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Book Review UKYA Uncategorized

REVIEW: Dead Jealous by Sharon Jones

I’ve wanted to read Dead Jealous ever since I read the first reviews when it was released and everybody seemed to love it. Having not read many murder mystery type novels, I pushed it to the back of my brain until, in the summer, I decided that I was going to have to buy it and find out just how amazing it was.

When Poppy Sinclair finds a dead body at the bottom of a lake, and after a previous trauma in another lake too, Poppy takes it upon herself to investigate after police dismiss it as an accident. But Poppy knows that it was murder and she’s going to prove it, even if it costs her own life.

It was so easy to get to know Poppy and there was never the awkward stage you get with some books where you end up thinking, ‘Do I really care about this character?’ Poppy was determined and motivated and I loved reading about her. I want to see more characters in YA like her who don’t sit and do nothing and mope about their lives, but instead learn stuff and are relatable. I wanted to read about Poppy more and more and I really missed her when the novel ended.

I really loved the plot and I was always kept on my toes, guessing what would happen next. I really didn’t expect the ending and I was left reeling and wanting more, more, more! Seriously, I don’t think I’m going to be able to wait until the next instalment is released because I want it right away!

The novel is set at a pagan festival which I loved because I know a lot about paganism and so I loved reading about the festivals and customs and traditions that were all written really well and were brought to life in an easily understandable way.

The mystery part was written really well, with red herrings that caught me out, and an ending that left me speechless. I did not see that coming! There were lots of twists and there was never a boring moment.

With characters that you’ll instantly fall in love with and a plotline that any author wishes they could write, I can’t recommend Dead Jealous highly enough.

Book Review Uncategorized

REVIEW: United We Spy by Ally Carter

I’ve loved Carter’s books since before I started blogging, when I didn’t really know what I was picking up. I’d go into a bookshop and pick up anything I liked the look of with no preconceptions or presumptions. I didn’t know of the hype surrounding these books until I started seeing them pop up wherever I went and then, when I finally became a part of the blogosphere, I realised that these books have a special quality that people gobble up in handfuls.

United We Spy is the last book in the Gallagher Girls series and I was very worried about reading it beforehand. How could I say goodbye to this series that I have loved so dearly? The events of the last book meant that I knew this was bound to be dramatic, but I’d forgotten just how action-packed these books are.

In United We Spy, we see the familiar array of characters embark on their last semester at the Gallagher Academy, which, I must tell you, made me feel very nostalgic! It seems like yesterday I was reading my way through the first book, and then the second and third and fourth and fifth. I felt all the emotions when reading this. Even after finishing, I’m still clinging on to the world fiercely. It’s definitely not a series I’m going to forget in a hurry.

Cammie still had to overcome the issues that she was left to face after the events of the last book and we see her develop even more in this one. She has to deal with some really hard stuff and is thrown into lots of difficult situations but it seems like she always comes out stronger.

I really loved seeing Bex, Liz and Macey again. Liz was as nerdy as ever but also has to face her own demons, as do Bex and Macey. The girls are all so loyal to each other which is very admirable. I’d love to be friends with them!

United We Spy was a brilliant conclusion to a much-loved series and I’m so sad that I won’t be anticipating another book in this series any more. At least we have the Heist Society novels to keep us busy!