Month: July 2019

Codename Villanelle

~ Caitlin Marion Dermidy ~ Leave a comment

Codename Villanelle by Luke Jennings

The first installment of Luke Jennings Killing Eve series introduces us to one of the world’s most skilled assassin’s, Villanelle. Villanelle is a codename for the assassin who lives a luxurious life thanks to her special skills murdering the worlds richest and most powerful. Eve Polastri is a former MI6 operative who is hired to track and find the assassin responsible for the murder of an influential Russian politition. Eve lives a quiet and fairly unextraordinary life accepts the job and her life changes forever as a game of cat and mouse plays out between Villanelle and Eve.

This book is the basis of the hit TV series of the same name; Killing Eve. If I’m being honest I feel as though the TV series was actually better than the book and this surprised me. Don’t get me wrong I liked the book but it didn’t seem to provide the same sort of tension or excitement as the TV series and I usually find it the opposite.

I didn’t feel as though I was on the edge of my seat the same as other novels I have read and maybe it was because I have already seen the TV show (definitely did it in the wrong order) I felt as though I had no input on the characters.

I like the characters of the book and feel they are really interesting however I do feel they have some flaws. Villanelle is described as someone who cares for no-one and only mimics feelings yet she has a companian throughout.

The end of the book I found frustrating and that’s only because I don’t particularly like big cliffhangers which this book definitely has. That is completely a personal opinion and some people really like the tension of a cliffhanger but I just get annoyed.

Overall, I think that the book was good but I did prefer the TV series.

Many thanks, Caitlin X

The Book of Hidden Things

~ Caitlin Marion Dermidy ~ Leave a comment

The Book of Hidden Things by Francesco Dimitri is his debute English novel.

It is a fantasy novel which follows 4 childhood friends as they discover more and more about the town they lived in and themselves. They have a pact where every year they meet at a restaurant in their childhood town and when Art (one of the friends) doesn’t turn up events start to mirror those of 20 years ago. He is the one member who insisted on this pact and when he doesn’t show it is worrying. The 3 friends stay in town and investigate his disappearance.

I really enjoyed this book and I loved the mystery to it. As I read I continued to wonder what was going to happen next which I think is great in a book. Although this is a fantasy book it isn’t really heavy on fantasy element. Towards the end there is more of those elements however there is more of a focus on the characters.

I thought the characters were realistic and well written but at times they are not all likeable. Which I don’t think is a bad thing. In life there are people that you like and those not so much and therefore having this in the book almost makes it more realistic. It looks at the relationship between the character in depth which is something I really enjoyed. They are not perfect and they all have flaws and do things we really hate about them. I also like this about the characters as it adds dimension to the book.

I really like this book and would recommend it to those who not only like fantasy novels but also phycological thriller and mysteries.

Many thanks, Caitlin X
(Ps please comment if you have read this book or are going to)

Libraries

~ Caitlin Marion Dermidy ~ Leave a comment

Libraries are places where I generally don’t go to but there isn’t really a specific reason as to why not. I think libraries are a great opportunity to let people read without paying the prices for individual books.

Wills Memorial Library

I remember being in primary school and taking a class trip to the local library. I was always to excited to choose a book and look at all the options. Even if someone in my class didn’t like to read they generally liked to go through the books and choose one. Whether that be a comic style book or a novel style book. I think at that age libraries are great as not only do the kids get out of class they also choose a book that they want to read and can start to see a style that suits them.

I think libraries should be used more often and I am someone who should use one more as well. I admit I should use them more! Not only is there a variety of books there is also staff there to help you. If you’re looking for a specific book and you can help it or you just want some advice on books there is someone there to help you and answer your questions. If you’re not sure how the library organised then just ask and the staff can explain everything you need to know.

However, they are not always up to date with new releases so if you’re looking for a newly published book then this might not be your best option. It also depends the size of the library whether they have as many books on offer. There is also the issue of the book your wanting already having been taken out by someone else.

I would say that overall libraries are a great service and should be used more to allow more people to enjoy reading. It provides books alongside a quiet place to enjoy them. So I hope that more people use them and I will be!

Many thanks, Caitlin x

(PS please comment your opinion on libraries or any alternatives)