KJK Reads

Rating: 2 Stars Themes: Science-Fiction, Fantasy, Coming of Age, Young Adult Thoughts: First of all I found a few editing and grammatical errors in the book which I have discussed with the author themself. Overall I did enjoy this book, especially for my first real sci-fi style book in years.  The character of Izzy was more relatable as a teen than many I have seen (in shows and films) in this genre and she is still portrayed as a 15 year old girl despite her responsibilities and the war such as her comments in chapter 1 about fellow recruits being jealous of her skills and playful relationships with her cousins throughout. I also liked the reference to public housing (chapter 1, grade C housing) as in many science and dystopian things I have seen the poorer population are either forgotten about or left behind (e.g. snowpiercer) so it was refreshing to believe in a future where all citizens are still valued.  However, I did find the prologue a little long as it was split up ch...

Rating: DNF  Themes: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction Thoughts: Thoughts I tried to like this book I really did. I'd put it down to DNF only to return the next day to give it another go but unfortunately this story really couldn't keep my attention and i found myself scrolling on my phove with the book atill open in my other hand. The story has a sweet premise though it didn't exactly call to me but looking at other less favourable reviews this isn't indicative of Cressida's best work so I may have to have a go at a different book.  Favourite Quote: Over the last week or so I've been seeing things a bit differently. I've been reminded that life doesn't have to be small and neat, everything put away in separate boxes. And that, even if you'd like it small and neat, that's not always how it turns out."

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Thriller, Short Story, Novella, Mystery, Suspense, Abuse  Thoughts: This short story gives us an intricate look into the life of a woman under a false conservatorship in an abusive relationship. It can be a hard read for some as there is no hiding away from the harsh and upsetting realities of this type of control and abuse. Nevertheless it is an important type of story for many professionals, as she herself was a psychologist but didn’t know anything about this until it happened to her.  Favourite Quote: "In my defense, no one really knows how much they can take until they finally reach their limit."

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Thriller, Horror, Mystery, Crime, Gothic, Contemporary Themes: I'm definitely conflicted about this book. From a psychological perspective the events, repression and mental health all do make sense especially given the childhood. Especially Dee's repression about the day her sister went missing, leading to her fixation on finding the man she believes took her, and aggressive outbursts. However, as a thriller fan many of these things seem as if pulled out at te end for the sake of wrapping the story up in a near bow and the answers of the disappearance were especially disappointing. Favourite Quote: "We should revisit trauma. You know what they say. The only way out is through. Childhood abuse may be excavated and brought into the light."

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Nordic Noir, Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Suspense, Scandivavian, Detective Thoughts: This is an interesting book. It’s intriguing to see how the different lives intersect and the causes the death. The pronunciation guide at the beginning comes in very handy with the Icelandic names, although the places don’t have one. It also includes some difficult topics including: rape, suicide, image based sexual abuse and domestic abuse. Favourite Quote: "It had just never occured to me that she'd end up in a relationship like that - a strong, clever girl like her. But I've since learnt that it happens to all kinds of people."