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Marylegs (44 KP) rated Crown of Midnight in Books
Aug 14, 2019
So the book picks up a little while after the end of the first book. Celaena assassin, Chaol is still training with Celaena everyday when she is at the castle and not off on business for the king and Dorian is trying to get over Celaena. Lots of action, which is incredibly well written. Lots of intrigue and plot twists and the level of fantasy world building is on point.
I must say I am proper fan-girling over Chaol. I am so invested in this coupling that I can barely focus on anything else. I like that he is far from perfect. His flaws make him more real, more believable and a lot more interesting. This internal fight he has with himself to realise what it is he really wants.
Honestly this book did me in. I’ve not been able to start the next one properly as I am too devastated by the sheer amazingness of it. It’s everything the first book should have been. The difference in complexity of the story and how well the characters have been development is phenomenal. I have not enjoyed a book this much in a long time.
I wouldn’t change this book. I wouldn’t add anything. Just well done, Sarah J. Maas, new fan here, and that means you will have me for life. Totally invested in all the characters and this new world that has been created. Just so enjoyable.
If you read the first book and weren’t too impressed…. This book is a whole other level! Please give this book a chance, otherwise you will miss out on something truly special.
I must say I am proper fan-girling over Chaol. I am so invested in this coupling that I can barely focus on anything else. I like that he is far from perfect. His flaws make him more real, more believable and a lot more interesting. This internal fight he has with himself to realise what it is he really wants.
Honestly this book did me in. I’ve not been able to start the next one properly as I am too devastated by the sheer amazingness of it. It’s everything the first book should have been. The difference in complexity of the story and how well the characters have been development is phenomenal. I have not enjoyed a book this much in a long time.
I wouldn’t change this book. I wouldn’t add anything. Just well done, Sarah J. Maas, new fan here, and that means you will have me for life. Totally invested in all the characters and this new world that has been created. Just so enjoyable.
If you read the first book and weren’t too impressed…. This book is a whole other level! Please give this book a chance, otherwise you will miss out on something truly special.
Merissa (11731 KP) rated Haunted By Her Dragon (Dragon Guards, #3) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
This is definitely my favourite book so far but I will reserve judgment until Royce's book comes out The story follows on from the previous book and I would recommend reading these in order, although you could read them as stand-alones at a push as there is a brief review at the beginning.
This story is all about Sam and Lance. Lance is the golden play boy who never wanted to be tied down to one. He's the comedian who lets only a few people past his guard. Sam is the doctor who is working to hard to establish her career and to get her own space. The last thing she wants is to share that space with someone else... right?!
We catch up with the characters we already know and love but are introduced to a special little girl that I can't wait to find out more about. And the story with Andrew and The Auctioneer becomes deeper and more intriguing too.
The story is woven with skill and the repetitions about the Universe have mainly stopped in this book. They are still there but not as bad. This series is definitely getting better with each book and I am really enjoying them! Definitely recommended for all PR fans.
This story is all about Sam and Lance. Lance is the golden play boy who never wanted to be tied down to one. He's the comedian who lets only a few people past his guard. Sam is the doctor who is working to hard to establish her career and to get her own space. The last thing she wants is to share that space with someone else... right?!
We catch up with the characters we already know and love but are introduced to a special little girl that I can't wait to find out more about. And the story with Andrew and The Auctioneer becomes deeper and more intriguing too.
The story is woven with skill and the repetitions about the Universe have mainly stopped in this book. They are still there but not as bad. This series is definitely getting better with each book and I am really enjoying them! Definitely recommended for all PR fans.
Night Reader Reviews (683 KP) rated The Boy Caught in the Starlight in Books
Feb 29, 2020
Honest Review for Free Copy of Book
The Boy Caught In The Starlight by Michael J H Taylor is a wonderful adventure where the heroes never go any farther than a cabin a little ways from home. This tale is expected to be the first in a series.
Jake lives with his mother who loves bragging about him a little too much. He is smothered by her overwhelming pressure to be perfect and longs for adventure. However, there really is not much in the lines of adventure for a young teenager these days. So being board Jake asks his mother if he can spend the weekend with his father, mostly for a change. Jake goes with his father to pick up an old Bubble Car that his father recently purchased from Professor Septimus Kneebone, self-proclaimed genius. It is this trip that sets Jake on the course for the dangerous adventure that he so longs for.
It turns out that the Bubble Car is no longer a car but a very special machine. This machine has the unique ability to show images of things past to those who know how to work it. Although no one can interact with the images in anyway they can show wondrous things, such as the location of treasure. As luck would have it a gang of thieves know about the machine and have been using it to find long lost treasurer to get rich. Yet what would such a gang do when they discover the Professor has decided to dismantle the machine forever.
This book was surprisingly unique. It offered multiple turns that I did not expect. The story brought me to many different theories along the way to discovering the truth. I hope the promised second book is just as entertaining as the first. What I did not like was that at first, I pegged this book to be much like back to the future. As it turns out I was wrong. This is a problem because the description of the book comes off differently. I just don’t want anyone to go into this book with the wrong expectations.
Young adults and children alike will enjoy this tale. Though a little on the long side for very young children a tale of adventure such as this would be good spread out over multiple days as a wonderful bedtime story. I rate this book 3 out of 4. I was very happy with this book. The slightly misleading description lost a rating point for me, but other than that I found no major complaint. I believe this book to be a good story for all who pick it up.
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Jake lives with his mother who loves bragging about him a little too much. He is smothered by her overwhelming pressure to be perfect and longs for adventure. However, there really is not much in the lines of adventure for a young teenager these days. So being board Jake asks his mother if he can spend the weekend with his father, mostly for a change. Jake goes with his father to pick up an old Bubble Car that his father recently purchased from Professor Septimus Kneebone, self-proclaimed genius. It is this trip that sets Jake on the course for the dangerous adventure that he so longs for.
It turns out that the Bubble Car is no longer a car but a very special machine. This machine has the unique ability to show images of things past to those who know how to work it. Although no one can interact with the images in anyway they can show wondrous things, such as the location of treasure. As luck would have it a gang of thieves know about the machine and have been using it to find long lost treasurer to get rich. Yet what would such a gang do when they discover the Professor has decided to dismantle the machine forever.
This book was surprisingly unique. It offered multiple turns that I did not expect. The story brought me to many different theories along the way to discovering the truth. I hope the promised second book is just as entertaining as the first. What I did not like was that at first, I pegged this book to be much like back to the future. As it turns out I was wrong. This is a problem because the description of the book comes off differently. I just don’t want anyone to go into this book with the wrong expectations.
Young adults and children alike will enjoy this tale. Though a little on the long side for very young children a tale of adventure such as this would be good spread out over multiple days as a wonderful bedtime story. I rate this book 3 out of 4. I was very happy with this book. The slightly misleading description lost a rating point for me, but other than that I found no major complaint. I believe this book to be a good story for all who pick it up.
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Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated This Little Prayer of Mine in Books
Apr 27, 2018
This Little Prayer of Mine is a beautiful prayer book that every kid—and parent—should read and pray. It gets down into the heart, disclosing what's really there and how we all really feel. I was surprised how much I as an 18 year old related to this book. I pray the same prayers—though not in such beautiful verse—as this prayer.
It targets just about everything: the biblical command to be joyful: "help me to be happy," the search for the God's will: "show me what the right path is and help me follow you," and even loneliness and depression: "please let me know you're here with me and everything's alright," and then our end path, what really matters: "but most of all I'm grateful for your love that never ends." I had shivers running down my spine while I read this prayer.
Not only is it a wonderful prayer in itself, but the rhythm of the verse is enchanting and perfectly smooth. The illustrations are beautiful, and instantly reminded me of Max Lucado's children's book You Are Special (those of you who don't know, another highly recommended book and author).
This Little Prayer of Mine may be short, but it's a prayer that needs to be read by the big and the small.
Recommendation: Ages 4+
It targets just about everything: the biblical command to be joyful: "help me to be happy," the search for the God's will: "show me what the right path is and help me follow you," and even loneliness and depression: "please let me know you're here with me and everything's alright," and then our end path, what really matters: "but most of all I'm grateful for your love that never ends." I had shivers running down my spine while I read this prayer.
Not only is it a wonderful prayer in itself, but the rhythm of the verse is enchanting and perfectly smooth. The illustrations are beautiful, and instantly reminded me of Max Lucado's children's book You Are Special (those of you who don't know, another highly recommended book and author).
This Little Prayer of Mine may be short, but it's a prayer that needs to be read by the big and the small.
Recommendation: Ages 4+
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Heart of the Oak in Books
Dec 30, 2018
Beautifully Written (2 more)
Likable Character
Beautiful illustrations
A Beautiful Story
When I heard about Heart of the Oak by J.L. Novinsky, it was a book that I wanted to read. I also wanted to read it to my 3 year old because it seemed like a really sweet book. My son and I loved Heart of the Oak!
The plot for Heart of the Oak is straightforward and easy for adults and children alike. It's about a tree and his feelings and memories. He remembers when a fat little squirrel, a little boy playing on him as well as other memories. I'd suggest parental guidance for children under 6 though as there's a part in the book where the tree catches fire and is in pain. This could be a little scary for younger children. My 3 year old was a little fearful, but I was able to explain it in terms he'd understand so he wouldn't be scared. However, this book does have a happily ever after ending which is heartwarming, and the oak tree is a very lovable character.
I loved the prose and how well Heart of the Oak flowed. J.L. Novinsky is a talented story teller, and this book definitely proves that. I loved how descriptive everything was in the story. The words she chose seemed to glide off the page and stick sweetly in my mind. The writing definitely drew me in and held my attention until the very end. For example, on the very first page of Heart of the Oak, Novinsky writes "The day is icy and gray. A fine mist shrouds the world around the massive oak tree. Winter's bitter gales rustle the last of the brittle leaves that cling to his spindly branches."
Another thing which makes Heart of the Oak so good are the illustrations. The illustrations are absolutely breathtaking and drawn very well. They are very colorful and vibrant. My son loved the illustrations especially the ones with the dogs and the squirrels. I loved every page.
All in all, Heart of the Oak is a fantastic read. It's a very short story that is beautifully written with fantastic illustrations. Children and adults will definitely fall in love with this heartwarming story about an old oak tree. I would definitely recommend Heart of the Oak by J.L. Novinsky to everyone. It is a lovely story that everyone needs to read at least once in their lives.
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(A special thank you to the author for providing me with a paperback of Heart of the Oak in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
The plot for Heart of the Oak is straightforward and easy for adults and children alike. It's about a tree and his feelings and memories. He remembers when a fat little squirrel, a little boy playing on him as well as other memories. I'd suggest parental guidance for children under 6 though as there's a part in the book where the tree catches fire and is in pain. This could be a little scary for younger children. My 3 year old was a little fearful, but I was able to explain it in terms he'd understand so he wouldn't be scared. However, this book does have a happily ever after ending which is heartwarming, and the oak tree is a very lovable character.
I loved the prose and how well Heart of the Oak flowed. J.L. Novinsky is a talented story teller, and this book definitely proves that. I loved how descriptive everything was in the story. The words she chose seemed to glide off the page and stick sweetly in my mind. The writing definitely drew me in and held my attention until the very end. For example, on the very first page of Heart of the Oak, Novinsky writes "The day is icy and gray. A fine mist shrouds the world around the massive oak tree. Winter's bitter gales rustle the last of the brittle leaves that cling to his spindly branches."
Another thing which makes Heart of the Oak so good are the illustrations. The illustrations are absolutely breathtaking and drawn very well. They are very colorful and vibrant. My son loved the illustrations especially the ones with the dogs and the squirrels. I loved every page.
All in all, Heart of the Oak is a fantastic read. It's a very short story that is beautifully written with fantastic illustrations. Children and adults will definitely fall in love with this heartwarming story about an old oak tree. I would definitely recommend Heart of the Oak by J.L. Novinsky to everyone. It is a lovely story that everyone needs to read at least once in their lives.
--
(A special thank you to the author for providing me with a paperback of Heart of the Oak in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
Alice (12 KP) rated Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection in Books
Jul 3, 2018
<i>My thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review</i>
Arcanum Unbounded is an anthology of classic and epic proportions from a true Fantasy genius which was full to the brim of Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere universe. The book followed characters we all know and love and plenty of new characters to fall for – Dusk, I’m looking at you.
The book is divided up into “systems” with a neat little explanation as to the layout of each system; which is then related to a specific setting from the Cosmere – Elantris, Mistborn, Threnody, First of the Sun and a previously unnamed and unpublished Stormlight Archive novella.
Oodles of Cosmere.
I don’t want to go into too much detail about the individual shorts for those of you who have not read any the related systems books – (you have to!) – but each story gave a wonderful insight into the characters points of view and their unique history.
My favorites of this anthology would have to be The Emperor’s Soul, Sixth of the Dusk and Edgedancer. They each brought a little something special to this book – Emperor’s Soul took me right back to Elantris, the first ever Sanderson book I read and still my favorite to this day; Sixth of the Dusk had this overwhelming silence to it even when the characters involved were speaking (though this was few and far between in fairness) and this silence across the characters when Brandon’s characters usually talk so much was brilliantly done.
Edgedancer was a book in The Stormlight Archive system, though I’m slightly ashamed to admit I haven’t read all of The Stormlight Archive books yet, but I have them and this gave spoilers into The Words of Radiance (book 2 of the series so far) these spoilers are not really spoilers to me, maybe once I’ve read Radiance it will make a difference but my first read through made no spoilery difference to me.
Each individual short in the system was preceded by a little spoiler warning if there would be one, or a note stating where in the story arc it falls and was then followed by a sweet little Postscript from Brandon – each one tailor made for its preceding event; the best postscript was for The Hope of Elantris but I won’t give anything away, you had to read it.
Overall, Arcanum Unbounded is a perfect book to dive into Brandon Sanderson’s work as few of the stories in it actually need to be read before the main story – Mistborn: A Secret History, The Hope of Elantris, Edgedancer for definite. If you’re looking for a new fantasy author to sink your teeth into Brandon Sanderson is your man.
Arcanum Unbounded is an anthology of classic and epic proportions from a true Fantasy genius which was full to the brim of Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere universe. The book followed characters we all know and love and plenty of new characters to fall for – Dusk, I’m looking at you.
The book is divided up into “systems” with a neat little explanation as to the layout of each system; which is then related to a specific setting from the Cosmere – Elantris, Mistborn, Threnody, First of the Sun and a previously unnamed and unpublished Stormlight Archive novella.
Oodles of Cosmere.
I don’t want to go into too much detail about the individual shorts for those of you who have not read any the related systems books – (you have to!) – but each story gave a wonderful insight into the characters points of view and their unique history.
My favorites of this anthology would have to be The Emperor’s Soul, Sixth of the Dusk and Edgedancer. They each brought a little something special to this book – Emperor’s Soul took me right back to Elantris, the first ever Sanderson book I read and still my favorite to this day; Sixth of the Dusk had this overwhelming silence to it even when the characters involved were speaking (though this was few and far between in fairness) and this silence across the characters when Brandon’s characters usually talk so much was brilliantly done.
Edgedancer was a book in The Stormlight Archive system, though I’m slightly ashamed to admit I haven’t read all of The Stormlight Archive books yet, but I have them and this gave spoilers into The Words of Radiance (book 2 of the series so far) these spoilers are not really spoilers to me, maybe once I’ve read Radiance it will make a difference but my first read through made no spoilery difference to me.
Each individual short in the system was preceded by a little spoiler warning if there would be one, or a note stating where in the story arc it falls and was then followed by a sweet little Postscript from Brandon – each one tailor made for its preceding event; the best postscript was for The Hope of Elantris but I won’t give anything away, you had to read it.
Overall, Arcanum Unbounded is a perfect book to dive into Brandon Sanderson’s work as few of the stories in it actually need to be read before the main story – Mistborn: A Secret History, The Hope of Elantris, Edgedancer for definite. If you’re looking for a new fantasy author to sink your teeth into Brandon Sanderson is your man.
TheLadyOfWorlds (18 KP) rated Overdrawn in Books
Feb 10, 2020
Incredible
Contains spoilers, click to show
***POSSIBLE SPOILERS***
"But now he knew the truth. Now he knew that joy isn’t measured by its duration, but by its intensity."
I don't often five star books, they have to be something really special for me to do that, but if I could sum this book up in one quote, it would be this one.
I laughed, I got far too attached to the characters and way to invested in their stories and by the end, I was in tears.
This book is funny, heartwarming, heartbreaking and, for someone living with several chronic illnesses that feels a little too much like this could become reality--sometimes too close to home.
The ending is bittersweet and although I saw it coming, I couldn't stop myself bawling when it happened.
This will stay with me for a while.
"But now he knew the truth. Now he knew that joy isn’t measured by its duration, but by its intensity."
I don't often five star books, they have to be something really special for me to do that, but if I could sum this book up in one quote, it would be this one.
I laughed, I got far too attached to the characters and way to invested in their stories and by the end, I was in tears.
This book is funny, heartwarming, heartbreaking and, for someone living with several chronic illnesses that feels a little too much like this could become reality--sometimes too close to home.
The ending is bittersweet and although I saw it coming, I couldn't stop myself bawling when it happened.
This will stay with me for a while.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2084 KP) rated The Chalice of the Gods in Books
Jan 15, 2024 (Updated Jan 15, 2024)
Percy Has an Extra College Entrance Requirement
Percy Jackson is now a senior in high school, but in order to get into college, he has a special requirement – letters of recommendation from three gods. And to get them, he has to go on quests, of course. The first comes from Ganymede who is missing the special goblet he uses to serve the gods. Can Percy find it before the next big feast?
It’s been years since I read any of the Percy Jackson books, so I wasn’t sure how easily I’d slip back into his world. I needn’t have worried. The book focuses on a smaller cast of characters, which made it easy, and I enjoyed spending time with them again. The story is episodic at times, but I was always engaged, dying to know what would happen next even if the stakes were a little smaller than in other books. I’d forgotten just how funny the books could be, and I was smiling and laughing throughout. Yet we also got some wonderful character moments that were very emotionally satisfying. I’m so glad I picked up this book, and other fans of Percy will be glad they picked it up, too.
It’s been years since I read any of the Percy Jackson books, so I wasn’t sure how easily I’d slip back into his world. I needn’t have worried. The book focuses on a smaller cast of characters, which made it easy, and I enjoyed spending time with them again. The story is episodic at times, but I was always engaged, dying to know what would happen next even if the stakes were a little smaller than in other books. I’d forgotten just how funny the books could be, and I was smiling and laughing throughout. Yet we also got some wonderful character moments that were very emotionally satisfying. I’m so glad I picked up this book, and other fans of Percy will be glad they picked it up, too.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Destine Academy ( Destine Academy book 1) in Books
Mar 10, 2022
44 of 230
Kindle
Destine Academy ( Destine Academy book 1)
By Sara Snow
⭐️⭐️⭐️
On her 16th birthday, Caroline Destine's safe, happy existence is turned…UPSIDE DOWN into uncertainty, mystery, and magic...
Caroline returns home from school on her 16th birthday to find her mother and brother missing, with NO sign of a struggle and NO clues to their whereabouts.
Caroline's estranged aunt and next of kin, the mysterious Marguerite Destine, brings Caroline to stay with her in France at the prestigious school where Marguerite is Headmistress.
However, the students at Destine Academy aren't your typical gifted and talented academics...
Caroline finds herself surrounded by a world filled with four factions of magically talented individuals, each with their own special skills. There's the friendly witch Nadine Landry of the Magiques and the handsome and flirtatious Corbin of the Surnaturals with his preternatural strength and skills.
Even the sullen and unapproachable Magique Aldrick Vieux can't help but intrigue Caroline, who finds many more surprises in store for her in this fascinating world.
...and terrifying truths that throw everything she thought she ever knew into question.
But is she ready for this new knowledge, or for the potential dangers of this unfamiliar new reality?
A little bit of an odd start! Reads more like a novella than a book. This is the first book in a 9 book series and I’m thinking they are all very short! For a quick read it was ok very teeny but could hold some promise I was red to go a little lower on scoring but I’m hoped for upcoming books from this author.
Kindle
Destine Academy ( Destine Academy book 1)
By Sara Snow
⭐️⭐️⭐️
On her 16th birthday, Caroline Destine's safe, happy existence is turned…UPSIDE DOWN into uncertainty, mystery, and magic...
Caroline returns home from school on her 16th birthday to find her mother and brother missing, with NO sign of a struggle and NO clues to their whereabouts.
Caroline's estranged aunt and next of kin, the mysterious Marguerite Destine, brings Caroline to stay with her in France at the prestigious school where Marguerite is Headmistress.
However, the students at Destine Academy aren't your typical gifted and talented academics...
Caroline finds herself surrounded by a world filled with four factions of magically talented individuals, each with their own special skills. There's the friendly witch Nadine Landry of the Magiques and the handsome and flirtatious Corbin of the Surnaturals with his preternatural strength and skills.
Even the sullen and unapproachable Magique Aldrick Vieux can't help but intrigue Caroline, who finds many more surprises in store for her in this fascinating world.
...and terrifying truths that throw everything she thought she ever knew into question.
But is she ready for this new knowledge, or for the potential dangers of this unfamiliar new reality?
A little bit of an odd start! Reads more like a novella than a book. This is the first book in a 9 book series and I’m thinking they are all very short! For a quick read it was ok very teeny but could hold some promise I was red to go a little lower on scoring but I’m hoped for upcoming books from this author.
Ducklady (1174 KP) rated The Painted Man (the Demon Cycle, Book 1) in Books
Aug 25, 2019
Beginning of a fantastic series
Contains spoilers, click to show
The painted man is about the world coming to its knees after demons have risen from the core and decimated the land and its people. The key part of this book seems to be how people deal with fear. Most people hide behind their wards of protection, a series of symbols designed to repel the demons that stalk the lands. Arlen is one of the main protagonists that watches his mother ripped to shreds by a demon while his father stands frozen in the spot in fear. The image of is father’s cowardice haunts Arlen until he makes the decision to flee into the naked night. I love Arlen as a character but find his constant hate of demons can make him a little one dimensional at times.
Leesha Paper is another protagonist that lives with her family in a small hamlet, the kind where everyone knows everyone. Leesha is smarter than most and consistently protracted as attractive. She becomes the hollow’s herb gatherer’s apprentice and excels at this. She holds onto her purity preciously and Bretts absolute destruction of this later on in the book is a powerfully tragic scene. I do feel like her absolute refusal to hurt her attackers is a little bit much.
The last protagonist is Rojer Half-Grip. He is a street performer that was orphaned young and is looked after by a drunken man whose cowardice caused his parents death. Rojer is a great character with a special power over the demons and the way he handles his master’s drunkenness and abrasiveness is admirable. He is a very well-written character that I felt, at this point in the series, had the most about him.
Overall, this book is a great start to a fantastic series that deserves more than one re-read.
Leesha Paper is another protagonist that lives with her family in a small hamlet, the kind where everyone knows everyone. Leesha is smarter than most and consistently protracted as attractive. She becomes the hollow’s herb gatherer’s apprentice and excels at this. She holds onto her purity preciously and Bretts absolute destruction of this later on in the book is a powerfully tragic scene. I do feel like her absolute refusal to hurt her attackers is a little bit much.
The last protagonist is Rojer Half-Grip. He is a street performer that was orphaned young and is looked after by a drunken man whose cowardice caused his parents death. Rojer is a great character with a special power over the demons and the way he handles his master’s drunkenness and abrasiveness is admirable. He is a very well-written character that I felt, at this point in the series, had the most about him.
Overall, this book is a great start to a fantastic series that deserves more than one re-read.
Chloe (778 KP) Mar 21, 2021