MINI-REVIEW: Speechless by Hannah Harrington

Name: Speechless

Author: Hannah Harrington

Publisher: Mira Ink

Date published: February 2013

Pages: 263, Paperback ARC

Source: For review (from publisher)

Rating: 4.5 teacups

Everyone knows that Chelsea Knot can’t keep a secret
Until now. Because the last secret she shared turned her into a social outcast—and nearly got someone killed.
Now Chelsea has taken a vow of silence—to learn to keep her mouth shut, and to stop hurting anyone else. And if she thinks keeping secrets is hard, not speaking up when she’s ignored, ridiculed and even attacked is worse.
But there’s strength in silence, and in the new friends who are, shockingly, coming her way—people she never noticed before; a boy she might even fall for. If only her new friends can forgive what she’s done. If only she can forgive herself.

[summary taken from Goodreads]

My Thoughts

It didn't take me long to request a copy of Speechless.  The fact that it was authored by Hannah Harrington, the oh-so-amazing-creator of Saving June, was enough to make me want to read it straight away.

When I first met Chelsea Knot, I knew she wasn't someone I'd want to be friends with in real life. She was gossipy and shallow and I wondered how I would ever come to warm to her.  However, by the end of the book, I really empathised her and felt truly protective of her.  Character development is such a key element in Speechless and is what made the book such a touching read for me.

The secondary characters also deserve a mention for adding their own quirkiness and warmth.  Asha was such a wonderful friend, soft-spoken and kind-hearted, and Sam was definitely a swoon-worthy love interest.  All of them were such unique figures with huge individuality.

Hannah Harrington has definitely not lost her touch for addressing deeper issues with such sensitivity and Speechless proved to be another heartbreaking, thought-provoking read with an important message which rings true for all its readers.  My words cannot do this book justice, so I'd like to finish with a quote from one of the characters that nicely sums everything up:

“Hate is... It's too easy. Love. Love takes courage.”

 4.5 Teacups for Speechless!

*Many thanks to Mira Ink for the review copy and apologies for the late review*

Happy reading,

Beverley

Mini-Reviews: Professor Gargoyle and The Slither Sisters by Charles Gilman

Name: Professor Gargoyle (Tales from Lovecraft Middle School #1)

Author: Charles Gilman

Publisher: Quirk Books 

Release Date: 25th September 2012

Pages: 169, Hardback

Source: For review (from publisher)

In Professor Gargoyle, we’re introduced to 11-year-old Robert Arthur and the strange world of Lovecraft Middle School. It’s a brand-new state-of-the-art facility—so why do so many creepy things keep happening? Why is the science teacher acting so strangely? And where are all the rats coming from?
As Robert explores with his new friends Glenn and Karina, he discovers that the school may be a portal to another world.

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Beverley's Review

I don't usually read middle grade fiction and both of these were unsolicited review copies so I had no intentions of picking them up any time soon.  However, exams rolled in and I had no time to read the lengthier, 'heavier' books so I decided to give this a go.

Robert Arthur is a pretty likeable but rather flat pre-teen.  I liked reading about his transition to the new middle school and things start to get exciting when strange events occur.  The suspense would keep younger children entertained and the whole 'monster' element is sure to be a hit.  The illustrations scattered throughout also really added to the feel of the book and were superb portrayals of the descriptions.

Overall, this is a great starter to the series which I would recommend to younger children who want a fun, entertaining read which will keep them in suspense.

Name: The Slither Sisters (Tales from Lovecraft Middle School #2)

Author: Charles Gilman

Publisher: Quirk Books 

Release Date: 15th Janurary 2013

Pages: 160, Hardback

Source: For review (from publisher)

This second novel in the Tales from Lovecraft Middle School series begins right where Professor Gargoyle ended. Seventh-grader Robert Arthur has discovered that two of his classmates are actually sinister snake-women in disguise. Even worse, his new middle school is full of “gates” to a terrifying alternate dimension – a haunted mansion full of strange spirits and monstrous beasts. For Robert to protect his teachers and classmates, he'll need to return to this haunted dimension with his best friends Glenn and Karina. Can they uncover the secrets of Lovecraft Middle School before it's too late?

[summary taken from Goodreads]

The Slither Sisters, I think, was a better read then Professor Gargoyle.  It still contained the same elements of adventure, mystery and hideous monsters but what was really interesting was seeing Robert grow as a character.  In Professor Gargoyle, he was your typical meek pre-teen who was a victim of a bully.  But in The Slither Sisters, he became strong and admirable and a great role model for young teens.

The storyline was quite suspenseful as we watch our main characters tiptoe around carefully, not knowing who to trust.  Glenn and Karina also proved their status as the awesome sidekicks and it was great to watch their friendship develop.

I also liked how the book ended on a cliffhanger - a very clever way to keep readers wanting more!

Overall another great, light read which kept me entertained.