Pretty Little Memoirs - a YA Book Blog

Where The Storyline Continues. . .

Review Requests are currently closed due to current International conditions. Thank you for your kindness.

spoiler free

Blog Tour & Review: Show Stealer by Hayley Barker (Spoiler-Free)

Hello book lovers and welcome to the deadliest show–I mean, tour, today! I’m kicking off the lovely SHOW STEALER by Hayley Barker, the follow-up to SHOW STOPPER, which you know I loved so much. So stay tuned!


Title: Show Stealer 
Author: Hayley Barker
Published: August 2nd, 2018
Publisher: Scholastic
Rating: ★★★★★
Find the Author: Goodreads 

Disclosure: I was sent this ARC by the publisher, reviewing it as an impartial review. This does not sway my opinion of the book. As always, my reviews are fair and unbiased.

Hoshiko and Ben have been on the run since they burned Silvio Sabatini’s circus down to the ground at the explosive finale of SHOW STOPPER. But Ben’s mother will stop at nothing to track him down and get her revenge: backing him into a corner where he is forced to sacrifice himself to save Hoshiko. The deadliest show on earth has been resurrected and if Ben thought he’d seen into its dark corners as an outsider, the true extent of the horrors that lurk beneath the Big Top are about to be revealed as he becomes the circus’ new star attraction…

First Thoughts…

I got an ARC of Show Stopper before it came out and I just knew after reading it that there would be a huge hype because of how insanely amazing it was and I was right! Hayley’s books have gained this incredible following and rightly so. When I was offered the chance to be on her blog tour for Show Stealer, I jumped at the chance! Getting to be a part of this has definitely been a highlight for me, blog wise, this year. 

My Review…

We’re right back into the action in Show Stealer that first engrossed us last year, back into the lives of Hoshiko and Ben. The story picks up a little after the end of the first, in alternating perspectives. They’re on the run – since burning down Silvio’s circus in Show Stopper – and even a year on, dodging the ruthless chase from Ben’s mother and others trying to find them. With a reward on their heads, it’s more dangerous than ever to get close to anyone else for fear of being turned in. But being backed into a corner by his mother, Ben is forced to sacrifice himself to save Hoshiko once and for all.
Thrown into the spotlight as the new star attraction of the circus – risen from the ashes – the deadliest show on earth is far darker on the inside than as an outsider. The deeper that he gets involved and learns more of the show, the more revelations come to light that changes everything they thought they knew about the circus. 
Wow, wow, wow. Just wow. Have you ever been reading a book and you just have to stop and think “this is amazing, please don’t ever end?” Because that’s how I felt when I was reading Show Stealer. There’s something about the way Hayley writes that’s so hypnotic, and I was reeled in by the darkness of the deadliness, turning pages faster and faster. The pacing is so faultless that putting it down at one a.m. wasn’t on my mind, and I kept reading until the sky was as dark as the turns Ben took in the circus. I finished the book in two sittings over two days (if it was up to me I wouldn’t have put it down in between, but you know, life) and I seriously can’t wait to just binge-read the entire series again. 
Overall, Show Stealer has stolen my heart in the best possible way. Hayley is such a talented and unique author and I am so lucky to have been a part of the Show Stopper – Show Stealer journey over the last couple years. There’s hidden messages in the book that entwine with society and perception (which is one of my favourite things) that makes this a definite highlight of YA Fiction this year for me. If you’re looking for just one series to start this year, make it Hayley’s. You won’t regret this stunning five-star read.

Hayley Barker has a BA (hons) degree from Birmingham University and has taught secondary school English for eighteen years. 

She is a huge YA fiction fan and says being published is the most exciting thing that has ever happened to her. 

Hayley was inspired to write her YA because of her fears about the growing wave of crime and animosity against minority groups in England. She lives in Essex with her husband and two young sons.

It’s the last few days to enter this INCREDIBLE giveaway I’m running for SHOW STEALER!

Have you read Show Stealer/Stopper?


What did you love the most about the series?


Let me know in the comments or on twitter @LittleMemoirs!


happy reading!

post signature

Blog Tour & Guest Post: The Girl In The Broken Mirror by Savita Kalhan (No Spoilers)

Hello, book lovers! I am so honored to bring you The Girl In The Broken Mirror today. I devoured this book entirely and there’s no doubt in my mind you’re going to feel the same way. Today on Savita’s blog tour, I’ll be reviewing the book and sharing a playlist!

Title: The Girl In The Broken Mirror

Author: Savita Kalhan

Published: March 29th, 2018

Publisher: Troika

Rating: 🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱

Find the Author: Goodreads 


Disclosure: I received this ARC in exchange for an impartial review. As always, my reviews are fair and unbiased.

ADD TO GOODREADS

Jay’s creative writing exercise is to write a fairy tale, to end with they lived happily ever after.
But the way her life is panning out she’s not sure it will ever reach that stage. She and her mother are moving in with distant relatives, and they have super strict rules for girls. Jay is expected to have only Indian friends, if she has any at all. How can she see her school friends, Chloe and Matt? But this is only the beginning of a nightmare for Jay.
When her life implodes, how can she hide the shame and how will she find a way to keep going?

First Thoughts…

When Savita reached out to me with her book, I just couldn’t take my eyes off it. I saw the words Harrowing and Touching on the cover, and that just makes me FEEL like I’m in the book. These certain keywords lure me into the book, because who doesn’t love a book that makes your heart feel it?

My Review…



Spoiler free. Just a few pages in, and I’m hooked. No. I mean it! I sat down to read The Girl In The Broken Mirror a little after it arrived on my doorstep and opened the cover for a little while and the rest is history. Jay’s perspective is so clear-cut, so vivid and open, I felt like she was talking to me. The book deals with some heavy topics, including Rape, and I think that Savita dealt with these topics about shame, finding a place in this world and trusting others, with such grace and delicate consideration.
Jay, our main character, gets a creative writing assignment to write a fairytale, you know, with the whole happy-ever-after and etc. But the thing is, Jay can’t imagine it. Her life isn’t what she wants it to be, feeling overshadowed by what her Mother thinks her life should be. When they move in with distant relatives, it’s worse. They’re strict, especially when it comes to girls. She’s not supposed to have any friends that aren’t Indian, but that doesn’t stop her from wanting to be with her school friends, Matt and Chloe. Her life starts to spiral after events that halt her existence, and she’s forced to watch her life implode, while trying to gather the courage to move forward.
Overall, The Girl In The Broken Mirror was a breathtaking YA novel with so. much. emotion. I found myself tearing up for Jay, her story tugging at my heartstrings. I’m actually at such a loss for words. I’ve recommended this book to three of my friends so far, and I don’t just hand out recommendations like it’s nothing. If I say it’s good, I mean it, it’s that good. Savita has quickly climbed a list of Authors to Watch for me, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next. Huge five-star novel.





About The Author:

Savita Kalhan was born in India, but now lives in the UK and studied at the University of Wales. She has travelled extensively, and lived in the Middle East for several years, where she taught English. She is keen on tennis, boxing and running. She is an avid allotmenteer and somehow manages to fit in some writing, reading and blogging too! She now lives in North London with her husband, her son, and her lion of a cat, Marley.

Her new YA book – The Girl in the Broken Mirror will be published on May 1st by Troika Books



Soundtrack to The Girl in the Broken Mirror

Hi Becca, thank you for inviting me on your blog today! It’s so exciting to be here, to have a book out there in the world, in readers’ hands! And to top it – I got to compile the soundtrack for it, too. So here it is – the soundtrack to The Girl in the Broken Mirror. It’s a mix of songs that feature in the book, and songs that Jay loves, her parents used to play, and the music played at her uncle’s party.
Have a listen and then when you get to the end, you’ll see I’ve set a little challenge for you all. . . I’ll give you a clue: it’s about Matt, Jay’s best friend in the book.

I Wish I Knew How it Feels to be Free by Nina Simone
Jay loves Nina Simone because it reminds her of her dad, who died almost three years ago. She plays I Wish I Would Know How it Feels to be Free when she’s trying to do her English homework – a creative writing essay with the title – ‘Once Upon a Time…’

Rolling in the Deep by Adele
Jay loves Adele. If she was allowed to go to a concert, she would go and see Adele sing live in a heartbeat. She blasts this song out loud on top volume after her mum has given her the terrible news that they are moving in with her uncle and aunty in 42 Primrose Avenue. Jay knows her life is about to change forever – and not in a good way. Her aunty is super-strict and very traditional, which for Jay spells bad news. She’s about to lose all her freedom.

1942 A Love Story. This song is considered to be one of the most romantic love songs in Bollywood. It was Jay’s parents’ song. Jay’s mum Neela doesn’t play it after her husband’s death because it brings back too many memories of her husband, of the time when she was the happiest.

The Eye of the Tiger by Survivor, from the soundtrack of Rocky. Deven plays this song when he is working out in the gym. It’s a favourite amongst some Asian men. It’s not mine! In fact I don’t like it all.


Jai Ho by A R Rahman. Since the release of Slumdog Millionaire, this song has become iconic. It’s played at most parties and weddings, and has everyone on their feet.


Apna Punjab Hove by Gurdas Maan. This is classic Punjabi Bhangra music.


Thori Thori by PBN and Raj Bains – the boys always hit the dance floor when this is played!


Someone Like You by Adele. The ultimate break-up song. If Jay was playing music when she saw Matt and Chloe together, this is the song she would have played.

Anywhere by Rita Ora. Sitting in the basement room of No.42 Primrose Avenue, this is the song that Jay thinks of as her and Matt’s song as she dreams of a living far away, living a different life.


Here’s the challenge to all your readers – what would Matt’s top five songs be? If you’ve read the book then you’ll know what Matt’s like, but basically, he’s pretty cool!

I’d love to hear of any other songs that your readers think would fit in with the book?

Please write them in the comments section below – or tweet me @savitakalhan with the hashtag #thegirlinthebrokenmirror #mattssongs.

Becca, thank you so much for having me here – it’s been so much fun! I hope you all love the book!



It’s been amazing! Have you read The Girl In The Broken Mirror? 


Let me know in the comments, or join in the conversation on Twitter!

          happy reading!     
post signature

Book Review: Renegades by Marissa Meyer

SPOILER-FREE REVIEW

Title: Renegades 

Author: Scott Reintgen

Published: November 7th, 2017

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Find the Author: Goodreads 


Disclosure: I was sent this book for review on NetGalley. As always, my reviews are fair and unbiased.

Secret Identities. Extraordinary Powers. She wants vengeance. He wants justice.


The Renegades are a syndicate of prodigies—humans with extraordinary abilities—who emerged from the ruins of a crumbled society and established peace and order where chaos reigned. As champions of justice, they remain a symbol of hope and courage to everyone…except the villains they once overthrew.


Nova has a reason to hate the Renegades, and she is on a mission for vengeance. As she gets closer to her target, she meets Adrian, a Renegade boy who believes in justice—and in Nova. But Nova’s allegiance is to a villain who has the power to end them both.

First Thoughts

Since Renegades isn’t quite out yet and I have a lot of friends and PLM Readers who haven’t read it yet, I’ll make this review spoiler-free! Back on to my first thoughts…I’m totally guilty of owning the Cinder series from Marissa and not read it yet. I have read parts of her writing over the years from excerpts and book previews, and know that she’s regarded very highly in the YA world. So, I have high expectations!


Review

I love a good superhero TV show or movie, but they are extremely hard to get right in literature (not including comics). But when I started reading Renegades, it had some of the best story-building and I loved that it had a ton of diversity (something Bloggers have been pleading for writers to actually write about and make them Mains). I got a ton of Superhero vibes from the characters that reminded me of some Marvel vigilantes and heroes we see on the big screen, and in Renegades, the powers and abilities are dynamic and sheer-brilliant. 

Nova has a striking, affecting voice and her motivation for retribution made for great storytelling. When Adrian was introduced, who is a Renegade, he doesn’t want revenge, but justice. The secondary characters are also winning in their own league, but for me, I really liked Nova the best. The characters personalities clash because of their overall motivations (just as apposing heroes/villains do) but the action is the best part toward the end of the book when the story really speeds and we can get a sense of where the next book will pick up and continue the epic tale. I was hoping that the action would pick up a tiny bit sooner, just because I like it to around the middle of the book, but I understand that a lot of world-building was needed to get a sense of what Renegades is all about. 

Overall, I loved Renegades. The suspense, diversity, strong female presence and unique theme (I haven’t read a book like this ever) made for a sparkling and spectacular weekend read for me. If you’re a superhero fan and you’ve loved Marissa’s previous writing, I think you’re hugely going to love what Renegades has to offer. 


Rating & Recs

For fans of YA Fantasy and the Cinder series.


Have you read Renegades?


What did you think?

Let me know in the comments or on twitter @LittleMemoirs!

happy reading!

post signature

Book Review: Nyxia (The Nyxia Triad #1) by Scott Reintgen (Spoiler-Free)

THIS REVIEW IS SPOILER FREE.


Title: Nyxia

Author: Scott Reintgen

Published: September 21st, 2017

Publisher: Michael Joseph

Find the Author: Goodreads 


Disclosure: I was sent this book for review. As always, my reviews are fair and unbiased.

Every life has a price in Scott Reintgen pulse-pounding new sci-fi adventure, Nyxia, as a group of teens are taken to the far reaches of the universe and forced to decide what they’re willing to risk for a lifetime of fortune.


Emmett Atwater isn’t just leaving Detroit; he’s leaving Earth. Why the Babel Corporation recruited him is a mystery, but the number of zeroes on their contract has him boarding their lightship and hoping to return to Earth with enough money to take care of his family.


Forever.


Before long, Emmett discovers that he is one of ten recruits, all of whom have troubled pasts and are a long way from home. Now each recruit must earn the right to travel down to the planet of Eden-a planet that Babel has kept hidden-where they will mine a substance called Nyxia that has quietly become the most valuable material in the universe.


But Babel’s ship is full of secrets. And Emmett will face the ultimate choice: win the fortune at any cost, or find a way to fight that won’t forever compromise what it means to be human.

First Thoughts

Nyxia has been on my radar for a long time. It’s genre has increasingly become more frequent on my bookshelves and with my huge love for the 100, this looked like it could fill that void in my bookish heart after finishing the series so far. When I was given the oppertunity to read NYXIA (thank you, Beth!), I jumped at it, obviously. And I even have a code for you guys to use for money off Little Wren UK – an Etsy store with the cutest designs! Check out the bottom of this post for all the info you’ll need for that!


My Review

Emmett Atwater is given the chance he could only dream of in this near-future dystopian masterpiece. Along with nine others, he’s given the opportunity by the Babel Corporation to compete against each other to get to Eden – a new Planet; a place that only eight of them can make it through to. But Emmett knows that something about it doesn’t feel right and doesn’t sit well with him. The other recruits aren’t wealthy, either, and they want this just as much. Still, he knows that if he doesn’t win, his life won’t improve. He wants to save his Mother’s life and get back on the right track. But as he becomes close to the other recruits and feelings get tethered, along with suspicions about Babel, Emmett isn’t so certain anymore. 

One thing is for certain with NYXIA, and that is that it’s life changing. It’s got this certain thing that just makes it so likeable and I couldn’t put it down. There’s the huge diversity which is a huge plus for me because it’s about time that there was. Another, is that all the characters had functional and meaningful places in the novel and they didn’t just feel like secondary characters. I could bond with them, and Emmett, in the same way that you like to when reading a book. 

Overall, NYXIA is a must-read for fans of the 100, The Hunger Games, and Science-Fiction lovers. I cannot wait for the next novel, Scott. It was unpredictable (in the best way), brilliantly paced, had characters that were flawed (and showed their true strengths and weaknesses) and made me turn pages fast and root for them. It had me totally fixated on the inner workings of the bigger picture, also. I dare you to not be a fan of Nyxia by the time you’re finished. Huge five stars!

Rating & Recs

For fans of Dystopia, Science-Fiction and Fantasy!




DISCOUNT TIME

Pretty Little Memoirs readers and NYXIA fans! The discount code for Little Wren is: LWNYXIA10. and it’s  valid for 10% off everything in the shop with orders over £10 and it’s valid till the end of October. Perfect to pick up a few new things for yourself or for someone you love for Christmas!


Have you read Nyxia?


Let me know what you thought in the comments or on twitter @LittleMemoirs!


happy reading!

post signature

Book Review: “Otherbound” by Corinne Duyvis (Spoiler Free)

*Spoiler Free Review*

Title: Otherbound

Author: Corinne Duyvis
Genre: Young Adult – Fantasy
Release Date: June 17th, 2014
Published by: Amulet 

I received this from Amulet in exchange for an honest review. As always, my reviews are fair and non-bias. 

Amara is never alone. Not when she’s protecting the cursed princess she unwillingly serves. Not when they’re fleeing across dunes and islands and seas to stay alive. Not when she’s punished, ordered around, or neglected.

She can’t be alone, because a boy from another world experiences all that alongside her, looking through her eyes.
Nolan longs for a life uninterrupted. Every time he blinks, he’s yanked from his Arizona town into Amara’s mind, a world away, which makes even simple things like hobbies and homework impossible. He’s spent years as a powerless observer of Amara’s life. Amara has no idea . . . until he learns to control her, and they communicate for the first time. Amara is terrified. Then, she’s furious.
All Amara and Nolan want is to be free of each other. But Nolan’s breakthrough has dangerous consequences. Now, they’ll have to work together to survive–and discover the truth about their connection.

I read the Goodreads description after hearing about Otherbound from the publisher and was immediately intrigued. I mean, when Nolan closes his eyes, he’s in Amara’s world?! That’s just too good of a premise to pass up.
Nolan lives in our world – Earth – and he has epilepsy, or so they think. But Amara isn’t from our world – she’s from a Fantasy world that only Nolan can see into. For a while, Amara has no idea of his sight into her world, until his new medication has an effect that means Nolan can control and visit Amara’s world through her, instead of like before, when he could only see her world when he blinked. 
Everyone thinks Nolan has epilepsy because he kept being seen as unconscious. But Nolan knows he isn’t, because of Amara. All they want is to be freed of each other when Amara finds out of his ways into her world, but when he can actually control her in her world it seems that the only way they can break free of each other is for them to work together. 
Amara is very much in love with her love interest in the book, so much so that she believes that her and Maart – a sweet, protective character that comes across that he treasures Amara as much as she does him – will be together no matter what. They are both servants in her world, and nothing could break their bond, which is similar to the bond that Nolan shares with his sister; Pat. They are close and protective of each other and it was so refreshing to see a sibling dimension to the novel too, which was a nice touch.
There are so many intriguing characters and roles in Fantasy and reality in Otherbound (Cilla, Jorn, Pat..) that it’s literally made up of characters flawed and diverse, so much so that they are real. They are multidimensional and seem so rare and visionary, with real-world characteristics and actions. 
Otherbound is not just your standard heard-it-all-before book and run of the mill characters. In that way and in so many others with it’s enthralling and vivid factors, it’s truly one of the best Fantasy books I’ve read in a while and reminded me why I love these types of books. With adventure, a captivating journey from a contemporary world to fantasy, Otherbound will surely be on my five-star reads recommended list for a very long time.  


Even though I didn’t want Otherbound to end, the ending was probably my favourite part, in that surrounding scene it was just especially when I thought: “Woah, I actually loved this…how long have I been sat here reading? Almost all night?!”

Fantasy YA book readers will adore this, alike readers who like Paranormal and Magic-filled books. 

Have you read Otherbound?


Tell me what you think in the comments or on twitter!

happy reading!

post signature

↑ Top of Page