Review - Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

I'm reading again!

Sound the alarm, bring out the cake and set off the fireworks.

I have been reading the first book in the Percy Jackson series recently and have finished it today so I thought I should just share my thoughts, as I usually do.

If you haven't heard of the series it's about a twelve year-old boy who finds out that he is a demi-god, meaning that one of his parents is a god. This book follows Percy on his adventures as he discovers himself through his quests. I can't really go into too much detail as it would give a lot of it away.

I really loved the use of the Greek gods throughout this book and how the lessons he had learnt in Latin helped him with his godly encounters. I also really liked how Rick Riordan introduced twists to the story right up until the end of the book. Eventhough this is classed as a children's book, I didn't find it to be childish in the way that I might've expected.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an easy read to get out of a slump or, as this is a children's book, if you find books in your reading level are too easy and need a challenge.

I give it 4.5 stars!

***SPOILER SECTION***

So if you either want to know how this story progresses or if you want to see what I thought of some main events in the book then keep reading!

The first main event in the book that I sticky-noted (I forever have different coloured tabs sticking out of my books) was the Minotaur part. I think this was a beautiful creative was to give us, as a reader, that first submersion into the world of the Greek gods before he reaches Half-Blood hill.

Percy, as a character, has a way of just asking the right questions. When he is first bombarded with all of the information on his first day of camp, he asked questions that allowed me as a reader to learn more about the world that Riordan has created.

We then first hear of the prophesy that unfolds throughout the book from Luke (you'll understand why I hate him) that Annabeth had to wait for a special person to come to go on a quest. Luke is then the one that trains Percy to fight with a sword. This now makes me hate him even more as he betrays him at the end of the book - he gains his trust only to betray him.

Capture the flag is where we see who Percy's father is. The reveal with the subtle hints about him healing in the water and then him being publicly claimed by Poseidon. I thought this was a great way to slowly lead up to the big reveal.

When Percy is first sent on his quest we hear of what happens and what is potentially in store for Percy, this leads to his first meeting with a goddess Medusa in the form of Aunt Em. He soon defeats her, severing her head, and goes on to meet Ares, the god of war.

When they eventually reach the underworld, I liked the (predictable) three-headed dog that they meet. I thought it was a cute twist on something that's kind of expected.

Having found the bolt, he moves onto battle Ares as he had set this all up but in the end - it was Luke who had taken it and betrayed everyone to please Kronos - biggest reveal ever.

WAS. NOT. EXPECTING. IT. AT. ALL

Overall, I definitely loved this book, can't wait to read the others.

Review - Strange Medicine by Mike Russell

Two posts in one week? You lucky things!

So, this post is a review - specifically a review of Strange Medicine by Mike Russell. This book was sent to me by Strange Books and it contains weird shot stories. I have to say, this book definitely lived up to its title - it was strange.  The stories were normal stories with something slightly weird about it and I think that was what made the book such an adventure to read. Also, the short stories meant that I was thrown from one world to another. this added to the experience of reading it.

Mike Russell must have the wildest imagination! These stories are so different to one another and so out of the box that it was such a joy to read. The different storylines really messed with my head, I think 'Flock' did that the most. Normally, I'd give a little summary about the book itself but, I can't in this case if I gave you any information it would spoil the stories- SORRY! But if you do want to know, they will be i the spoiler section below.

I have to say, I was very impressed with this book and I am so grateful to have received it! I would rate this 3.5 stars! I'd definitely recommend it if you're looking for something new and different to read.

*** SPOILER SECTION ***

I'd just like to review each story down here as it will contain some spoilery details.

Flock - The first thing that struck me about this story was  that the main character was consistently referred to by his full name. Then this strange character whilst doing he daily routines pretty much imprisoned a pigeon in his office - as I said, strange, but a good strange! This only bit that was very odd was the tying of the strings, it really made me question the character, but it made sense at the end.

Seventy - Two Bricks - I absolutely loved this story, so intriguing! The bricks appearing between two things and still having the initials on one of the bricks. When he then becomes fearful of the bricks it was lovely that he wife could solve them for him. But then, when Tiffany died, he built himself into the bridge... best ending ever.

Telephone - The concept of this story was that the phone in which  she rang Dan on (I assumed he was a boyfriend or significant other) she fell in love with. She constantly tell Dan that she's not talking to him when she says 'I love you' and in the last section he becomes paranoid that she's still not talking to her. Sounds confusing - you just need to read it.

Mime - I did like the ending of this and the basic concept, it was just a bit drawn out. I loved the idea of their visibility but the story just wasn't for me.

Mr Dennis and the Universe - During this I did feel some sympathy for Mr Dennis and his experience in the universe and I did understand his need to punch it. But the fact that he kept his dead daughter with him was strangely heart-warming. And then as she appears with the same white freckles he used to symbolise the universe showed his acceptance. It was a nice heart-warming story, not as odd as the rest of them.

The Spy - I still question if she's paranoid or what actually happened in the story... it's a thinker.

Brain - kept me on edge the whole time. When the 'noise' was first mentioned I thought he was imagining it but when it was revealed he had no brain it made sense. However from that I thought that maybe it was white noise from the lack of brain but, I loved the end where he finds the magic stone he threw in the bin as a child.

Shish - A should fish! Actually amazing! I really enjoyed this one, a really fun one to end on .

Dog Eared Book Box

 Evening all!

So I had the joy of receiving a Dog Eared Book box (as you might  have seen if follow me on Instagram as I did an unboxing on my story). I just wanted to show you all what was in the box!

The first thing that was placed on top was a copy of 'The Happy News', a newspaper filled with positive news, instead of the negative news that we're all too familiar with. I thought this was a lovely touch!

So the second thing I pulled out of the box were some bath fizzers from leafy and lovely in the scent 'Summer Meadow'. Personally, I'm a sucker for anything bath bombish or bath related but this was so nice! I have tried it out and it smells amazing and exactly like a summer meadow. This was perfect for the warm weather (whilst it lasted) and was very relaxing.

The third thing I pulled out was a pyramid of tea! The two blends/ flavours of tea I received were Green tea with Jasmin and Earl grey. The reason the Earl Grey was not pictured below is because I drank it.... 5 minutes after unpacking.... It was too good...

The last item that I pulled out (before the book) was a candle! I love, love, love candles and this one was coconut (so heavenly you shouldn't imagine) I have burnt it since and the smell just flood whatever room it's in - So nice! 

The book that I received with this box was 'If You Find Me' by Emily Murdoch. The blurb looks pretty interesting and I'm so excited to read it! The unique concept with Dog Eared Book Box is that the book isn't brand new, it's an ex-library copy. So they are pre-loved however, they will get so much more with a new home. The boxes are a lot cheaper than a regular box too and it's definitely worth it!

If you follow dogearedbooks on instagram or facebook, they currently have a giveaway going on promoting little acts of kindness. Be sure to pick up May's box if you have time too!