This Book Is Gay by James Dawson [Review]

NB - I don't know what took me so long to review this, I read it just after it came out and absolutely adored it and I had meant to review it but my list of things to do grew and grew and overtook me... Oh well, better late than never, right?

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Written by: James Dawson.

Published by: Hot Key Books.

Format: Paperback.

Released: 4th September 2014.

Rating: 5/5.

Official synopsis: "Former PSHCE teacher and acclaimed YA author James Dawson gives an uncensored look at what it's like to grow up as LGBT. Including testimonials from people across the gender and sexual spectrums, this frank, funny, fully inclusive book explores everything anyone who ever dared to wonder wants to know - from sex to politics, how to pull, stereotypes, how to come-out and more. Spike Gerrell's hilarious illustrations combined with funny and factual text make this a must-read."

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Oh James! James, James, James, James, JAMES! You wonderful, wonderful man, you! 

I do not normally read non-fiction. People that know me know that I actively hate non-fiction. I'm not a big fan of biographies, autobiographies, fact books, any books to do with research or anything that that. Generally I find them boring and will only read them if it's something I am particularly interested in (I think to date I only own 3 autobiographies...). I'm more of a fiction kind of guy. I love being in made up worlds, made up situations, with made up people... Characters. And someone who's fiction I love very much is Mr. James Dawson himself. Author of the witchy tale Hollow Pike, sun, sea, sand and murder tome Cruel Summer, and school girl haunting Say Her Name, James has captivated a wide audience. And when I first heard about This Book Is Gay, I just knew I had to break my own reading limitations and read it because coming from James it was bound to be good.

And you know what? I was surprised just how much I enjoyed this book. I thought I might as James had said it was funny as well as informative and this was something I was a bit worried about. Was it simply going to be a big information dump? Fact after fact after fact, that although it was designed for the YA market it would still have the usual non-fiction feel, almost a clinical kind of cleanliness and way of delivering information. But that couldn't of been further from the truth. What is actually contained within the brightly coloured cover is a fun, sometimes gut-wrenchingly funny, well thought out and delivered book that doesn't feel like learning at all. It is informative, don't get me wrong. As a gay male myself I found myself relating to thinks in the book. I read bits and experiences similar to my own and also things that I didn't know, or haven't yet encountered. 

I loved the whole thing. From the section on stereotypes, to gay icons, it kept me glued to the page as much as any thriller ever has. It's so well executed that I cannot thank James enough for its existence and Hot Key Books enough for actually publishing it. The book itself feels so important. If this book had been around 10 years ago, heck, even 5 years ago, I feel like my own adolescence and transition into an adult would of been a million times easier. It's not a secret that I struggled with coming to terms with my own sexuality until as last as the end of 2013 but we never had anything remotely like this. We never had anything that showed it was okay to be gay and that it wasn't that different from being straight, things were just a little different. This book really opened my eyes and actually made me mourn for the years of my life I wasted worrying and hiding - it had almost the same affect on me that David Levithan's Two Boys Kissing did, only this one showed me things I had never imagined! I'd never thought about sterotypes and the like.

The book is also a great form of sex-ed for young gay people, both male and female. It isn't that explicit but it's the sort of information you are NEVER taught in school and I find this so valuable and important. I had a brief twitter convo with George or as you may know him GesterG91 on BookTube/YouTube and we both agreed that the book should become required reading in schools and I couldn't argue this point more if I tried. Whilst I do think the book is very good for LGBT people I also believe it would be a very beneficial read for many straight people too. Gay people are all to often brushed aside by straight people and it is something I see and experience every day and think the book would help give some people a little bit of understanding, a bit of an idea of what it might be like to be a bit different to the norm.

So I am rambling, I am aware. I just cannot express my love for this book enough. It's just... GAH! One of my favourite books I've read yet and the best piece of nonfiction I have ever encountered, that is for sure!

Please, please, please, give this book a go! I promise you won't be disappointed, it is James after all, the man is incredible! 

Thank you so much to Hot Key Books for sending me a copy.

James Dawson EXCLUSIVE Reveal!

Ladies and gentleman, fasten your seatbelts because you're in a bumpy ride in the next few minutes and the reward is oh so sweet!

Long term readers of the blog and of my twitter will know I am sure, that I am a massive fan of James Dawson and have absolutely adored the books he's already published. From the dark world of witchcraft in Hollow Pike, to the sunlit murders in Cruel Summer, to this years bone-chilling instalment, Say Her Name, he can do no wrong and just like everyone else out there who has fallen in love with Jame's prose and characters, am absolutely dying to see what he has up his sleeves next...

Well... That wait is over!

Today, it gives me great pleasure to host the unveiling of James' next book! Whilst the cover is still under construction, I have today the honour of revealing the title and the acompanying synopsis... Brace yourself folks, it sounds INCREDIBLE... Let's go...

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Under My Skin by James Dawson.

"Shy, retiring wallflower Sally Feather has never done anything wild in her life. A tattoo would be out of the question, but there's just something about Molly Sue, a stunning pin-up girl tattoo she sees in The House of Skin tattoo parlour.

Feeling daring, Sally agrees to the tattoo, but before she's even healed, Molly Sue starts whispering to Sally. And she's telling her to do very bad things...

UNDER MY SKIN is the chilling new nightmare from the international bestselling author of SAY HER NAME, CRUEL SUMMER and HOLLOW PIKE."

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Oh boy! How amazing does that sounds? Sounds so good and so so creepy! If it's as scary as Say Her Name I know I'll be sleeping with the light on for a bit when I read it! Ha! I cannot wait to read it or see the cover! Argh! So exciting.

Thank you so much to James for this, you're amazing, and Hot Key Books! Fantastic stuff, so grateful you chose me to do the big reveal! Such an honour! :)

So, what do you think about how Under My Skin sounds? Are you looking forward to it? Comment below!!

Say Her Name by James Dawson [Review]

Written by: James Dawson.

Published by: Hot Key Books.

Format: Paperback.

Released: 5th June 2014.

Rating: /5.

Official synopsis: "Roberta 'Bobbie' Rowe is not the kind of person who believes in ghosts. A Halloween dare at her ridiculously spooky boarding school is no big deal, especially when her best friend Naya and cute local boy Caine agree to join in too. They are ordered to summon the legendary ghost of 'Bloody Mary': say her name five times in front of a candlelit mirror, and she shall appear...But, surprise surprise, nothing happens. Or does it? Next morning, Bobbie finds a message on her bathroom mirror...five days...but what does it mean? And who left it there? Things get increasingly weird and more terrifying for Bobbie and Naya, until it becomes all too clear that Bloody Mary was indeed called from the afterlife that night, and she is definitely not a friendly ghost. Bobbie, Naya and Caine are now in a race against time before their five days are up and Mary comes for them, as she has come for countless others before...This is a truly spine-chilling yet witty horror from shortlisted 'Queen of Teen' author James Dawson."

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I'm not going to lie, I am a bit of a wuss, a scaredy-cat and am definitely not a fan of anything that I know is going to scare the living daylights out of me. But when one of your favourite authors does a take on the chilling urban legend of Bloody Mary, you can't really pass it up, now can you? I picked up my proof copy of Say Her Name gingerly as if my touch would be enough to wake her and bring her knocking at my own mirror wanting to haunt me and started to read and I was sucked straight into the story.

When Bobbie and her friends decide to "summon" Mary on Halloween, no less, they think nothing of it. It's just a simple Halloween prank, just a bit of fun, a laugh to pass another night at Piper's Hall school for girls. But as they stand before the mirror, Bobbie sees something flicker in the depths of their reflection, but surely it's just a trick of the light, right? Wrong. Before long strange things start happening to Bobbie, Naya and the swoon-worthy Caine. All three of them dared to call her name five times, "Bloody Mary, Bloody Mary, Bloody Mary, Bloody Mary..." I'm stopping at four.., and awaken something they could never of dreamed off. Soon, it becomes a race against time as they only have five days to find out what it is that Mary wants.

Honestly, some scenes in this book were so scary, so chilling, that at times I actually put the book down and had to walk away. I had to. One night I was reading it and it was dark outside, thanks to working full time I can normally only read in the evenings, and I was freaking out. I can't look in a mirror again the same way that I did before. If I have to go to the bathroom at night I avert my gaze away from the reflective surface to the left of me and pretend it isn't there, that I can't see Mary there in the reflection, just waiting to take me next. Thanks James!

As with James' previous books, Hollow Pike and Cruel Summer, Say Her Name is wonderfully written and immersive. And even though you're having the living daylights scared out of you at times, the book demands you keep reading - you almost get the feeling that if you don't, Mary will reach a cold hand out of the pages and drag you in herself! It has it's funny moments too, moments that had me laughing, moments that lured me into a false sense of security for the darkness to come. And as well as that it has sad moments, moments that make your heart break a little for Mary herself as you start to learn her origin, why she does what she does. 

I have to say I loved the ending, as well. There are several twists that happen in quick succession that had me gasping, only beginning to recover before gasping again and shaking my head in amazement and disbelief that I hadn't seen any of it coming. Such is the masterful way that James tells the story. Fantastic.

To sum up, I cannot recommend Say Her Name enough. Even if you are a bit like me, as easy to scare, just try and read past it. That's what I did and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. It is a fantastic read that you will not regret picking up! And check out that cover! It's so beautiful that you can't pass it up!!

Thank you to Hot Key Books for being so generous to send me a proof copy! Truly appreciate it! And thanks to James for the pre-order swag! Superfans REPRESENT!

Buy from Amazon UK

Cover revealed for Say Her Name

In May next year, Hot Key Books will publish Say Her Name, the third book to come from the brilliant James Dawson. After Hollow Pike and Cruel Summer I am a massive fan of James' work and I cannot wait to see what he has in store for us next, and from the looks of the cover it's something pretty darn scary! I cannot wait! The design team have done an AMAZING job. I can already imagine it on the shelves in the bookshops, standing out a real treat and just begging to be read!

Cruel Summer by James Dawson [Review]

Written by: James Dawson.

Published by: Indigo/Orion.

Format: Paperback.

Released: 1st August 2013.

Rating: 5/5.

Official synopsis: "Ryan is looking forward to spending the summer with his old school friends at Katie's luxurious Spanish villa. He hasn't seen the gang since their friend, Janey, committed suicide a year ago. He hopes this summer they'll be able to put the past behind them and move on - until someone else arrives, claiming to have proof that Janey's suicide was murder! Ryan was hoping for sun, sea and sand. Suddenly, he's facing a long, hot summer of death, drama and deceit . . ."

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Summer. Just the word itself brings to images to the front of your mind of sun, sea, sand. Alcohol. Parties. Friends. It's perfect, right? What more could you want? Well for Ryan, Katie and friends, they're going to get more than they bargained for this Summer holiday. They're about to star in their own Murder Mystery.

James Dawson exploded onto the YA scene last year with Hollow Pike and Cruel Summer only further solidifies his place there. It's snappy, incredibly well written and it keeps you on the edge of your seat pretty much from the off. Ryan likes to make believe he's staring in his own tv show, where he and his friend are the cast, at the mercy of the producers off camera who decides what happens and when it happens. And when the last season ended, poor Janey was a casualty, throwing herself off the edge of a cliff.

But Ryan doesn't believe she jumped. It's so out of character for her. It doesn't make sense. He believes she was pushed.

It's been a year since the whole gang have been together, after leaving school they all took their own paths, going out into the world to seek the careers they want, and so the chance to spend a few weeks in Katie's fathers villa in Spain is too good to pass up. They can have a good old catch up, spend a few weeks catching a tan, chilling out, spending time together again before separating again to continue with their lives.

But when do things ever go to plan in a tv show? Never! And when one of the gang dies unexpectedly, questions begin to be asked and it becomes clear that one of the gang is a murderer...

This book is so well written, so addictive and engrossing that you don't want to put it down until you've finished. There are so many twists and turns, more than you can shake a cocktail at, and the ending will leave you feeling so heartbroken, honestly I had tears in my eyes! It's brilliant. I've told James this, and I don't want to gush too much. But this book is perfect and everyone needs to read it for themselves!

Thanks James for another amazing read! Please don't stop!

Cover unleashed for Cruel Summer

I cannot wait for this! It sounds so good!

Coming out in August, Cruel Summer is the second book to come from Hollow Pike author James Dawson and it looks awesome!

Ryan is looking forward to spending the summer with his old school friends at Katie’s luxurious Spanish villa. He hasn’t seen the gang since their friend, Janey, committed suicide a year ago. He hopes this summer they’ll be able to put the past behind them and move on – until someone else arrives, claiming to have proof that Janey’s suicide was murder – and it’s only a matter of time until her killer strikes again…

Ryan was hoping for sun, sea and sand. Suddenly, he’s facing a long, hot summer of death, drama and deceit . . .

Roll on August!

2013: Books of Interst (Part 3)

Now there are some large gaps in the year where there are books that are making me foam at the mouth... Simply because sometime's books aren't announced that early... I've wracked my brain but towards the end of the year there are fewer titles that I can think of, but here they are regardless.

In AUGUST it's a massive double whammy for me. Two books that are part of two fantastic series that I love! The first is out, at the moment (date may change...) on the 1st. And that would be The Burning Shadow, the second book in the incredible Gods and Warriors by Michelle Paver. No cover yet, if Puffin follow the time scale they did for book one, that should be available from February onwards. No synopsis for the book yet, and we don't know much apart from the title which Michelle herself confirmed a few weeks ago in the latest Clan Cast over on her official website, www.jointheclan.com! Needless to say, I am dying to read this book. I'm a massive fan of Michelle, and she can do no wrong whatsoever in my book!

Then on 29th, another book courtesy of Puffin! At the time of writing this, there's not even a title! Although I have seen a few online, The Return of Lorien popping up the most often, but we'll see! Yep, that's right. The fourth book in the Lorien Legacies series by Pittacus Lore. I love these books. I Am Number Four, The Power of Six and The Rise of Nine. The rumoured title doesn't really follow the pattern of the previous three, but who knows! I just can't wait to see what happens next after that massive cliffhanger at the end of The Rise of Nine! Talk about intense!!

Ooh! And I've just remembered another book out in August! How could I of forgotten! A new book from James Dawson! I adored Hollow Pike when it was released earlier this year and have been waiting with bated breath to see what he'll do next. The answer? Cruel Summer! It sounds fantastic and I can't wait!

"One year after the suicide of one of their friends, the rest of the group decide to spend the summer together in a holiday villa in the Mediterranean. They're hoping to get over the terrible events of the previous year, but then a new guest arrives - claiming to have evidence that the suicide was actually murder. When she is found dead, it becomes clear that the killer must be one of them - but who is it? And will they strike again?

A compelling psychological thriller - with a dash of romance."

Now a book that was originally scheduled for a 2012 release but got pushed back to next year. Trust me, I nearly cried! It's been such a long wait and with another 10 months to go still until the (as yet there's no set date...) OCTOBER release it'll only hurt a bit more! Yes, I'm talking about Angel Fever. The third and final book the Angel trilogy, which started with Angel and continued with Angel Fire, will finally give us all the answer's we've been waiting for! Most importantly, will she choose Seb or Alex? ARGH!!!!?>!"2!!! Seriously, I really cannot wait for this one, and with Lee's recent tweet confirming that she's finally finished the book itself, that it's done, nothing else needs doing, this only makes me even more excited! Fancy just emailing me a PDF, Lee? Hit me up! Haha!

So that concludes the Books of Interest series of posts! What books are you most looking forward to in 2013? Let me know if there are any I've missed you think I should check out. I know that I'll sit back in a bit after I've posted this and think of something and I'll kick myself that it's not on here, but that's part of the excitement I guess. I love not knowing everything that's coming out, then something will come along and just surprise you and make you fall completely and utterly in love!

2012 has been awesome but judging on the books we already know about, I think 2013 is going to be a stellar year for book readers!

I just hope the world isn't going to end today or else we'll never know just how amazing this books will be! Thankfully the world isn't going to end, it's just nonsense! Phew!!

Hollow Pike Uncut Blog Tour: Max and Lis

Something very exciting today!

James Dawson, author of the awesome Hollow Pike, which was published earlier this year, has dug around in his archives and has uncovered some deleted gems that you won't find in the book any more. The past few days, these gems have been set free upon the world, and today, it's my turn to set one free. First off, a word from James...

I really like this tender moment between Lis and her brother-in-law. I think I removed it because it slowed down the action slightly and was a bit ‘emo’ (even for me)! It also offers a chilling reminder of how quickly pop-culture references get old! Cheryl!!!

And now for the juicy bit!!

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Lis walked all the way down the hill from Kitty's; she needed the fresh air to cleanse her muddy mind of the day’s events. Police stations, diaries, what next? Still wary of the intruder, she'd stuck with Jack most of the way and then remained on the brightly lit pavements all the way back to The Cube.

Eventually she dragged her feet up the wooden stairs and let herself in the front door. The central heating was on toasty full blast and a welcoming orange glow shone from the lounge.

‘We're in here, babe!’ her sister called out.

She found Sarah and Max curled up on the sofa, cradling a bowl of crisps and watching X Factor. They looked so happy, enjoying their perfect family night in front of the TV.

‘You gonna watch the result with us love? You should see what Cheryl's wearing! It looks like a wicker basket!’

Lis smiled sadly. At some point over the last ten weeks, she'd stopped belonging to these people. She no longer fit in. With everything spinning around in her head, she just couldn't sit down and enjoy mindless TV with her family. She had too much to think about and impossible things to plan.

‘No, I'm gonna have a bath and read for a bit,’ she replied, her feet shuffling up the stairs.

She'd only just flopped on her bed when there was a gentle knock on her door.

‘Can I come in pet?’ Max asked.

‘Yeah.’

Max, a kind of BFG, ducked under the door frame and sat on the end of her bed.

‘Did Sarah send you?’

‘Nope. I said I was checking on Logan. You seemed a bit glum, pet, is everything hunky dory?’

Lis nodded a brave nod. ‘Yeah, I'm fine.’

Max tucked her hair behind her ear. She hated when he did that;she felt that she had big ears. But she left the hair alone.

‘Can I tell you a story?’ he asked.

‘I'm a bit big for bedtime stories.’

‘Who told you that?’

Smiling, Lis gestured for him to begin.

‘You were only four when I first met your sister. Your mum was still with your dad, but he was a real waste of space, always vanishing for days on end …’

Lis had heard the extended club remix of this story of her scoundrel dad from her mum since she'd been old enough to listen, this wasn't news to her.

Max continued. “So Sarah was the one who ended up looking after you. Now, I thought I was one of those blokes who never wanted kids. I thought they were a real pain in the arse! But then I met you. You were just the cutest thing I'd ever seen. You wouldn't bloody leave me alone for a minute! I was like your own personal climbing frame. After that I knew I was gonna look after you and Sarah for the long haul – I wasn’t going anywhere. Bottom line, you taught me how to be a dad, Lis. And ... and it breaks my heart to see you acting so strangely.’

In exactly the same way she would have done eleven years ago, she threw herself around Max's neck, burying her face in his shoulder. The floodgates opened and the tears poured out. She couldn't talk to him, wouldn’t talk to him, but he held her until she fell asleep.

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Hollow Pike is out now in paperback with purple edges! So cool! You can buy the book here!

Thanks James for such an awsome piece, and Louise at Orion for organising the tour!

Hollow Pike Blog Tour: Hypothetical Cast

Today, I am honoured to host the wonderful James Dawson as part of the Hollow Pike Blog Tour!! Hollow Pike is a book made of pure awesome, so without further ado, take it away James!!

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When writing a novel, I doubt anyone does so with a film adaptation in mind. But it’s a sign of the times that when I tell people I have a book coming out, the second thing they ask (after ‘what’s it about?’) is ‘when is the film coming out?’ Well at the moment, never, but you can’t help but imagine who’d play who in a film or TV adaptation. With this in mind, here is my dream cast list for the Hollow Pike saga.

Before I reel off the list, you’ll note that the main characters of Lis, Danny, Kitty, Delilah and Jack are absent. Why? I feel that, much like in Potter or Twilight, these roles are gifts to up-and-coming newcomers. I’d love to see young British talent fill the main roles. My pet hate is 28 year olds playing teenagers (a la Rizzo from Grease), so I would prefer the roles to go to actual teenage rising stars. The adult cast however, I have considered…

Sarah Harvey played by Eve Myles: The role of Lis’s half-sister needs a warm-hearted Welsh woman, and I can think of no-one better than the Torchwood actress. In fact, I could almost picture Myles when writing the scenes. Although she is supposed to be blond…‘hello, wig department?’

Ms Dandehunt played by Imelda Staunton: One of my favourite actresses, I was especially impressed by her recent turn in The Awakening. Fans of Harry Potter will know her best as Dolores Umbridge, and although Ms Dandehunt is a much cuddlier character, she does have a dark side…

Laura Rigg played by Kaya Scodelario: The Wuthering Heights actress has exactly the right look for high school bitch Laura. More than that, her beauty is intimidating, something so important for the Queen Bee of Fulton High.

Mr Gray played by Matt Smith: He’s only known as Doctor Who at the moment, but, as an actor, I think Smith is one of best British talents out there. I think he’d be note perfect as the well-meaning, floppy-haired Spanish teacher and confidant to Lis et al.

Keith Monroe played by Idris Elba: Busy, busy man, but hopefully he’d find the time to play Kitty’s domineering police-chief father. Less psychotic than Luther and he’d need to brush up on a Yorkshire accent – after The Wire shouldn’t be too hard!

Leslie Sharp as Mrs Gillespie: I would KILL for Sharp to play this role. She is outstanding in everything she does. If you haven’t seen the Doctor Who episode ‘Midnight’, do so immediately. She would NAIL the creepy wise-woman of Hollow Pike. I think she’d keep viewers on the edge of their seats!

Tom Ellis as Max Harvey: The Miranda star would be ideal for Lis’s rock-solid brother-in-law. He has just the right father-figure warmth. Plus, I would get to meet him and he is hot. Problem with that? Let’s move on…

Enough of this speculative madness. It’s up to you, the reader, to send me suggestions of who should play who in Hollow Pike. Allow your mind to create your own versions of the characters and completely disregard my list! In the early stages of cover talks, I asked that there not be a photo of Lis on the cover for this reason – so each reader can make their own Lis. I always say read the book before the film, that way, if and when a film does come out, you can bitch with your mates about how your version would have been ten times better!

Happy Publication Day To Hollow Pike!!

It's finally here! Official publication day! HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY TO JAMES DAWSON AND HIS AMAZING NEW BOOK WHICH IS TOTALLY AWESOME, HOLLOW PIKE!!!

You all need to get this book right NOW! I'm not kidding. It's so good. Surprising in so many ways, you'll be drawn right into the heart of the story! Cannot recommend it enough!

Wishing you all the very best James! :)

Hollow Pike by James Dawson [Review]

Written by: James Dawson.

Published by: Indigo/Orion.

Format: Paperback.

Released: 2nd February 2012.

Rating: 5/5.

Official synopsis: "Something wicked this way comes... She thought she'd be safe in the country, but you can't escape your own nightmares, and Lis London dreams repeatedly that someone is trying to kill her. Lis thinks she's being paranoid - after all who would want to murder her? She doesn't believe in the local legends of witchcraft. She doesn't believe that anything bad will really happen to her. You never do, do you? Not until you're alone in the woods, after dark - and a twig snaps... Hollow Pike - where witchcraft never sleeps."

Early last Summer, word started to spread through Twitter and the Bloggoverse about a new book being published in February 2012 by Orion's new YA imprint, Indigo, intrigue began to build as we were given the first tantalising glimpse of Hollow Pike by one James Dawson. All we knew at the time. Witchcraft.

The cover was released a few weeks later closely followed by the official synopsis and since then the anticipation has been steadily growing with a large selection of my fellow bloggers and readers alike all getting pretty excited about this book right here. And finally last week, I got a copy! I'll admit I did a little squee dance and was so excited. Started to read it pretty much straight away and couldn't of been more surprised than I was.

Hollow Pike was NOTHING like I'd expected it to be. I had images of haggard old women around cauldrons, steaming with potions. I expected there to be spells. But there was none of that. And you know what? It doesn't need it. Hollow Pike is so much more than I expected it to be in more ways than one. 

Lis has been suffering debilitating nightmares for weeks. She's scared, and puts it down to what is going on at home and hopes that the move to Hollow Pike will help them to come to an end... How wrong could she be? The dreams are vivid, dark and downright terrifying. They hold you captivated - breathless - until Lis wakes up.

Bullying and social perception plays a large roll in the book. Lis has been forced to move to Hollow Pike to escape her life back in Wales where she is looked down upon by all of her school mates. Bullied, and outcast she chooses to live with her sister in this sleepy little Yorkshire village (it is made up I should add... so don't be too scared by what happens there...). Things start of well at her new school, and her sister Sarah (her partner Max and son - Lis's nephew) love having her there and she actually seems to have been taken under the wing of the in-clique.

But then things start to go wrong as she is more and more intrigued by the outcasts of Hollow Pike. Three young teenagers. Kitty. Delilah. And Jack. Looked down upon by their peers, they show no fear and in fact, it's the people who make fun of them that show fear. For there are rumours that a long gone history of witchcraft is about to resurface.

I don't really think I can say much more without spoiling it... So all I'll say is: there are creepy old ladies, birds and lots of them, twists, turns, and a murder (which again is something I was not expecting...).

Hollow Pike has it all. Blood. Magic. Murder. Friendship. Love. Sacrifice. And a beautiful house which Lis's sister lives in (seriously, I want that house when I am older... blueprints, James?!).

It's a haunting, captivating and moving read, set at a perfect pace with beautiful writing. Watch out people because James Dawson is about to take you on one hell of a ride you will most definitely not forget. I cannot wait to see what he writes next!

My thanks have to go, again, to the ever amazing Nina at Orion for this. I have been pestering that poor woman for ages about this book, so glad it was all worth it! :D

Buy from Amazon UK

News: Trailer released for Hollow Pike!

Hollow Pike is one of my most anticipated books for 2012 and it's written by the lovely Mr. James Dawson! Out on 2nd February, why not check out the trailer below. As if you need any more reason to buy it than the cover art alone, the trailer only makes me want this book all the more!

2012: Books of Interest (Part 1)

So with just over 2 weeks left of the year, the time has come to look forward to what 2012 has in store for us! One thing that spings to mind instantly is The Hunger Games movie which I for one am DYING to see! I'm also looking forward to all the little companion things, including the official guide written by Suzanne Collins herself! But anyway, this is about books... So, here are some books that have me salivating at the mouth, all due to be published throughout 2012!

Kickstarting the year, there are a few titles I'm looking forward to in JANUARY! First up, The Fault In Out Stars by John Green. Much to the dismay of some of my fellow bloggers, I have never read any of John's previous work (I shall prepare for some abuse, most likely from Iffath... I'm watching you!) but this sounds so good and I love the cover. Have a copy on pre-order thanks to The Book Depo and it sounds a little like this...

Official synopsis: "Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now. Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means) Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault. Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly, to her interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind."

Having lost family members (Total count so far of 4) to cancer, this sounds like it's going to be a heart-wrencher!

It also sees the publication of the second Casper Candlewacks adventure. It's called The Claw's of Crime and I can't wait. I loved the first book, Death by Pigeon (which I should be reviewing soon) and recently read it again. It's only a little book and it is aimed at younger readers (it says 9+ on the back... I'm only 10 years older... it's okay...) but it is so funny and such a good read! 

Official synopsis: "Most villages have an idiot but Casper's village is full of them. So being bright makes poor Casper something of an outsider. An infamous cat burglar has struck in the village of Corne-on-the-Kobb, stealing a precious jewelled sword and kidnapping Casper’s baby sister. To make matters worse a gaggle of amateur detectives are on the case, questioning the villagers and getting in the way. Armed only with his wits, an egg-boiling lie-detecting machine and his best friend Lamp, can Casper rescue his sister and save the day?"

FEBRUARY will see the release of Hollow Pike by James Dawson, courtesy of Orion Children's Books. I've raved about how much I want this book both here and on twitter, and as soon as I actually do get a copy, you will all know... You'll hear me shout with joy, I believe. If not, there'll be a twitpic with lots of !!!!!!!!!! marks... And such a beautiful cover. I hope it's shiny and has foil!!! (You hear me, Orion?!!)

Official synopis: "Lis London moves to Hollow Pike looking for a fresh start. She's intrigued by the town's sinister history of witchcraft, ritual and witchfinders. But when a fellow teen is murdered in the woods in what appears to be a ritual killing, Lis starts to wonder whether the witches are really history after all... Who is the mysterious figure caught on camera in the trees at the time of the murder? Could he be the killer? And do Lis's ominous nightmares of being murdered in the forest mean that she might be the next to die?"

Marvelous!

We also get this little beauty! Advent by James Treadwell. It looks beautiful, and it currently sitting on my "to read" pile. It sounds fantastic and I for one can't wait to get stuck in!

Official synopsis: "For centuries it has been locked away. Lost beneath the sea. Warded from earth, air, water, fire, spirits, thought and sight. But now magic is rising to the world once more. And a boy called Gavin, who thinks only that he is a city kid with parents who hate him, and knows only that he sees things no one else will believe, is boarding a train, alone, to Cornwall. No one will be there to meet him."

Creepy!

Then in MARCH, another very exciting release! The second Department 19 book, by Will Hill! Titled The Rising, the cover is quite literally on fire! HarperCollin's design department have taken what was already a very striking image from the first book, made a few changes and then set it ablaze and made it even more eye-catching! Reviewed the first book in this series earlier today, and this is perhaps one of my most anticipated releases for 2012.

Official synopsis: "The pulse-pounding sequel to DEPARTMENT 19 – “The best action horror story I have ever read” according to Bookzoneforboys… DEPARTMENT 6 IS THE ARMY. DEPARTMENT 13 IS MI5. DEPARTMENT 19 IS ALL THAT STANDS BETWEEN YOU AND THE END OF THE WORLD. After the terrifying attack on Lindisfarne at the end of the first book, Jamie, Larissa and Kate are recovering at Department 19 headquarters, waiting for news of Dracula’s stolen ashes. They won’t be waiting for long. Vampire forces are gathering. Old enemies are getting too close. And Dracula… is rising."

Eep! What is going to happen next?! 

In April, Simon and Schuster UK will publish Michelle Harrison's first offering since she finished her Thirteen series/trilogy. It's called Unrest, and it's out right at the end of the month. Not much is known... there's no cover art yet, but we do have a synopsis and it sounds deliciously ghosty!

Official synopsis: "Seventeen-year-old Elliott hasn't slept properly for six months. Not since the accident that nearly killed him. Now he is afraid to go to sleep. Sometimes he wakes to find himself paralysed, unable to move a muscle, while shadowy figures move around him. Other times he is the one moving around, while his body lies asleep on the bed. According to his doctor, sleep paralysis and out of body experiences are harmless - but to Elliot they're terrifying. Convinced that his brush with death has opened up connections with the spirit world, Elliott secures a live-in job at one of England's most haunted locations, determined to find out the truth. There he finds Sebastian, the ghost of a long-dead servant boy hanged for stealing bread. He also meets the living, breathing Ophelia, a girl with secrets of her own. She and Elliott grow closer, but things take a terrifying turn when Elliott discovers Sebastian is occupying his body when he leaves it. And the more time Sebastian spends inhabiting a living body, the more resistant he becomes to giving it back. Worse, he seems to have an unhealthy interest in Ophelia. Unless Elliott can lay Sebastian's spirit to rest, he risks being possessed by him for ever, and losing the girl of his dreams..."

Join me in a chorus of "I WANT... RIGHT NOW!!!"

Waiting On Wednesday: Hollow Pike

Folk who follow me on Twitter will have heard me rant about how far away February 2012 is and it's only because of this book... Hollow Pike by Mr. James Dawson (is now the right time to announce I have a work colleague with the same name... Creepy...) who is very funny and well worth a Twitter follow! Check him out, but in the meantime, get a ganders at that cover (what a beaut!) and the synopsis...

Lis London moves to Hollow Pike looking for a fresh start. She's intrigued by the town's sinister history of witchcraft, ritual and witchfinders. But when a fellow teen is murdered in the woods in what appears to be a ritual killing, Lis starts to wonder whether the witches are really history after all... Who is the mysterious figure caught on camera in the trees at the time of the murder? Could he be the killer? And do Lis's ominous nightmares of being murdered in the forest mean that she might be the next to die?

It's out in February, published by Orion Childrens Books and you can pre order on Amazon, The Book Depository and Waterstones!

 

 

 

Cover Art News: Hollow Pike by James Dawson

The lovely James Dawson, who you can find on twitter (under @_jamesdawson) tonight unveiled the cover art for his debut YA novel! And it's a corker! Hollow Pike is due out February 2012 and it sounds great, and the cover art is simply, stunning!!! Orion always do an amazing job when it comes to covers so I cannot wait to have this on my shelves!

"When Lis London moves to Hollow Pike, she's looking forward to starting afresh in a new town, but when she sees the local forest she realizes that not everything here is new to her. She's seen the wood before - in a recurring nightmare where someone is trying to kill her! Lis tells herself there's nothing to her bad dreams, or to the legends of witchcraft and sinister rituals linked with Hollow Pike. She's settling in, making friends, and even falling in love - but then a girl is found murdered in the forest. Suddenly, Lis doesn't know who to trust anymore..."