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Christine A. (965 KP) rated To Sleep in a Sea of Stars in Books
Sep 16, 2020
Space Epic From The Author Of The Eragon Series
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed Christopher Paolini's Eragon series, I looked forward to listening to the audiobook of his latest novel, To Sleep in a Sea of Stars.
Paolini did not disappoint. His work on this space opera spanned for nearly a decade. The research completed to make it accurate as possible shows he did not rush his writing.
Do not expect to read/listen to this in one sitting. The run time is 32 hours, 29 minutes, and the book is 880 pages. The book could have been released into a trilogy but do not let that scare you. The story may be long, but it is well built and full of completely fleshed out characters and worlds. My favorite character is Gregorovich, a ship mind. Paolini's sarcastic words and the narrator's voice makes him a character as memorable as paranoid Marvin from H2G2.
In 2013, the narrator, Jennifer Hale, was recognized by Guinness World Records as "the most prolific video game voice actor (female)." Her voice is instantly recognizable, and the array of voices she uses in the audiobook are separate and distinct from each other.
Paolini's story and Hale's voices make this an enjoyable story to remember.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 9/15/20.
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed Christopher Paolini's Eragon series, I looked forward to listening to the audiobook of his latest novel, To Sleep in a Sea of Stars.
Paolini did not disappoint. His work on this space opera spanned for nearly a decade. The research completed to make it accurate as possible shows he did not rush his writing.
Do not expect to read/listen to this in one sitting. The run time is 32 hours, 29 minutes, and the book is 880 pages. The book could have been released into a trilogy but do not let that scare you. The story may be long, but it is well built and full of completely fleshed out characters and worlds. My favorite character is Gregorovich, a ship mind. Paolini's sarcastic words and the narrator's voice makes him a character as memorable as paranoid Marvin from H2G2.
In 2013, the narrator, Jennifer Hale, was recognized by Guinness World Records as "the most prolific video game voice actor (female)." Her voice is instantly recognizable, and the array of voices she uses in the audiobook are separate and distinct from each other.
Paolini's story and Hale's voices make this an enjoyable story to remember.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 9/15/20.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Don't Look for Me in Books
Sep 16, 2020
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.
Although I have Wendy Walker's novels on my "to-read list," I have not had the pleasure of reading any until now. Why have I waited so long to read any of her work?
I could not put down her latest novel, Don't Look for Me. Told from two points of view, Molly Harper and her daughter Nic, we discover a family broken by tragedy, an accident from years ago. Molly is wracked with guilt and struggling to keep her family together. Nic, broken by guilt and anger, lashes out at Molly. Later Molly's car is found abandoned on the side of the road. The police think she walked away from her life. Nic refuses to believe her mom would leave them when they are all still recovering from tragedy. If she did not just walk away, then what happened to Molly?
Walker's brilliant writing leaves you unable to put the book down. She creates hard-to-forget characters. Often when an author includes numerous characters, they are flat. Walker's are fully formed, and her writing style leads you to suspect many outcomes.
I am sorry I waited so long to read Walker, but I am going to make up for time lost.
This review was published on Philomathinphila.com, on 9/15/20.
Although I have Wendy Walker's novels on my "to-read list," I have not had the pleasure of reading any until now. Why have I waited so long to read any of her work?
I could not put down her latest novel, Don't Look for Me. Told from two points of view, Molly Harper and her daughter Nic, we discover a family broken by tragedy, an accident from years ago. Molly is wracked with guilt and struggling to keep her family together. Nic, broken by guilt and anger, lashes out at Molly. Later Molly's car is found abandoned on the side of the road. The police think she walked away from her life. Nic refuses to believe her mom would leave them when they are all still recovering from tragedy. If she did not just walk away, then what happened to Molly?
Walker's brilliant writing leaves you unable to put the book down. She creates hard-to-forget characters. Often when an author includes numerous characters, they are flat. Walker's are fully formed, and her writing style leads you to suspect many outcomes.
I am sorry I waited so long to read Walker, but I am going to make up for time lost.
This review was published on Philomathinphila.com, on 9/15/20.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.
I enjoy brain teasers, mysteries, and puzzles. I enjoy the satisfaction you get when figuring something out that made you have to think. Too often, we just Google an answer and do not have to figure it out for ourselves. 60-Second Brain Teasers Pencil-Free Puzzles: Short Head-Scratchers from the Easy to Near Impossible by Nathan Haselbauer makes you think and is not a book to read in one sitting. Your brain would hurt too much if you did.
Haselbauer includes an array of puzzles that involves logic and some thought to figure out the puzzles. Some of them stumped me. None were too easy.
The puzzles varied in difficulty and process to solve them. Some are logic-based; others involve math. Either way, they are a fun way to use your brain and pass the time.
This book is reminiscent of the Dell Pencil Puzzles and Word Games I enjoyed so much while growing up. It would be perfect for a road trip or a family gathering.
Several reviewers suggested it helped their children start using their brains again to get ready for back to school.
It is part of a series of 60-Second Brain Teasers published by Fair Winds Press.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 9/15/20.
I enjoy brain teasers, mysteries, and puzzles. I enjoy the satisfaction you get when figuring something out that made you have to think. Too often, we just Google an answer and do not have to figure it out for ourselves. 60-Second Brain Teasers Pencil-Free Puzzles: Short Head-Scratchers from the Easy to Near Impossible by Nathan Haselbauer makes you think and is not a book to read in one sitting. Your brain would hurt too much if you did.
Haselbauer includes an array of puzzles that involves logic and some thought to figure out the puzzles. Some of them stumped me. None were too easy.
The puzzles varied in difficulty and process to solve them. Some are logic-based; others involve math. Either way, they are a fun way to use your brain and pass the time.
This book is reminiscent of the Dell Pencil Puzzles and Word Games I enjoyed so much while growing up. It would be perfect for a road trip or a family gathering.
Several reviewers suggested it helped their children start using their brains again to get ready for back to school.
It is part of a series of 60-Second Brain Teasers published by Fair Winds Press.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 9/15/20.
Joe Goodhart (27 KP) rated Superman: Action Comics, Vol. 1: Invisible Mafia in Books
Nov 30, 2020
So, I am still plowing through the Bendis SUPERMAN stuff, as I took full advantage of the Superman sale that Comixology is running until this Monday (6/22) Hella good deals, bringing me on board for all the Bendis goodness! Yup, I said "Bendis goodness"! This guy seems to be just what DC neeeded! He really truly cares about the character, bringing a sense of heroism back to him, making him truly stand for Truth, Justice, and the American Way (not "Trump AmeriKKKa" either!)!
There's a lot of set-up/world building going on, with a lot set-up for much that is to come during Bendis' run with the Big 'S'. There's some fun, much appreciated typical Jimmy Olsen dialogue. There's some introduction of new "big bad" in Metropolis. And, best of all, Clark Kent is Clark Kent, Superman is Superman, and his beloved Lois Lane is back! Yup, sounds like a heck of a good start for the new run!
Bendis is given some tip-top talent to work with on ACTION COMICS! It starts out with Patrick Gleason, then Yanick Paquette, and finishes it out with Ryan Sook. All three artists compliment each other's style, offering a flawless transition all the way through to the end. Solid work, lads!
It is a good read, one that leaves the wheels a'turnin' in yer mind, as it offers much potential in the next arc, "Leviathan Rising", which sets up the next big Event! Read it, fellow Superman fans, as you will not be disappointed in any way!
There's a lot of set-up/world building going on, with a lot set-up for much that is to come during Bendis' run with the Big 'S'. There's some fun, much appreciated typical Jimmy Olsen dialogue. There's some introduction of new "big bad" in Metropolis. And, best of all, Clark Kent is Clark Kent, Superman is Superman, and his beloved Lois Lane is back! Yup, sounds like a heck of a good start for the new run!
Bendis is given some tip-top talent to work with on ACTION COMICS! It starts out with Patrick Gleason, then Yanick Paquette, and finishes it out with Ryan Sook. All three artists compliment each other's style, offering a flawless transition all the way through to the end. Solid work, lads!
It is a good read, one that leaves the wheels a'turnin' in yer mind, as it offers much potential in the next arc, "Leviathan Rising", which sets up the next big Event! Read it, fellow Superman fans, as you will not be disappointed in any way!
Christine A. (965 KP) rated How To Bury Your Brother in Books
Oct 3, 2020
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.
How To Bury Your Brother is the debut novel of Lindsey Rogers Cook. The title drew my eye, and I thought it would have been a humorous novel. Reading the description, you quickly realize it is not. After selecting the book, because of personal reasons, it was not easy to start reading this book. However, once I started, I could not put it down.
Alice thought she would see Rob, her estranged brother, again. His funeral happened first. Years passed, and while cleaning out her parents' house, she discovers a box of letters her brother wrote to other people. Devastated he did not write a letter to her, Alice is determined to learn about the brother she lost and discover why he left by delivering the letters and meeting people who knew Rob.
Doing so forces Alice to look at the dysfunctionality of her seemingly normal family, how Rob and his abandonment shaped her life, newly discovered family secrets, and secrets she has kept from her family and friends.
The well-written story is a fast read. Cook pulls from her Georgian background to accurately portray southern families, their interactions with each other, with the community, and the stories they tell.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 10/2/20.
How To Bury Your Brother is the debut novel of Lindsey Rogers Cook. The title drew my eye, and I thought it would have been a humorous novel. Reading the description, you quickly realize it is not. After selecting the book, because of personal reasons, it was not easy to start reading this book. However, once I started, I could not put it down.
Alice thought she would see Rob, her estranged brother, again. His funeral happened first. Years passed, and while cleaning out her parents' house, she discovers a box of letters her brother wrote to other people. Devastated he did not write a letter to her, Alice is determined to learn about the brother she lost and discover why he left by delivering the letters and meeting people who knew Rob.
Doing so forces Alice to look at the dysfunctionality of her seemingly normal family, how Rob and his abandonment shaped her life, newly discovered family secrets, and secrets she has kept from her family and friends.
The well-written story is a fast read. Cook pulls from her Georgian background to accurately portray southern families, their interactions with each other, with the community, and the stories they tell.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 10/2/20.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Cake Popped Off in Books
Oct 8, 2020
I’m Glad This Book Popped into My Hands
Emory Martinez is helping her employer, Tillie Skyler, host a Halloween party. Emory is providing the cupcakes, and Emory’s sister is doing the main catering. Everything is going well until Emory finds the dead body of Mandy, the cocktail waitress, in her bathtub. Emory’s brother-in-law was one of several people seen fighting with Mandy at the party, so to clear his name, Emory begins investigating. She quickly finds a web of blackmail, but how did that contribute to Mandy’s death?
The first book in the series spent some time setting up changes in Emory’s life, and they are paid off wonderfully here. We don’t get to see much of Tillie in the first book, but I loved her in this one. She and Emory make a great team, and Tillie is such a fun character. I had struggled with some of Emory’s relationships in the first book, but they were much more enjoyable here. The plot is strong with so much drama and action I never wanted to put the book down. I had a couple of niggles with the climax, but they were minor and all our questions were answered. Some future plot lines are introduced here, and I’m anxious to see how they play out. In addition to cupcake recipes, we get some delicious sounding recipes for Halloween party dishes and cocktails. Emory’s second case is a delight, and I’m anxious to join her again for her another mystery.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
The first book in the series spent some time setting up changes in Emory’s life, and they are paid off wonderfully here. We don’t get to see much of Tillie in the first book, but I loved her in this one. She and Emory make a great team, and Tillie is such a fun character. I had struggled with some of Emory’s relationships in the first book, but they were much more enjoyable here. The plot is strong with so much drama and action I never wanted to put the book down. I had a couple of niggles with the climax, but they were minor and all our questions were answered. Some future plot lines are introduced here, and I’m anxious to see how they play out. In addition to cupcake recipes, we get some delicious sounding recipes for Halloween party dishes and cocktails. Emory’s second case is a delight, and I’m anxious to join her again for her another mystery.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Escaping Reality (The Secret Life of Amy Bensen, #1) in Books
Sep 5, 2019
3.5 stars.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Hmm… I felt slightly disappointed after reading this, and that was knowing that it was going to be in two parts. I think it was the fact that we never actually learnt anything of importance about Amy. We see flashbacks of what made her run in the first place but it’s not enough to make us understand why and the bigger: what happened?
I must say I was seduced by one Liam Stone almost from the first encounter. Girls, he is hot! He just had this way about him that was incredibly sexy, a lot of the time in the bedroom, but sometimes outside of it too. At this point I think I should warn you, it contains quite a lot of sex.
Then there’s the mystery of Jared. Where does he fit into it all? He’s another hot one girls! We don’t see as much of him as we do Liam but there’s something about him too, that I like. Some mystery surrounding him, too.
There’s a lot of mystery and intrigue in this story and it gets worse (can’t think of a better word choice) throughout when things don’t work out how you expect and you are constantly wondering how it’s all going to come together.
The only real let down for me was not finding more out about Amy’s past but I’m sure it will be covered in the second, Infinite Possibilities, due out later this year.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Hmm… I felt slightly disappointed after reading this, and that was knowing that it was going to be in two parts. I think it was the fact that we never actually learnt anything of importance about Amy. We see flashbacks of what made her run in the first place but it’s not enough to make us understand why and the bigger: what happened?
I must say I was seduced by one Liam Stone almost from the first encounter. Girls, he is hot! He just had this way about him that was incredibly sexy, a lot of the time in the bedroom, but sometimes outside of it too. At this point I think I should warn you, it contains quite a lot of sex.
Then there’s the mystery of Jared. Where does he fit into it all? He’s another hot one girls! We don’t see as much of him as we do Liam but there’s something about him too, that I like. Some mystery surrounding him, too.
There’s a lot of mystery and intrigue in this story and it gets worse (can’t think of a better word choice) throughout when things don’t work out how you expect and you are constantly wondering how it’s all going to come together.
The only real let down for me was not finding more out about Amy’s past but I’m sure it will be covered in the second, Infinite Possibilities, due out later this year.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Dangerous in Books
Sep 6, 2019
***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.***
Something caught me early on with this. It was probably Liams I-know-Im-good-and-dont-need-to-prove-it mentality. The way nothing phased him until he met Devon Candler and everything went right out the window.
Devon could literally be the definition of sex and though she wants Liam she tries to resist him. You cant help but like her, really, with her tough chick attitude. She could certainly look after herself and designed some bad-ass weapons.
That being said, I have to admit I got a little bored in places. It might have been all the description, which Im not that big a fan of, or the really long paragraphs (also not a fan of) and kept putting it down the more we got into the story, just wanting the plot to hurry up and play out. Dont get me wrong. Its a good book and Im glad I read it but there wasnt any introduction to the new world we were in, thats my only problem with it apart from the above-mentioned things but they relate to me personally.
It was certainly something a little different to what I normally read and I honestly did enjoy it.
If you like something futuristic with paranormal vibes then this is probably right up your street. Add a splash of romance and youre all set for an intense journey.
Something caught me early on with this. It was probably Liams I-know-Im-good-and-dont-need-to-prove-it mentality. The way nothing phased him until he met Devon Candler and everything went right out the window.
Devon could literally be the definition of sex and though she wants Liam she tries to resist him. You cant help but like her, really, with her tough chick attitude. She could certainly look after herself and designed some bad-ass weapons.
That being said, I have to admit I got a little bored in places. It might have been all the description, which Im not that big a fan of, or the really long paragraphs (also not a fan of) and kept putting it down the more we got into the story, just wanting the plot to hurry up and play out. Dont get me wrong. Its a good book and Im glad I read it but there wasnt any introduction to the new world we were in, thats my only problem with it apart from the above-mentioned things but they relate to me personally.
It was certainly something a little different to what I normally read and I honestly did enjoy it.
If you like something futuristic with paranormal vibes then this is probably right up your street. Add a splash of romance and youre all set for an intense journey.
Eleanor (1463 KP) rated Elevator Pitch in Books
Sep 22, 2019 (Updated Sep 22, 2019)
Not for those living the high rise life......
Well I made the mistake of reading this while on holiday in Vegas and having to deal with a lot of elevators!!! When an elevator accident in Manhattan is followed by more on following day it soon becomes clear there's more going on than a simple malfunction and the incidents are terrifyingly portrayed.
Along with the elevator incidents a number of other violent crimes are occurring and Elevator Pitch sets out to take you on a twisty tale to see how these things are all connected or not. Unfortunately the path was a bit too twisty for my liking; constant and numerous POV changes made it hard to really get much of a feel for the characters leaving them all feeling a bit flat.
I did love the core idea and story line of elevators being used as a way to terrorise a city and the little stories around the hapless victims and the incidents themselves were very vivid and tense. However the numerous side threads / red-herrings that added so little to the story made it a bit of a drag in places. No real surprise on the bad guy but I do read a lot of crime books so it takes a lot to throw me. Very interesting concept just didn’t quite hit the high I hoped for.
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Along with the elevator incidents a number of other violent crimes are occurring and Elevator Pitch sets out to take you on a twisty tale to see how these things are all connected or not. Unfortunately the path was a bit too twisty for my liking; constant and numerous POV changes made it hard to really get much of a feel for the characters leaving them all feeling a bit flat.
I did love the core idea and story line of elevators being used as a way to terrorise a city and the little stories around the hapless victims and the incidents themselves were very vivid and tense. However the numerous side threads / red-herrings that added so little to the story made it a bit of a drag in places. No real surprise on the bad guy but I do read a lot of crime books so it takes a lot to throw me. Very interesting concept just didn’t quite hit the high I hoped for.
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Deadlock (FBI Thriller #24) in Books
Jul 28, 2020
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.
Fans of Deadlock Catherine Coulter's FBI Thriller series will recognize Savich, Sherlock, and the rest of the recurring characters in the 24th book of the series, Deadlock. Joining them is a familiar foe from the 20th book of the series, Insidious. I am late to the game and started reading the series with book #23, Labyrinth. This book works as a stand-alone novel, but reading Insidious would help you understand the backstory more.
Husband and wife team, Savich and Sherlock, are used to their hectic schedules working as FBI agents. However, they are the focus of a cunning psychopath who is bent on revenge. While trying to find out who is responsible for who attacked them, Savich needs to work on a case in which he was in the right place at the right time, preventing a Congressman's wife, Rebecca, from being kidnapped. He is torn between keeping his family safe and keeping Rebecca safe.
Coulter presents a suspenseful thriller that keeps you guessing until the end. Much of what occurs is unsurprising, but it is those little nuggets of suspense that leaves you wanting more.
I am glad I found Savich and Sherlock and welcome them as old friends.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 7/27/20.
Fans of Deadlock Catherine Coulter's FBI Thriller series will recognize Savich, Sherlock, and the rest of the recurring characters in the 24th book of the series, Deadlock. Joining them is a familiar foe from the 20th book of the series, Insidious. I am late to the game and started reading the series with book #23, Labyrinth. This book works as a stand-alone novel, but reading Insidious would help you understand the backstory more.
Husband and wife team, Savich and Sherlock, are used to their hectic schedules working as FBI agents. However, they are the focus of a cunning psychopath who is bent on revenge. While trying to find out who is responsible for who attacked them, Savich needs to work on a case in which he was in the right place at the right time, preventing a Congressman's wife, Rebecca, from being kidnapped. He is torn between keeping his family safe and keeping Rebecca safe.
Coulter presents a suspenseful thriller that keeps you guessing until the end. Much of what occurs is unsurprising, but it is those little nuggets of suspense that leaves you wanting more.
I am glad I found Savich and Sherlock and welcome them as old friends.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 7/27/20.