I live with a secret that not many people know about.

Review: The Ruining by Anna Collomore

Release Date: February 7th 2013
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 336
Rating: 4.5/5

Summary:
Annie Phillips is thrilled to leave her past behind and begin a shiny new life on Belvedere Island, as a nanny for the picture-perfect Cohen family. In no time at all, she falls in love with the Cohens, especially with Libby, the beautiful young matriarch of the family. Life is better than she ever imagined. She even finds romance with the boy next door. All too soon cracks appear in Annie's seemingly perfect world. She's blamed for mistakes she doesn't remember making. Her bedroom door comes unhinged, and she feels like she's always being watched. Libby, who once felt like a big sister, is suddenly cold and unforgiving. As she struggles to keep up with the demands of her new life, Annie's fear gives way to frightening hallucinations. Is she tumbling into madness, or is something sinister at play?

 Review:
Nothing is more rewarding than a book that meets every one of your expectations. At first I was transfixed on the picture on the cover but from the very first word till the last it was captivating to say the least. Once you start you cannot put it down. Trust me, I put it down once only to pick it up again. The Ruining is an intense and somewhat creepy thriller that takes you on a psychological ride through the depths and crevices of what it is like to be sane.

The author perfectly blends the intensity of

 a psychological turn with romance. In some stories the romance is so overwhelming but in The Ruining it is a nice touch to the insanity of it all.  The twists and turns keep you teetering and although you think you know what is going to happen, its not entirely what you think.

The never ending struggle between Libby and Annie was very well written. At times I could feel the tension and it just draws you in, making you want to turn the page and find out what happens next.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. Although the only problem that I encountered has to do with the ending. I won't ruin it for anyone who hasn't read it but I was strangely conflicted about how it ended. To me, the ending either seemed drawn out at times or completely rushed at other times. Anna Collomore does an incredible job in setting an atmosphere and tone throughout her book that just surrounds you and takes you down a spiraling road towards insanity. A definite recommendation to all.

Review: Empty by K.M Walton

Release Date: January 1st 2013
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 256
Rating: 5/5
Summary:
            Dell is used to disappointment. Ever since her dad left, it’s been one let down after another. But no one—not even her best friend—gets all the pain she’s going through. So Dell hides behind self-deprecating jokes and forced smiles.

         Then the one person she trusts betrays her. Dell is beyond devastated. Without anyone to turn to for comfort, her depression and self-loathing spin out of control. But just how far will she go to make all of the heartbreak and name-calling stop?

Review:

 I have never related more to a book than I did to this one.  I remember reading the first fourteen pages and immediately I felt overwhelmed with emotion. The author not only balances good writing with room for analysis, she wrote a realistic book about bullying and how it can lead someone down a very dark, and empty road.

          The title for this book is perfection. No matter how many times you say it, the word itself just seems void and distant. But to Dell those five letters encompassed her entire life. As you read this story you can't help but feel frustrated because you want to help Dell, you want her to find her happiness, and you wait but it never comes. This is another aspect of Walton's writing that I couldn't help but fall in love with. She sets a clear boundary between fantasy and reality.

         This book will take you on an emotional roller coaster and in the end, the only emotion you will feel is empty. Proceed with caution and watch your step you are in for one hell of a ride. Definitely a recommendation to all.