The Silence Book Review

Silence - I'm reading

Joss Stirling has stunned me once again with her latest thriller, The Silence.

A dark story with plenty of twists and turns - a surprising read in comparison to Stirling's lighter stories such as the YDA and the Savant series.

Definitely a powerful read considering the research and thought that she must have put in to writing this book and developing such a deep story line.

I would advise to be prepared when reading this book - it's a psychological thriller that discusses sensitive topics such as abuse, sexual abuse and mental health issues, but nevertheless, the story is gripping and hard to put down once you start reading.

A Thrilling Book Review: Joss Stirling, Don't Trust Me

So, you no doubt have heard of Joss Stirling's new novel, Don't Trust me (2018).

Don't Trust Me is Stirling's first ever adult thriller, under her young adult's pen name, of which, she goes by three - the other two being, Julia Golding and Eve Edwards.

I first noticed that a new and unusual book may be on the scene, when Waterstones had Stirling's thrilling novel on their shelves, ready for eager fans to pre-order; it was in January that Stirling posted on social media about 20 lucky fans receiving the opportunity to read and review her novel on a first come first serve basis, me being one of the lucky 20 to ask Joss if I could review her first novel to be published as an adult thriller for the 18+ audience.

So enough with the chatter - you no doubt all want to know what this story has in store for you!

While, I have read gothic and dark novels, Don't Trust Me was in fact my first ever thriller to be read.
I've not always been one for reading scary stories (and definitely not one for watching scary movies) however, with having been a loyal Joss Stirling fan, eagerly awaiting her every book release, I new I just had to give this new and exciting story a try.
I decided to read Don't Trust Me since I have gotten used to Stirling's writing style, along with the twists and turns she takes her readers on - I thought Joss would be a fantastic author to introduce me to the dark and twisted world, that we all in fact live in, but can be blind to.

The thriller is set in busy and manic London - the type of London where neighbours don't really know one another and where a murder could most likely go unnoticed for a good few days, since people are too rushed in their day-to-day lives where they don't notice the small unusual change in behavior and habits that people may take on should they be involved in a crime.

Jess is our main character in this story and while she may be relatable in some ways - such as having a wandering mind, being clumsy and only half-completing hobby crafts, she is also a character that ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time and will have you doubting and questioning her, despite reading her side of the story.

At the beginning of the story, we are introduced to a murder that had just taken place, with the murderer sneakily and calmly leaving the scene of the crime - it is this scene that our beloved and unlucky character Jess stumbles across and where the story well and truly starts to unfold - secrets being to unravel and stories and finally released out into the open.

Meanwhile, Stirling allows the author to get a greater understanding of Jess' boyfriend Michael and his deceased wife, Emma's side of the story, by having some chapters dedicated to them, allowing us to read the story from their view point - towards the end of the novel, I feel this really helped the story build in tension, preventing the reader from wanting to put the novel down.

This story plays  game on the reader - who committed the crime? Throughout the entire story, I was guessing who must have been the killer - who had reason enough to commit such an act - and while a chapter earlier, I guessed the correct person, I did not suspect the character to begin with and I have no doubt, this plot will also take you by surprise.

While, the story is a thriller, there are also elements of romance and love, which is also part of the reason I chose to read this novel - no Joss Stirling novel can be without handsome men and a blossoming romance!

I enjoyed how the story also connected with the audience - from scatterbrain friends and that moany elderly neighbour down the road - especially how people, such as Jess in the story, suffers from ADHD. Meanwhile, it also connects to readers on a personal level, covering topics such as young people running away from home, abuse (mental abuse and sexual abuse), self-harm, drug abuse and prostitution. In this day and age, I feel these topics, especially mental health are slowly being recognised and don't have as much stigma as they used to. We are still a progressing society who clearly need to deal with the issues at hand in a better way and who need to become more accepting of these issues, but I felt it was amazing how Joss Stirling covered these issues - issues that either ourselves or our friends and family members may have been though.

Whether you are a Joss Stirling fan, a person who enjoys thrilling stories, or a first time thriller reader like myself, go and treat yourself to this novel, sit down and get lost in yet another interesting, exciting and thrilling world!

Thrilling Secrets and a Glowing Book Review of Joss Stirling's Latest Novel

Christmas is nearly upon us - literally, in 25 days we will wake up, have a cup of tea and some biscuits, and open the presents in our stockings.

But the real question is, what is the best present that you can get your fellow book nerd?
If you want to find out, then I would recommend you carry on reading this blog post, since I have the answer to the question that has no doubt been bugging your brain.

So, in October, Joss Stirling announced to her many fans - me being included - that alas, she had finished writing her novel, Glow (2017) - the second novel in her Peril (2017) trilogy, and was on the look out for 50 Super Fans to proofread the novel for her, offering advice on what they thought of the story.

Me being the mega Super Fan that I am, volunteered myself as tribute (I hope you are proud of this Hunger Games reference) and asked to proofread the novel, which I had been bursting with excitement to read.

The day came when I received Joss's email, which held a copy of Glow that I was yet to proofread, and I encountered a mixture of emotions. Excitement. Curiosity. Intrigue. And then like any good book worm does, I started proofreading the novel.

Now, for those of you who are going to read the novel - which I dearly hope is all of you - I obviously don't want to give too much away, so I'm only going to give you hints to spark the curiosity that is no doubt already growing in your mind, since you are reading this post.

What I enjoy about the Joss Stirling novels, is that they always start off with a prologue that takes us into the past of a character featured in the novel we are about to read, whether it be the main character or a close friend or family member. It gives us an insight to the past of the main character that the story is about. How they have grown to be the person they are now.

After reading an endearing prologue this time featuring Meri's childhood through Theo's eyes, during a time when he was attending her parent's evening, the story picks up where the previous story ended - on the Tean boat.

When we last finished reading Peril, we were left with Meri and Kel, on-board a boat, that was taking them to the Tean kingdom that was Meri's birthright.

Some time had passed between where Peril ended and Glow began - Meri was learning her way around how to be a leader of her Tean followers and Kel was getting used not being the most liked member on the boat.

I found it interesting, the representation of the boat being on cold and bitter waves, which helps to shape up the future prospect of the story being on unsteady waters, so to speak.

While Meri and Kel may be madly in love for each other, what us fans knew from the previous story is that many people are against the idea of a Tean and a Perilous being in a relationship together, and while Meri had managed to get Kel on the boat with her, this doesn't stop the actions and the opinions of the other Teans on board, who are still strongly against this relationship and what it is standing for - how the way Perilous and Teans are currently living should change.

Needless to say, it isn't long before Joss takes us on a roller coaster of twists, turns and loop-di-loops throughout her story - which we all know we love so much, and is one of the many reasons why we read her books. I can honestly say, there are many plot turns, pretty much all of which, I did not see coming.

What was also interesting, was how this story takes the reader through different cities and towns, allowing us to see how the future has changed in this dystopian, climate changed world.

I also imagine that the way Joss wrote of Meri's life - a young girl, soon to be the ruler of a kingdom she is continuously learning about, who has many plans for change - is no doubt close to what this situation would be like in real life. The emotions, thoughts and actions that Meri had to take were very realistic and fascinating to read.

As always, the character's in Joss's books are relatable, life-like and gripping to read. Joss is moving with the trends, bringing in her own slang that teenagers in different groups or clicks would use, in her version of the future life of this world.

We meet characters from the previous book who we possibly thought we would never see again and we also make new friends and plenty of enemies in this novel.

One this is for sure though. You will not be disappointed and in some ways, I feel this book is even better than the first one in the book series.

For those of you going Christmas shopping - or just want to simply treat yourself to a book - get your bag and purse ready, as this novel hit the stores today and is ready to be added to your bookshelf!

The third and final novel in this trilogy has already been announced that it will be called Flare and Joss is hoping for this novel to be out at some point in Spring 2018.
For further updates, be sure to follow Joss Stirling on her Facebook or Twitter account.
Meanwhile, for some awesome pictures, why not follow her on Instagram?

Finally, to conclude this exciting blog update, I also came across some very exciting evidence. It turns out, Joss Stirling will also be treating us bookish fans to her first psychological story!
Due to be out in February 2018 - according to Amazon - her first psychological thriller, called Don't Trust Me (2018) will no doubt be the cause for a bubble of bookish chatter and excitement early next year.

Joss Sitrling's Glowing Novel Peril - A Book Review

Back in June, the Joss Stirling community was bubbling with excitement from Joss's announcement that she was making a break in the dystopian genre with her novel, Peril (2017).

That enthusiasm has returned once again in the bookish world with Joss Stirling's latest social media update that she is asking her superfans to contact her if they are interested in proofreading the second novel in her dystopian series, Glow (2017) which is due out in December, ready for Christmas.

Therefore, for you book lovers who have not yet had a chance to read the fascinating Peril novel, or who may be new to Joss Stirling's novels (the most well-known of which, is the Finding Sky (2010 - 2016 series), here is a book review to introduce you to the book.

Peril was released on the 13th July 2017 and is set in the future where global warming had hit the world hard, with areas of England being flooded.

When you first start reading the book, you are introduced to the character, Meri Marlowe.
Meri isn't like any ordinary girl, she is what is known as an Atlantean (otherwise known as a Tean). People who can see a colour called peril in the UV spectrum, while also having special powers.
Meri has been on the run with her guardian, Theo for years, avoiding an unknown danger. A danger that they only knew to keep a careful eye out for, in case of suspicious activity - neither of them knew who or what the suspicious activity actually was.

Meri's 18th birthday was arriving soon and she and Theo had finally settled down in Wimbledon, feeling a sense of safety and relief. Everything seemed to be going to plan - Theo had a good job and Meri - the quiet and shy girl everyone knew of as Mouse, at school - was going to climb out of that shell and make some friends.

However, everything seemed to change when she met Kel Douglas, a Perilous.
Perilous are people who have glowing peril coloured patterns across their skin that can only be seen my Perilous and Teans, which flare up when their emotions are heightened - for instance if they were to get in a fight.

Perilous and Teans are mortal enemies, due to the history of their ancestors. However, when Meri and Theo first meet, neither of them know about each other's superpowers and things head off to a good start. Meri and Theo get along and really start to like each other and begin dating, but when they realise who each other really are, things take a vicious turn.

Meri was back on the run and Theo was stuck making a tough decision.

Theo is the bodyguard for the Prince of the Perilous, however, when he finds out the truth about his girlfriend, he must make a tough decision: does he side with his friends, for the sake of their kind's brutal history, or does he side with his girlfriend, who could simply be the innocent party?

The story not only takes us on an action packed adventure, but also on a chain of events, filled with mystery, friendship and most importantly, love.

Joss leaves the story ending open - while it ended in a happy and exciting way, the plot is also left open so that the story can continue in the following novel Glow. However, just because you have to wait for Glow to be released at Christmas to find out what happens next, don't let that put you off, as the story most certainly will not disappoint you and it has definitely proven to all of us loyal fans - or even fans of dystopian fiction - that Joss can write dystopian (although none of us really had any doubt in that)!

What I love about this book, is while it is set in the future day, Joss Stirling creates a future that is relatable and isn't too different from the world we know.
Meanwhile, Joss doesn't go overboard when she creates characters with superhuman abilities either. They are people who the readers can easily relate to and enjoy getting to know.

What I also enjoyed when reading this story, is that throughout the novel, at one point you will be reading about Meri and then in the next section you will be reading the story from Theo's point of view, meaning you can see both sides of the story.

A lovely personal touch that Joss also added to the published novel, is that at the very beginning of the book on the dedications page, she also gave thanks to her superfans team who proofread the novel for her, listing all of their names.

So whether you are looking for a book to read, a book to ask for as a birthday present, or a book to add to your Christmas list (if you're wondering, yes I have already started writing mine), then I would highly recommend this novel!

Book Review: Summer Shadows

I am very sorry to say that this is the final book review to Joss Stirling's savant series.

For any of you who have read this book series, you will understand how disappointing it is to hear that there will be no more books, but as they say all good things must come to an end.

Summer Shadows (2016) is a fantasy novel set in the savant world centred around Summer Whelan.

Summer is best friends with Misty Devon and Angel Campbell who us readers met in the previous two novels Misty Falls (2014) and Angel Dares (2015).

Summer has always been a very quiet and thoughtful character in the past couple of books, a person who doesn't say a lot, but when she says something, she means it with her heart and it holds a lot of meaning.

When you first start to read this book, you are introduced to an amazing Benedict wedding (I am not going to say whose wedding this is, I'm leaving it as a surprise) that will get you smiling. In this first chapter the plot already starts to build up creating mystery, making you want to know more.

You immediately start to feel sorry for Summer, a 17-year-old savant who has not yet found her own soulfinder unlike her two best friends. While she is deeply happy for her friends that they will both live a happily ever after with their boyfriends who they adore, that streak of jealousy is lingering with her and she can't help but to feel disappointed that she doesn't feel she can live a normal savant life even if she were to find her soulfinder.

You may be wondering, why doesn't Summer feel she can live the normal savant life, but this is because of her home life which she had been keeping a secret from all of her friends.

Summer lives a demanding home life with a mother who is a rare type of savant that the entire community is warned of. She is known as a vampire savant who feeds off of the emotions of other people.

While we haven't specifically heard of this term before, in the first savant book, Finding Sky (2010) Sky was captured by Daniel Kelly. His son Sean is one of these species of vampire savants who was feeding off Sky's emotions when they were heightened due to the fear that she was experiencing. This can have an emotionally draining effect on the person and in serious cases, it can permanently damage the person.

Due to Summer having to care for her mother and needing to take on more responsibility compared to the average teenager, her home life can be pretty stressful. With having to help run her Dad's social and business gatherings, while being bought up by a Nanny who acted like the only true parent in her life, it is clear she has had a tough upbringing.

With the constant demands building up, Summer's only escape that she has been hoping for, is to go to Oxbridge University. A place where she can study literature and no longer has to live with the home demands. However, unsurprisingly her Dad does not want her going to a university too far from their home in London.

The real reason why Summer is needed to help with her mother so much is because of her savant power. She has an extraordinarily strong gift to be able to read people's minds, however when she releases her powers to its full extent, she can take over the person and make them do what she wants. This means, when her Mum starts to cause trouble, she is the person who is able to help the most to control and stop her.

While Summer is experiencing her own problems at home, trouble is also occurring in the Benedict household with Victor, who has run-away to Afghanistan to try and rescue his soulfinder who is in prison, for a crime that she didn't commit.

Since Summer is the only person who can help find Victor through tracing him with her powers (the only savant that currently the Benedict family know of, since Victor is able to hold such Strong shields), Summer's help is very much sought after. However, the only way Summer can convince her father to let her leave for a few weeks in order to find Victor, is to agree that she would apply to a university in London rather than leaving home. So this is exactly what she does,

Summer leaves for Afghanistan with Saul and Will Benedict along with Lucas, Scott and Hal Robinson who are undercover specialists, all of whom are savants except for Hal.

The journey of searching for Victor starts off rocky, with Summer and Hal often annoying each other extremely easily, however due to the need for team work so that the mission could be a success, Summer and Hal had to learn to rely and trust each other. This turned out to be easier than expected with Summer secretly liking Hal, with his good looks and boyish charm.

Hate can easily turn into love, especially in the savant world and sparks start to fly when Summer realises that Hal is not only a savant but also her soulfinder. The question is, with Summer's home life, will she accept Hal into her world and does Hal truly love Summer?

On Summer's journey, a bigger danger occurs with her being kidnapped by a savant gone bad, while another threat to the savant community will leave you clinging to your book, not willing to put it down.

I will admit, there was a main scene in this book, towards the end when I did spill a tear. Joss Stirling managed to up the level of danger and spin plot turns in many directions in this final novel. 

I was sad at the end, having to put the book down, but the ending to this amazing story will leave you happy at the way author Joss Stirling chose to finish the series.

For any bookish lovers who enjoy a story filled with romance, adventure and fantasy, you must give these stories a try and if you have started to read the savant series then you mustn't miss out on this grand finale!

Book Review: Teasing Xav

If you are a fan of the Benedict brother Xavier from Joss Stirling's Savant books just like me, then today you are in luck.

Teasing Xav (2016) is a free eBook which is based on the novel Seeking Crystal (2012).

While Joss Stirling's novel, Seeking Crystal looked into Crystal Brook's personal view of her experiences before, during and after she met her soulfinder Xavier Benedict, Teasing Xav takes on the opposite approach and allows the reader delve into Xav's past along with his first experiences of meeting Crystal.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella for the same reasons that I enjoyed Challenging Zed (2013) and Burning Yves (2015) - because you get a closer insight to each of the Benedict boys, their personalities, their past experiences along with their relationship to their other family members.

I've always known Xavier Benedict had a soft side, ever since the moment in Stealing Phoenix (2012) when Xav walks in on Zed with his soulfinder Sky and Yves with his soulfinder Phoenix and briefly looks sad. While in this moment Xav was happy for his brothers to be paired with their soulfinders, he couldn't help but to feel sad that he had not yet found his own soulfinder.

Xav Benedict is known for being the joker of the family, always laughing and teasing his brothers in a loving way and while he likes to have a laugh in general, this is also the way that he sometimes hides his sadness.

In Teasing Xav we are first introduced to the 15-year-old version of Xav - the one who enjoyed competing in snowboarding competitions and had a real talent for it.
It was interesting because the reader gets to find out how much Xav enjoyed snowboarding and didn't care for anything else - not even researching into becoming a doctor.
Joss Stirling created a gripping couple of chapters that introduced us to the turning point of events: what happened to Xav to make him want to become a doctor and why he had to quit the snowboarding competitions.

Meanwhile, further into the novella, the story turned more humourous and romantic as we are introduced to the 18-year-old version of Xav. The one who is working hard completing his work experience at the hospital and who was hoping to meet his soulfinder during the savant conference that his brother, Trace asked him to join in with.
I was always curious why Xav acted so jokey around Crystal to begin with and it was revealed Xav actually acted this way because for him, it was quite honestly love at first sight and he didn't quite know how to act around her, therefore resorted to humour.

For anyone who has read the soulfinder series and wants to find out a bit more about these fantastic boys, or who want to read a short story that can be read within the day, then I would definitely recommend you give this book a try!

While Joss Stirling has not officially announced that she will be writing any more of these eBooks, I am remaining hopeful that we will get to read about the rest of the Benedict boys or maybe even the soulfinders to Misty, Angel and Summer? Let's keep our fingers crossed for next year!

Book Review: Angel Dares

Joss Stirling brings to us readers, the hilarious story of 17-year-old Angel Campbell in the romantic novel Angel Dares (2015).

This fifth instalment to the Finding Sky (2010) series is most definitely the funniest of them all. It is unsurprising that even Joss Stirling admitted that the book was "such good fun to write" and that she thinks she "had the most fun on this one out of all the savant books so far."

Angel, who we met in the previous novel Misty Falls (2014) who is best friends with Misty, is the definition of a bouncing bundle of joy. She is filled with happiness, excitement and a spoonful of cheekiness.

She is an incredibly fun and engaging character for all girls. She has the typical weight concerns, is 100% a fangirl of bands and I found her relatable since she is short like me!

Angel has a talent for music and is incredible on the violin, however her true savant talent is being able to control water. When Angel and her band, Seventh Edition get the opportunity to perform live at a festival where her favourite band Gifted are performing, this experience is not only a once in a life time event for her band to try and make it big in the music industry, but Angel is now on a mission to help Benedict brother Will who is trying to find his soulfinder who is linked to the Gifted band.

The only problem is that Angel is known for being impulsive and for running into situations head first without looking. While she tries her best in everything that she does, sometimes Angel tries too hard or becomes impatient in waiting.

During Angel's journey of helping Will Benedict in finding his soulfinder, problems occur. Eli Davis, journalist and savant hunter, first introduced in Misty Falls, is back on the scene and is even more determined and irrational to expose the identity of savants to the entire world. This makes Angel's mission all the more dangerous as it is highly likely that her favourite band Gifted are full of savants who need to be warned of this threat against them.

Meanwhile, to confuse matters even more, Angel meets Marcus Cohen, singer and guitarist for the up-coming band Black Belt who are touring with Gifted, who is also ultimately her soulfinder. What is confusing about this matter, you ask? He doesn't realise he is a savant.

Angel starts to fall head-over-heels for him but risks getting her heart broken through rushing Marcus into this magical world which he isn't ready for. He has already had his heart broken in the past and isn't prepared to have it occur a second time especially when he's overwhelmed by the prospect of magic and soulfinders.

Danger is quickly mounting up against the savant community. Angel's world is going to be turned upside down and Marcus will not only have to accept the world for what it truly is, but will also have to team up with the savants against the threat. The question is, will they get there in time to save the day?

During the process of reading this book, I was laughing about half the time. If fictional characters existed, Angel would definitely be on my list of best friends. For anyone who needs a good laugh, a dose of romance and enjoys living in a fantasy world, put Angel Dares on your list!

Little is said about Angels description apart from her being short, having big eyes, a bob and dimples, which is why it is handy for readers to have read the rest of the Finding Sky series first, especially since the story does rely and progress off of the previous book, with previous characters being mentioned and included in the story.

What I liked about the story is how we are meeting such different characters and since the novel is in Angels perspective we also got the chance to meet her non-savant friends along with her savant parents, which was a lovely addition to the story.

Looking forward to reading the final story in this magical series, Summer Shadows (2016), while also feeling deeply saddened by the thought that this is the last book! Keep up to date with my following book reviews!

Book Review: Misty Falls

Misty Falls (2014) the fourth instalment to the Finding Sky (2010) series, is a must read novel that takes on a twisted route, leaving the reader hooked and wanting more.

In this fictional fantasy novel, author Joss Stirling's character, 16-year-old Misty is a savant and is one with a gift that you can't help to feel sorry for. Misty is unable to tell a lie and when control over her gift is lost, the people around her cannot lie either.

As you can imagine, for a poor girl like her - who also is known for being clumsy - her gift can get in the way a lot, leaving people either teasing her for this habit of being too truthful, or avoiding her, not wanting to hear the truth.

For Misty, one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking experiences she can imagine, would be to meet her soulfinder. For most savants, meeting their souldfinder is a fantastic opportunity. Every savant has a soulfinder somewhere around the world and together, they make each others world complete - through binding their magical powers together, they can achieve great and wonderful things. However,, a soulfinder left alone can mean dangerous things as they have no one to even them out between the good and the bad in the world.

Alternatively, there are a few cases where savants have met their soulfinder and dislike them, never wanting to be together with them.

Due to Misty lacking in confidence, from her appearance, to her powers, she fears that when the day comes for her to meet her soulfinder, that he would dislike her and would not want to be with her.

At the beginning of the story, Benedict brother Uriel is preparing to meet his soulfinder. Thanks to soulseeker Crystal, Misty's aunt who we met in the previous story, Uriel's soulfinder is known to be in Australia and since Crystal is unable to accompany him on the journey, it is left up to Misty to accompany him on this exciting journey.

While things hit off to a great start and his soulfinder is found easy enough, Misty struggles during her time there when she meets young savant Alex. While he may look confident and oozes charm (which is his savant power) he has had a tough past and is not as confident as her may initially seem.

Worst of all, he and Misty clash and it seems that whenever he is around her, he lacks in charm and his comments come out harsh.

As the story progresses and Misty catches up with her mates in England, questions start to occur on whether Alex - who actually turns out to be the same age as Misty and her friends Angel and Summer - could be either Misty or Sumer's soulfinder. SPOILER ALERT: While Alex visits England with his debate team, it was make or break time, to try telepathy with Misty and Summer. Much to Misty's delight they were a perfect match, but with her college studies and his competitions going ahead, there was sadly little time for them to properly get to know each other.

Meanwhile, Alex's past was also quickly catches up with him. For a boy who is thought to have no family, his uncle turns up out of the blue after years of trying to find him. For Misty and Alex, while they should be enjoying themselves and taking the time to get to know each other properly, there is little time for this young couple to be riding the honeymoon stage of their relationship with the drama occurring around them.

All the while, danger is looming over the savant world, with a murderer on the loose, searching for young savants who haven't fully mastered their talent. Most disturbing is that little is known of this killer and no tracks are ever left behind.

What I enjoyed about this novel was that while the beginning of the story took on a fun, lighthearted and romantic route, as the story progressed, it took you slowly but surely on a much darker and gripping journey, with the suspense gradually building up, making it harder and harder to put the book down.

Joss Stirling has achieved once again in amazing me with her talent of writing. While this is the second time of me reading this particular story, it still amazes me how realistic the story comes across. Young love, insecurities that all girls experience, the relatable clumsy moments that Misty goes through (and that I can personally connect with, being clumsy myself) and the worries of what truly lingers but is never seen, contained in the darkness of this world.

Keep your eyes peeled to this blog, as shortly another update will be posted for the fifth instalment of the Finding Sky novels, known as Angel Dares (2015).

Book Review: Seeking Crystal

Out of all of the Joss Stirling, Finding Sky (2010) book series, I reckon Seeking Crystal (2012) has to be my favourite.

Meet 18-year-old Crystal Brook: In her opinion, a useless savant and family screw-up.

Crystal has been through many problems in the past and hasn't had an easy life. From being an extremely tall girl (to the point where she got bullied about it at school) with a mane full of curls, who gets spots along with not being the skinniest of girls. Needless to say that being insecure about her looks is a massive problem for her.

To top it off, while she is a savant, she doesn't consider herself to be a good one, since she gets sick if she tries to do telepathy or if anyone uses it around her. Meanwhile, her gift only allows her to find people's possessions. 

If matters couldn't get any worse, Crystal's Dad passed away last year and she was closest to him than any other member of her family.

To start the novel off, we meet Crystal's older sister Diamond. A perfect looking woman who gains the attention of all men around her, with a savant gift that is always in huge demand. She keeps peace in stressful situations. She also has the great ability (of the non-savant kind) of bathing Crystal in shadow to her spotlight, since all of the attention always seems to be on Diamond.

Diamond took over from her mother in taking care of Crystal when their Dad died, since her Mum was so heartbroken and couldn't do the job herself, which meant where Diamond went, Crystal went. In this case the story starts off in Denver, Colorado and not too far into the story, Diamond meets her soulfinder, Trace Benedict. 

Crystal goes through the motions of feeling left out and a reject while Diamond is embracing the joys of meeting the Benedict clan and their other soulfinders. It is understandable that Crystal hates the fact she has barely any true savant powers along with being upset about the fact she has no idea how she'll ever meet her soulfinder without being able to do telepathy properly.

Crystal also has the "great pleasure" of meeting Xav Benedict, the 18-year-old brother to Trace, who is a massive joker, has healing powers and is also a massive annoyance to Crystal. To get away from him and the fuss over Diamond's wedding preparation plans, Crystal goes back home to Venice to start work with her neighbour the Contessa who creates costumes and masks, currently for a new movie taking place in Venice. However, her plan of escape doesn't last since, when Diamond comes back home, Trace and Xav are right behind her, enjoying their adventure to Venice.

While Crystal and Xav have plenty of arguments and take pleasure in winding each other up, it also brings them a lot closer, managing to get an understanding of each others personalities and who they truly are.

Big events take place in the story, from Xav and Crystal having to act out as lovers while being background actors in a movie, to certain characters in the story, showing their true colours and evil personalities and kidnapping Crystals friends and family.

Crystal goes on the fantastic journey of learning that she isn't as hopeless as she once thought and that everyone has a talent.

What I enjoyed about Seeking Crystal is that Crystal is such a relatable characters as everyone is self-conscious of themselves, whether it's on looks, height, weight or if you feel you are talent-less and this story shows how no matter what, true love is out there for you, if you're not happy about yourself, either put up with it or change it and that everyone is beautiful in their own way.

Another fantastic novel by the very talented Joss Stirling. Next book on my reading list is Misty Falls.

Book Review: Burning Yves

Joss Stirling's novella, Burning Yves (2015) is a brilliant short story and a perfect companion to Stealing Phoenix (2011) Joss Stirling's second novel in the Finding Sky (2010) savant series.

Burning Yves is a short story exploring how 17-year-old Yves Benedict and Phoenix Corrigan meet, from Yves' perspective. This is the perfect introduction to anyone who is considering reading Stealing Phoenix and guess what? Even better, this story is a free e-book!

What I loved about this story is that the brotherly banter between Yves, Xav and Victor is clearly evident and is highly amusing to read, keeping the story light and fun leaving a smile on my face. I also enjoyed how at the beginning of the story, the whole Benedict clan was involved, allowing the reader to see the family bond between this unique family and their loving and caring personalities towards each other.

I found it interesting reading about Yves and finding out how his genius mind works. From his fascination on train tunnels to how he handles girls; the shock when a girl gives him her number and how he tries to escape their overbearing and flirtatious behaviour - and clearly not being able to escape it.
Reading the story, I also feel greatly sympathetic towards Yves and his struggles of trying to contain his Savant power and the troubles this has caused him in the past.

With Xav being my favourite Benedict boy, I found it enjoyable reading his character in the story, from his jokey - and no doubt, at times annoying - behaviour to how he acts towards his brothers.

It was beautiful reading about Yves' savant connection with Phoenix, especially as having read Challenging Zed (2013) the reader can see how both of the brothers savant bonds differ from when they make that very first connection with their soulmate when they speak telepathically. Right from the very start, when Phoenix first tries to steal from Yves, we can see how her character appears to be on his mind and how there was always something about her which had immediately caught his attention (and I don't just mean about the fact that she had tried to freeze his mind.)

An interesting read, that was left on a cliff-hanger leaving the reader wanting more. I would definitely recommend this read to anyone considering to read Stealing Phoenix as it is a fantastic taster novella and not only that, these short story helps us readers get inside those gorgeous Benedict boys heads!

Book Review: Stealing Phoenix

Fantasy novel Stealing Phoenix (2011) is the second instalment to the fictional series of Finding Sky (2010).

Stealing Phoenix is a brilliant sequel this time set in London, following 17-year-old expert thief, Phoenix Corrigan - otherwise known as Phee - trapped in a community of thieving, murderous savants, with no way to escape.

Phee has only ever known the community as a way of life, thinking that no one with her abilities could live a normal life. Her journey of travelling around with this group of savants has been a tough one with her mother dying when she was young and her having to steal so she can continue living with these people. Meanwhile, her life is also being dominated by the ruler of the community, known as the Seer - a man to be feared and respected. With powers to control your mind and make you do whatever he wants - even to kill yourself - he is not a man to be messed with.

Phoenix's life gets intertwined with 17-year-old Benedict brother Yves, when she is on a mission to steal from him, on orders of the Seer. Yves is sensitive, caring and smart, a boy who has been bought up to be hardworking, sensible and fair - but everything he has been bought up to know is going to be put to the test when he has to win Phee over. These two characters are complete and utter opposites and clash often, yet they are perfect for each other. However, life is not all plain sailing when Phee has responsibilities and ties to the community and struggles to escape from her old life.

We also see more of the comical brother Xavier Benedict (Xav) who is staying in London with his younger brother, often making jokes and remarks. Despite his jokey attitude though, we also notice how the lack of a soulmate is upsetting him.

This fun story is a captivating read, with danger being thrown into the midst, among the romance and jokes. I always love how Joss Stirling makes fun of both English and American phases and words whether it is Yves not understanding what "Rosie Lee" is or Sky and Phee laughing at how Mrs Benedict calls trousers "pants".

I enjoyed how both of the main characters have such diverse backgrounds - Yves having had the opportunity to have a proper educated background of school and college, being surrounded by friends and family, unlike Phee who only has one friend in her community, who has no family and who never got the chance to go to school, so had to educate herself by sneaking into the library and learning what she could from her surroundings. Both of these characters gradually influence the other as the story progresses - Phee becoming more caring and trusting of her new found friends and family, while Yves becomes more of a risk taker.

In this beautiful story, Joss Stirling casts a greater understanding on the powerful bond between soulmates, as we learn from Yves, that no danger is too great that he would leave his soulfinder behind. However, this leaves the question open that when Yves runs head first into danger, could it put not only him, but his family at risk?

What is perfect about these series of books, is that the story, although it is a fantasy, it isn't too far-fetched - I read these books wishing they were reality and believing that they quite possibly could be. Who knows what extraordinary things are lurking around the corners of the world?

This is the perfect follow on story to Finding Sky with fantastic plot turns, by the end of the story I was completely and utterly in love. I would recommend all lovers of fantasy and romance to read this novel! Looking forward to reading Burning Yves (2015), the companion novella to Stealing Phoenix in Yves' view.

Exclusive Interview With Joss Stirling: Bookish Secrets Shared

Author Joss Stirling reveals the secrets behind her writing and the novel Finding Sky (2011).

Joss recently released the last book to her fictional, fantasy series, Finding Sky called Summer Shadows (2016) on 7^th July, much to the sadness of her fans.

The Finding Sky series follows the Benedict family, all of whom are savants – people with supernatural powers who are able to communicate through telepathy, each having a soulmate somewhere around the world – so to celebrate the release of this magnificent book, I asked Joss Stirling a series of questions to share with you amazing fans.

Characters are unusual people, all of which are hugely relatable in Joss’s novels, but to create such diverse and complex characters, inspiration must strike somewhere, right? “Sometimes the seed for a character starts with something I notice or find out about a person” Joss began, “but it always develops away from them and becomes a new creation. If it didn’t, I think I’d find it too restrictive. Story and character are bound together, the one changing the other, so they have to grow together.”

What had been puzzling me though, is where did this idea of savants come from? “I enjoy paranormal elements in a plot but wanted to write something that wasn’t so extreme.” Joss explained. “Once you give people powers you have to make it a secret or reality changes too much. That meant a secret society and hence the savants were born as a concept.”

Now, with Joss’s powerfully romantic stories, I obviously had to ask a question about the Benedict boys and that was, will there be another short story coming out? In answer to our question, that would be a yes! For any lovers of the comical, cutie Xavier, Joss revealed that once the story has gone through the editing process the book shall hopefully be out in Autumn.

We must not forget the action packed series Struck (2014) about the Young Detectives Agency – students trained up to be spies, going out on missions to bring down the bad guys – and I found out some interesting news. Next year we will be seeing the final book in the series released, currently called Scorched. I am burning to get my hands on this fiery final novel!

Being an author obviously has its perks, so I just had to ask Joss about travelling. Has she travelled a lot to gain inspiration for her books? “More often the ideas come after the travelling for work or pleasure. Only occasionally do I make research trips purely for writing purposes. Most notable was a trip to Venice for Seeking Crystal (2012) (it’s a tough life!).”

Of course, we must not forget how Joss Stirling also writes under two other pen names, Julia Golding and Eve Edwards, depending on the genre or target audience of the book she is writing. The first ever book she got published, was The Diamond of Drury Lane (2006) under the name Julia Golding, but Joss has been writing “all the time as a child and as a hobby through teen and young adult years” and has always known she wanted to be an author.

Book Review: Challenging Zed

Joss Stirling's novella, Challenging Zed (2013) is a beautiful short story to accompany the fictional, fantasy novel, Finding Sky (2011), giving the reader an insight to the struggles Zed had been going through before meeting Sky and how much she truly helped him.

I found reading this short story helped to give me a better understanding of the Benedict family and their relationship: how they help each other out, their personalities and savant powers, along with how Zed gets along with each of them individually.

I thought it was lovely to see a lot of the focus being made on Zed's brothers and how despite them having that normal and annoying brotherly relationship, when Zed desperately needs help and moral support from his family, they all stick together and help show their brother that they are all there whenever help is required (even when he is acting like an idiot and a jerk to his family and school teachers).

Joss Stirling also did a fantastic job of incorporating Zed's past back to when he was nine-years-old into the story, allowing the reading to truly understand how much times have change and the pain and sadness that weighs him down due to his gift, having to witness the criminal acts happening around the world.

This novel goes to proove how complex some characters can really be especially when supernatural powers are involved. The perfect combination of humour, romance and aciton. Definitely a lovely short story for anyone who has read the Finding Sky novel to read.

I am looking forward to reading Burning Yves (2015) based on the following novel, Stealing Phoenix (2011).

Book Review: Finding Sky

Finding Sky (2011) is a young adult, fictional novel, containing the perfect combination of fantasy, romance, adventure and drama.

I will admit it, I have read this novel five times and each time the story is just as captivating and exciting as the last time I read it, perfect for anyone whether you are a teenager or an adult.

Written by Joss Stirling, Finding Sky is about 16-year-old Sky Bright, an English girl who has moved with her adopted parents from England to Wrickenridge in Colorado.

Sky has a past, little of which she can remember apart from being abandoned at a service station, but it still haunts her dreams and makes her fear of what else she has forgotten when she was young.

From the age of ten, Sky got adopted by Sally and Simon and they helped her in her hour of need as she would not talk to anyone and her only comfort was music. Helping to bring her out of her shell, Sky’s new parents helped to welcome her to their family and give her a normal life with friends, but when her parents who are artists got the opportunity to move to Wrickenridge to be resident artists, it is an offer that they cannot refuse.

Sky experiences the nerves and troubles of moving: having to settle into a new school and make new friends while trying to get comfortable in her new surroundings, but things are not as normal as Sky had hoped when she meets bad boy Zed Benedict with a reputation of causing trouble in Wrickenridge. He is a boy that all girls swoon over and adore, with dangerously gorgeous looks, but when Sky finds he can communicate with her through telepathy, she thinks she is going crazy – something she has always thought as she used to imagine she could read peoples auroras to tell what emotions they were feeling. But what if she was not imagining these things?

What Sky does not realise is she is a savant – people with extraordinary powers, each of whom have a soulmate somewhere around the world who is their equal. Moving to America will either make Sky or break her.

Zed and Sky are destined to be soulmates, but with Sky fearing that no one can really love her and with troubles lying ahead, due to criminals being after the Benedict family, all of whom are savants, working together to capture criminals to send to jail, Zed has his work cut out for him.

With Sky having to learn about what the savant world has in store for her, learning about her powers, admitting her feelings for Zed and letting go of her past, it is a rollercoaster of emotions and one that takes a while to stop.

These books make you wish that the fiction were real. Hot boys, super powers, romance, humour and danger. What more can a girl ask for?

Book Review: Shaken

Shaken (2016), the third instalment to Joss Stirling’s Struck (2014) series, was without a doubt a book I was excited to read.

After reading previous books Struck (2015) and Stung (2015), I knew this book was going to be an exhilarating read. I was not disappointed.

In this gripping novel, we are introduced to 16-year-old Rose Knight. A genius American girl who get entangled in her Dad’s and brother’s criminal ways.

Rose is always the one to be dragging them out of trouble, but when her Dad is kidnapped and a regular demand of money is left on Rose’s doorstep in exchange for his life and Rose’s brother is not prepared to help, who else is there left to ask?

One of my favourite characters in this novel is Rose. Despite her having an extraordinary intelligence that anyone would beg to have, she is also the typical girl who gets shy and nervous speaking to new people and who easily gets flustered around guys. She is a character both worth envying and feeling pity for.

She is also a character who is easy to sympathise for in her lack of luck and poor fashion sense.

Now, a Joss Stirling novel obviously would not be complete without the dashing men coming to rescue! This time round we meet 18-year-old Damien Castle from London, belonging to the Cobra’s in the YDA (Young Detectives Agency) who is currently spending time with his mate Joe in America. We previously met Damien in the novel Stung (2015), a fierce while handsomely protective character.

I love Damien’s personality, how he is so protective and is a typical British gentleman, yet how at the same time he is a complete flirt and sweet talker, who won’t let anyone get in his way when it comes to the girl he likes.

I also enjoyed how Joe Masters returns to the books after his break from the series due to the problems that had occurred to him in Struck.

This time round Joe acts like the protective and defensive big brother of Rose Knight as they are next door neighbours and have been friends since they were kids – needless to say, despite Joe’s doubts that Damien would never fancy the clumsy, fashion disaster Rose, Joe still set strict rules for Damien to keep his distance.

But things aren’t always what they seem.

As a reader, we get to experience the fun moments, of Damien having an amusing time on his break away with Joe, on holiday from the YDA, there is a fantastically flirty Halloween party and Damien’s birthday party that expectedly leads to disaster. Not forgetting Damien’s Uncle Julien who is such a fun and lively character.

What I enjoy about Joss Stirling’s books, is she is supportive on all types of people, cultures and the gay community, shown in all the different varieties of characters used and Uncle Julien who is revealed to be gay in Stung.

Definitely a novel for all people to enjoy with the fun romance, jokes and the rushes of danger.

Book Review: Stung

When it was announced that a Stung (2015) was being published, second in the series to Joss Stirling's book Storm and Stone (2014) (also known as Struck) I was curious. Curious as to how Joss Stirling could write a book as mysterious, gripping and emotive as Struck... but she did.

From the very first chapter, which was filled with such mystery and sadness, I was keen to find out more about this distressed character Kate Pearl.

Then there is the handsome joker Nathan Hunter who I fell in love with while being on the roller coaster of a journey when reading this story.

What I like about this story in comparison to the Finding Sky (2011) series, is that in each book we get the opportunity to read both the male and the females perspective: how the characters fell in love and feel about each other, how the boys pursue the girls and how the girls react. In comparison to this, while the Finding Sky series is another one of my favourite books, we only get the chance to read about the girls experiences. On the other hand, Joss Stirling has written comparison novella's based on the boys perspective in the book.

When YDA (Young Detective's Agency) agent Kate Pearl gets sent on a mission that goes tragically wrong with her ultimately being accused for murder, it is up to Nathan Hunter with his team Kieran, Raven and Damien to go and save her. But is the YDA really the safest place for Kate?

Nathan has always had a crush on Kate, but it is his crush that leaves him getting tackled with an important decision. Is he prepared to put his career at the YDA on the line for love?

The growing love and trust between Nathan and Kate is one that will never get boring to read. This story contains the perfect balance between action and romance, meaning that this story is suitable for any audience, whether you are a teenager or an adult.

What I also find thoroughly enjoyable about Joss Stirling's books, is that with each story I fall in love with a different character, as each of the male characters, though they may have such different personalities and characteristics, they are also alike in the way that they are all 21st century gentlemen: polite, caring, protective, (obviously sarcastic) and put the women first.

I am definitely looking forward to reading Shaken (2016), the third instalment to the series.

Book Review: Struck

Struck (2015) was written by young adult author Joss Stirling who also wrote the popular Finding Sky series.

This is my second time reading this fictional novel and I can honestly say that this breathtaking read will never get old.

The intense drama and desirable romance is the perfect combination that will capture any teenagers - or adults - attention.

Raven Stone is a sassy and relatable student at Westron High boarding school which is filled with rich and bitchy students who have all taken a mysterious disliking to her.
When her friend Gina returns from a personality development course, Raven knows that something is not right; they used to be as close as anything, yet now Gina hates Raven and accuses her of being a thief.

Luckily for Raven, two new students, Kieran Storm and Joe Masters turned up at the boarding school after apparently being expelled from their last school.
Kieran Storm is a tall guy, with black curly hair, green eyes and an intellect that anyone would be envious of.
Joe Masters is a tall American guy from the East Coast - a total flirt with the girls with a laid back personality.
What Raven doesn't know is that these two mysterious boys are actually agents who are attending the school on a case, looking for any clues that don't seem right.

When Kieran unexpectedly falls in love with Raven, things start to get messy. Having a relationship with a girl outside of the Young Detectives Agency (YDA) was never going to be easy considering all of the secrets Kieran has to hide and the prospect of her possibly being put in danger.

Things only get taken to a whole new level, when Kieran and Joe realise they could be dealing with crimes that the school are committing, which are beyond their control. Running head first into danger was not something they were expecting.

I found whilst reading Stuck, that the storyline was so captivating, that it was unbearable to put the book down.
I wanted to be swallowed up by the book and fall into the world of spies, forbidden romances and brainwashed students.

I loved all of the characters in this story (obviously Kieran, as who couldn't fall in love with a smart and funny guy who is secretly a spy) and how this novel takes on a Sherlock sort of genre, with its mysteries and clues.

By the end of this story, I even wanted to be a spy!

For anyone who loves a romantic drama, then this is definitely a book to add to your list!
In total there are three books in the series, the next of which is Stung (2015) which I am looking forward to start reading this evening!

Book Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses

Welcome to my first book review on this blog! I hope you like it!

A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015) by Sarah J. Maas, is a fictional, young adult novel will capture your attention from the first chapter.

This novel follows the story of Feyre, a 19 year old girl whose job is to look after and support her family of three.

Feyre has two older sisters and a crippled Dad, however when she made a promise to her dying mother that she would continue to support the family, Feyre has been seeing to that promise ever since and will never go back on her word.

When Feyre is out hunting for food in the woods and comes across a massive wolf, she has no care whether or not creature is wolf or a magical being and kills it. What Feyre does not realise is that by killing a magical creature she has broken a rule of the treaty between Fae and mortal and is told she has to live the rest of her life in the fairy realm.

Distressed by this news and taken to the fairy kingdom of Prythian, Feyre makes it her mission to find any loophole in the law to escape and return to her family. However, what she does not realise is that love can be found with the most unexpected people.

Living with her Fae captors Tamlin and Lucien, Feyre learns more than she expected about the history between Fae and mortal, and about the lives of fairies than she ever expected.

Doom is looming across Prythian and there seems to be no hope to end it.

This novel follows hints of Beauty and the Beast (1740) when learning that love is not just skin deep, along with aspects of Rumpelstiltskin (1812) when learning about making deals with fairies.

This novel is a great read and I would definitely recommend it to people who love fantasy novels such as Maggie Stiefvaters' Lament (2008) series and Joss Stirlings' Finding Sky (2011) books.