BLOG TOUR ~ The Memory Wood by Sam Lloyd

Hi Everyone,

Today is my stop on the final day for the Blog Tour for The Memory Wood by Sam Lloyd where I have a review from his latest novel. I was thrilled to be asked by Anne Cater from Random Things Tours who organised this tour in conjunction with Thomas Hill and Transworld Books to take part along with some other fab book bloggers. You can find out who else has taken part in this fabulous Blog Tour at the end of this review so without further ado, here it is:

Meet Elissa, a twelve year old girl who loves chess and we meet her on the morning of her going to a chess tournament event with ith her Mum. They stop for breakfast on the way and then when they get to the tournament Elissa remembers there's something she left in the car, she asks her Mum for the keys, her Mum wants to go out with her but she says she'll be fine, she goes out but she's abducted never to return......

As her abductor’s behaviour grows more erratic, Elissa realises that outwitting strange, lonely Elijah is her only hope of survival. Their cat-and-mouse game of deception and betrayal will determine both their fates, and whether either of them will ever leave the Memory Wood.....

Well, what a read this was, I absolutely LOVED it. It was dark, creepy, twisted and full of action. I even felt it had a slight touch of the Saw movies to it in a way. The sociopath/kidnapper character was absolutely brilliant, very well written and cleverly constructed. They were everything you'd expect with a sociopath - cold, calculating, manipulating and has no regard for anyone's feelings or who they hurt on their path of destruction. At times, I could feel I was right there with the two little Elissa. I loved the character Elissa, she was so clever, smart and a real kick-ass little kid. I did love the character Elijah but as the story unfolded I grew to actually detest him and I loved how Sam was able to write such a character. I don't want to say any more incase I ruin it for anyone but all I'll say is get this to read, you won't regret it.

The Memory Wood is Sam's debut novel which is available in all good bookshops, libraries, on audio and on Kindle where it is currently £0.99 at the time of the publication of this review but be quick as it's  only for a limited time so grab it while you can but I can't wait to see what he produces next (no pressure, Sam).

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.