Posts made in July, 2015

Books Read in July

Posted by on Jul 31, 2015 | 2 comments

Books Read in July

  Wow, is July over already? July was the month of YALC (such fun) and re-reading/editing two of my WIPs, both of which I ‘finished’ quite some time ago. (I always think of more to do. Even when I think I’m done, I’ll take a break, then invariably find more improvements to make. Glimpse is the only story I don’t do that with, but only because I can’t anymore — I think I would edit that more too if given the chance!) Anyway… Books read in July.     The Curiosities: A Collection of Stories, by Maggie Stiefvater, Tessa Gratton and Brenna Yovanoff — A collection of short stories by three YA authors, who are...

Review: DARKMERE by Helen Maslin

Posted by on Jul 22, 2015 | Leave a comment

Review: DARKMERE by Helen Maslin

I’ve been aware of the upcoming YA gothic thriller Darkmere for some time, but it wasn’t until last week that I read a review and looked properly at the synopsis. Immediately, I knew I needed to read this book! Darkmere promised all the things I love most: creepy castles, romance, ghosts, and curses. I felt as though Helen Maslin had snooped around in my brain and written a book just for me. So I was more than happy to be sent a review copy (thank you, Chicken House!). A castle. A curse. A dangerous summer. Leo has invited Kate and a few friends to spend the summer at his inheritance, Darkmere Castle: as wild and remote as it is beautiful. Kate...

YALC #2

Posted by on Jul 16, 2015 | Leave a comment

YALC #2

As I’m sure everyone knows, the UK’s second YA Lit Convention opens tomorrow. Last year, I went to both full days, but this year I’m going on the Saturday only — a decision I made ages ago when I realised I’d missed out on all the hotel deals, and am regretting now I’ve seen the fantastic line-up on Friday and Sunday! I would have especially liked to meet Helen Maslin (author of Darkmere) at the Chicken House stand on Friday, and go to the main stage events on horror and dystopia. On the Sunday, the ‘fantasy vs. reality’ event sounds great, as does the ‘author and editor’ workshop with A.J. Grainger and Non Pratt. Regardless,...