Relativity by Antonia Hayes [REVIEW/BLOG TOUR]

[Note: I was kindly sent a review copy of this book by Corsair Publishing in return for an honest review as part of the blog tour. Thank you!!]

Hello everyone and welcome back to the Book Kitten - It's been a while hasn't it? Hold onto your hats readers, as I have an absolutely great book to review to bring this blog back with a bang!

'Relativity' by Antonia Hayes was originally published in 2015 and primarily focuses on a relationship between a 12 year old boy named Ethan and his mother - a single parent named Claire. The blurb describes Ethan as 'an exceptionally gifted young boy; obsessed with physics and astronomy.' I was completely mesmerised by Ethan's character as whilst the viewpoint splits between that of him, Claire and his estranged father Mark, the way in which Ethan sees the world is completely beautiful. As a reader, you begin to see throughout the course of the book that Ethan's story is much deeper than that of a love of physics and being the child in school that is picked on for being different - there are many questions he has that he is too scared to broach - Why does he just live with his Mum? Where is his Dad and why has he never seen him? Why does he see the world so differently? 

More questions begin to fill Ethan's mind as the novel progresses which develop his character and is portrayed beautifully by Hayes. Ethan's story tugged on my heartstrings as he uses his love and understanding of physics and space to help him process the secrets he discovers about his past and how to move forward in his present. As well as this, the characters of Claire and Mark are so strong in themselves as well - 'Relativity' may not be a thriller in genre but it gives the effect of one. I was sat on the edge of my seat for most of the read; desperate to know what happened next, caring for the characters on a level that made me feel as if I knew them personally and making me well up with tears on a few occasions - with both happiness and sadness. 

'Relativity' more than anything touches on the bonds that we make with our family, particularly that of a parent with their child. The intensity of the feelings towards Ethan from his mother Claire show the extent of a mother's love and how parents will do anything to protect their children. 'Relativity' was a truly fascinating read and I'd recommend it to anyone who has a love of books with strong, well developed characters and a unique storyline that will keep you thinking for days after reading the past page.

5 Stars

My Everything - Katie Marsh [Q&A]

Katie Marsh's debut novel My Everything was released yesterday (27th August 2015) and I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader's copy from Hodder Books! The book focuses around a married couple, who are having difficulties. Just when Hannah has had enough, Tom suffers a life-changing stroke and his world is turned upside down. I devoured the book, eager to see what was around the corner, and once I was done, I asked Katie some questions...so here you go!

1.    The character of Tom Ellison suffers a stroke - why did you choose to focus on this type of condition in particular?

I thought of the idea while working with stroke survivors in south London in 2010. I was very familiar with the symptoms of stroke and of its potential impact on both the stroke survivor themselves and on their families. I was also preparing to get married and the two things fused in my mind and became the premise for ‘My Everything’.

  2. Tom and Hannah are very relatable in the case of workaholic vs ambitious traveller - what would you say was the most difficult thing to write about in terms of their conflicts with each other?

I found it very challenging to really give the reader a balanced picture of their relationship and how it had evolved and fallen apart. Initially I didn’t have any scenes seen purely from Tom’s perspective and so every conflict was interpreted from Hannah’s point of view, meaning the reader was inevitably on her side. I wanted to make the reader care about both characters and I worked really hard to make that happen. The published version of ‘My Everything’ was the eighth draft of the book, and it took that many drafts for a reason!

3. The character of Julie is extremely deep, how did you end up giving her such a powerful story?

I really love Julie. I think she’s had an incredibly tough time and that she has been - to a certain extent - failed by those around her and not been given credit for the good things she has done. Therefore I wanted to give her a storyline that forced her to get her act together and make the most of the (many) talents she has. I am excited about Julie’s future and frequently find myself wondering what she’ll get up to next.

4. What do you hope for readers to obtain from My Everything?

Obviously - like any novelist - I hope people care about the characters and keep turning the pages to find out what happens to them. But I also hope readers have a greater awareness of stroke and its impact on families and individuals and - crucially - that they see that there can be hope after stroke and that people can reshape their lives and redefine themselves afterwards. I hope the book leaves people uplifted and hopeful about what their own lives and relationships might have in store.

5. And finally, who would you say was the strongest character in My Everything and why?

I find that impossible to answer as in my mind Tom and Hannah are equally strong. Maybe that’s a question I need to leave readers to decide…?

Thanks so much for your time Katie, and to Hodder Books for sending me this fab book!

Salt & Stone by Victoria Scott [Book Review]

So many many months ago, I received a finished copy of Salt & Stone by Victoria Scott from Chicken House Publishing. I'm so sorry to the people at Chicken House that I didn't read it sooner, but thank you so much for sending it to me, I really appreciated it!!

Anywho, Salt & Stone is the sequel to Fire & Flood which follows 16 year old Tella as she participates in a gruelling tournament called the Brimstone Bleed. What is that you ask? 4 zones, many competitors and only one winner. The prize? A cure for any illness for one person only.

Not only that, but each competitor gets a beast to help them. Each has a different ability and they are called Pandoras. Tella's is a little fox called Madox. He is adorable!!! Honestly, read Fire and Flood and you'll see what I mean. Squee!

You know how in quite a few series, the first book is incredible and then the second isn't as good? This isn't the case here. Salt & Stone is amazing, even better than Fire & Flood. The PERFECT sequel to a PERFECT series beginner. 

This series will test your emotions, it will make your heart race and your blood freeze. It takes it's toll on you in ways you didn't believe a book could, and by the end of it, you feel like you're part of the Brimstone Bleed itself.

Do me a favour folks, read this series!