Search
Search results
Beckie Shelton (40 KP) rated The Good Daughter in Books
Feb 8, 2018
<b> Arc Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm </b>
https://www.beckiebookworm.com/
<img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/photos/1496486027p8/3589531.jpg " width="300" height="100" alt="description"/>
Now, this was the first book I have read by Karin Slaughter and it was also a very enjoyable experience.
first I will say that The Good Daughter was totally different to what I was expecting but this was so not a bad thing for me.
I'm a sucker for a good psychological thriller, but I also love the drama that comes with a good ole family saga, This story brilliantly combined these two elements giving us an insight into the fallout that comes when horrific tragedy strikes an ordinary family and how these dynamics can spiral, taking on a life of their own through miscommunication and prideful behaviour.
The outcome of this incident echoing down the unfolding decades.
This story describes the events that occur to the Quinn family, resulting in a death and two young teenagers with scars both physically and figuratively for life.
Samantha and Charlotte's lives are about to come full circle when events in their home town bring them along with their father together again.
This was a very easy read, that kept you guessing until the end, the graphic descriptions both pulled you in while equally repelling you with the realness behind the visuals provided.
I'm not easily grossed out but MAN!!! it was way EWW!!! in places.
So, in conclusion, I would definitely give The Good Daughter a big thumbs up, a very intriguing read.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy it was thoroughly devoured by me, this is my own personal opinion of this book.
https://www.beckiebookworm.com/
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
https://www.beckiebookworm.com/
<img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/photos/1496486027p8/3589531.jpg " width="300" height="100" alt="description"/>
Now, this was the first book I have read by Karin Slaughter and it was also a very enjoyable experience.
first I will say that The Good Daughter was totally different to what I was expecting but this was so not a bad thing for me.
I'm a sucker for a good psychological thriller, but I also love the drama that comes with a good ole family saga, This story brilliantly combined these two elements giving us an insight into the fallout that comes when horrific tragedy strikes an ordinary family and how these dynamics can spiral, taking on a life of their own through miscommunication and prideful behaviour.
The outcome of this incident echoing down the unfolding decades.
This story describes the events that occur to the Quinn family, resulting in a death and two young teenagers with scars both physically and figuratively for life.
Samantha and Charlotte's lives are about to come full circle when events in their home town bring them along with their father together again.
This was a very easy read, that kept you guessing until the end, the graphic descriptions both pulled you in while equally repelling you with the realness behind the visuals provided.
I'm not easily grossed out but MAN!!! it was way EWW!!! in places.
So, in conclusion, I would definitely give The Good Daughter a big thumbs up, a very intriguing read.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy it was thoroughly devoured by me, this is my own personal opinion of this book.
https://www.beckiebookworm.com/
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated No One Knows in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Josh and Aubrey Hamilton had a great marriage and a seemingly wonderful life, until her husband disappeared five years ago. Josh vanishes into thin air - as the couple head into a bachelor/bachelorette party - and is never seen or heard from ago. When Josh's mom finally has him declared dead, Aubrey is devastated. How will she move on without Josh? Then there's the matter of the $5M life insurance policy he put into place shortly before his death. His mom plans to fight her for it, but Aubrey doesn't care. She just wants Josh back. So much she imagines she sees him around the places they loved so much. Or is she just imagining this?
This was an interesting and well-written thriller. I was hooked from the beginning. You rarely read a book where the husband disappears, but you hear the story from the wife's perspective, so that was a nice change of pace. The story flips back and forth in time, so we can unravel bits and pieces of it ourselves, but we mainly hear from Aubrey's perspective, which is sort of nice.
The novel is suspenseful and keeps you guessing. Aubrey is a complicated character (as is Josh, really) and Ellison does a good job explaining their childhoods and how they became the people they are. There's a supporting cast of characters who are also pretty well-developed. To me, the ending was a little sudden, but still well-done. Even better, it pretty much surprised me, which isn't always easy to do.
I vacillated on this a bit, but overall 4 stars - it's a thrilling and enjoyable novel. (Even if I did constantly think of the baseball player every time I read the name Josh Hamilton!)
(Note: I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)
This was an interesting and well-written thriller. I was hooked from the beginning. You rarely read a book where the husband disappears, but you hear the story from the wife's perspective, so that was a nice change of pace. The story flips back and forth in time, so we can unravel bits and pieces of it ourselves, but we mainly hear from Aubrey's perspective, which is sort of nice.
The novel is suspenseful and keeps you guessing. Aubrey is a complicated character (as is Josh, really) and Ellison does a good job explaining their childhoods and how they became the people they are. There's a supporting cast of characters who are also pretty well-developed. To me, the ending was a little sudden, but still well-done. Even better, it pretty much surprised me, which isn't always easy to do.
I vacillated on this a bit, but overall 4 stars - it's a thrilling and enjoyable novel. (Even if I did constantly think of the baseball player every time I read the name Josh Hamilton!)
(Note: I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Someone Is Watching in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Bailey Carpenter is a successful private investigator for a large law firm in Miami. While still reeling from the deaths of both of her parents, her life is fairly benign, until she is attacked one night while investigating a client.
Suddenly, Bailey's life is turned upside down. She's unable to sleep, eat, or work. She spends her days (and nights) trapped inside her condo, suffering from crippling anxiety and nightmares, and wracked with guilt from the attack. She starts watching her neighbor in the building across the street using binoculars, but things get even more out of control when she realizes he may be watching her, too.
First of all, a definite trigger warning that this book depicts a pretty brutal rape. It's tough to read about, and I would hate for anyone to pick up this novel without realizing its subject. I do applaud Fielding for trying to cover such a hard subject, though I'm not sure it's always accurately portrayed.
The book gets off to a slow start - I almost put it down. It's a hard subject to read about, and Bailey is a little hard to like and understand at first. The storyline gets a bit incredulous, but it certainly picked up, and I tore through the second half of the book. It ties up a little easily - and I'm not sure I buy Bailey going from completely devastated to seemingly okay, but I appreciate Fielding trying to show how much rape can hurt and leave its victims feeling powerless.
Overall, it's an interesting read and Bailey's niece, Jade, is a fun character. It would be great to see the two of them appear together again.
<i>Note: I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.</i>
Suddenly, Bailey's life is turned upside down. She's unable to sleep, eat, or work. She spends her days (and nights) trapped inside her condo, suffering from crippling anxiety and nightmares, and wracked with guilt from the attack. She starts watching her neighbor in the building across the street using binoculars, but things get even more out of control when she realizes he may be watching her, too.
First of all, a definite trigger warning that this book depicts a pretty brutal rape. It's tough to read about, and I would hate for anyone to pick up this novel without realizing its subject. I do applaud Fielding for trying to cover such a hard subject, though I'm not sure it's always accurately portrayed.
The book gets off to a slow start - I almost put it down. It's a hard subject to read about, and Bailey is a little hard to like and understand at first. The storyline gets a bit incredulous, but it certainly picked up, and I tore through the second half of the book. It ties up a little easily - and I'm not sure I buy Bailey going from completely devastated to seemingly okay, but I appreciate Fielding trying to show how much rape can hurt and leave its victims feeling powerless.
Overall, it's an interesting read and Bailey's niece, Jade, is a fun character. It would be great to see the two of them appear together again.
<i>Note: I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.</i>
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Heart of Venom (Elemental Assassin, #9) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
Sophia, the goth dwarf who is the head cook at the Pork Pit, has been a bit of a puzzle throughout the Elemental Assassin series. How did she come to have the body disposal skills she uses to help Gin? Has she always been so diametrically opposed to her oh-so-feminine sister, JoJo? And what is the full story behind the trauma that ruined her voice? This book answers those questions.
We also get a little movement in the will-they-or-won't-they-reunite story of Gin and Owen, as well as a tiny bit of movement in the bigger story arc concerning Mab Monroe's heir. Thankfully, Finn is largely absent this time around. I find his whining about his clothes, cars, hair, etc. to be insufferable and cannot imagine what Bria sees in him, but there you go.
I feel like I should mention that this book gets brutal. I mean, if you've followed Gin Blanco this far, you aren't expecting flowers and rainbows, but I had to out this one down a couple of times. The details got to me. The descriptions were just too much, and the depravity of the villains was just too far out there. There haven't exactly been any shades of gray with previous bad guys, but I fully expected these to be roasting babies for dinner or some such.
It just occurred to me that I don't recall encountering any queer characters in this series. Or in any of Estep's other work. I've read several Bigtime novels, one or two of the Mythos Academy books, and everything she's published in this series, and everybody seems to be straight. Am I forgetting Something? How can an entire universe be heterosexual? Anybody?
We also get a little movement in the will-they-or-won't-they-reunite story of Gin and Owen, as well as a tiny bit of movement in the bigger story arc concerning Mab Monroe's heir. Thankfully, Finn is largely absent this time around. I find his whining about his clothes, cars, hair, etc. to be insufferable and cannot imagine what Bria sees in him, but there you go.
I feel like I should mention that this book gets brutal. I mean, if you've followed Gin Blanco this far, you aren't expecting flowers and rainbows, but I had to out this one down a couple of times. The details got to me. The descriptions were just too much, and the depravity of the villains was just too far out there. There haven't exactly been any shades of gray with previous bad guys, but I fully expected these to be roasting babies for dinner or some such.
It just occurred to me that I don't recall encountering any queer characters in this series. Or in any of Estep's other work. I've read several Bigtime novels, one or two of the Mythos Academy books, and everything she's published in this series, and everybody seems to be straight. Am I forgetting Something? How can an entire universe be heterosexual? Anybody?
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated The Discovery Express in Books
Jun 18, 2018
All Aboard The Discovery Express Emily Hawkins and Tom Adams is a fantastic interactive book about the history of travel with an intriguing puzzle to solve along the way. There are surprises on every page, discoveries to be made and clues to follow.
On the first page the reader meets Pierre Henri, who is to be the conductor of the journey the reader is about the embark on. He explains that this is to be no ordinary train ride, and along with geographer, explorer and adventurer Nancy Delaney you begin travelling in time, history and across the world. The purpose of this trip is to find Professor Pendleton – the leader of the crew, whom without Pierre and Nancy are lost. As we travel across each carriage, each room, and each landmark there are many many clues and information under each flap and it is important that they aren’t missed. From flying machines, the Panama Canal, to one of my favourite pages on the hot air balloon, there will be much fun to be had while learning about inventions of our past and some of the most talent engineers ever.
My words really cannot do this book justice, it is when you get to see the book in person that you realise just how much it is going to spark the imagination of children. Apart from it looking beautiful, it is a textural delight on each page which sparks interaction between those reading through the book. This book is particularly brilliant for those wanting to be scientists or engineers, and those who simply love discovery and adventure.
I recommend this book to children and people who love adventure and trains.
I received this an ARC of All Aboard The Discovery Express from NetGalley via Quarto Publishing Group and Wide Eyed Editions.
On the first page the reader meets Pierre Henri, who is to be the conductor of the journey the reader is about the embark on. He explains that this is to be no ordinary train ride, and along with geographer, explorer and adventurer Nancy Delaney you begin travelling in time, history and across the world. The purpose of this trip is to find Professor Pendleton – the leader of the crew, whom without Pierre and Nancy are lost. As we travel across each carriage, each room, and each landmark there are many many clues and information under each flap and it is important that they aren’t missed. From flying machines, the Panama Canal, to one of my favourite pages on the hot air balloon, there will be much fun to be had while learning about inventions of our past and some of the most talent engineers ever.
My words really cannot do this book justice, it is when you get to see the book in person that you realise just how much it is going to spark the imagination of children. Apart from it looking beautiful, it is a textural delight on each page which sparks interaction between those reading through the book. This book is particularly brilliant for those wanting to be scientists or engineers, and those who simply love discovery and adventure.
I recommend this book to children and people who love adventure and trains.
I received this an ARC of All Aboard The Discovery Express from NetGalley via Quarto Publishing Group and Wide Eyed Editions.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Different? Same! in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Different? Same! by Heather Tekavec is a beautiful and playful animal book that seeks to engage young readers by pointing out differences between groupings of widely different animals and then asking what similarity exists. The similarity might be stripes, horns, whiskers or shells.
It is wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated. While the book is for young children (ages 2-5) I read it to my 5th and 6th grade students who enjoyed the book very much. It makes you consider animals in different ways and think about why these vastly different animals might all have horns, whiskers, shells, etc. We had fun with the last page of the book, pointing at various animals that all had a particular characteristic.
On each two-page spread, there are four animals. The animals each something about themselves or their habitat and each thing is different. Then we are told what they have in common or how they all the same, such as they have stripes or scales or tusks etc. I loved the science behind this but it is so much more than that. The message that no matter how different we all are, we are still all the same, we are human is a message that needs to be reiterated over and over. The illustrations are wonderful, so cute and playful. The vocabulary is descriptive, yet simple. the only complaint I have is that the animals are not named. It would be nice if they had been labeled so that children could ask questions and get further information. If they do not know what the animal is, that could prove to be difficult.
Thank you to Kids Can Press and NetGalley for this ARC. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
It is wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated. While the book is for young children (ages 2-5) I read it to my 5th and 6th grade students who enjoyed the book very much. It makes you consider animals in different ways and think about why these vastly different animals might all have horns, whiskers, shells, etc. We had fun with the last page of the book, pointing at various animals that all had a particular characteristic.
On each two-page spread, there are four animals. The animals each something about themselves or their habitat and each thing is different. Then we are told what they have in common or how they all the same, such as they have stripes or scales or tusks etc. I loved the science behind this but it is so much more than that. The message that no matter how different we all are, we are still all the same, we are human is a message that needs to be reiterated over and over. The illustrations are wonderful, so cute and playful. The vocabulary is descriptive, yet simple. the only complaint I have is that the animals are not named. It would be nice if they had been labeled so that children could ask questions and get further information. If they do not know what the animal is, that could prove to be difficult.
Thank you to Kids Can Press and NetGalley for this ARC. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Midnight City (Conquered Earth, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I won an ARC print copy of this book from a FirstReads giveaway.
I'll start by saying I'm not generally a fan of science fiction. That being said, I entered the giveaway for "Midnight City" because the premise sounded very interesting to me, and after reading it, I was not disappointed. The idea is that an alien race, called the Assembly, has taken over Earth using force and what is called "the Tone." The Tone immediately took control of most adults, anybody over the age of 20-21, and left the kids/teenagers to fend for themselves, under they are old enough to lose themselves to the Tone, as well. Holt Hawkins, on the other hand, is Heedless, meaning the Tone doesn't affect him at all, but he must suffer watching those around him Succumb to its effects. The story follows him and his dog Max on their quest to fulfill a bounty on Mira Toombs, and it just gets more interesting from there, as the trio finds a downed Assembly ship with a little girl named Zoey inside.
I've tried to explain this book to a few people, and they all looked at me like a grew a second head. It sounds extremely "out there," but it a very good story, the first in a series, and it really held me through the entire book. I was anxious to see what was around the corner for the group, and every time it looks like fate has smiled on them, their hopes get dashed again. It's a very intriguing roller-coaster ride from start to finish, and I look forward to reading the next part of the series. It ends on a cliff-hanger, and definitely leaves you wanting more. =)
5 stars
I'll start by saying I'm not generally a fan of science fiction. That being said, I entered the giveaway for "Midnight City" because the premise sounded very interesting to me, and after reading it, I was not disappointed. The idea is that an alien race, called the Assembly, has taken over Earth using force and what is called "the Tone." The Tone immediately took control of most adults, anybody over the age of 20-21, and left the kids/teenagers to fend for themselves, under they are old enough to lose themselves to the Tone, as well. Holt Hawkins, on the other hand, is Heedless, meaning the Tone doesn't affect him at all, but he must suffer watching those around him Succumb to its effects. The story follows him and his dog Max on their quest to fulfill a bounty on Mira Toombs, and it just gets more interesting from there, as the trio finds a downed Assembly ship with a little girl named Zoey inside.
I've tried to explain this book to a few people, and they all looked at me like a grew a second head. It sounds extremely "out there," but it a very good story, the first in a series, and it really held me through the entire book. I was anxious to see what was around the corner for the group, and every time it looks like fate has smiled on them, their hopes get dashed again. It's a very intriguing roller-coaster ride from start to finish, and I look forward to reading the next part of the series. It ends on a cliff-hanger, and definitely leaves you wanting more. =)
5 stars
Katie Guinn (34 KP) rated Behind Her Eyes in Books
Dec 7, 2018
I received an ARC of Sarah Pinborough’s new novel, Behind Her Eyes, from FlatIron Books to spread anticipation for the upcoming release. My thoughts on this book, in a nutshell? Absolute, addictive, insanity. Considering the only other Pinborough book I’ve read involved giant spiders that use humans as breeding vessels, triggering a horrific arachnid apocalypse, I didn’t really know what to expect from this one. It was billed as a psychological thriller, which is pretty generic these days; everything is a Gone Girl wannabe. But this thriller is seriously like no other thriller I’ve ever read, with twists that you wouldn’t see coming if you were Professor X.
The novel is told from multiple viewpoints, which has the danger of becoming confusing, but each character’s voice is so clear that it’s not hard to keep them straight. The plot at first doesn’t seem that interesting, you think it’s the standard love triangle, a married man attracted to his secretary, yawn. But there are clever twists from the very beginning and you’re constantly left questioning who you can trust, whose version of events to believe. In fact, it’s really hard to discuss this book at all without giving anything away.
Which makes it very difficult to explain the one thing I didn’t like. This is an entirely personal opinion, I’m definitely not trying to discourage you from reading this book, it was amazing. Having said that, ambiguity always makes me uncomfortable, especially in endings, which I prefer straight-forward, just, and (ideally) happy. But I’ve spent an unhealthy amount of time watching rom-coms, and couldn’t sleep after any Mentalist episode involving Red John. So make of that what you will.
The novel is told from multiple viewpoints, which has the danger of becoming confusing, but each character’s voice is so clear that it’s not hard to keep them straight. The plot at first doesn’t seem that interesting, you think it’s the standard love triangle, a married man attracted to his secretary, yawn. But there are clever twists from the very beginning and you’re constantly left questioning who you can trust, whose version of events to believe. In fact, it’s really hard to discuss this book at all without giving anything away.
Which makes it very difficult to explain the one thing I didn’t like. This is an entirely personal opinion, I’m definitely not trying to discourage you from reading this book, it was amazing. Having said that, ambiguity always makes me uncomfortable, especially in endings, which I prefer straight-forward, just, and (ideally) happy. But I’ve spent an unhealthy amount of time watching rom-coms, and couldn’t sleep after any Mentalist episode involving Red John. So make of that what you will.
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Zeroes (Zeroes, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
<i>This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review </i>
The author of the <i>Uglies</i> series, Scott Westerfeld, has teamed up with co-writers Margo Lanagan and Deborah Biancotti to create this exciting, whirlwind of a young adult novel. Many people wish they had a superpower, but what if there actually were people with them? <i>Zeroes</i> is a story about a group of teenagers with special gifts, however these unique abilities may be more dangerous than you would imagine.
The superpowers in this novel are not as conventional as the famous comic heroes. Some can control crowds with their minds or destroy electricity, and one blind character can even see through the eyes of others. Collectively these teenagers are called the <i>Zeroes</i>, but only amongst themselves.
Despite how cool it may seem to have these powers, their gifts can easily get themselves in to trouble. One of the teens, Ethan, accidently finds himself involved with drug dealers and a bank robbery, resulting in the police taking an interest. Whilst trying to get him out of this mess, the rest of the team cause even more trouble, sequentially making things worse and eventually leaving Ethan in a life threatening situation.
Told through six different characters, the reader gets the opportunity to learn about the individual powers and how each person deals with them. The novel is fast past with an explosive ending – literally – it is almost impossible to put it down. With an equal mix of male and female characters, it is suitable for all readers who enjoy YA, and by no means is it limited to teenagers only. You will find yourself wanting more.
The author of the <i>Uglies</i> series, Scott Westerfeld, has teamed up with co-writers Margo Lanagan and Deborah Biancotti to create this exciting, whirlwind of a young adult novel. Many people wish they had a superpower, but what if there actually were people with them? <i>Zeroes</i> is a story about a group of teenagers with special gifts, however these unique abilities may be more dangerous than you would imagine.
The superpowers in this novel are not as conventional as the famous comic heroes. Some can control crowds with their minds or destroy electricity, and one blind character can even see through the eyes of others. Collectively these teenagers are called the <i>Zeroes</i>, but only amongst themselves.
Despite how cool it may seem to have these powers, their gifts can easily get themselves in to trouble. One of the teens, Ethan, accidently finds himself involved with drug dealers and a bank robbery, resulting in the police taking an interest. Whilst trying to get him out of this mess, the rest of the team cause even more trouble, sequentially making things worse and eventually leaving Ethan in a life threatening situation.
Told through six different characters, the reader gets the opportunity to learn about the individual powers and how each person deals with them. The novel is fast past with an explosive ending – literally – it is almost impossible to put it down. With an equal mix of male and female characters, it is suitable for all readers who enjoy YA, and by no means is it limited to teenagers only. You will find yourself wanting more.
Joelene Marie (28 KP) rated Jade City (The Green Bone Saga #1) in Books
Oct 1, 2018
To anyone on the fence about Jade City let me just say: READ IT!
It is easily one of the best books I've read this year, possibly ever. Even after seeing it described as "the Godfather of fantasy" I still wasn't expecting it to be as good as it is. I expected something more along the lines of a YA fantasy, a kind of watered down, light Godfather-esque story about the two clans who gain mystical powers from jade, where a heroine comes in to unite them against outsiders save the day and everyone lives happily ever after. Boy, was I wrong!
It's a very character driven story and the characters are so exquisitely written, with each one, including the heroes and the villains and those in between, perfectly developed from the mc's all the way down to the bit players.
I found myself so attached and emotionally invested in these characters that I had to put it down and step away at times when the shit hit the fan cause I didn't want certain things to happen to them but at the same time I didn't want to put it down because I needed to know the outcome. That's not something that happens very often for me, and it speaks to the author's high level of skill and talent that she was able to draw me into her world so completely.
Going into it I had no doubt it would be a good book, but I was surprised at how much I absolutely loved Jade City. This is one of those rare (for me) books that I know I will re-read again and again and I'm sure I'll find more to love about it each time. It's simply AMAZING!
**Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC! All opinions are my own.**
It is easily one of the best books I've read this year, possibly ever. Even after seeing it described as "the Godfather of fantasy" I still wasn't expecting it to be as good as it is. I expected something more along the lines of a YA fantasy, a kind of watered down, light Godfather-esque story about the two clans who gain mystical powers from jade, where a heroine comes in to unite them against outsiders save the day and everyone lives happily ever after. Boy, was I wrong!
It's a very character driven story and the characters are so exquisitely written, with each one, including the heroes and the villains and those in between, perfectly developed from the mc's all the way down to the bit players.
I found myself so attached and emotionally invested in these characters that I had to put it down and step away at times when the shit hit the fan cause I didn't want certain things to happen to them but at the same time I didn't want to put it down because I needed to know the outcome. That's not something that happens very often for me, and it speaks to the author's high level of skill and talent that she was able to draw me into her world so completely.
Going into it I had no doubt it would be a good book, but I was surprised at how much I absolutely loved Jade City. This is one of those rare (for me) books that I know I will re-read again and again and I'm sure I'll find more to love about it each time. It's simply AMAZING!
**Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC! All opinions are my own.**