#thechronicbookworm reviews

[thechronicbookwormblog]

BOOK REVIEW: Gallant by V. E. Schwab

Olivia Prior has grown up in Merilance School for girls, and all she has of her past is her mother’s journal which seems to unravel into madness. Then, a letter invites Olivia to come home to Gallant. Yet when Olivia arrives, no one is expecting her. But Olivia is not about to leave the first place that feels like home, it doesn’t matter if her cousin Matthew is hostile or if she sees half-formed ghouls haunting the hallways.

Title: Gallant

Author: V. E. Schwab

Published by: Titan Publishing

Publication Date: 01/03/22

Australian RRP: $32.99

Genres: young adult, fantasy, 

Pages: 310

Format: Paperback

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis:

Number one New York Times bestselling author Victoria Schwab spins a dark, original tale about our world full of life a world that mirrors it haunted by death and the manor that stands between them. The Secret Garden meets Crimson Peak in this novel perfect for readers of Holly Black and Neil Gaiman. Olivia Prior has grown up in Merilance School for girls, and all she has of her past is her mother’s journal which seems to unravel into madness. Then, a letter invites Olivia to come home to Gallant. Yet when Olivia arrives, no one is expecting her. But Olivia is not about to leave the first place that feels like home, it doesn’t matter if her cousin Matthew is hostile or if she sees half-formed ghouls haunting the hallways. Olivia knows that Gallant is hiding secrets, and she is determined to uncover them. When she crosses a ruined wall at just the right moment, Olivia finds herself in a place that is Gallant but not. The manor is crumbling, the ghouls are solid, and a mysterious figure rules over all. Now Olivia sees what has unravelled generations of her family, and where her father may have come from. Olivia has always wanted to belong somewhere, but will she take her place as a Prior, protecting our world against the Master of the House? Or will she take her place beside him?

Trigger Warnings: ableism, bullying, grief, death, death of a parent, 

Review: 

Gallant by V. E. Schwab is a young adult spooky tale about family, finding yourself, and home. From the first page, the eerie atmosphere of the story captured my attention. V. E Schwab's writing is engaging and weaves a beautifully spooky tale.

Gallant tells the story of sixteen-year-old Olivia Prior as she is summoned to an estate and finds the family she didn't know she had. Olivia has no voice and communicates through sign language, drawings and writing things down. I loved how the illustrations throughout Gallant helped to tell the story. Olivia is such an interesting character; she was determined to solve the mysteries of Gallant and what happened to her parents. The feelings of grief, loneliness and fear are explored so well in this book.

Overall, If you are looking for a dark, spooky and atmospheric tale, I highly recommend reading Gallant.

Thank you to Titan Publishing and New South Books for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[thechronicbookwormblog]

BOOK REVIEW: Wendy, Darling by A. C. Wise

For those that lived there, Neverland was a children’s paradise. No rules, no adults, only endless adventure and enchanted forests all led by the charismatic boy who would never grow old.

[ID: a flatlay photo of a hand holding the book Wendy, Darling on a white sheet with a book laying open underneath].

Title: Wendy, Darling

Author: A. C. Wise

Published by: Titan Books

Publication Date: 01/09/21

Australian RRP: $19.99

Genres: Fantasy, historical fiction

Pages: 336

Format: Paperback

Rating: 3.5/5

Synopsis:

For those that lived there, Neverland was a children’s paradise. No rules, no adults, only endless adventure and enchanted forests all led by the charismatic boy who would never grow old.

But Wendy Darling grew up. She has a husband and a young daughter called Jane, a life in London. But one night, after all these years, Peter Pan returns. Wendy finds him outside her daughter s window, looking to claim a new mother for his Lost Boys. But instead of Wendy, he takes Jane.

Now a grown woman, a mother, a patient and a survivor, Wendy must follow Peter back to Neverland to rescue her daughter and finally face the darkness at the heart of the island.

Trigger Warnings: homophobia, misogyny, bullying, physical abuse, torture, racism,

Review:

Wendy, Darling is a unique twist on the story of Peter Pan. It follows Wendy as an adult as she navigates life after Neverland. Wendy, Darling also follows Wendy's daughter Jane as she is taken away to Neverland by Peter Pan. I was so intrigued by the premise of this story, and I liked how it captured the darkness of the original Peter Pan story by J. M. Barrie. However, I felt the ending was drawn out, and the climax scene lost some of the tense atmosphere that had been building up throughout the story. Jane and Wendy were interesting characters to read about; they both had different approaches and feelings regarding Neverland. It was heartbreaking to read about Wendy's life after Neverland at St Bernadette's. I liked how Wendy, Darling touched on important topics such as motherhood, friendship, mental health, sexuality and misogyny.

Overall, If you are looking for a dark reimagining of Peter Pan, I recommend picking up a copy of Wendy, Darling.

Thank you to New South Books for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[thechronicbookwormblog]

BOOK REVIEW: Eva Evergreen Semi-Magical Witch by Julie Abe

Eva Evergreen is determined to earn the rank of Novice Witch before she turns thirteen years old. If she doesn't, she'll lose her magic forever. For most young witches and wizards, it's a simple enough test: ONE: Help your town, do good all around. TWO: Live there for one moon, don't leave too soon. THREE: Fly home by broomstick, the easiest of tricks

[ID: the book Eva Evergreen Semi-Magical Witch sits on a grey, yellow and pink cardigan with a pair of glasses next to it].

Title: Eva Evergreen Semi-Magical Witch

Author: Julie Abe

Published by: Hachette

Publication Date: 12/10/21

Australian RRP: $15.99

Genres: fantasy, middle-grade, 

Pages: 416

Format: Paperback

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis: 

A charming new middle-grade fantasy adventure, about a young witch whose pinch of magic just might be more than enough, perfect for fans of Kiki's Delivery Service and Aru Shah and the End of Time. Sometimes all you need is a pinch of magic... Eva Evergreen is determined to earn the rank of Novice Witch before she turns thirteen years old. If she doesn't, she'll lose her magic forever. For most young witches and wizards, it's a simple enough test: ONE: Help your town, do good all around. TWO: Live there for one moon, don't leave too soon. THREE: Fly home by broomstick, the easiest of tricks. The only problem? Eva only has a pinch of magic. She summons heads of cabbage instead of flowers and gets a sunburn instead of calling down rain. And to add insult to injury, whenever she overuses her magic, she falls asleep. When she lands on the tranquil coastal town of Auteri, the residents expect a powerful witch, not a semi-magical girl. So Eva comes up with a plan: set up a magical repair shop to aid Auteri and prove she's worthy. She may have more blood than magic, but her "semi-magical fixes" repair the lives of the townspeople in ways they never could have imagined. Only, Eva's bit of magic may not be enough when the biggest magical storm in history threatens the town she's grown to love. Eva must conjure up all of the magic, bravery, and cleverness she can muster or Auteri and her dreams of becoming a witch will wash away with the storm.

Review:

I LOVED THIS BOOK! Eva Evergreen Semi-Magical Witch is a middle-grade fantasy story full of adventure, friendship and magic. The beautiful writing and interesting characters had me completely enthralled in the story. I’m so excited to continue reading the series.

Eva Evergreen wants to be a novice witch, but first, she needs to go on her witch's quest. Eva only has a pinch of magic; she is excited to learn more on her quest. After Eva uses magic she is exhausted and goes faint. I experience a lot of fatigue with my chronic illnesses, everyday tasks can be completely exhausting so I could relate to Eva needing to rest after using her magic. I loved how much Eva became a part of the town and community. Friendship was such a big part of the story, it was great to see Eva’s friendship develop with Charlotte and Davy.

Overall, if you are looking for a fun and magical story full of heart and amazing characters, I highly recommend Eva Evergreen Semi-Magical Witch!

[thechronicbookwormblog]

BOOK REVIEW: Luminous by Mara Rutherford

Her sister has been taken, and the only boy she’s ever loved has disappeared. To get them back, she’ll have to use the magic she’s always feared.

[ID: The book Luminous sits on a white sheet with a lit candle in a candle holder and a fanned out book blurred in the background].

Title: Luminous

Author: Mara Rutherford

Published by: Harlequin Australia

Publication Date: 05/01/22

Australian RRP: $19.99

Genre: fantasy, young adult, 

Pages: 384

Format: Paperback

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis: 

Her sister has been taken, and the only boy she’s ever loved has disappeared. To get them back, she’ll have to use the magic she’s always feared. Liora has shone from within ever since a star collided with her house when she was a child. Since that day, she has spent her life indoors, only venturing out on the brightest days when her magic can’t be detected. For discovery could mean falling prey to the king’s warlock, Darius, who uses mages’ magic to grow his own power. But when her worst nightmare comes to pass, and Darius discovers her, she’s not the one taken. Instead, he demands that her younger sister return to the capital with him to work under his watchful eye. To make matters worse, Evran, Liora’s childhood friend and the only one who knows her secret, goes missing following Darius’s visit, leaving Liora with no one to turn to. To find Evran and to save her sister, Liora must embrace the power she has always feared. But the greatest danger she’ll face is yet to come, for Darius has plans in motion that will cause the world to fall into chaos and Liora and Evran may be the only ones who can stop him.

Trigger Warnings: grief, death, animal death, 

Review:

Luminous is a young adult fantasy story filled with magic, stars, shadows, love and family. From the first chapter, I found Liora's story intriguing. Mara Rutherford's writing was enchanting; the twists and turns of the story kept me reading until the end.

Luminous follows Liora a young witch who is in hiding and yet to learn the full extent of her powers. I loved finding out more about her magic and seeing it develop as the story progressed. The balance between light and dark magic in Luminous was interesting. At first, I wasn't sure about the romance but as the story went on and I got to know the characters more, the love story felt more believable. I think what I liked the most about Luminous was seeing Liora's self-confidence grow throughout the story.

Overall, Luminous was an enjoyable read. I recommend picking up a copy if you love fantasy stories about magic, love and family.

Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[thechronicbookwormblog]

BOOK REVIEW: It’s Not You, It’s Me by Gabrielle Williams

Holly Fitzgerald has inexplicably woken up inside the body of an LA teenager called Trinity Byrne in 1980 - trapping Trinity in Holly's forty-year-old body back in Melbourne, 2020. Mind. Officially. Blown.

[ID: A flatlay photo on a white sheet, the book It’s Not You It’s Me sits on a yellow jumper with a fanned out book and a black typewriter blurred in the background].

Title: It’s Not You, It’s Me

Author: Gabrielle Williams

Published by: Allen and Unwin

Publication Date: 31/08/21

Australian RRP: $19.99

Genres: contemporary, time travel, historical fiction, young adult, 

Pages: 288

Format: Paperback

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis: 

A literally life-changing novel about time travel, soulmates and serial killers that asks a very big question: Can you ever change your fate? This is award-winning YA author Gabrielle Williams' most surprising, ambitious and dexterous book yet. Holly Fitzgerald has inexplicably woken up inside the body of an LA teenager called Trinity Byrne in 1980 - trapping Trinity in Holly's forty-year-old body back in Melbourne, 2020. Mind. Officially. Blown. Holly finds herself navigating a brand-new body, family and cute boy next door - not to mention rock band that might just make it, and potential kidnapper. Meanwhile, lies intersect with truth, hurtling both Holly and Trinity towards a dangerous fate as the connections between them grow deeper and stranger than either could have ever imagined. Freaky Friday meets Pretty Little Liars - if the Liars were an all-girl punk band from the 1980s - in this highly original soul-swap story from the critically acclaimed author of My Life as a Hashtag.

Trigger Warnings: kidnapping, sexual assault, violence, 

Review:

It’s Not You, It’s Me is a young adult contemporary/historical fiction story about Holly a 40-year-old woman living in Australia in 2020 and Trinity a Sixteen-year-old teenager living in America in 1980. Trinity and Holly’s souls are swapped and chaos ensues. It was hard to put this book down, the story was so engaging and you just wanted to find out what happens next. The soul swap was such an interesting concept, Holly and Trinity both cope with it so differently. I had a great time reading It’s Not You, It’s Me, it was an intriguing story about finding yourself, time travel, family and friendship.

Overall, If you are looking for a fun and interesting time travel story I recommend picking up a copy of It’s Not You, It’s Me!

Thank you to Allen and Unwin for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[thechronicbookwormblog]

What books are you most anticipating in 2022? My most anticipated book is Amari and the Great Game by B. B. Alston. Amari and The Night Brothers was my favourite book I read in 2021. I LOVED THIS BOOK! Amari and The Night Brothers is a middle-grade fantasy story about magic, friendship, family and mysteries. From the first page to the last I didn't want to put this book down, the story was so captivating and Amari was such an interesting character. I'm so excited for the next book in the series! I hope you are having a magical day. 💕

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[ID: The book Amari and The Night Brothers sits on a wooden board with a fanned out book and a pair of glasses blurred in the background. Everything is sitting on a white sheet].

[thechronicbookwormblog]

BOOK REVIEW: Her Time to Shine by Fiona McCallum

Sometimes serendipity comes knocking, and life leads us to the most surprising places ...

It's never too late to find your true self.

[ID: a flatlay photo on a white sheet a black Kindle Oasis sits on a cream coloured book sleeve with woodland creatures on it. Brown leafy branches surround the Kindle and an open book sits in the top left corner].

Title: Her Time to Shine

Author: Fiona McCallum

Published by: HarperCollins 

Publication Date: 30/03/22

Australian RRP: $32.99

Genres: fiction, contemporary, 

Pages: 432

Format: eARC

Rating: 3/5

Synopsis:

Sometimes serendipity comes knocking, and life leads us to the most surprising places ...

It's never too late to find your true self.

While very pretty, the tiny town of Melrose isn't where Erica thought she'd be at almost fifty. And working in a funeral home and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, while navigating her grief as a recent widow, is not how she thought her life would look either. But she's committed to her lovely new boss, Walter, who gave her a chance when she so desperately needed it.

Erica's friends and daughters back in Adelaide cheer her on as she discovers a genuine love for her new job, forms friendships and immerses herself in the local community. But why is she being plagued with fresh bouts of anxiety and flashes of partial memories of her brother Mark who died when she was eleven? Why is there so much about him she doesn't know and can't remember? And why does it feel like it's more about her than him?

But she has to put it all aside when, despite being happy and settled, Erica is suddenly called upon to step up and face her deepest fear. If she can, what will she discover about herself and her past? And what will it mean for her future?

From Australia's master storyteller, a tender story about finding strength and fulfilment after major upheaval, and discovering you can only outrun your true calling for so long ...

Trigger Warnings: PTSD, stalker, grief, death, 

Review: 

Her Time to Shine by Fiona McCallum is a contemporary fiction story about life in your late 40s, starting over and solving the mysteries of the past. The story follows Erica, a late 40s widow and mother of two, as she embarks on a new life in the country. Her Time to Shine showed how hard it is to settle into a new place and start a new job. The side characters were great; I especially liked Walter and Erica’s working relationship. Also, Bruce is the most adorable dog, and I loved how much her character brought to the story. I felt like the writing captured the setting of a small country town in South Australia and the comings and goings of country life. I liked the discussions of mental health in this book. However, I felt the story was slow-paced and dialogue-heavy, which sometimes made the book hard to get through.

Overall, if you are looking for a story about moving to a small town and finding yourself, I recommend picking up a copy of Her Time to Shine.

Thank you to Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[thechronicbookwormblog]

21 Books I Loved in 2021

What were some books you read and loved in 2021?

[thechronicbookwormblog]

BOOK REVIEW: Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco

Two sisters. One brutal murder. A quest for vengeance that will unleash Hell itself . . .

Title: Kingdom of the Wicked

Author: Kerri Maniscalco

Published by: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 27/10/20

Australian RRP: $19.99 (Paperback), $11.99 (ebook)

Genres: historical fiction, fantasy, mystery, young adult, romance, 

Pages: 448

Format: eARC

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis: 

Two sisters. One brutal murder. A quest for vengeance that will unleash Hell itself . . .

A new series from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Stalking Jack the Ripper. Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe - witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family's renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin . . . desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister's killer and to seek vengeance at any cost-even if it means using dark magic that's been long forbidden.

Then Emilia meets Wrath, one of the Wicked-princes of Hell she has been warned against in tales since she was a child. Wrath claims to be on Emilia's side, tasked by his master with solving the series of women's murders on the island. But when it comes to the Wicked, nothing is as it seems . . .

Trigger Warnings: murder, death of a loved one, grief, violence, gore, blood depiction, self-harm (blood is used for spells),

Review:

Kingdom of the Wicked is a historical fantasy story about magic, romance, murder, and family. I loved Kerri Maniscalco's Stalking Jack the Ripper series, so I was excited to read Kingdom of the Wicked. I enjoyed reading this book. I found the story to be captivating, and Kerri Maniscalco's writing was so beautiful and atmospheric. The magic in this story was so interesting and I loved how much the book was about family.

Kingdom of the Wicked follows Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria who are both witches living in secret amongst humans in 19th Century Sicily. The sisters grow up hearing stories from their Nonna about The Wicked Princes of Hell. The romance and mystery of the story kept me thoroughly engaged, and wow that ending! I'm excited to read what happens next in the sequel.

Overall, I had a great time reading Kingdom of the Wicked and recommend picking up a copy if you like historical fantasy and romance.

Thank you to Hodder Books for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[thechronicbookwormblog]

How did your reading go in August? Any new favourites? I read 7 books and have two new favourites The Boy from The Mish and Before the Coffee Gets Cold both books are amazing!! I hope you are having a wonderful day! 💕

[thechronicbookwormblog]

BOOK REVIEW: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab

When Addie La Rue makes a pact with the devil, she trades her soul for immortality. But there's always a price - the devil takes away her place in the world, cursing her to be forgotten by everyone.

Title: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

Author: V. E. Schwab

Published by: Titan books

Publication Date: 06/10/20

Australian RRP: $32.99

Genres: fantasy, historical fiction, romance, 

Pages: 544

Format: Paperback, eARC

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis:

When Addie La Rue makes a pact with the devil, she trades her soul for immortality. But there's always a price - the devil takes away her place in the world, cursing her to be forgotten by everyone.

Addie flees her tiny home town in 18th-Century France, beginning a journey that takes her across the world, learning to live a life where no one remembers her and everything she owns is lost and broken. Existing only as a muse for artists throughout history, she learns to fall in love anew every single day.

Her only companion on this journey is her dark devil with hypnotic green eyes, who visits her each year on the anniversary of their deal. Alone in the world, Addie has no choice but to confront him, to understand him, maybe to beat him.

Until one day, in a second hand bookshop in Manhattan, Addie meets someone who remembers her. Suddenly thrust back into a real, normal life, Addie realises she can't escape her fate forever.

Trigger Warnings: grief, depression, attempted suicide, substance abuse, abuse, anxiety, attempted assault, 

Review:

It has been a few days since I finished reading Addie LaRue and I still cannot stop thinking about this incredible story. V. E. Schwab's beautiful writing captures the story of Addie LaRue, it's a story that I never wanted to end.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is told through multiple timelines throughout the 300 years of Addie LaRue's existence. The story also follows Henry Strauss a kind and compassionate bookseller. I loved seeing more of Addie's character revealed through seeing her past and present. I could connect to the loneliness and isolation Addie felt at times.

Overall, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is an immersive story about life, memories, time, and love, I highly recommend picking up a copy!

Thank you to Netgalley, Titan Books UK, and New South Books for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[thechronicbookwormblog]

BOOK REVIEW: Sugar Town Queens by Malla Nunn

Amandla knows her father is long gone - since before Amandla was born - and she's pretty sure he's not a prince. He's just another mystery and missing piece of her mother's past, and one of the many reasons people in Sugar Town give them strange looks - that and the fact that Amandla is black and her mother is not.

Lately, her mother has been acting even more strangely, so when Amandla finds a mysterious address at the bottom of her mother's purse along with a large amount of cash, she decides it's finally time to get answers about her mother's life. With her best friends by her side, Amandla is ready to take on the devil himself, and as she confronts devastating family secrets and pain that has lasted a generation, taking on the devil is exactly what she must do.

[ID: My hand is outstretched holding a copy of Sugar Town Queens in front of a tree with green leaves].

Title: Sugar Town Queens

Author: Malla Nunn

Published by: Allen and Unwin

Publication Date: 03/08/21

Australian RRP: $19.99

Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult, 

Pages: 312

Format: Paperback

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis: 

From the award-winning author of the CBCA shortlisted When the Ground is Hard, comes a stunning portrait of a family divided and an uplifting story of how friendship saves and heals.

Fifteen-year-old Amandla's mother has always been strange. For starters, she's a white woman living in Sugar Town, one of South Africa's infamous shanty towns. She won't tell anyone, not even Amandla, about her past. And she has visions, including ones that promise the return of Amandla's father as if he were a prince in a fairytale, but their hardscrabble life is no fairytale.

Amandla knows her father is long gone - since before Amandla was born - and she's pretty sure he's not a prince. He's just another mystery and missing piece of her mother's past, and one of the many reasons people in Sugar Town give them strange looks - that and the fact that Amandla is black and her mother is not.

Lately, her mother has been acting even more strangely, so when Amandla finds a mysterious address at the bottom of her mother's purse along with a large amount of cash, she decides it's finally time to get answers about her mother's life. With her best friends by her side, Amandla is ready to take on the devil himself, and as she confronts devastating family secrets and pain that has lasted a generation, taking on the devil is exactly what she must do.

Trigger Warnings: racism, violence, grief, death, mental illness, homophobia, misogyny, emotional abuse, sexual harassment, forced institutionalization,  

Review:

Sugar Town Queens is a South African young adult contemporary story about family, friendship, race, secrets and love. Malla Nunn's writing beautifully captured Amandla's story and the strong bonds between mother and daughter. Sugar Town Queens is a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading.

Sugar Town Queens follows biracial teenager Amandla Harden as she discovers the family she never knew she had. I loved how friendship and family were such an important part of this story. Amandla and her mum Annalisa have a complicated relationship, but they are there for each other through all the ups and downs. Goodness and Lil Bet are Amandla's friends and it was great seeing their friendship with Amandla develop and strengthen throughout Sugar Town Queens.

Overall, I highly recommend reading Sugar Town Queens it was a heartfelt and beautifully written story!

Thank you to Allen and Unwin for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[thechronicbookwormblog]

BOOK REVIEW: Daphne and Velma: The Vanishing Girl by Josephine Ruby

Daphne and Velma may be the only ones who can solve the mystery and save Marcy-if they can trust each other enough to try. Especially since the truth might be stranger-and scarier-than either girl can imagine . . .

Title: Daphne and Velma: The Vanishing Girl

Author: Josephine Ruby

Published by: Scholastic

Publication Date: 01/05/20

Australian RRP: $16.99

Genres: contemporary, mystery, young adult, 

Pages: 272

Format: Paperback

Rating: 3/5

Synopsis:

It's the classic girl detectives like you've never seen them before! Daphne Blake and Velma Dinkley have a terrifying new mystery to solve - and this time, the culprit is far more frightening than any man in a mask... Popular Daphne Blake and uber-nerd Velma Dinkley are not friends. They aren't enemies either, but they don't have any reason to speak to each other, and that's how they prefer it. The two girls grew up together - they'd been best friends since pre-K - but when they hit middle school, Daphne dropped Velma and never looked back. These days, Daphne's deep in the popular crowd, daughter of the richest family in town, while Velma's an outsider, hiding from the world behind her thick glasses. When they run into each other in the halls of Crystal Cove High, they look the other way. But then Daphne's best friend, Marcy - who happens to be Velma's cousin - goes missing. A century ago, there was a wave of disappearances in Crystal Cove, and many local people believe that supernatural forces were behind it. Now the whole town believes those same forces are back . . . and up to no good. Daphne and Velma may be the only ones who can solve the mystery and save Marcy-if they can trust each other enough to try. Especially since the truth might be stranger-and scarier-than either girl can imagine . . . 

Review:

I've always loved Scooby Doo so I was excited to read Daphne and Velma: The Vanishing Girl. The story follows the two characters in their teenage years solving mysteries. This was a fun and spooky read, however, the story felt a bit rushed in the last third of the book.

The story is told from Daphne and Velma's point of view. It was interesting having both points of view seeing what happened to their friendship in the past and the slow rekindling of their friendship in the future. I also liked the spooky atmosphere of the town, it helped to add to the mystery. I loved the moments with Fred, Shaggy, and Scooby. I'm looking forward to reading more Daphne and Velma mysteries in the future.

Overall, Daphne and Velma: The Vanishing Girl was a fun read and I recommend picking it up if you are a fan of Scooby Doo.

Thank you to Scholastic Australia for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[thechronicbookwormblog]

BOOK REVIEW: Wonder Woman 1984: Ready for Battle

Diana Prince has been living quietly among mortals in the era of excess: the 1980s.

Title: Wonder Woman 1984: Ready for Battle

Author: Calliope Glass

Published by: Scholastic Australia

Publication Date: 01/08/20

Australian RRP: $12.99

Genres: fantasy, middle grade, 

Pages: 288

Format: Paperback

Rating: 2.5/5

Synopsis: 

Wonder Woman 1984: The Junior Novel retells the action-packed adventure of the movie and features eight pages of color photos from the film! An all-new chapter in the Wonder Woman story . . . Diana Prince has been living quietly among mortals in the era of excess: the 1980s. Though she’s come into her full powers, she maintains a low profile, curating ancient artifacts at the Smithsonian and performing heroic acts incognito. But now Diana will have to step directly into the spotlight and muster all her wisdom, strength, and courage to battle villains Max Lord and The Cheetah and save humankind from a world of its own making, proving she is a hero for our time, for all time, for everyone.

Trigger Warnings: Grief, violence, 

Review: 

The first Wonder Woman film is one of my favourite Superhero films, so I was highly anticipating reading Wonder Woman 1984: Ready for Battle. However, I ended up being disappointed in the direction the story went. I did enjoy that in the book we follow three perspectives Diana, Maxwell and Barbara, it was great to get more insights into the characters. Also, it's important to note going into this book that the book abruptly cuts off before the last third of the movie, so it does leave you feeling unfinished and encourages you to watch the film. Overall, there were some moments that I enjoyed like the friendship between Diana and Barbara, and seeing past characters again, but the story felt rushed and cliched at times.

Thank you to Scholastic Australia for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[thechronicbookwormblog]

BOOK REVIEW: Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

Piranesi lives in the House. Perhaps he always has. In his notebooks, day after day, he makes a clear and careful record of its wonders: the labyrinth of halls, the thousands upon thousands of statues, the tides that thunder up staircases, the clouds that move in slow procession through the upper halls. On Tuesdays and Fridays Piranesi sees his friend, the Other. At other times he brings tributes of food to the Dead. But mostly, he is alone.

Title: Piranesi

Author: Susanna Clarke

Published by: Bloomsbury

Publication Date: 15/09/20

Australian RRP: $27.99

Finished Cover: *click*

Genres: fantasy, fiction, mystery, 

Pages: 249

Format: ARC

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis:

Piranesi lives in the House. Perhaps he always has. In his notebooks, day after day, he makes a clear and careful record of its wonders: the labyrinth of halls, the thousands upon thousands of statues, the tides that thunder up staircases, the clouds that move in slow procession through the upper halls. On Tuesdays and Fridays Piranesi sees his friend, the Other. At other times he brings tributes of food to the Dead. But mostly, he is alone. Messages begin to appear, scratched out in chalk on the pavements. There is someone new in the House. But who are they and what do they want? Are they a friend or do they bring destruction and madness as the Other claims? Lost texts must be found; secrets must be uncovered. The world that Piranesi thought he knew is becoming strange and dangerous. The Beauty of the House is immeasurable; its Kindness infinite.

Trigger Warnings: emotional abuse, mental illness, death, murder, 

Review:

Wow! This book is incredible! I don't often read books in one sitting but with Piranesi, I found I could not put the book down, I had to keep reading. Piranesi is an amazing and thrilling story about nature, friendship, life, and ideas. Susanna Clarke's writing beautifully captures the story of Piranesi.

The story follows the title character Piranesi and is told through his journal entries. Piranesi is such an interesting character, he is compassionate, optimistic, and has a love for nature. The house that Piranesi lives in felt like another character in the story as you explore further and further into the labyrinth. I love how this book constantly had me questioning who is Piranesi, who is the Other, and what is the House.

Overall, Piranesi is one of my favourite books I've read this year, I highly recommend reading it!

Thank you to Bloomsbury Australia for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[thechronicbookwormblog]

BOOK REVIEW: The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow

“It is a sad fact of life that if a young woman is unlucky enough to come into the world without expectations, she had better do all she can to ensure she is born beautiful. To be handsome and poor is misfortune enough; but to be both plain and penniless is a hard fate indeed.”

Title: The Other Bennet Sister

Author: Janice Hadlow

Published by: Pan Macmillan

Publication Date: 28/01/20

Australian RRP: $32.99

Genres: historical fiction, romance, 

Pages: 658

Format: paperback

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis:

It is a sad fact of life that if a young woman is unlucky enough to come into the world without expectations, she had better do all she can to ensure she is born beautiful. To be handsome and poor is misfortune enough; but to be both plain and penniless is a hard fate indeed.

In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Mary is the middle of the five Bennet girls and the plainest of them all, so what hope does she have? Prim and pious, with no redeeming features, she is unloved and seemingly unlovable.

The Other Bennet Sister, though, shows another side to Mary. An introvert in a family of extroverts; a constant disappointment to her mother who values beauty above all else; fearful of her father’s sharp tongue; with little in common with her siblings – is it any wonder she turns to books for both company and guidance? And, if she finds her life lonely or lacking, that she determines to try harder at the one thing she can be: right.

One by one, her sisters marry – Jane and Lizzy for love; Lydia for some semblance of respectability – but Mary, it seems, is destined to remain single and live out her life at Longbourn, at least until her father dies and the house is bequeathed to the reviled Mr Collins.

But when that fateful day finally comes, she slowly discovers that perhaps there is hope for her, after all.

Simultaneously a wonderfully warm homage to Jane Austen and a delightful new story in its own right, Janice Hadlow's The Other Bennet Sister is, at its heart, a life-affirming tale of a young woman finding her place in the world. Witty and uplifting, it will make you feel – and cheer – for Mary as you never have before.

Trigger Warnings: verbal abuse, grief, death, 

Review:

The Other Bennet Sister is a historical fiction/romance story, following the character of Mary Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I enjoyed reading about Mary Bennet and seeing the Bennet family through a different lens. The writing was beautiful, but the pacing of the story dragged on in the middle part and was rushed at the end.

In Pride and Prejudice, Mary is the sister we don't know much about. I really liked how The Other Bennet Sister explored Mary's character and how much she developed over the course of the story. Mary's passion for theology and ethics was interesting to read about. Mrs. Gardiner is one of my favourite characters from Pride and Prejudice, so it was great to see Mary and Mrs. Gardiner's friendship grow. I really liked Tom Hayward and his banter with Mary. While this is a romance story, I liked that the main focus was on Mary and her journey.

Overall, The Other Bennet Sister was a wonderful read and I recommend picking it up if you love Pride and Prejudice, and want to know more about Mary Bennet.

Thank you to Pan Macmillan Australia for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.