seemed to be pretty simple, it wasn't until you were nearing the end where I realised quite how complex and difficult the situations had turned out for the characters and this unexpected depth was really intriguing.

The second thing I liked was that it wasn't predictable *Hallelujah chorus* ! I find with so many books with crime/thriller genres that they are so predictable and with this style of book, this can totally ruin it! I was delighted to find that this certainly wasn't the case here and Gregg Bell really managed to keep twisting bits of the plot here and the to throw you off course just enough to keep you guessing.

I also adored the characters, especially the main character, Phoebe  As a female protagonist she was brave, down to earth, loyal and she always wants what's best for her girls. Other characters were cleverly done also and I loved how contrasting some were (I'm trying my hardest not to spoil you so i'm sorry for being vague!)

If I had to criticise the only thing I could say was that I thought at some points it was slightly repetitive in that when something happened, often rather than moving on and making the book even more action packed and fast-paced it seemed to me, that at points it was backtracking a bit.

That being said, I thought the book was magnificent and I definitely recommend it to anyone!

Happy reading,

Hebe x