TLC Book Tour: Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates

My husband snagged this one before I got to it so I am going to let him review since he seems to have a knack for reviewing.

Description

One game. Six students. Five survivors.

It was only ever meant to be a game.

A game of consequences, of silly forfeits, childish dares. A game to be played by six best friends in their first year at Oxford University. But then the game changed: the stakes grew higher and the dares more personal, more humiliating, finally evolving into a vicious struggle with unpredictable and tragic results.

Now, fourteen years later, the remaining players must meet again for the final round. (TLC Book Tour website)

Sean's Review:
Do you think you know what it means to play games with somebody? Sometimes the game involves winning at any cost, perhaps even the players themselves are but pieces in another, more sinister game. This is the premise of Black Chalk. I found the book an excellent read, if at times a bit dark and twisted.  The main characters meet in school and when signing up for extra-curricular activities, find a mysterious trio billing themselves as 'Game Soc'. Exactly how far the games get is quite the psychological and moral dilemma as the players each become more entrenched. I would call this a good introspective psychological thriller. I found it to be a fun but dark read.

Thanks Sean for your review!

Author Info:

Christopher J. Yates studied law at Wadham College, Oxford from 1990-93 and initially pursued a career in law before he began working in puzzles, representing the UK at the World Puzzle Championships. Since then he has worked as a freelance journalist, sub-editor and puzzles editor/compiler. In 2007 he moved to New York City with his wife, and currently lives in the East Village.

For more information on Christopher, please visit his website, christopherjyates.com.

Stops on the Tour:

Monday, March 31st:  A Bookworm’s World

Tuesday, April 1st:  My Shelf Confessions - guest post

Tuesday, April 1st:  My Shelf Confessions - review

Tuesday, April 1st:  Books and Movies

Wednesday, April 2nd:  Chaotic Compendiums

Thursday, April 3rd:  Joyfully Retired

Thursday, April 3rd:  Bibliotica

Friday, April 4th:  Not in Jersey

Monday, April 7th:  Jenn’s Bookshelves

Monday, April 7th:  Tiffany’s Bookshelf

Tuesday, April 8th:  Booksie’s Blog

Wednesday, April 9th: Booksie’s Blog  author guest post

Wednesday, April 9th:  Reading Reality

Thursday, April 10th:  Read. Write. Repeat.

Friday, April 11th:  Book Journey

Monday, April 14th:  Book Dilettante

Monday, April 14th:  Daily Mayo

Tuesday, April 15th:  Svetlana’s Reads and Views

Wednesday, April 16th:  No More Grumpy Bookseller

Thursday, April 17th:  October Country

Friday, April 18th:  Daily Mayo – author interview

Monday, April 21st:  Kritter’s Ramblings

Tuesday, April 22nd:  Redheaded Book Child

Wednesday, April 23rd:  Sarah’s Book Shelves

Thursday, April 24th:  My Bookshelf

Friday, April 25th:  Between the Covers

Thursday, May 1st:  Books a la Mode

Friday, May 2nd:  Books a la Mode – guest post

The publisher has also agreed to do a giveaway! If any of you lovely readers are interested in reading this great title, please leave your email in the comments below.

Winner will be picked Saturday April 26.

Happy Reading and as always, thanks for stopping by!

red headed book child

Scholastic Books: Branches imprint

I recently got the opportunity to review several chapters books published by Scholastic's new imprint, Branches.

 Their website describes it as such "Scholastic proudly presents Branches–a unique line of books specifically designed for newly independent readers who are ready to make the exciting leap from leveled readers, but not quite prepared for a traditional chapter book."

This is absolutely perfect for my son who just turned six, is in Kindergarten and is reading at a first grade level. I have reviewed a few children's books during my four years blogging but mostly have stuck to what I'm reading, personally. Even though we read together every night, we have started to read more chapter books verses picture books. 

I was very excited to see these books and they were kind to send me a sample of some of their series. These are the ones that we read and he just absolutely loved. Monkey Me was by far his favorite and we have read those a few times now. They all have a nice balance of words and pictures on the page. They aren't overly silly like some chapter books are to "get the kids attention". They are simple, sweet stories with fun characters. My son enjoys going through the Table of Contents and putting a book mark in  our spot and going back to the story the next night. It is a fun stage in his reading life. I'm looking forward to reading more. Click on the link above for further book descriptions.

 

Happy Reading and as always, thanks for stopping by!

red headed book child