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Becs (244 KP) rated Essence in Books

Oct 18, 2018  
Essence
Essence
Hayley Gabrielle | 2018 | Paranormal, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
The story. (3 more)
The background.
The charcters.
The cover.
A incredibly captivating story of one girl's adventure of finding who she truly is meant to be.
I was given a read and review copy of Essence by Hayley Gabrielle herself for my full honest opinion.

I absolutely blew through this novel in a matter of 24hrs. I was hooked from the very beginning and I must say, this was one heck of a debut novel! I loved it with a burning passion. The story was there, the background was there, for as much as I could see, there were not any noticeable grammatical errors, the plot is striking profound, and I will definitely be rereading this novel in the very near future!

Can I talk about how much I love Thorne? I really love him and honestly, I really wanted him and Abbey to be together. He deserves love too, even though he's arrogant as all get out. I cried actual tears at the final scene with the portal. An incredibly sad ending and I can not wait to see where Abbey's story continues!

You can find more about this review on my blog at bookingwayreads.wordpress.com
  
Dreams of Gods and Monsters (Daughter of Smoke and Bone, #3)
Dreams of Gods and Monsters (Daughter of Smoke and Bone, #3)
Laini Taylor | 2014 | Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
7.9 (8 Ratings)
Book Rating
So I finished the third and final book in the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series and I have to say, bravo! It really was such a good read, longer, which is more to my taste and such a lovely way to finish of such a good trilogy. Luckily for me I only read books 1 & 2 this year so unlike other readers the story was all still incredibly fresh in my mind. It picks up before the end of book 2 and explains some of the finer details to bring the story up to scratch. I won’t go into further details encase people haven’t read book 2 yet.

This is such a well-structured trilogy and you can see the authors develop as well as the characters, without it seeming to ‘after thought’ish, in this final edition to the series. I will say I was not overly keen on the edition of an unknown character as a narrator at this stage (which is surprising considering I read Game of Thrones). One of the only real dislikes I had was Eliza’s first few chapters I just couldn’t see how or why she fits into the grand scheme of things. Which she does in the end in such a brilliant way, I think a second reading at some point will allow a better appreciation of her chapters now.

Whilst I thoroughly loved and enjoyed this book I do have to say that towards the end it felt almost like and ‘opps we haven’t really said what’s going on with these characters or this area’. I think the book would have been perfect finished at around 94% the last 6% did feel a bit padded.

I would like to finish by adding that Zuzana is such a bright star of a character in a story that could get pulled down with seriousness. She is right there with such quick funny lines that at times I did laugh out loud. I could hear her sarcastic little voice and I loved getting to her chapters. I also wonder if at some point Laini Taylor may revisit this world as I can almost feel the rest of the story unfolding in my own head.
  
It’s taken me longer than I would like to admit to write this review, but that is only because I feel that I cannot properly express what I truly want to say.

In reality, I feel there is little I can say that I didn’t say about Altaica. The characters are well written, the world interesting, reminiscent of Tolkien and the like, and the storyline engaging. However, while I loved Altaica , Asena Blessed completely blew it out of the water. After reading Asena Blessed, I realize that Altaica is just a tease, the tip of the iceberg. It’s like comparing a shake to a sundae. Both are delicious, but there are more ingredients to enjoy in the sundae. The characters, geography, and plot introduced in the first novel are more developed and fleshed out. We learn more about the mythology and event going on in the world the story is set in.

Normally, I don’t like cliffhangers, but with Joyce’s Altaica’s it just makes me hunger for more. I read it in one sitting and I felt like I lost a friend once I finished Asena. I cannot wait for the next installment. If you are a fan of Tamora Pierce, you will love this series.
  
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ClareR (5577 KP) rated The Scandal in Books

Nov 15, 2017  
The Scandal
The Scandal
Fredrik Backman | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Utterly gripping, one of my favourite books this year. Set in a Swedish (I think!) hockey town. Everything revolves around ice hockey. Until a scandal rocks the very foundations of the town. It sets the truth against misplaced loyalties. Which is more important: the Team, or the truth?
I noticed that this was called Beartown in the US. I think I possibly prefer that as a title, however, I believe that The Scandal is closer to the original translated title.
  
This book was not at all what I expected...not necessarily in a bad way, but it wasn't great either. It took me awhile to get in to the story & I found myself not easily able to connect with the characters. The ending was horrible! I understand that is a series, but come on! It literally stopped in the middle of a plot continuation. I hate that!
To be honest, I don't know that I'd pick up the next book in the series.
  
TO
Touch of Night (Sanctuary, #1)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
i enjoyed this.. it was a different sort of fantasy story for me. it was interesting.. it kept me on the edge of my seat in places and it made me feel with the characters.. the writing was also very well done. i liked it a lot and i really enjoyed the twists and turns that I didn't see coming :D it was wonderful and a fast paced story. Very well done from this author and I'm glad i got to review it
  
EO
Eve of Darkness (Marked, #1)
S.J. Day | 2009
6
4.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
I was expecting a lot better then it was, however it wasn't a bad book just got confusing and the characters kind of annoyed me. I did love cain and abel I will admit and Eve rocked but their trio conflict annoyed me. I felt like neither man seriously wanted to be with her and it was just a game to them. I enjoyed it but found myself fighting to make it through to the end and glad that it was over.
  
Putting on the Witch is a part urban fantasy, and part cozy mystery. I’ve read (and enjoyed) other paranormal cozies, but Putting on the Witch is in a class of its own. The fantasy element and magical world building was wonderfully done. The mystery is well-written, the characters are likable (at least most of them are!), and I loved every word of it.

<i>NOTE: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.</I>
  
The Couple Next Door
The Couple Next Door
Shari Lapena | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
7
8.0 (75 Ratings)
Book Rating
Attention-holding (0 more)
Predictable ending (0 more)
Decent, but very predictable.
I finished the book within only a few days, but had to push myself to do so, only due to the fact I already knew exactly how it would end, far before I reached the final page. I personally felt the ending was very predictable, and it's not something I feel is worth a re-read. It was a book to add to my have-read-pile, but that's it - nothing more, nothing less.
  
Queens of Geek
Queens of Geek
Jen Wilde | 2017 | Young Adult (YA)
10
8.6 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
I loved this so much - being a huge nerd I totaly related to the content (though not the youtube/actor thing) but I'd totaly go see my fav youtubers in person (not a stalker or anything) and the anxiety rep was great in this - for me anyway - it was totaly relatable and I need more - immediately need more - I think it's a definite must read - the two opposite love story angles in one book - so well done, I loved every second!