Review: The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell

So, I won a proof of this lovely book from a Goodreads competition a while back, and well, coming up to October and Halloween I thought, hey this will be a great time to read a spooky horror story! (Yes I know it's past Halloween now, but I did read it around then so it counts!)

I've never really read any horror books before, but I do love the odd Historical Fiction book, so I thought this would be a good place to start, and it was!

Here it is:

Newly married, newly widowed Elsie is sent to see out her pregnancy at her late husband's crumbling country estate, The Bridge.

With her new servants resentful and the local villagers actively hostile, Elsie only has her husband's awkward cousin for company. Or so she thinks. 

But inside her new home lies a locked room, and beyond that door lies a two-hundred-year-old diary and a deeply unsettling painted wooden figure – a Silent Companion – that bears a striking resemblance to Elsie herself...

I don't usually read Horror, or watch horror, or really go into the horror genre at all really, but when I do occasionally step into the world of Horror, I love it. Which is what happened to me with this book. In fact, I think this book has definitely been a good venture into the horror books genre, and I'll definitely be reading other books like this in the future.

One thing I loved about this book was that it went between Elsie's story, in both her past and present day, and the times of Anne Bainbridge (an ancestor of the family from 200 years ago). I liked that it went between these times, as it showed just how the Silent Companions came to the house, and why they may have acted the way they did, and also shows you what happened to Elsie. You first find out about them and their spooky ways because of the diary of Anne Bainbridge, and this is where the times begin to jump, which I think is a great way to write in the history of a book.

The actual story begins in a psychiatric hospital, where Elsie is recovering after a fire at the house. It details her story, as written by her and read by her Psychiatrist Dr Shepherd, and why she ended up in the hospital.I definitely like the way this was written, as it really helps you to connect with Elsie and the story, and it also keeps you guessing and wondering what happened to make Elsie end up in the hospital.

It did take me a while to get into this book, but when I did I was hooked, and wondering what was truth and what was the imaginations of Elsie herself, and the ending of this book just blew me away (I won't spoil it, but it's definitely a twist that I didn't expect at all). Definitely a book to read if you like horrors and slight mystery.

I give this book: 4 Cats!

Have you read this book before? Or do you have any spooky recommendations? Comment Below!

Fairy Loot Unboxing: October 2017 Box!

So, this is my first ever book subscription box that I have got, as I really wanted to try one out.

I decided to go for a Fairyloot box (check out the website HERE). I thought I'd show you what I got (if a little bit late). The theme for October was Villainous!

First up, on the top of my box, we had a lovely candle by Meraki Candles. It's a beautiful and exclusive Maleficent themed soy candle, with a lovely jade orchid & lotus blossom smell. I haven't lit it yet, but I'm sure it will give an amazing smell, as just opening the can gives off an amazing scent.

Next I found this lovely exclusive Old-Fashioned Villain Coaster, which is made by Evie Seo, and she also supplied an exclusive Raise Hell print, with a roman quote that might be familiar for those Mortal Instruments fans out there - because of Sebastian Morgenstern. I love the coaster, as I do love Sherlock so much, it will definitely get used, and the print is just beautiful too! Also pictured with the print is a bonus item of a Night of Cake and Puppets art print!

Next up is my favourite item of the box, an exclusive Death Eater Enamel Pin by House of Wonderland. Of course, as you should all know by now, I am a giant Potterhead, so this pin was well-received and I'll definitely be wearing it!

Next up is a beautiful little, exclusive Hidden Darkness Pocket Mirror by Little Inkling Designs. It has a quote on it from The Young Elites by Marie Lu (I haven't read this, but I'll be adding it to my list now!).

And.... I finally come to the books!

First up is a special edition of The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo, it has a beautiful red foil on the cover, which is apparently exclusive to this fairy loot box, and you guys know how much I love my pretty covers, so this is amazing!

Also, as a little added extra we got some lovely little Language of Thorns Postcards!

And last, is the fairyloot book of the month: Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie Dao which has been on my to-read list for ages, as it is a fairy-tale retelling. Or, to be more specific, an Evil Queen (from Snow White) retelling which is set in Asia. I can't wait to read it!

And that is it from my first ever book subscription box! It was a lovely box, and I think I'll definitely be buying others, and maybe some other bookish boxes soon too!

Did you buy this box? What did you think of it? Comment below!