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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated The Missing Chums in Books
Jan 20, 2019
Who Kidnapped Chet and Biff?
The only thing that could make summer vacation better for Frank and Joe Hardy is a mystery, and one is handed to them by Chief Collig when he asks them to go undercover at the homeless encampment outside of town and find out what is causing the increased fighting down there. Before the teens can begin their assignment, they witness a bank robbery, however. Then, after a costume party hosted by Callie Shaw and Iola Morton, their friends Chet and Biff vanish. Can the brothers figure out what happened to their friends? Are all these events connected?
I was a bit worried that the book had bitten off more than it could successfully resolve, but it did a good job of reigning in these plots and bringing them to a successful conclusion. I enjoyed seeing how Frank and Joe figured things out and successfully wrapped everything up. The characters are shallow as always, but it's not something I remember as a kid, so I bet today's kids will not notice either. They might notice how dated some elements are, including the word "chum" in the title. However, that kind of things never stopped me as a kid, and I bet most will get caught up in the fast-moving action of the story.
I was a bit worried that the book had bitten off more than it could successfully resolve, but it did a good job of reigning in these plots and bringing them to a successful conclusion. I enjoyed seeing how Frank and Joe figured things out and successfully wrapped everything up. The characters are shallow as always, but it's not something I remember as a kid, so I bet today's kids will not notice either. They might notice how dated some elements are, including the word "chum" in the title. However, that kind of things never stopped me as a kid, and I bet most will get caught up in the fast-moving action of the story.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Nogged Off in Books
Nov 3, 2019
Julia’s First Eventful Christmas Back Home
This story finds Julia Snowden taking a quick day trip to New York City to pack up the rest of her belongings so she can permanently move to Maine. When she arrives, she finds her sub-tenant to be upset about some setbacks in her personal life, and Julia winds up inviting Imogen home for Christmas. However, Julia’s Christmas gets more complicated when her moving truck is stolen after they arrive in Busman’s Harbor. What is going on?
I love this series, and I enjoyed getting to visit Julia at Christmas. I was able to get fully lost in this story right away since I already know the series characters and the setting. The plot was fun with some good twists before we reached the end. Barbara Ross includes some fun Christmas traditions that are unique to Maine without slowing down the story, and they give us that all important Christmas feeling. There are a couple of recipes at the end of the story, as always, to enjoy during the holiday season.
NOTE: This story is a novella, roughly 100 pages, and was originally part of the novella collection Eggnog Murder. If you have that book, there is no need to buy this ebook. If you haven’t read the story, now is the time to sit back and enjoy this Christmas trip to Maine.
I love this series, and I enjoyed getting to visit Julia at Christmas. I was able to get fully lost in this story right away since I already know the series characters and the setting. The plot was fun with some good twists before we reached the end. Barbara Ross includes some fun Christmas traditions that are unique to Maine without slowing down the story, and they give us that all important Christmas feeling. There are a couple of recipes at the end of the story, as always, to enjoy during the holiday season.
NOTE: This story is a novella, roughly 100 pages, and was originally part of the novella collection Eggnog Murder. If you have that book, there is no need to buy this ebook. If you haven’t read the story, now is the time to sit back and enjoy this Christmas trip to Maine.
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated The Two Towers (The Lord of the Rings, #2) in Books
Nov 27, 2019
The second part of the original epic fantasy starts where the first part ends. The Fellowship of the Ring is broken and scattered but thanks to Frodo and Sam the Ring is still heading towards Mordor. Meanwhile Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas persue the band of orcs that have captured Merry and Pippin.
This book carries on with the darker tone that The Fellowship Of The Ring developed as it went on though with Tolkien's grasp of narrative, story and saga it is always an engrossing read. More if Middle Earth is explored, from the horror of the Dead Marshes to the rolling plains of Rohan. Tolkien also keeps the twists coming, from alliances forged by desperation to unexpected allies.
This also features the first full scale battle of the saga - Helm's Deep. A desperate defence that in so many ways is the template for all the battles that have come after in fantasy books, a breathless and intense part of the story that really evokes the sense of grim determination in the combatants.
As with the whole of the trilogy, for something that is very much the genesis of a whole style of story telling there is so much that is complete, and still with that sense of massive depth of history that many of its imitators lack.
This book carries on with the darker tone that The Fellowship Of The Ring developed as it went on though with Tolkien's grasp of narrative, story and saga it is always an engrossing read. More if Middle Earth is explored, from the horror of the Dead Marshes to the rolling plains of Rohan. Tolkien also keeps the twists coming, from alliances forged by desperation to unexpected allies.
This also features the first full scale battle of the saga - Helm's Deep. A desperate defence that in so many ways is the template for all the battles that have come after in fantasy books, a breathless and intense part of the story that really evokes the sense of grim determination in the combatants.
As with the whole of the trilogy, for something that is very much the genesis of a whole style of story telling there is so much that is complete, and still with that sense of massive depth of history that many of its imitators lack.
Merissa (12911 KP) rated Silver (The Silver #1) in Books
Feb 11, 2020
This book is written from Jaze's perspective and it gives you a real insight into how he is feeling about losing his dad and moving to a new town. As soon as he moves there he realises that something is wrong - the amount of silver in the school metal detectors might have been a clue! He meets the pack that are already living there in an unforgettable manner. He finds a friend in Brock and 'the girl next door', Nikki, who just happens to have Hunters as parents. This all helps Jaze as he tries to look after his mom, tries to come to terms with his dad's death and the betrayal of who he knows was involved.
This story was extremely well written, the characters all had depth and there was a lot to the story itself. For once there was no Inst-Love but friendship actually came first. Yes Jaze was attracted to Nikki but proved that you don't always have to act on it straight away and it just might be a plan to get to know her first! The friendships that he makes with Brock and Mouse are quiet but loyal and an absolutely perfect foil for the action of the Packs. I loved the way the story unfolded and am definitely looking forward to the rest of the series.
This story was extremely well written, the characters all had depth and there was a lot to the story itself. For once there was no Inst-Love but friendship actually came first. Yes Jaze was attracted to Nikki but proved that you don't always have to act on it straight away and it just might be a plan to get to know her first! The friendships that he makes with Brock and Mouse are quiet but loyal and an absolutely perfect foil for the action of the Packs. I loved the way the story unfolded and am definitely looking forward to the rest of the series.
Merissa (12911 KP) rated Hunter (The Silver #6) in Books
Mar 13, 2020
Hunter is the sixth book in the Silver series and this time, we head out of town, to a small farming community where Dray lives. He is slightly frustrated as he is 'one-of-a-kind' as far as he knows and there are somethings he just can't do if he wants to keep his secret - playing football being one example. That all changes when Gem and her parents move to town.
Yey!!! Gem gets her Happy Ever After! And she really couldn't have chosen a nicer guy. I love Dray, I really do. His commitment to his town, his friends, and his family are wonderful to read about. I love how his relationship with Gem moves quickly and yet also seems perfectly natural.
Things are hotting up for Jaze too though, which is making me long for the last book. I love how Ms. Alsop is able to tie all the different characters and locations together in such a seamless manner.
Although Jet will always be my favourite, there is something about this farm boy that has made him come a close second. Fantastic writing, smooth pacing, perfect characters - so, yep, I highly recommend this book!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Yey!!! Gem gets her Happy Ever After! And she really couldn't have chosen a nicer guy. I love Dray, I really do. His commitment to his town, his friends, and his family are wonderful to read about. I love how his relationship with Gem moves quickly and yet also seems perfectly natural.
Things are hotting up for Jaze too though, which is making me long for the last book. I love how Ms. Alsop is able to tie all the different characters and locations together in such a seamless manner.
Although Jet will always be my favourite, there is something about this farm boy that has made him come a close second. Fantastic writing, smooth pacing, perfect characters - so, yep, I highly recommend this book!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
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