“Small Blue Thing”
By S.C. Ransom
Publication Date: January 13th, 2011
Nosy Crow
Complimentary Review Copy
Overall Grade: 4 out of 5 stars (****)
Celebrating the end of exams with best friend Grace, 17 year-old Alex rescues a swan caught on a wire in the Thames mud and finds an extraordinary bracelet. Through its disturbing and compelling powers, she finds Callum, a soul locked in a half-life of sadness and mystery following a terrible accident, and his persuasive and sinister sister, Catherine. As Alex and Callum grow closer despite the enormous obstacles to their love, the dangers mount until Alex must risk everything to save Grace and Callum must risk everything to save Alex.
Synopsis Courtesy of Nosy Crow
This was a refreshing read by a debut author from England. Having written the first draft almost entirely on her Blackberry on her way to and from work in London, S.C. Ransom did an excellent job with the concept of this young adult novel.
The plot tended to drag at points, filled with unnecessary minutiae of everyday life that could have been skipped to keep the story moving. The conversations between characters were jilted and stiff for the majority of the book, and the romance between Callum and Alex blossomed too quickly, but their unique relationship was compelling enough for me to keep reading.
I was intrigued by the Dirges, and the mystery surrounding their connection to St. Paul’s Cathedral, the city of London, and the Thames. I hope to see more of their history, and Callum’s own background in the rest of the trilogy.
My final impression of Small Blue Thing was, although clearly from a newer writer, she did a great job with the plot twists and turns, the concept of the amulet and Dirges, and the ending left the reader surprised—and eager to read what will happen next. I look forward to the release of the second book in the series, Perfectly Reflected, in June 2011 from Nosy Crow.
Note: This book was received as a Complimentary Review Copy from Nosy Crow.
Shylock and Shakespeare 
Thank you for this interesting recommendation!
Thanks for stopping by!
Hi what did you think of Nosy Crow’s first childrens application the three little pigs?
Unfortunately, I don’t own any Apple products like the iPhone or iPad but from what I’ve seen and heard from other readers is that its quite a handy app! I will be sure to add the app as soon as I get an iPhone and tell you how it is. Thanks for stoppping by! 🙂