Pine by Francine Toon Book Review

 

Pine by Francine Toon. Photo: Amazon UK

Undelivered promises of thrills and gothic chills - is this really the future of 'horror' novels? 

I asked for this book as one of my birthday presents this year - my birthday is in October and I thought Pine by Francine Toon seemed like a great bit of horror literature to read in the spookiest month of them all! However, I was sorely disappointed. As a book publicist by day - I should recognize the power of good review quotes from media publications and the sway it sometimes has on readers. I also should have realized how us publicists cherry-pick quotes to put on the cover. All those quotes calling it 'spine-tingling' and a modern 'gothic horror story' were extremely misleading as that's the kind of book I hoped to pick up - but all those promises went completely undelivered. 

Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton Book Review

Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton. Photo: GoodReads UK

Guilty pleasures? Hamilton offered nothing but pain throughout this entire novel  

Unfortunately I was introduced to this series by many ‘Top 10 vampire romance series’ that had other good vamp books on the list so I figured I’d give this series a try. Boy do I wish I hadn’t.

I made it about 40% of the way through before I decided I couldn’t stand this book. The main character is a bitch who tries to have morals but through her actions it just isn’t believable. Plus I was sold romance - where? There was no romance at all in this. Just about 90% of the book is the main character getting her ass handed to her and looking pathetic. God, please give the readers some small wins so we can at least root for the MC, instead it’s a pathetic mess of getting our teeth kicked in repeatedly.

I honestly don’t think much happened at all in this book. She goes to a club, then has to solve a mystery, then goes to some weird sex party, then the male sidekick she had dies (also suddenly he is her ‘lover’ even tho they kissed ONCE) yahhh okay....

The New Hunger by Isaac Marion Book Review

The New Hunger by Isaac Marion. Photo: Amazon UK

Well written but very little actual plot.

This story was well written and I really enjoy Marion's writing style. However, nothing much happens in this story.

There isn't really a plot. The characters are just wandering around aimlessly. It does lead up to the start of Warm Bodies (at the stadium). But good writing can only do so much for a story - if there is no plot then the story doesn't move forward or build up to anything bigger.