Death In The Stars by Frances Brody, 4*

A fun murder mystery novel set in West Yorkshire in 1927, this book was charming and funny as well as intriguing. The character cast is varied and highly entertaining and the setting of the 1927 Total Eclipse made it something a bit different.

Technically the latest in a series but works well as a stand alone, this will appeal to people who like genteele murder mysteries, Agatha Christie and wholesome British fiction. I reviewed this book properly a few weeks ago, click here to read the full post.

Night Of Cake And Puppets by Laini Taylor, illustrated by Jim Di Bartolo, 5*

Originally released as an eBook, this has now been produced as the most beautiful hardback edition you have ever seen. From the dust jacket down, it is just gorgeous. Bold, bright, striking and all perfectly within character.

The story is an ‘extra’ in the Daughter Of Smoke & Bone trilogy, telling the ‘get together’ story of the characters Mik and Zuzana. It is whimsical and slightly dark, magical and a bit twisted – everything you love about the original books. All joined by fantastic illustrations that bring it to life even more.

The edition I had also included a chapter of Daughter Of Smoke & Bone in graphic novel style which I enjoyed and a written preview chapter as well, for readers new to the series.

Only Ever Yours by Louise O’Neill, 4*

I have had Louise O’Neill book recommended to me so many times, I was a bit apprehensive about picking this up in case I hated it. It turned out everyone was right and I really enjoyed it.

A stark and alarmingly believable future is painted out in Only Ever Yours with ‘perfection’ in the female form being almost the only purpose of their existence. Female babies don’t happen any more, all girls are created not born. Those girls are created to pleasure, procreate or teach future generations. That is all.

It is not a story full of hope, and I appreciated that because it made it much more effective. It made me think a lot about society and how we view ourselves and present ourselves to each other. And how much that all needs to change.

La Belle Sauvage (The Book Of Dust Vol. 1) by Philip Pullman, 5*

It has been a long wait for this book. I mean, we didn’t even know we were waiting for most of it, we were really just hoping. And then our hopes came true and the book was announced and the waiting came to an end.

Was it worth it?

Yes. Yes it was.

Reading this book was like climbing into bed and pulling the covers around you on a stormy night. It was reasurring and familiar, stepping back into the Dark Materials universe, even with the new cast of characters involved. There were familiar faces, of course, and it was good to see them again.

Now all I have to say is… when’s the next one coming out?