My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier

Book Title: My Cousin Rachel
Author: Daphne du Maurier
Genre: Classics, Suspense
My Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Source: Library

Goodreads, Amazon UK

Goodreads Summary: Orphaned at an early age, Philip Ashley is raised by his benevolent older cousin, Ambrose. Resolutely single, Ambrose delights in Philip as his heir, a man who will love his grand home as much as he does himself. But the cosy world the two construct is shattered when Ambrose sets off on a trip to Florence. There he falls in love and marries - and there he dies suddenly. Jealous of his marriage, racked by suspicion at the hints in Ambrose's letters, and grief-stricken by his death, Philip prepares to meet his cousin's widow with hatred in his heart. Despite himself, Philip is drawn to this beautiful, sophisticated, mysterious Rachel like a moth to the flame. And yet... might she have had a hand in Ambrose's death?

What did I think?

Books (and films) with open and ambiguous endings are my favourite kind of entertainment. I love when I, as a reader, get to make up my own mind based on all the clues and evidence the author has handed me.

My Cousin Rachel is written by the wonderful Daphne du Maurier who also wrote Rebecca. While I preferred Rebecca over all, I was simply smitten by du Maurier's descriptive and beautiful writing. The tale is dark and twisted with a Gothic atmosphere, and filled with moments of uncertainty. From the very start I thought Rachel was guilty, only to doubt myself a few pages later.

It's basically a psychological thriller.

What an amazing character Rachel is. Complex and vulnerable, but also scheming and manipulative. Then there's Philip, our narrator. Oh Philip. Naive and adoring, I kept wanting to hug him, then yell at him to wake up on the very next page. Wonderful character development made this book a treat.

I really don't want to give anything else away. I recommend My Cousin Rachel to all fans of Du Maurier and everyone who likes a suspenseful Classic. Now, just have to watch the film! I hope it's as good as the book.

TTT (25) - Top Ten Books I Could Re-Read Forever

Books that I could re-read forever, is a great topic chosen by Jana over at That Artsy Reader Girl. Read up on the rules here and join in on the Top Ten Tuesday fun.

I'm quite stingy when it comes to giving five stars. In fact I attempted a discussion post a few months back about how stingy I am.

A five star book needs to have gripped me, moved me, given me those warm and fuzzy feelings, and I usually want to re-read the book right away.

And that is quite rare these days.

Am I getting old and grumpy? Am I too critical Is something wrong with me?

While I wait to hear your feedback on my grumpiness, let me share the list of books with you, that I forever could (and often do) re-read.

• The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. It's a beast. It's somewhere around a thousand pages but it is absolutely worth it. The plot is intricate and complex and comes together in ways that will blow your mind.

• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Because...favourite book ever. I've read it at least twenty-five times. About once a year ever since I discovered it.

• 1984 by George Orwell. It was a scary read back then, it is a scary read now.

• It by Stephen King. It's on this list because it's the only book that ever scared me and has a special place in my heart. I should re-read it more often.

• Foucault's Pendulum by Umberto Eco. This will make you feel like you need several masters, at least four bachelors and maybe two PhDs to understand when Eco goes off on a tangent...but even without those, the plot can be followed, as long as you don't mind not understanding everything. It does not actually matter. The plot is simple. Yes, some people will get more out of this and understand all the references etc. But even without...this plot is mind-blowing. Eco presents the ultimate conspiracy theory and re-writes European history in this book.

• Atonement by Ian McEwan. This book makes me sad but the writing is so very beautiful.

• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë. Amazing read.

• Fingersmith by Sarah Waters. This book has one of the best plots I've ever read. Also lesbians. This book has lesbians.

• The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman. I read this out loud to my girlfriend over Skype, back when we were long distance. I couldn't read during the last chapter because of all the tears!

What are the books you could forever re-read? Let me know in the comments.

House of Suns by Alastair Reynolds

Book Title: House of Suns
Author: Alastair Reynolds
Genre: Science Fiction, Space Opera
My Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Source: Own a paperback copy

Goodreads, Amazon UK

Goodreads Summary: Six million years ago, at the dawn of the star-faring era, Abigail Gentian fractured herself into a thousand male and female clones, which she called shatterlings. But now, someone is eliminating the Gentian line. Campion and Purslane-two shatterlings who have fallen in love and shared forbidden experiences-must determine exactly who, or what, their enemy is, before they are wiped out of existence.

What did I think?

Right after finishing, I declared this may be my favourite read, since I first came across Pride and Prejudice two decades ago, which means a lot, trust me. Don't worry though, this is NOTHING like Pride and Prejudice.

House of Suns is something special. Filled with wonders and surprises. A story spanning millions of years and several galaxies. It took me a few chapters to wrap my head around the world; it's a lot to take in at first. Afterwards, I couldn't put it down. I just ploughed through, savouring each word.

Alastair Reynolds' prose is just as wonderful as the world(s) he's created. I'm gushing, I know, but I can't help myself. I'm in love with this book.

I didn't know anything about this book when I started reading it and I'm glad I didn't read any reviews, because I feel like it's best experienced blind. Just dive into the galaxy and trust Reynolds to tell a compelling and captivating story.

The characters are all amazing and somehow Reynolds wove a love story into this tale that made me weep.

I recommend House of Suns to all sci-fi fans, especially those of you who love space opera. I wish I could give a sixth star!

He Said/She Said by Erin Kelly

Book Title: He Said/She Said
Author: Erin Kelly
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
My Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Source: Own a Kindle Copy

Goodreads, Amazon UK

Goodreads Summary: In the hushed aftermath of a total eclipse, Laura witnesses a brutal attack. She and her boyfriend Kit call the police, and in that moment, it is not only the victim's life that is changed forever. Fifteen years on, Laura and Kit live in fear, and while Laura knows she was right to speak out, the events that follow have taught her that you can never see the whole picture: something, and someone, is always in the dark.

What did I think?

When it comes to thrillers and mysteries we all expect twists and turns, and I must admit I rate these books based on how much they manage to surprise me. I only read this genre occasionally, so I'm pretty sure many books that do surprise me won't surprise a mystery fan. So, take my opinion with a grain of salt.

I read this more or less in one sitting, and I couldn't figure out where He Said/She Said was headed. It's not that I didn't see the twist and turns coming, I had simply no idea what was going to happen. At all.

And I think it's best enjoyed blind.

Now, the book is slow at first. Erin Kelly builds the plot with care and takes her time to add depth to her characters before things take off. Stick with it, it's worth it. And no, it's not one of those boring thrillers, but the twist makes it worth your time. Erin Kelly wrote a compelling relationship and an addictive, intricate plot with great characters that are deeply flawed.

Recommended to all fans of the genre.

The Rending and the Nest by Kaethe Schwehn

Book Title: The Rending and the Nest
Author: Kaethe Schwehn
Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopia
My Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥
Source: Netgalley

Goodreads, Amazon UK

Goodreads Summary: When 95 percent of the earth's population disappears for no apparent reason, Mira does what she can to create some semblance of a life: She cobbles together a haphazard community named Zion, scavenges the Piles for supplies they might need, and avoids loving anyone she can't afford to lose. She has everything under control. Almost.

Four years after the Rending, Mira's best friend, Lana, announces her pregnancy, the first since everything changed and a new source of hope for Mira. But when Lana gives birth to an inanimate object--and other women of Zion follow suit--the thin veil of normalcy Mira has thrown over her new life begins to fray. As the Zionites wrestle with the presence of these Babies, a confident outsider named Michael appears, proselytizing about the world beyond Zion. He lures Lana away and when she doesn't return, Mira must decide how much she's willing to let go in order to save her friend, her home, and her own fraught pregnancy.

I got a review copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

What did I think?

3.5 Stars.

I've read this book a week ago and I am still thinking about it. What a read! Throughout, I kept wondering: do I like this? Is this too weird? Is this brilliant? Or not?

I still haven't found the answer to most of these questions. What I can say is, I did enjoy the read and I read it in one sitting. The pacing is great (if you enjoy character driven stories), the world engrossing, and the characters are well developed.

I really connected with the main character and Mira is the main reason this book kept my attention. I liked reading about her experiences and her life in this weird new world.

But...the story is just so bizarre and absurd. Women give birth to inanimate objects, like vases, dolls and decorative birds. Kaethe Schwehn writes a lot of poetry, and I feel like this book is more a metaphor than a coherent story. The writing itself is also very poetic, which I liked but might put a few people off.

The plot takes a while to get going. The antagonist does not show up until almost halfway through the book, which might ruin the pacing for readers who don't enjoy the main character as much, and ultimately I do think it was a tad too weird for me.

There is no explanation given to the reader about the state of the world. Why has everyone disappeared? Where did they go? But that is okay, at no point did I feel like we're missing out by not getting an explanation or that an explanation would make the book better.

If you liked Station Eleven, enjoy slow burning books and find the premise of The Rending and the Nest interesting, give it a shot.

TTT (24) - Valentine's Day

Once upon a time Top Ten Tuesday was hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Now, it's moved to the wonderful That Artsy Reader Girl. The rules can be found here. And this week's post here.

This week the topic is a LOVE freebie. I mean, Valentine's Day is around the corner. More like Galentine's Day, am I right? Anyway, I don't really celebrate the day of making money with love...call me cynical. BUT...I do love (haha) a good love story.

I've talked about the couples I adore in this blog post here. Now, let me talk about the romantic relationships that everyone talks about that I've yet to read or watch.

• I've not yet and will never read Fifty Shades of Grey. I tried the first page and had a small aneurysm right there in the bookshop. Sorry to all fans, I just can't. (I've read and enjoyed Twilight however.)
• The Notebook. At some point I will definitely read this.
• North and South by Gaskell. I've seen the BBC adaptation, and I will definitely read the book.
• Lady Chatterley's Lover.
• A Walk To Remember.
• Little Women. Maybe I'll stick it in the freezer like Joey.
• Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
• When Harry Met Sally.

Huh, for someone who isn't a big fan of romance, I sure can't find more couples to populate this list. Interesting...I've clearly watched and read many after all!

Please name your favourite couple in the comments, so I can find more I'm missing and continue my journey of swooning when the perfect man meets the perfect woman (I'm looking at you Mr. Darcy.)

Sunday Post (28) - Winter Can Go Now

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

If you participate (and you totally should because the community is amazing) don't forget to link up and if you leave me a comment, I will definitely check out your blog.

The Rules can be found here. And this week's post can be found here.

My healthy diet is making me cry occasionally. I'm kidding. Though, I did look mildly grumpy one Saturday and my partner promptly ordered pizza. Bless her. I did have my very first small pizza. Who orders small? Why do they make them in that size? It's PIZZA. Anyway, it was 9'' and I'm pretty sure it was the smallest pizza I've ever seen.

I'm eating lots of nuts, avocado and fish in an attempt to boost my good cholesterol...if I can't bring the bad one down, may as well try to improve the ratio by loading up on the good stuff. Still waiting for the lipid specialist.

Otherwise, nothing much happened. I'm writing. I'm reading and both winter and darkness can go now. I'm ready for spring.

I did discover a new (old) TV show that I've not watched yet and that I fell head over heels in love with: My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. THERE'S MUSICAL NUMBERS, WHY DID NO ONE TELL ME? (Also if you haven't seen The Good Place and are into comedy? This is me telling you that it's a brilliant show.)

We bought some clippers because we have one nervous Cocker Spaniel, deadly afraid of the vet and groomers. I spent three hours just cutting dog hair last week and ended up feeling muscles I never knew I had. Now, she looks like a lamb. Hello Lola!

On my blog:

• IRON GOLD BY PIERCE BROWN. I've only been waiting for this for a million days, or that's what it feels like. And in the end it did not let me down.
• A new Five Star Fantasy read. Inda by Sherwood Smith. Family, friendships, first love, betrayal, military academy, pirates...amazing read.
• Elysium Fire by Alastair Reynolds. Crime in space. If you're into crime novels and would like to read one set in space. Boom. This was a Netgalley read.
• Top Ten Tuesdays: Books I Can't Believe I've Read and Books I Liked But Can't Remember Much About

At the cinema: If anyone is on Letterboxd, this is my profile. In the last two weeks I went to see several films...

• The Shape of Water [I love Guillermo del Toro but I didn't connect with this one emotionally so I wasn't a fan. But damn the soundtrack, cinematography, directing and Sally Hawkins, they were all flawless.]
• The Greatest Showman [Musical with Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron. Great soundtrack, senseless plot.]
• The Post [A film about the Washington Post and Meryl Streep can do no wrong. Plus it has Tom Hanks, Spielberg directs and John Williams wrote the soundtrack.]

Currently Reading:

I'm still considering sharing some flash stories with you. Might do that from March on. Got another rejection last week, they still sting.

How was everyone else's week? I'm off to visit blogs.

Iron Gold by Pierce Brown

Book Title: Iron Gold (Red Rising #4)
Author: Pierce Brown
Genre: Sci-Fi
My Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Source: Library

Goodreads, Amazon UK

SPOILERS FOR THE ORIGINAL RED RISING SERIES CAN BE FOUND IN THE GOODREADS SUMMARY.

Goodreads Summary: A decade ago, Darrow was the hero of the revolution he believed would break the chains of the Society. But the Rising has shattered everything: Instead of peace and freedom, it has brought endless war. Now he must risk everything he has fought for on one last desperate mission. Darrow still believes he can save everyone, but can he save himself?
And throughout the worlds, other destinies entwine with Darrow’s to change his fate forever: A young Red girl flees tragedy in her refugee camp and achieves for herself a new life she could never have imagined. An ex-soldier broken by grief is forced to steal the most valuable thing in the galaxy, or pay with his life. And Lysander au Lune, the heir in exile to the sovereign, wanders the stars with his mentor, Cassius, haunted by the loss of the world that Darrow transformed, and dreaming of what will rise from its ashes.

Here are my reviews for Red Rising, Golden Son, Morning Star.

What did I think?

I am always worried when I pick up a sequel to a beloved series. Worried I might be disappointed or that something terrible could happen to some of my favourite fictional characters.

Halfway through Iron Gold a certain disappointment did start to seep through. I felt like I wasn't connecting with the book and the characters. Thankfully, the second half of the book grabbed me and by the end I was excited to read more.

A similar thing happened with Red Rising. I liked it but didn't love it, and then...Golden Son blew my mind.

Iron Gold is told from the point of view of four characters and not just Darrow like Red Rising. At first I didn't really care much for the other characters, and because the first half is mostly set-up and moves considerably slower than the second half it wasn't until much later that I discovered that I was suddenly attached to everyone.

Pierce Brown's writing is elegant. He excels at fast-paced action scenes and can really crush your heart with emotional moments.

If you liked the Red Rising series don't hesitate and give this one a try.