Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Title: Eragon

Author: Christopher Paolini

Released: January 2005

One boy . . . One dragon . . . A world of adventure. When Eragon finds a polished stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon soon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself. Overnight his simple life is shattered and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic and power. With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds. Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands.

Rating: 5 Stars

Positives: I loved this book for so many reasons. Firstly there's great character development. At first I thought Eragon was a whiny little so and so but by the end of this first book in the series I can see how much Eragon has grown. Secondly there is so much detail in the writing that you get a clear image of exactly what is going on. And thirdly the characters are all lovable. I especially loved Brom and was absolutely gutted when he died. 

Negatives: My only bug bear about this book was that we haven't really had a chance to see what has happened to Roran, or to find out what's happening with the Ra'zac since Eragon last encountered them. Hopefully this will be tied up later on in the series. 

Would I recommend this book? Yes I would. It may be aimed at teenagers but this is an excellent book. 

The Distant Hours by Kate Morton

Title: The Distant Hours

Author: Kate Morton

Released: May 2011

Edie Burchill and her mother have never been close, but when a long lost letter arrives with the return address of Milderhurst Castle, Kent, printed on its envelope, Edie begins to suspect that her mother's emotional distance masks an old secret. 

Evacuated from London as a thirteen year old girl, Edie's mother is chosen by the mysterious Juniper Blythe, and taken to live at Millderhurst Castle with the Blythe family. 

Fifty years later, Edie too is drawn to Milderhurst and the eccentric Sisters Blythe. Old ladies now, the three still live together, the twins nursing Juniper, whose abandonment by her fiancé in 1941 plunged her into madness. Inside the decaying castle, Edie begins to unravel her mother's past. But there are other secrets hidden in the stones of Milderhurst Castle, and Edie is about to learn more than she expected. The truth of what happened in the distant hours has been waiting a long time for someone to find it . . .

Rating: 4 Stars

Positives: This was an intriguing story crossing two generations and with new secrets revealed at every twist and turn. Any questions that arose during the course of the book were all answered in the final part, and it wasn't something that I had seen coming. The final secret is the best. I also found myself identifying with Edie's character quite a lot, especially when it came to the relationship that she shares with her mother Meredith. 

Negatives: I'm sad to say that although I enjoyed the book I really didn't like the writing style and found myself drifting at times, sometimes having to go back and reread several pages so I could get a grasp on what was happening. 

Would I recommend this book? I would, but its certainly one you have to persevere with. If you have the patience then this book is a gem. 

Sister by Rosamund Lupton

Title: Sister

Author: Rosamund Lupton

Released: September 2010

Nothing can break the bond between sisters ...

When Beatrice gets a frantic call in the middle of Sunday lunch to say that her younger sister, Tess, is missing, she boards the first flight home to London. But as she learns about the circumstances surrounding her sister's disappearance, she is stunned to discover how little she actually knows of her sister's life - and unprepared for the terrifying truths she must now face.

The police, Beatrice's fiance and even their mother accept they have lost Tess but Beatrice refuses to give up on her. So she embarks on a dangerous journey to discover the truth, no matter the cost.

Rating: 5 Stars

Positives: There are so many twists and turns in Sister that its hard to begin. We meet Beatrice the elder sister who right from the very beginning suspects foul play. After all she is the one who knows her sister best. Even after a verdict of suicide she refuses to give up on Tess. But all the twists and turns, all the curve balls are nothing compared to the ending of the book. This really is a stunning debut novel from Rosamund Lupton with lovable characters such as Kasia and Tess and Beatrice and there 's a brilliant plot behind it all. You can see from the depth of knowledge that Lupton goes into that she has really done her research on the medical side of things for this story. 

Negatives: If anything I think my main bug bear with this story is that we are convinced whilst following Beatrice that so many different characters are capable of killing Tess. And in the end we don't see what happens to several of these characters like Emilio Codi or Simon Greenley. 

Would I recommend this book? Yes definitely. If you want a book full of grief and happiness with a detective crime thriller twist then Sister is the book for you. 

One Moment One Morning by Sarah Rayner

Title: One Moment One Morning

Author: Sarah Rayner

Released: July 2010

The Brighton to London line. The 07:44 train. Carriages packed with commuters.

A woman applies her make-up. Another occupies her time observing the people around her. A husband and wife share an affectionate gesture. Further along, a woman flicks through a glossy magazine.

Then, abruptly, everything changes: a man has a heart attack, and can't be resuscitated; the train is stopped, an ambulance called.

For at least three passengers on the 07:44 on that particular morning, life will never be the same again.

Lou witnesses the man's final moments. Anna and Lou share a cab when they realise the train is going nowhere fast. Anna is Karen's best friend.

And Karen? Karen's husband is the man who dies.

Telling the story of the week following that fateful train journey, One Moment, One Morning is a stunning novel about love and loss, about family and – above all – friendship. A stark reminder that, sometimes, one moment is all it takes, it also reminds us that somehow, and despite everything, life can and does go on.

Rating: 4 Stars

Positives: I love stories where the reader gets to follow several different characters and watch how their lives all come together. This book was no different. We meet three wonderful women who all come together through the death of one man, and we see how this impacts upon all of their lives. I love how easily Sarah Rayner captured the emotional turmoil that Karen faces in the run up to Simon's funeral, especially with how the children seem to understand what is happening one minute, and how the next they just want to know where their dad is. If I had to pick a favourite story though it would be Anna's, because we see her gain so much strength over the course of the book and have the courage to chuck her alcoholic boyfriend. 

Negatives: I wasn't overly fond of Lou's story. I didn't see how her coming out to her mother and trying to start up a new relationship with Sofia was central to the story. She just didn't seem to tie in with Karen and Anna as much as I'd hoped that she would. 

Would I recommend this book? Yes I would, its a great read with some beautiful moments. 

Heartstone by C. J. Sansom

Title: Heartstone

Author: C. J. Sansom

Released: September 2011

Summer, 1545. England is at war. Henry VIII’s invasion of France has gone badly wrong, and a massive French fleet is preparing to sail across the Channel . . .

Meanwhile, Matthew Shardlake is given an intriguing legal case by an old servant of Queen Catherine Parr. Asked to investigate claims of ‘monstrous wrongs’ committed against his young ward, Hugh Curteys, by Sir Nicholas Hobbey, Shardlake and his assistant Barak journey to Portsmouth. There, Shardlake also intends to investigate the mysterious past of Ellen Fettiplace, a young woman incarcerated in the Bedlam.

Once in Portsmouth, Shardlake and Barak find themselves in a city preparing for war. The mysteries surrounding the Hobbey family and the events that destroyed Ellen’s family nineteen years before, involve Shardlake in reunions both with an old friend and an old enemy close to the throne. Soon events will converge on board one of the king’s great warships gathered in Portsmouth harbour, waiting to sail out and confront the approaching French fleet. . .

Rating: 5 Stars

Positives: Where should I start? C. J. Sansom has proven to be an awesome author who has clearly researched his topic. I love Tudor history novels, and C. J. Sansom has created a masterpiece. The story is so intricate, and hardly anyone will guess the twists and turns that are present. And I'd be pleasantly surprised if anyone managed to work out what or should I say who connects the Ellen and Hugh stories together. 

Negatives: My only issue is that the book gets off to a rather slow start. Other than that I have no complaints. 

Would I recommend this book? Yes I would. Although it is a part of the Shardlake series you don't have to read the other books for it first to make sense. 

The House Of Silk by Anthony Horowitz

Title: The House Of Silk

Author: Anthony Horowitz

Released: August 2012

London, 1890 221B Baker St. A fine art dealer named Edmund Carstairs visits Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson, to beg for their help. He is being menaced by a strange man in a flat cap - a wanted criminal who seems to have followed him all the way from America. In the days that follow, his home is robbed, his family is threatened.. And then the first murder takes place. Almost unwillingly, Holmes and Watson find themselves being drawn ever deeper into an international conspiracy connected to the teeming criminal underworld of Boston, the gaslit streets of London, opium dens and much, much more. And as they dig, they begin to hear the whispered phrase-the House of Silk-a mysterious entity that connects the highest levels of government to the deepest depths of criminal...

Rating: 5 Stars

Positives: I'll be the first to admit that I was more than a little sceptical when I picked up this book. To me Anthony Horowitz didn't seem like the right person to be writing a Sherlock Holmes novel. But I'll admit I was wrong. I fell in love with The House Of Silk the moment I picked it up. Horowitz has perfectly captured the language and dialects that would be appropriate in the time when Sherlock is set. I found myself captivated at every twist and turn, never once figuring out the mystery before the truth is revealed. This is a fantastic read suitable for all ages. 

Negatives: Oh dear I'm struggling to think of any. If I had to pick one thing, and one thing alone it is that I would have preferred to learn a little more about the minor characters such as Mrs Hudson. A trivial thing I know but I really struggled to find fault with this book. 

Would I recommend this book? Yes I would. I think Sherlock Holmes is a literary character who seems to have been forgotten, unless we include BBCs Sherlock. And while I have nothing to hold against dear Benedict Cumberbatch I think we still need to be able to read about Sherlock. 

The Understudy by David Nicholls

Title: The Understudy

Author: David Nicholls

Released: September 2006

For Josh Harper, being in show-business means everything he ever wanted - money, fame, a beautiful wife, and a lead role on the London stage. For Stephen C. McQueen, it means a disastrous career playing passers-by and dead people.

Stephen is stuck with an unfortunate name, a hopeless agent, a daughter he barely knows, and a job as understudy to Josh Harper, the 12th Sexiest Man in the World. And when Stephen falls in love with Josh's clever, funny wife Nora, things get even more difficult.

But might there yet be a way for Stephen to get his Big Break?

Rating: 4 Stars

Positives: Well what can I say other than David Nicholls has done it again? This man is an excellent writer and he never fails to keep me entertained. This time I was following Stephen C McQueen who has to constantly remind people that no hes not any relation to the Steve McQueen all whilst trying to further his acting career. But really how well can he do when he's the understudy to the worlds 12th sexiest man and also dresses up as Sammy the Squirrel? Add in his failing home life and inability to bond with his daughter, plus the dangerously attractive Nora who's married to Josh and you've got a whole lot of trouble to contend with. What I absolutely loved though was how likeable all the characters are: even Josh. I know I know Josh is supposed to be the pretty boy with all the luck and he's a conceited arrogant prick but at the same time you can't help but love him. What can I say other than this is an amazing book?

Negatives: So you're probably wondering why I only gave this book four stars if it's so amazing aren't you? Well truth be told although I loved the story I didn't like the ending. I'm sorry but with everything Stephen did I just don't see how he should get the girl. I would have been a lot happier if Nora had just struck out on her own, like she suggested. Sorry I know I'm being vague but I don't want to spoil the book for you. 

Would I recommend this book? Of course, in fact I think you should go out and buy a copy now. Just go and do it. Its a great read really it is. 

Starter For Ten by David Nicholls

Title: Starter For Ten

Author: David Nicholls

Released: March 2004

It's 1985 and Brian Jackson has arrived at university with a burning ambition - to make it onto TV's foremost general knowledge quiz. But no sooner has he embarked on 'The Challenge' than he finds himself falling hopelessly in love with his teammate, the beautiful and charismatic would-be actress, Alice Harbinson.

When Alice fails to fall for his slightly over-eager charms, Brian comes up with a foolproof plan to capture her heart once and for all. He's going to win the game, at any cost, because - after all - everyone knows that what a woman really wants from a man is a comprehensive grasp of general knowledge . . .

Rating: 3 Stars

Positives: Starter For Ten is very well written and it's easy to follow the flow of time given within the story. However there  are the tiniest flaws such as we never find out which university the entirity of the story is based at. The story however is very easy to follow and it is very true to life. 

Negatives: I'm not blaming David Nicholls for this in the slightest, but I really really disliked the main character Brian. As such I found my attention wandering whilst attempting to read, and every single time he tried to impress Alice I found myself wanting to scream in frustration. The other issue that I had is that the characters weren't very fluid, we always saw Alice as the pretty popular girl, Brian was always the geeky kid from Southend who really doesn't have a clue and Patrick was always the arrogant prick who is determined to win at University Challenge. Let's just say I like my characters to develop and evolve over the course of a book, not stay the same all the way through. 

Would I recommend this book? Sadly not. I really struggled to get into the book no matter how well written it was, and it felt like too much hard work for a story that didn't seem to be going anywhere. 

What The Nanny Saw by Fiona Neill

Title: What The Nanny Saw

Author: Fiona Neill

Released: August 2011

Nanny required to take care of needs of busy professional London family

When penniless student Ali Sparrow answers Bryony and Nick Skinner's advertisement her life changes overnight.

She is catapulted into the privileged and excessive world of London's financial elite. At first everything is overwhelming - from twins who speak their own language to a teenage girl with weight issues and a son almost her own age. Then there is Bryony, who has one eye on her dazzling career and the other on Ali's failings.

When boom turns to bust and a scandal erupts that suggests something corrupt has been hatched behind the Skinners' front door, their private life is suddenly public news. And as Ali becomes indispensible, she realizes she's witness to things she probably shouldn't see.

But is she principled enough to keep the family's secrets when the press come prowling for the inside scoop? Or will she dish the dirt on the family who never saw her as anything other than part of the scenery?

Rating: 5 Stars

Positives: I loved how this is a very easy read. There's a hint of scandal right from the start as we thrown into a world where journalists are reporting that the Skinners have been inside dealing as the banks are falling. We see the nanny, Ali, meeting up with a journalist herself. However we are then taken right back to the beginning of the story when Ali first interviews for the job as the Skinner's new nanny. We see her develop relationships with all four children, especially the twins Hector and Alfie. It's really easy to understand Ali and all of the characters are loveable. Especially the twins. 

Negatives: I'm actually struggling to think of a negative. I think if anything it would be nice to see what eventually happens with Ali's sister Jo. We know she went to rehab and came out clean but it would be nice to know if she ever stayed that way.

Would I recommend this book? Yes. This is a brilliant light hearted read with a scandal only the privileged would be involved in. 

The People Next Door by Christopher Ransom

Title: The People Next Door

Author: Christopher Ransom

Released: July 2011

A PERFECT FAMILY Mick and Amy Nash are an ordinary couple leading ordinary lives. And then. into the house next door move the Renders - beautiful. charming. perfect ... and not at all what they pretend to be. AN EVIL SECRET Too late Mick learns that something is deeply. darkly wrong with the neighbours. Who are these people Where did they come from And what are they hiding in the basement A SHOCKING TWIST ENDING As death and darkness descend on the neighbourhood. only Mick can save his family and expose the horrifying truth about the people next door - 

Rating: 3 Stars

Positives: This story had an excellent plot twist which I never saw coming. All the way through I thought of the Renders as a rather sinister unit, and while my judgement wasn't wrong I was shocked to see just how bad the Nash family was too. The Renders are an intriguing family from the moment you first meet them, and I think that was what kept me hooked. 

Negatives: It took a while for the story to get going. Yes the whole first part of the story based down at the lake is relevant to the rest of the story, but the pace and drama of the story doesn't pick up until you meet the Renders which is about 25% of the way into the book. Also I found it hard to become interested in the Nash family, they just bored me.

Would I recommend this book? I think The People Next Door is rather an acquired taste. If you have the perseverance to keep reading though then the ending is worth it. 

Full Dark No Stars by Stephen King

Title: Full Dark No Stars

Author: Stephen King

Released: July 2011

Is it possible to fully know anyone Even those we love the most What tips someone over the edge to commit a crime For a Nebraska farmer. the turning point comes when his wife threatens to sell off the family homestead.A cozy mystery writer plots a savage revenge after a brutal encounter with a stranger. Dave Streeter gets the chance to cure himself from illness - if he agrees to impose misery on an old rival. And Darcy Anderson discovers a box containing her husbands dark and terrifying secrets - hes not the man who keeps his nails short and collects coins. And now hes heading home ...

Rating: 5 Stars

Positives: Each of these four short stories is short enough to read in one go, and they're all completely different from one another. My favourite would have to be the fourth story about Darcy Anderson and her husband, but all four stories are gripping. Stephen King has a great eye for detail and creating amazing scenerarios putting ordinary people in extraordinary situations. 

Negatives: The second story Big Driver was broken down into too many chapters for my liking. It felt as if there was a new chapter for every action that Tessa took. 

Would I recommend this book? Yes I would. Its an awesome book about how even the nicest people are capable of the darkest things.