Book Review: Only Ever Yours by Louise O'Neill

Working in a library I am constantly finding new books to read but it has been awhile since I have read a book that has really gripped me! One that has made me feel every emotion under the sun including annoyance, frustration, even awe!

I just knew once I had finished this book I would have to review it! For those of you who haven't read it the synopsis is:

'Freida and Isabel have been best friends their whole lives. Now, aged sixteen and in their final year at the School, they expect to be selected as companions - wives to wealthy and powerful men. The alternative - life as a concubine - is too horrible to contemplate. But as the intensity of the final year takes hold, the pressure to be perfect mounts. Isabel starts to self-destruct, putting her beauty - her only asset - in peril. And then into this sealed female environment, the boys arrive, eager to choose a bride. Freida must fight for her future - even if it means betraying the only friend, the only love, she has ever known..'

The Books I Want to Read in 2016

Happy New Year Blog readers!!! Hope everyone had a fantastic New Years Eve!

I thought I would kick off 2016 with a blog post on the books I want to read this year:

Tiny Pretty Things by Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton

Gigi, Bette, and June, three top students at an exclusive Manhattan ballet school, have seen their fair share of drama. Free-spirited new girl Gigi just wants to dance—but the very act might kill her. Privileged New Yorker Bette's desire to escape the shadow of her ballet star sister brings out a dangerous edge in her. And perfectionist June needs to land a lead role this year or her controlling mother will put an end to her dancing dreams forever. When every dancer is both friend and foe, the girls will sacrifice, manipulate, and backstab to be the best of the best.

Why Point Horror is a Classic

When I was younger the Point Horror series was all the rage! Horror books aimed at young teenagers about teenagers getting attacked or stalked etc. What young person who enjoys a scary story would not love these!?

Over the years I have managed to collect nearly all the Point Horrors (I got a job lot on eBay for £20 bargain!) and with Halloween approaching I wanted to explain why they remain the ultimate creepy stories.

- Most of the plotlines are believable. What could be more scary than a story that could actually happen?
- They follow the horror genre/make up of most scary films. Look at the majority of horror films out now there will be a point horror book that relates even if its on a basic level.
- They created a massive market in horror books for teenagers.
- They're quick reads not too long.
- They aren't overcomplicated. Most of the horror stories or films being released nowadays try to be too clever almost to the point where the audience is confused or thinking what was the point!?
- There has not been another horror series like this one leaving a massive gap in the market.
- Each story is completely different and there are so many of them to read!
- They're based in settings relevant to the age group e.g. schools, on dates.

The photo at the top shows some of my favourite point horror books and below is my collection:

 

If you want a book to read this Halloween I challenge you to read one of the Point Horror Series! There is so many to choose from that there will be a story for everyone!