tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89434280953897403042024-03-13T20:56:51.298+00:00Scookie ReviewsScookiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03726226069989838425noreply@blogger.comBlogger272125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943428095389740304.post-75121225932442866262023-06-02T09:15:00.000+01:002023-06-02T09:15:24.518+01:00Book Review: Threads That BindTHREADS THAT BIND by Kika HatzopolouDisclaimer time: As always, the following is just my opinion. Other opinions are available. THREADS THAT BIND is an epic fantasy with an urban feel. It has a fascinating magic system inspired by Greek mythology, and a story that explores the bonds of sibling relationships. Overall, it's a fast-paced book about fate, choices, and forgiving yourself, so Scookiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03726226069989838425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943428095389740304.post-34670408052521511662023-04-20T15:13:00.004+01:002023-04-20T15:16:56.187+01:00I took my book for a walkI know what you're thinking...or actually, I don't. It's easy to picture that anyone who reads your work will only see the negatives. They have every right to, after all, and I'm a big critic myself. I find things to improve in most books, even when I give them five star reviews. This is why solidifying one of my novels into print was a big step for me, and because of Sod's Law, it coincidedScookiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03726226069989838425noreply@blogger.com0Forest of Dean, United Kingdom51.7999835 -2.551916923.489749663821158 -37.7081669 80.110217336178849 32.6043331tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943428095389740304.post-44864949786178598052022-01-31T13:39:00.001+00:002022-01-31T13:39:19.421+00:00Book Review: DyrwolfDYRWOLF by Kat Kinney4 StarsVerdict: A typical paranormal romance. I'm not one for wolf books, but this one I found quite readable. Some of the imagery is fantastic although the writing starts a little bumpy – a tad on the purple prose side were my initial thoughts. It also rushes into headstrong plot within the first few pages, not really allowing enough time to connect to the Scookiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03726226069989838425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943428095389740304.post-60238378321165659352021-10-30T16:31:00.006+01:002021-10-30T16:34:23.780+01:00Last Chance to Win a Paperback Copy of THE CLEARINGHappy Halloween, book lovers! There's still a few hours left before the giveaway ends, so enter below as soon as possible.The Clearing is a dystopian adventure set in a village run by psychics, and it was awarded the Editor's Pick seal of approval by Evernight Teen. A couple more great reviews have rolled in recently, so I'm overjoyed about it.a Rafflecopter giveaway If the giveaway Scookiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03726226069989838425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943428095389740304.post-53208188430238132182021-10-28T10:00:00.001+01:002021-10-28T10:00:00.197+01:00Book Review: Before and AfterBEFORE AND AFTER by Andrew Shanahan4 StarsVerdict: Unique take on weight loss and a zombie apocalypse.Trigger warning for eating disorders and body shaming.Ben is a soft soul struggling with mental health that centres around food. He's obese and hasn't left his flat in years. The day he's scheduled for surgery to remove his diabetic foot, the world seems to lose it's mind and turn into angry Scookiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03726226069989838425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943428095389740304.post-49906461178812596112021-10-18T10:00:00.001+01:002021-10-18T10:00:00.207+01:00Indie Book Review: The City of Snow and StarsTHE CITY OF SNOW AND STARS by S.D. Howard4 StarsVerdict: A dark fantasy with a wholesome cast. Trigger warning for rape/abuse. 'I'm not wanted for me, only what I can give, and there is nothing left.'I don't usually quote books, but this is a very quotable story! The dialogue was powerful in places, and the way the characters bonded together was the strength of this Christian fantasy Scookiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03726226069989838425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943428095389740304.post-53384632986023914262021-10-11T10:00:00.002+01:002021-10-11T10:00:00.267+01:00Book Review: The Inheritance GamesTHE INHERITANCE GAMES by Jennifer Lynn Barnes3 StarsVerdict: Great set up but I lost interest. Avery is about to inherit a billionaire's fortune, despite never meeting the man - if she can spend a year living among the disinherited family.This one starts off strong with a smart main character. It has complicated families and a whole cast of shady rich folk who may or may not be Scookiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03726226069989838425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943428095389740304.post-77559810972932924532021-09-13T10:00:00.003+01:002021-09-13T19:05:45.455+01:00Win a Paperback of THE CLEARINGI'm giving away a paperback copy of my debut YA novel, The Clearing. It's a dystopian adventure set in a village run by psychics, and it was awarded the Editor's Pick seal of approval by Evernight Teen. If the giveaway below isn't showing, then use this link to visit the rafflecopter: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c24e37ac4/?a Rafflecopter giveaway
In the last surviving Scookiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03726226069989838425noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943428095389740304.post-57069782739904809822021-05-28T13:59:00.003+01:002021-05-29T11:29:56.588+01:00The Clearing by Samantha Cook (That's me!)As I've talked about before, my writing journey has been a really long one (see my Rejection Story video for more details). But now after 21 years dreaming, 14 years querying, 7 manuscripts, 2 mentoring contests, and countless rewrites - I'm finally a published author!So, introducing my YA dystopian adventure with a paranormal spin, fiery romance, and twist ending: The Clearing! It's Scookiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03726226069989838425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943428095389740304.post-24687521826652831762021-02-17T19:00:00.019+00:002021-02-17T19:00:00.305+00:00Book Review: Octavia Bloom and the Missing KeyOCTAVIA BLOOM AND THE MISSING KEY by Estelle Grace Tudor5 StarsVerdict: A beautiful book, through and through. When eccentric Great Aunt Clara comes to stay in the Bloom's family castle, Octavia learns she's the keeper of the key for a magical fairyland. However, her family has a secret, one that involves finding rare flowers in order to break a curse. Although Octavia should protect Scookiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03726226069989838425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943428095389740304.post-17085976002025860162021-02-03T19:00:00.015+00:002021-02-03T19:00:00.516+00:00Indie Book Review: The Child of ChaosTHE CHILD OF CHAOS by Glen Dahlgren5 StarsVerdict: A gritty and original fantasy based around Order and Chaos. Galen has a wild imagination and doesn't want to end up a fisherman like his father. However, he doesn't seem to possess the 'longing' needed to belong to a temple and perform magic. Instead he has a different pull, one that might be responsible for his mother going missing. What's Scookiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03726226069989838425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943428095389740304.post-10499203655491333322021-01-17T19:44:00.002+00:002021-01-29T13:26:16.056+00:00Book Review: The RavensTHE RAVENS by Kass Morgan & Danielle Paige5 StarsVerdict: Is it too early to call my favourite book of the year?When Vivi joins Westerly College, she discovers the sorority known as the Ravens are actually a secret coven of witches. In her pledge to join, she quickly gets on the wrong side of Scarlett, a legacy Raven, who desperately wants to be voted president to meet her mother's Scookiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03726226069989838425noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943428095389740304.post-81641880221547066482021-01-15T10:00:00.001+00:002021-01-15T10:00:01.851+00:00Book Review: Wilder GirlsWILDER GIRLS by Rory Power5 StarsVerdict: Dark, gritty, beautiful. An infection has taken over the Raxter School for Girls, and the survivors are each damaged in different, gruesome ways. Quarantined on the island, all they can do is wait for the outside world to find a cure. When Hetty's friend goes missing, she breaks the rules to find her. I listened to the audiobook, and the voice Scookiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03726226069989838425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943428095389740304.post-43927650675427554742021-01-01T18:29:00.000+00:002021-01-01T18:29:18.512+00:00Book Review: ScytheSCYTHE by Neil Shusterman 4 starsVerdict: I had an existential crisis, but loved it in the end.Based on a world where death is cured, Scythes are ordained in order to choose which people should be gleaned in order to maintain the population levels. Citra and Rowan are chosen to be Scythes. Neither want the honour, and only one will be chosen. I went on quite the journey with this Scookiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03726226069989838425noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943428095389740304.post-36212996772236132342020-12-16T12:20:00.010+00:002020-12-16T12:20:00.142+00:00More Video Reviews!Here are two reviews for recently published young adult fantasy books. Both are gory, both have a lot to offer, but neither really knocked my socks off. Why? You'll have to watch and see!Click here to visit my channel, Scookie Reviews.I've got a good rhythm at the moment for creating video reviews. They're coming out on Wednesdays.THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS by Chloe GongKINGDOM OF THE WICKED by KerriScookiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03726226069989838425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943428095389740304.post-11300911337412071942020-11-17T17:41:00.003+00:002020-12-15T21:48:20.750+00:00Book Review: Kingdom of the WickedKINGDOM OF THE WICKED by Kerri Maniscalco3 starsVerdict: Excellent start, then descends into Q&A. *Content warning for gore.* It's 19th Century Italy. Emilia and Vittoria are twins witches entrusted with powerful necklaces that should never touch. When Emilia's twin is murdered, she wants revenge and will even go as far as secretly summoning a demon in pursuit of finding her Scookiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03726226069989838425noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943428095389740304.post-57211544453377876012020-11-08T14:08:00.003+00:002020-11-08T14:08:28.425+00:00Video Review: A Pinch of MagicThis middle grade fantasy tale is just perfect for this time of year, so I decided to make a video review. I'm still getting into the swing of things but hopefully this will cover everything you might want to know before choosing this book, and of course, no spoilers!Watch on YouTube and subscribe!Scookiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03726226069989838425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943428095389740304.post-75653619781896649922020-10-22T10:00:00.024+01:002020-12-15T21:48:47.691+00:00Book Review: These Violent Delights THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS by Chloe Gong3 StarsPub date: 17th November 2020Verdict: A lot to love, but perhaps too much? Warning, this book contains more gore than the usual YA read.This is the story of Romeo and Juliet, but if they were gangsters, and it's set in 1920’s Shanghai - and also there’s a monster on the loose. So many exciting things! There’s also a transgender Scookiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03726226069989838425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943428095389740304.post-86344838656320987042020-10-21T13:28:00.000+01:002020-10-21T13:28:20.872+01:00Launching Scookie Reviews on Youtube I did a thing! I finally built up the courage to make video reviews, and boy did it take courage. Okay, I know it's not perfect. But if making videos is anything like writing, then I just need to keep at it! I found it difficult to nail the informative bookish style that many reviewers adopt. I realised I'm much better at embracing my goofy side and having a bit of fun with it Scookiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03726226069989838425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943428095389740304.post-17992687854715342382020-10-16T12:59:00.007+01:002020-12-15T21:50:31.172+00:00Book Review: Spin the DawnSPIN THE DAWN by Elizabeth Lim4 starsVerdict: Awesome, dull, then crazy!Maia is a talented tailor who dreams of working for the Emperor. When a male from her family is summoned to compete for the honour of imperial tailor, Maia poses as her brother to take his place. Magic, adventure, and banter ensue. This tale is spun from three parts, and my opinions varied throughout. It starts as Scookiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03726226069989838425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943428095389740304.post-61427203331743282132020-09-01T21:03:00.001+01:002020-11-22T12:06:42.350+00:00Book Review: A Pinch of MagicA PINCH OF MAGIC by Michelle Harrison5 StarsVerdict: An original witchy tale. Betty Widershins and her two sisters are cursed never to leave the gloomy island that has always been their home. For an adventurous girl like Betty, that will never do! When each sister receives a magical heirloom, they set out to break the curse, starting with the possibly haunted Crowstone prison. &Scookiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03726226069989838425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943428095389740304.post-39409702764788195412020-08-25T19:10:00.004+01:002021-01-17T21:10:53.946+00:00Book Review: Britfield and the Lost CrownBRITFIELD AND THE LOST CROWN by C.R. Stewart4 StarsVerdict: A thrilling adventure across England of all places!Our story begins in Weatherly Orphanage, Yorkshire, a dingy place with strict rule and cruel staff. It quickly turns into an adventure to Oxford, London, Southampton - all across England in a hot air balloon as orphan Tom tries to discover the dangerous truth behind his real name. Scookiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03726226069989838425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943428095389740304.post-26039556964257589992020-08-17T11:18:00.002+01:002020-08-17T11:20:48.134+01:00Book Review: Crooked KingdomCROOKED KINGDOM#2 Six of Crows5 StarsVerdict: A fine sequel (Coming from me, that says a lot!)I read this book like sipping a fine wine, savouring the good bits but perhaps falling asleep on the sofa once or twice. I didn't find it quite as gripping as book one, and I will admit the 'plotting scenes' received too much word time for my likings, given that the whole point is for their plans to go Scookiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03726226069989838425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943428095389740304.post-14703219993537765722020-03-05T10:00:00.000+00:002020-03-10T18:28:51.964+00:00Book Review: The Wicked KingTHE WICKED KING by Holly Black
#2 The Folk of the Air
3 Stars
Verdict: An okay middle book.
Me and 'middle books' of trilogies have beef. It's been a long time since I've really enjoyed one, and I'm starting to think it's me.
Why do they always spend the first two thirds of the book in story limbo? Why do they refuse to end in a satisfying manner and instead throw you over a cliff and expectScookiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03726226069989838425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8943428095389740304.post-45317592178783255162019-12-12T10:00:00.000+00:002019-12-12T10:00:00.496+00:00Book Review: Noughts and CrossesNOUGHTS AND CROSSES by Malorie Blackman
3 stars
Verdict: An important story but no-frills writing.
I’ve wanted to read this book since I was a child. Now fully grown and still
enjoy YA fiction of all kinds, I couldn’t ignore how this has been recommended
to me throughout the years. That’s why I don’t like that I didn’t enjoy it. Despite
seeing its value as a teaching device, the truth Scookiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03726226069989838425noreply@blogger.com0