Before I Let Go by Marieke Niejkamp

Before I Let Go by Marieke Niejkamp

Expected Publication: January 23rd 2018 by Sourcebooks Fire

Days before Corey is to return home to the snow and ice of Lost Creek, Alaska, to visit her best friend, Kyra dies. Corey is devastated―and confused. The entire Lost community speaks in hushed tones about the town’s lost daughter, saying her death was meant to be. And they push Corey away like she’s a stranger.

Corey knows something is wrong. Lost is keeping secrets―chilling secrets. But piecing together the truth about what happened to her best friend may prove as difficult as lighting the sky in an Alaskan winter…

Note: I received an ARC of this via Netgalley. This in no way influences my opinion.

I have extremely mixed opinions about this book. I felt constantly compelled to carry on reading, but at the same time, I was left with more questions than answers and I often felt like the book didn’t flow as well as it could have done. The book felt choppy and I feel like things could have been explained a little better.

One of the things I both liked and disliked about the book was the flashbacks. It often went back in time and then came back to present day etc. Whilst I usually like this style of writing when used well, I don’t feel like it added anything extra to the story. It gave us snippets of the past between the two characters, but I don’t feel like it was entirely useful in understanding what happened. If it had been used better and given us more of an insight, rather than the snippets we were given, I feel like it could have really helped the readers and we could’ve gotten a better idea of the bigger picture.

Another issue I had with this book was the fact that I didn’t feel that much empathy for the characters. I feel like the chopping and changing between past and present stopped me from really connecting to the characters. Also, the author used a variety of different minority groups, to the point where I felt like she was using them to try and be different rather than actually representing them as they are. Corey was Asexual whilst Kyra was pansexual and bipolar at the same time. Whilst the bipolar was represented (as far as I know – I don’t understand a lot about the disorder, but some), I feel like it could have been represented more, rather than becoming the side issue. What I did like was the fact that no one really understood Kyra or what she was going through. I feel like this is so true to society because a lot of people misunderstand illnesses such as these and that leads to the sufferers feeling lonely and like an outsider – which is exactly what Kyra was feeling.

What I did like about this book was the creep factor. The town, the people and history of Lost Creek was completely eerie and it definitely had me wanting more. I had to know what was going to happen next and where it was going to go. I loved the spa and the feeling of abandonment that it had because I feel like it added something to the state of mind Kyra had before her death. The people were also completely creepy. I can definitely understand how the two MC’s felt like outsiders because it was a completely close knit community with secrets.

Another issue I had with this book was the ending. I felt like I had more questions about the characters and the events that led up to Kyra’s death than I did answers. There was some issues with the plot that confused me and which were never actually addressed. I also felt like the ending was a bit anti climatic considering the things that had happened before hand – I almost felt like there was something/a certain event that was missing that I would have liked to have seen, but it never happened. (I don’t want to say too much because spoilers).

All in all, I have completely mixed reviews about this book. I felt completely hooked by it and I had to know what was going to happen next, but at the same time I feel like it had its issues and could have been better. This book definitely has a lot of potential! Also, I just want to mention that I absolutely love the cover! I gave this book 3.5/5 stars.

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the Broke and Bookish

Hey guys! It is time for another TTT and this week is it top ten books I read in one sitting! I’m going to show off the books that I read relatively quickly – because reading in one sitting is almost impossible with a 1 year old! 😛

10.  This is Where is Ends by Marieke Nijkamp – This I actually did read in one sitting and it was AWESOME!!

9.  Follow me Back by A. V. Geiger – I actually read an ARC of this because it doesn’t release until June and it was just so addictive! I just HAD to find out what happened… and the very last page was worth everything!!

8.  A Bond of Venom and Magic by Karen Tomlinson – This book… Just… THIS BOOK!!!

7.  The One by Kiera Cass – I actually read this in one sitting on the day that it released! I waited a really long time for this book and it was just everything I wanted!

6.  Dangerous Girls by Abigail Haas – I was actually in hospital when I read this and I basically didn’t move until I had finished… It was AMAZING!

5.  Spelled by Betsy Schow – This was a major laugh out loud for me and one that I am constantly recommending!

4.  Only Ever Yours by Louise O’Neill – I think for anyone who has read this book, it’s an obvious choice. If you haven’t … WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN HIDING!!

3.  Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma – I was so worried going into this because of the taboo subject matter… but I read it extremely quickly and it was done so well!

2.  Rites of Passage by Joy. N. Hensley – I normally would never have picked this up based on the cover! I absolutely hate most things to do with the army/war when it comes to books and film… however,I am so thankful to the blog (I can’t remember who it was anymore it was so long ago) who wrote a glowing review of this because I ADORED IT!!

1.  Asking For It by Louise O’Neill – This author again! This book was also absolutely amazing and thought provoking and I just want more from this author!

That’s it! These are the books that I read in one sitting or relatively quickly! Have you read any of these?

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the Broke and Bookish

Hey guys! It is time for another TTT! This weeks topic is top ten books I liked/disliked more than I thought I would. I decided to go with book that I liked more than I thought I would! Without further ado and in no particular order…

10. Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma – If you read the blurb… I think most people automatically go NOPE based purely on the subject matter. However, I had heard some amazing things about this book, and I went into thinking that they can’t even be remotely right because…incest?!? However, this book broke me and my poor little feelings in all the right places and I would definitely recommend it!

9.  Rites of Passage by Joy N. Hensley – I really detest this cover and it is a book that I really would never have even considered if I hadn’t seen a glowing review first. I still went into this book thinking I wasn’t going to get along with it and I absolutely loved it!

8.  Only Ever Yours by Louise O’Neill – I was expecting to like this book, but I was not expecting it to blow me away the way that it did! I was left speechless and I had no idea how to even form words – let alone write a review!

7.  Dangerous Girls by Abigail Haas – Anyone who knows me knows that I love myself a good whodunnit. I think this one is absolutely my favourite and I think after everything that happened and the feelings etc. If you’ve read it, you’ll understand – I loved this book more than I ever thought I would!

6.  Follow me Back by A. V. Geiger – Admittedly, I finished reading this on Saturday… I went into this book with the usual expectations of a book of this nature… but I was left reeling by the end and I just NEED THE SEQUEL!

5.  Pretty Wicked by Kelly Charron – I actually lowered my expectations for this one because it’s really difficult to get the perspective right from which this book is written – and usually it’s done completely wrong! However, I was absolutely blown away by this and I can’t wait to read more from this author!

4.  This is Where it Ends by Marieke Niejkamp – I am always on the search for books of this nature, however, half the time, I’m left disappointed. This book, however, exceeded my expectations and I cried for so long afterward!

3.  Spelled by Betsy Schow – I have definitely read my fair share of Fairytale retellings, so I wasn’t expecting much different from this book. However, my poor ribs!!! I’m pretty sure I cracked one laughing!

2.  Everlasting Flame by Katelyn Anderson – I went into this expecting to like it because the blurb has everything I look for. However, Joan and Dane definitely have a special place inside of me and I could re read this 1,000 times over and never get bored!

1.  The Girl with All the Gifts by M. R. Carey – I was unsure about zombies in this. I doubted how well it could be portrayed considering all of the zombie films/ programmes there are out there. However, the way in which this is written etc. was absolutely amazing!

That’s it! I loved all of these books more than I was really expecting to and I am so glad that I picked these up! Have you read any of these? Did you enjoy them?

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the Broke and Bookish

Hey guys! It is time for another TTT! Before I begin, I just want to say that this post may look a little funny because I am doing it on my phone!! My links appear to be working on the phone, but not on the computer… Which is weird! Anyway, this weeks topic is top ten book set in x place. I decided to do high school setting because I think that there is a lot of fantasy settings out there etc.

10.

 Because I Love You by Tori Rigby – I really enjoyed this book. It dealt with issues that haven’t really been written about a lot with the Young Adult world, so it was definitely unique for me!

9.

 Unnatural Deeds by Cyn Balog – so technically this book hasn’t been released yet, but this book left me reeling! Even thinking about it now, I just… I have no words!!

8.

 This is Where it Ends by Marieke Niejkamp – I read this book on the day it came out in one sitting. It was amazing!!

7.

 What We Saw by Aaron Hartzler – this was a very powerful read and based on true events!! Definitely recommend this to everyone!

6.

 The Merciless by Danielle Vega – ok, this book did not turn out to be what I expected… It isn’t all set in secondary school, only some of it … But still!!

5.

 To all the boys I’ve loved before by Jenny Han – if you need a feel good pick me up, this one is definitely for you!!

4.

 Biggest Flirts by Jennifer Echols – I absolutely adored this book and I connected to the characters really quickly! It’s definitely a cute summer read and it is a series that I need to finish!

3.

 The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu – I think this book is a very true look at rumours created during your time in school and the people who create them!!

2.

 Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill – so, technically this is set on a school trip, but for me that still counts as secondary school!! This book was a really cute, fast read and definitely one to re read if I need a pick me up!

1.

 Dangerous Girls by Abigail Haas – again, not technically set in school, but it is set during spring break of senior year, so I’m using it! I think anyone who has read this book will agree that this is a must read!! For everybody!!

That’s it!! Have you guys read any of these books? Did you enjoy them?

What settings did you guys pick? Feel free to leave links and comments and I will check them all out! 

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the Broke and Bookish

Hey guys! Firstly, I just want to say happy blogoversary to the Broke and Bookish! 6 years is a long time! This weeks TTT is top ten favourite releases of 2016 so far. A couple of these books haven’t been released this year yet and some of the books were released last year because I haven’t read 10 books that have been released this year so far! I’m a rebel, what can I say? In no particular order:

10.  The Crown by Kiera Cass. Published May 3rd by HarperTeen. I loved the entirety of The Selection series! So, you can imagine my relief when my wait for this book was finally over!

9.  A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas Published May 3rd by Bloomsbury USA Children’s. This was the book of the year for me! I bought this book the day it came out on my kindle, I read it, and then went and bought a physical copy of the book – I am that much in love!

8.  Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard. Published February 9th by HarperTeen. Again, another book I bought myself a physical copy of for myself, because it is another series that I love! Plus, the title for the third book is being released tomorrow by Epic Reads – if anyone is interested!

7.  Wink Poppy Midnight by April Genevieve Tucholke. Published March 22nd by Dial Books. If your looking for a book that isn’t all that it seems that is full of a bunch of whacked out teenagers… then this book is perfect for you!

6.  This is Where it Ends by Marieke Nijkamp. Published January 5th by Sourcebooks Fire. I hyped this book up to myself long before its release date and it didn’t disappoint! i had been looking for a book that took place during the shooting for quite some time and this book delivered in every way!

5.  Wrecked by Maria Padian. Publish date October 4th 2016 by Algonquin Young Readers. ok, so technically, this book doesn’t belong on this list because it has yet to be released. However, I am a rebel. I read an ARC copy of this book and I loved it! Such a unique take on sexual assault!

4.  One Was Lost by Natalie D. Richards. Publish Date October 4th 2016 by Sourcebooks Fire. Another book that technically shouldn’t make this list. However, I read an ARC over the weekend and it was an amazing read!

3.  Endure by Sara B. Larson. Published December 29th 2015 by Scholastic Press. This was the third and final instalment in the Defy series and I was sorry to see it end!

2.  Spelled by Betsy Schow. Published June 2nd 2015 by Sourcebooks Fire. This book had me laughing out loud – in a pretty unladylike manner – and I had stitches in places I didn’t even know existed! Definitely worth the read!

1.  What We Saw by Aaron Hartzler. Published September 22nd 2015 by HarperTeen. This book was based on a true story (The Steubenville High School Rape Case) and I think it represented the controversy of the case well. It deals with some really tough issues and highlights important ones too!

That’s me! I loved all of these books! What books have been your favourites so far this year? Feel free to leave links and comments and I will check them all out!

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the Broke and Bookish.

Hey guys! I can’t believe it is Tuesday again already! Time seems to be flying! This weeks topic (for me at least) is top ten books that every teen/young adult should read at least once! I feel there are a lot of books out there that don’t garner the attention that they should and they are books that teens or young adults really could learn a lot from! So, without further ado. In no particular order:

10.  What We Saw by Aaron Hartzler. This is actually based on a true story which made the events even worse! I loved this book, but it was such a difficult read knowing that some poor girl actually went through everything that happened in this book! My review. Amazon.

9.  Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma. This is a really taboo based book and, at times, is really difficult read. Having said that, this book shows that things are not always the way that they seem… Amazon.

8.  The Fat Girl by Marilyn Sachs. This book highlights one form of abuse – which I think is very cleverly done with the use of teenagers rather than a married couple itself! My Review. Amazon.

7.  This is Where it Ends by Marieke Nijkamp. School shootings are a very real problem in todays society. I think that this book takes a deeper look into it and highlights both the victims and the perpetrator. My Review. Amazon.

6.  Unspeakable by Michelle K. Pickett . This is a very powerful book that highlights a variety of issues within a family environment as well as relationships! My Review. Amazon.

5.  The Truth about Alice by Jennifer Mathieu. This takes a very real look at slut shaming within high schools today – and about the rumours that people believe, but are not necessarily true! My review. Amazon.

4.  Two Boys Kissing by David Leviathan. Whilst I think that Levithan always picks pretty relevant problems to write about, his look at sexuality, Homophobia etc. in this book are one of his best works. My Review. Amazon.

3.  Rites of Passage by Joy N. Hensley. Looking past the whole military side of things, I think this book brings up the problem of equality amongst both men and women in todays society. My Review. Amazon.

2.  Dangerous Girls by Abigail Haas. I just had a major debate with myself whether to use this book or Dangerous Boys. I feel like this book would be better because the justice system, and what evidence is actually given in court in order to make a guilty or innocent verdict is a very real problem. My Review. Amazon.

1.  Don’t Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout. This sort of thing happens all the time and it makes you wonder just who is around you and what they are truly like! My Review. Amazon.

So that is my Top Ten! What did you guys come up with? Feel free to leave links below and I will check them all out!

This is Where it Ends by Marieke Nijkamp

10:00 a.m.
The principal of Opportunity, Alabama’s high school finishes her speech, welcoming the entire student body to a new semester and encouraging them to excel and achieve.

10:02 a.m.
The students get up to leave the auditorium for their next class.

10:03
The auditorium doors won’t open.

10:05
Someone starts shooting.

Told over the span of 54 harrowing minutes from four different perspectives, terror reigns as one student’s calculated revenge turns into the ultimate game of survival. (Goodreads)

Let me get this out there. I have had this book on my TBR since it was announced and the premise was out. I have been pining for this book since and I bought it on the day that it was released. All I know about school shootings is what I read in the news. I don’t live in America, I have never been subject to something as horrific as that and I have never lived near to somewhere where it has taken place. I have no experience of it whatsoever.

Having said that, I loved this book. I read it in one sitting whilst my son was asleep and I just physically could not put it down. I had to read on – I needed to know what happened and why Tyler turned toward the path he went down. I was addicted. At the end, I was a mess. I had tears streaming down my face, I felt haunted, almost as if I knew the characters personally and was at the event myself. I felt what the characters were feeling and I just didn’t know what to do with myself after I had finished the book. I felt lost.

What I enjoyed most about this book is the fact that it focused on the school shooting itself. A lot of books about subjects like this focus mainly on the aftermath and on the victims. Whilst this book did have focus on the victims, we were mostly reading about the perpetrator (Tyler) and about his life – the people who knew him and witnessed the changes within him, even if it was gradual.

It is easy for the reader to lose themselves in this book – it is so realistic and relatable that it is easy to believe that you were actually there. I have read a few other reviews of this book (none too good) and they compare this book to the Columbine shooting… this is completely different! It makes the reader wonder at the psychology behind such an act.

In short, I loved this book! I gave it 5/5 stars and I cannot wait to find out what the author has next for us!

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the Broke and Bookish.

Hey guys!! Hope you all had a great christmas and got everything that you all wanted and had fun rocking around the tree! 🙂 This weeks TTT is top ten most anticipated releases for the first half of 2016 – but I will probably just go for the whole of 2016! So, in no particular order:

10.  The Crown by Kiera Cass. This really is the last instalment in the Selection set and I just cannot wait!

9.  This is Where it Ends by Marieke Nijkamp I literally cannot wait to read this book!! I love books with themes like this and I just … need it!

8.  Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard. I think as an official member of the Scarlet Guard, it is my duty to pine for this book… which I was doing even before I became a member!

7.  Heartless by Marissa Meyer This is not the official cover, but good enough for the point – if this book is anywhere near as good as the Lunar Chronicles, then we are in for a treat!

6.  Lady Renegades by Rachel Hawkins. For anyone who read my reviews of the first two, I was less than impressed. Having said that, I am willing to give this series a chance to get the finale right!

5.  Endure by Sara B. Larson. I adore this series and I literally cannot wait for this instalment!

4.  Furthermore by Tahereh Mafi. Again, I adore Mafi’s writing, so I cannot wait to see what she in store for us next!

3.  The May Queen Murders by Sarah Jude. I know nothing about this author – but the premise looks promising! 🙂

2.  Shiny Broken Pieces by Sona Charaiporta and Dhonielle Clayton. I LOVED Tiny Pretty Things!!! So, it is obvious that I need this book!

1. Hoax by C. L. Stone. This doesn’t have any form of cover whatsoever and also no premise! It is, however, the 5th in the Scarab Beetle series and I can’t wait!

Thats it!! What are you guys waiting on? Feel free to leave links and answers below!

Stacking the Shelves

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga’s reviews.

Hey guys! I really should have done this post a little earlier considering how long I have been up, but a Lord of the Rings marathon ensued… I didn’t have any new books last week to show you, but I do have a couple for you guys now!

 Dirt Daughter by Michele Shaw. This was a Netgalley find and I am so happy that they approved me for it! I have already read and reviewed it which you can find one post down! Definitely a TBR!

 P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han. I adored To All The Boys I Loved Before and I literally cannot wait to open this book!

I also requested a couple of titles from Netgalley which have yet to be approved – cross your fingers for me!

 This is Where it Ends by Marieke Nijkamp.

 Spelled by Betsy Schow.

I am really really really hoping to be approved for This Is Where it Ends!! I am so excited for this book and I think I would explode if I had to wait till January to be approved!! What about you guys? Feel free to leave your answers and links in the comments section below and I will check them all out!

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the Broke and Bookish

This weeks TTT is top ten most anticipated releases for the rest of 2015. When I looked at this last night, I almost felt daunted by this weeks TTT! There are so many books out there that I am waiting for – I am not even sure I know where to start! Either way, here goes in no particular order:

10.  Are You Still There by Sarah Lynn Scheerger. I saw this on Netgalley and added it to my TBR list! Unfortunately, I am in the wrong region to actually get a copy of this as an ARC, but September isn’t that far away!

9.  Dirt Daughter by Michele Shaw. Again, another find on Netgalley – this little gem was published today!

8.  This is Where it Ends by Marieke Nijkamp. Netgalley is my best friend for new releases. This is being released January 5th 2016, but I have requested it from Neutgalley and I feel like, if I don’t get an ARC for it, someone is going to have to build me a time machine because the wait for this book is just too long!

7.  Tiny Pretty Things by Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton. As a fan of both Pretty Little Liars and Black Swan – I am definitely looking forward to getting my hands on this book! This has just been published (May 26th) by HarperTeen!

6.  Those Girls by Lauren Saft. I added this to my TBR after seeing it on one of the blogs that I follow and I am definitely intrigued by this book! Again, this book was published today!

5.  What We Saw by Aaron Hartzler. The fact that this book is based on real life events makes me want to read it even more! It is being published in September!

4.  Most Likely to Succeed by Jennifer Echols. I have adored The Superlatives series so far and I am definitely looking forward to the conclusion! This is being published in early August, so it may still make my summer reading!

3.  Spelled by Betsy Schow. Who doesn’t love a jiggle up of all the old childhood classics? This book has just been released (beginning of June) and I really need to get my hands on it!

2.  The Revenge Playbook by Rachael Allen. Any kind of film or book about a school revenge plot done well is a thing to behold! I am interested to see how this one will play out when it is released next month!

1.  Scripted by Maya Rock. The premise of this book reminded me a little bit of The Truman Show (with Jim Carrey), and I wondered what it would be like to read! This was published in February… So, about time I actually got a copy!

There are so many more books that I am looking forward to, that I feel guilty for having to cut down to just ten books! I have the feeling that this weeks TTT is going to have my TBR list sky rocketing in numbers more than usual… I am going to have to crack down on reading, rather than just catching up with Pretty Little Liars!! Feel fret leave your links and comments below and I will check all of your lists out!