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The start of Bram Stokers biography?
And to think that I nearly gave up on this to begin with! At about 20% in, it just didn't seem to be drawing me in at all. So how pleased am I that I persevered?!!
This is a prequel to Bram Stokers Dracula, and is the story of Bram himself. It postulates that Dracula and vampires really do exist, Bram and his family had an intimate relationship with one (not like THAT!), and Dracula was written as a warning about the Undead. Well, I clearly don't know what to believe now!
The language used in this novel is a little more up to date than Bram Stokers original: it's written for the modern reader (as Bram's was at the time, I suppose), and is consequently much easier to read. This book is supposedly based on notes that Bram left behind - whether they were ideas for another book, or they were 'actual occurrences', we'll never really know.
Bram and his family are followed from Bram's early childhood, up until well after their encounter with Dracul. It's exciting, there's loads of action, and I had some serious worries about Bram's siblings! There's loads of historical detail (potato famine in Ireland, disease, poverty) which I rather enjoyed. But it's the encounters with the vampires that I really loved. There's always going to be someone that makes the comparison to 'that' vampire series, and so I'll be the one. There IS NO comparison. These aren't nicey-nicey vampires who sparkle. These are largely speaking, evil, dark-magic-using, killing machines. Much more fun.
I think this is probably going to be a series. Which I will obviously be reading. Obviously.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
This is a prequel to Bram Stokers Dracula, and is the story of Bram himself. It postulates that Dracula and vampires really do exist, Bram and his family had an intimate relationship with one (not like THAT!), and Dracula was written as a warning about the Undead. Well, I clearly don't know what to believe now!
The language used in this novel is a little more up to date than Bram Stokers original: it's written for the modern reader (as Bram's was at the time, I suppose), and is consequently much easier to read. This book is supposedly based on notes that Bram left behind - whether they were ideas for another book, or they were 'actual occurrences', we'll never really know.
Bram and his family are followed from Bram's early childhood, up until well after their encounter with Dracul. It's exciting, there's loads of action, and I had some serious worries about Bram's siblings! There's loads of historical detail (potato famine in Ireland, disease, poverty) which I rather enjoyed. But it's the encounters with the vampires that I really loved. There's always going to be someone that makes the comparison to 'that' vampire series, and so I'll be the one. There IS NO comparison. These aren't nicey-nicey vampires who sparkle. These are largely speaking, evil, dark-magic-using, killing machines. Much more fun.
I think this is probably going to be a series. Which I will obviously be reading. Obviously.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
Hazel (1853 KP) rated In the Shadow of David in Books
Dec 17, 2018
<i>This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
In the Shadow of David</i> is Martin Baggen’s attempt at reimagining “the greatest story ever told,” i.e. the life of Jesus Christ. Beginning on the banks of the river Jordan where John the Baptist is washing away the sins of his followers, the story continues before concluding with the resurrection. Told through the eyes of supporting characters, the details of Jesus’ life, or in this instance Yeshua’s, are reinvented in fairly accurate historical settings.
Unfortunately, Braggen’s attempt at originality is going to upset 2.2 billion people. Instead of telling the story of Jesus in the manner he is portrayed in the Bible, the author pens the character Yeshua and claims that there was no “Son of God.” The names, settings and historical facts all remain the same or similar in this version of events, however the miracles: Lazarus’ death, water into wine, the resurrection of Christ/Yeshua, were all shown to be a charade. According to<i> In the Shadow of David</i>, the “Son of God” was a charlatan attempting to reunite the Jews and overthrow the ruling Romans.
By mocking Christianity, Martin Braggen has wasted his writing talent with this blasphemous novel. Granted there are many people who try to prove the inexistence of a god, however in these instances there are always counter arguments. By containing this controversial opinion in a story, it prevents any other theories or beliefs from contributing.
Many may purchase this book with the mistaken idea that it will convey an in-depth narrative of the life of Jesus. What they will find instead is a disappointing atheist version instead. It is doubtful that readers will get to the end of the book, despite it not being overly long, after slamming it shut in anger and frustration.
In the Shadow of David</i> is Martin Baggen’s attempt at reimagining “the greatest story ever told,” i.e. the life of Jesus Christ. Beginning on the banks of the river Jordan where John the Baptist is washing away the sins of his followers, the story continues before concluding with the resurrection. Told through the eyes of supporting characters, the details of Jesus’ life, or in this instance Yeshua’s, are reinvented in fairly accurate historical settings.
Unfortunately, Braggen’s attempt at originality is going to upset 2.2 billion people. Instead of telling the story of Jesus in the manner he is portrayed in the Bible, the author pens the character Yeshua and claims that there was no “Son of God.” The names, settings and historical facts all remain the same or similar in this version of events, however the miracles: Lazarus’ death, water into wine, the resurrection of Christ/Yeshua, were all shown to be a charade. According to<i> In the Shadow of David</i>, the “Son of God” was a charlatan attempting to reunite the Jews and overthrow the ruling Romans.
By mocking Christianity, Martin Braggen has wasted his writing talent with this blasphemous novel. Granted there are many people who try to prove the inexistence of a god, however in these instances there are always counter arguments. By containing this controversial opinion in a story, it prevents any other theories or beliefs from contributing.
Many may purchase this book with the mistaken idea that it will convey an in-depth narrative of the life of Jesus. What they will find instead is a disappointing atheist version instead. It is doubtful that readers will get to the end of the book, despite it not being overly long, after slamming it shut in anger and frustration.
Jessica - Where the Book Ends (15 KP) rated Manic (Rook and Ronin, #2) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Manic picks up shortly after TRAGIC leaves off. Ronin and Rook are loving their time together, and the TRAGIC campaign has wrapped up, and now we are prepping for the new STURGIS campaign. Rook quickly discovers that she is going to be part of a reality based show based on the STURGIS campaign. When she hastily signed the contract while angry at Ronin she didn't read the contract quite as closely as she thought. This is a three month contract where she ultimately has no privacy. She signed the contract so now she's obligated to do it.
The STURGIS campaign is a body art campaign. Spencer Shrike will be painting Rook's body to match the different motorcycles he is taking to Sturgis. Throughout this book you can see that Rook becomes more and more conflicted. She is constantly under the watchful eye of the reality show, and Ronin is always gone helping Clare (a former model in rehab).
Spencer, Ronin and Ford are a hard trio for Rook to juggle, and trust me, they make the story that much juicer. This book is a great follow up to TRAGIC. You get to see more of the supporting characters. I absolutely loved it.
These two books are a breath of fresh air. There is nothing else out there like them. I love the basis of the stories in these two books, and as I said before, the characters are so easy to love. The books are fast paced, easy to read, and equally as hard to put down. These are great summer reads, and I will be recommending them to everyone I know.
*** I received this book in exchange for an honest review! ***
The STURGIS campaign is a body art campaign. Spencer Shrike will be painting Rook's body to match the different motorcycles he is taking to Sturgis. Throughout this book you can see that Rook becomes more and more conflicted. She is constantly under the watchful eye of the reality show, and Ronin is always gone helping Clare (a former model in rehab).
Spencer, Ronin and Ford are a hard trio for Rook to juggle, and trust me, they make the story that much juicer. This book is a great follow up to TRAGIC. You get to see more of the supporting characters. I absolutely loved it.
These two books are a breath of fresh air. There is nothing else out there like them. I love the basis of the stories in these two books, and as I said before, the characters are so easy to love. The books are fast paced, easy to read, and equally as hard to put down. These are great summer reads, and I will be recommending them to everyone I know.
*** I received this book in exchange for an honest review! ***
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Date Night (2010) in Movies
Aug 8, 2019
Date Night, directed by Shawn Levy (Night at the Museum), is a surprisingly funny film. More often than not, you can determine the quality of a film by the time you finish watching its trailer. This movie was a nice wake-up call that what you see isn’t always what you get.
Steve Carell and Tiny Fey have an unexpected amount of on-screen chemistry. This affinity is most evident in a clever dining scene in the beginning of the film, during which they each ad-lib other restaurant patrons’ conversations (be sure to stay in your seats during the credits for several hilarious out-takes of this scene). Carell and Fey genuinely feel like a couple in a bit of a slump in their marriage. Romantic comedies are often guilty of betraying a stunning lack of subtlety when it comes to heartfelt dialogue, but not in this case. The way they work through it during the countless shenanigans of their date night never comes across as trite or clichéd.
I was surprised the type of humor varied quite a bit during this film. Each of us have a different type of funny bone, so while some jokes fell relatively flat on me personally, these same moments were met with a good amount of laughter from others in the theater. Don’t come into this movie expecting a singular form of comedy. Visual humor, situational comedy, unexpected irony, running gags (involving Mark Wahlberg), and several obviously bad jokes told with fearless gusto pushed this movie to unanticipated levels of laughter.
After a few questionable plot events, the ending was something of a deus ex machina. The writer, Josh Klausner, ended up working the implausibility into the story nicely for a decent finish to a funny film.
Steve Carell and Tiny Fey have an unexpected amount of on-screen chemistry. This affinity is most evident in a clever dining scene in the beginning of the film, during which they each ad-lib other restaurant patrons’ conversations (be sure to stay in your seats during the credits for several hilarious out-takes of this scene). Carell and Fey genuinely feel like a couple in a bit of a slump in their marriage. Romantic comedies are often guilty of betraying a stunning lack of subtlety when it comes to heartfelt dialogue, but not in this case. The way they work through it during the countless shenanigans of their date night never comes across as trite or clichéd.
I was surprised the type of humor varied quite a bit during this film. Each of us have a different type of funny bone, so while some jokes fell relatively flat on me personally, these same moments were met with a good amount of laughter from others in the theater. Don’t come into this movie expecting a singular form of comedy. Visual humor, situational comedy, unexpected irony, running gags (involving Mark Wahlberg), and several obviously bad jokes told with fearless gusto pushed this movie to unanticipated levels of laughter.
After a few questionable plot events, the ending was something of a deus ex machina. The writer, Josh Klausner, ended up working the implausibility into the story nicely for a decent finish to a funny film.
Merissa (12934 KP) rated Breaking the Mold (The Gray Eyes Series Book, #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Breaking the Mold is the second book in the Grey Eyes series and is set in a different town, with different characters (mainly). This book is darker than the first, with a creepy, psychotic powerlifter who thinks he can have what - and who - he wants as just one of the 'bad guys'. Olivia has always been a Daddy's Girl, but things are changing and she can no longer adhere to his rulings completely. Luckily for Olivia, her mother is on her side, and helps her every which way she can. Alex is the gentle but strong hero, who wants nothing more than to reconnect with Olivia after 10 years apart. Will she be the same girl his memories show him, or not. Will she even remember him?
This book is exceptionally well written, with a storyline that drags you in and won't let go. Violence is a part of the story, and it wouldn't be the same without it. It is there by design and is not gratuitous. With mystery and suspense, this book will keep you on your toes. It is pretty obvious just who the other 'bad guys' are, but the how and whys remain unknown until you read further along.
With a similar cliff-hanger ending, this book is a complete story in itself, whilst whetting your appetite for the next book. Although I thoroughly enjoyed Crossing the Barrier and loved Malakai and Lily as characters; there was something about this book, that indefinable 'something' that just pips it to the post for me. A well deserved 5-stars and a need for the next book along. Highly recommended by me.
* I received this book from YA Reads in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This book is exceptionally well written, with a storyline that drags you in and won't let go. Violence is a part of the story, and it wouldn't be the same without it. It is there by design and is not gratuitous. With mystery and suspense, this book will keep you on your toes. It is pretty obvious just who the other 'bad guys' are, but the how and whys remain unknown until you read further along.
With a similar cliff-hanger ending, this book is a complete story in itself, whilst whetting your appetite for the next book. Although I thoroughly enjoyed Crossing the Barrier and loved Malakai and Lily as characters; there was something about this book, that indefinable 'something' that just pips it to the post for me. A well deserved 5-stars and a need for the next book along. Highly recommended by me.
* I received this book from YA Reads in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2357 KP) rated Murder on Cape Cod in Books
Dec 19, 2018
Macenzie "Mac" Almeida has returned to Westham, Massachusetts, after several years away, and she is settling back into the town where she grew up. She's enjoying time with her family, her bike shop is thriving, and she enjoys her weekly meetings with the Cozy Capers, a book club that reads exclusively cozy mysteries. Returning from their meeting one night, Mac stumbles over the dead body of Jake Lacey. Jake didn't have the best reputation in town, and Mac had her own disagreement with the man over a repair he had been hired to do for her. Worse yet, she recognizes the knife as one her brother owns. With the rest of the Cozy Capers jumping in to try to help solve the crime, will they succeed?
Ever since this series has been announced, I've been looking forward to it, and the debut didn't disappoint. I always love vacation destination settings, and this one is fun; now I want to visit Cape Cod. Plus, what cozy mystery fan isn't going to want to read about a club that loves the same sub-genre we do? We are introduced to a large selection of series regulars here, and it took some work to keep them all straight, but I'm sure that will get easier as the series goes along and the various supporting characters get enough page time. The suspects don't have the same issue, and it is easy to remember their motives. There are several secrets and potential motives for murder, but by the time Mac figures things out, everything is clear to us and her. While this isn't a traditional culinary cozy, Mac's boyfriend owns a bakery in town, and we get several recipes at the end of the book.
Ever since this series has been announced, I've been looking forward to it, and the debut didn't disappoint. I always love vacation destination settings, and this one is fun; now I want to visit Cape Cod. Plus, what cozy mystery fan isn't going to want to read about a club that loves the same sub-genre we do? We are introduced to a large selection of series regulars here, and it took some work to keep them all straight, but I'm sure that will get easier as the series goes along and the various supporting characters get enough page time. The suspects don't have the same issue, and it is easy to remember their motives. There are several secrets and potential motives for murder, but by the time Mac figures things out, everything is clear to us and her. While this isn't a traditional culinary cozy, Mac's boyfriend owns a bakery in town, and we get several recipes at the end of the book.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Demon Magic and a Martini (The Guild Codex: Spellbound, #4) in Books
Jan 9, 2020
This has been borrowed from the Kindle Unlimited Library.
I read the first three books in this series a few months ago and got drawn into it quite quickly. The trio of friends grew on me a lot and I liked how they pulled Tori into their ranks and protected her from whatever dangers seem to follow them all around.
This one was no different with all the Guilds being put on a high alert after a warning of a loose demon in the area. Every member is given tasks and go out hunting for the rogue creature. As this one seems to be taking place around Halloween and Tori seems to find herself organising a Halloween Party she needs to head out and pick up some food she's ordered, only to find herself and Ezra being hunted by the demon. Only it seems the demon wants Ezra more than her anyone else...
I won't go into any more detail as that would totally ruin the story but we learn a lot more about Ezra in this. He takes a lot more of the spotlight and I enjoyed seeing more of him. It's definitely a bit of a surprise but he's still the gentle, sweet Ezra unless you royally pee him off
This has got a slight romance arc in it. She got together with Aaron in the second book, I think?, but they went their separate ways in the last one. She's always had a connection with Ezra and that grew in this one with them having a few moments where something flared.
I will definitely be reading the next one to see what other trouble this quartet get up to and to see if anything comes of her growing feelings for Ezra.
P.S. COVER LOVE!!
I read the first three books in this series a few months ago and got drawn into it quite quickly. The trio of friends grew on me a lot and I liked how they pulled Tori into their ranks and protected her from whatever dangers seem to follow them all around.
This one was no different with all the Guilds being put on a high alert after a warning of a loose demon in the area. Every member is given tasks and go out hunting for the rogue creature. As this one seems to be taking place around Halloween and Tori seems to find herself organising a Halloween Party she needs to head out and pick up some food she's ordered, only to find herself and Ezra being hunted by the demon. Only it seems the demon wants Ezra more than her anyone else...
I won't go into any more detail as that would totally ruin the story but we learn a lot more about Ezra in this. He takes a lot more of the spotlight and I enjoyed seeing more of him. It's definitely a bit of a surprise but he's still the gentle, sweet Ezra unless you royally pee him off
This has got a slight romance arc in it. She got together with Aaron in the second book, I think?, but they went their separate ways in the last one. She's always had a connection with Ezra and that grew in this one with them having a few moments where something flared.
I will definitely be reading the next one to see what other trouble this quartet get up to and to see if anything comes of her growing feelings for Ezra.
P.S. COVER LOVE!!
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Stranger in TV
Feb 10, 2020
Intriguing and twisty
Pretty much everyone I know is watching this at the moment. Mainly because it's set in a fictional Greater Manchester town and was actually filmed in many locations across Greater Manchester, including my own town. I wasn't too bothered to see it though until I saw the trailer, which sucked me in just enough to start watching.
I've never read the book, so had no preconceptions whatsoever other than a general view on Harlan Coben. I've read that there are some differences, but for me this show really worked. The smaller local setting works, and it's a fun, intriguing twist filled crime thriller with a great cast. There is a lot to take in with this, with a lot of smaller stories and scenes that all mix in together with the wider main plot about the mysterious stranger. Whilst I wouldn't say it gets confusing as such, you really have to focus to keep track of everything that's going on and all the different intersecting story arcs of all the characters. It may be a little on the unbelievable side, but it is fiction after all! The only thing I was really disappointed about was the ending - the Stranger's motivations and the reveal about what happened to Corinne, whilst good, weren't entirely surprising. There are some great actors in this, Siobhan Finneran's cop with her natural Oldham accent is a riot and it's always good to see Richard Armitage on screen. I just wish there had been more Anthony Head!
The extra appeal about watching this was trying to identify all of the local areas and places it had been filmed in. It was incredibly devastating to see that both Richard Armitage and Anthony Head had been in numerous places in my town without my knowledge. I was so close to seeing Giles in the flesh!
I've never read the book, so had no preconceptions whatsoever other than a general view on Harlan Coben. I've read that there are some differences, but for me this show really worked. The smaller local setting works, and it's a fun, intriguing twist filled crime thriller with a great cast. There is a lot to take in with this, with a lot of smaller stories and scenes that all mix in together with the wider main plot about the mysterious stranger. Whilst I wouldn't say it gets confusing as such, you really have to focus to keep track of everything that's going on and all the different intersecting story arcs of all the characters. It may be a little on the unbelievable side, but it is fiction after all! The only thing I was really disappointed about was the ending - the Stranger's motivations and the reveal about what happened to Corinne, whilst good, weren't entirely surprising. There are some great actors in this, Siobhan Finneran's cop with her natural Oldham accent is a riot and it's always good to see Richard Armitage on screen. I just wish there had been more Anthony Head!
The extra appeal about watching this was trying to identify all of the local areas and places it had been filmed in. It was incredibly devastating to see that both Richard Armitage and Anthony Head had been in numerous places in my town without my knowledge. I was so close to seeing Giles in the flesh!
Merissa (12934 KP) rated Descending Into Darkness (Descending #1) in Books
Mar 16, 2020
DESCENDING INTO DARKNESS is the first book in the Descending series. We start off with Jess being kidnapped following her shift as a waitress and taken to a stronghold. There she is told she isn't a prisoner but is, instead, a Seelie princess whose powers haven't yet awakened. At the same time, her sister, Alyss, is kidnapped by the UnSeelie Court and taken there although they are reunited very quickly.
This is a fast-paced novel with plenty of action and a dash of mystery. Being the first book, there is world-building to help the reader understand what's going on, as well as learning more about the characters that are introduced. Fallon tells Jess that he is her mate very quickly and, just like everything else, Jess accepts that and moves on. Whilst I don't like unnecessary histrionics, I do feel Jess accepted everything just a little too easily. After all, she's gone from a waitress who works the late shift to a Princess of the Seelie Court and has the ability to save not one but two races from slavery and/or extinction and she takes it all in her stride.
There is a good storyline here that I would like to read more about and the cliffhanger ending will leave the reader wanting more. The only thing I would say (and it may have been the copy I received to review) but it wasn't always clear who was talking. It seemed to change from one paragraph to another with nothing to indicate a change of point of view.
A good first book and I look forward to reading more in this series. Recommended by me.
* 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. *
This is a fast-paced novel with plenty of action and a dash of mystery. Being the first book, there is world-building to help the reader understand what's going on, as well as learning more about the characters that are introduced. Fallon tells Jess that he is her mate very quickly and, just like everything else, Jess accepts that and moves on. Whilst I don't like unnecessary histrionics, I do feel Jess accepted everything just a little too easily. After all, she's gone from a waitress who works the late shift to a Princess of the Seelie Court and has the ability to save not one but two races from slavery and/or extinction and she takes it all in her stride.
There is a good storyline here that I would like to read more about and the cliffhanger ending will leave the reader wanting more. The only thing I would say (and it may have been the copy I received to review) but it wasn't always clear who was talking. It seemed to change from one paragraph to another with nothing to indicate a change of point of view.
A good first book and I look forward to reading more in this series. Recommended by me.
* 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. *
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2357 KP) rated The Closers (Harry Bosch, #11; Harry Bosch Universe, #14) in Books
Jul 31, 2019
Can Bosch Close a Cold Case?
Harry Bosch has returned to the LAPD, joining the Open/Unsolved Unit that has recently been established and partnering again with Kiz Rider. His first day back, they are given a new DNA hit on a cold case from 1988 to work. The case involved a sixteen-year-old girl that was murdered that summer, and the DNA was recovered from the gun that killed her. The match takes them to a petty criminal who has never been arrested for murder or come close to committing murder. Naturally, this make Bosch and Kiz question whether their suspect is guilty. If he isn’t, will he lead them to the killer?
This book started a bit slowly as we were introduced to all the players from the original investigation as Bosch and Kiz work on getting up to speed on the case and see if they can figure out how the DNA results fit. However, rest assured, there are still plenty of twists coming before the book is over, and fans of author Michael Connelly won’t be disappointed in how things unravel by the time the book ends. Bosch is still a fantastic lead character, and I enjoyed getting to spend time with Kiz again. Several other regular players pop in. Since this book takes place 17 years after the murder took place, it allows us to see how murder impacts those left behind, especially when they have no idea what happened. This adds a complexity to the book I enjoyed, and it left me wondering how these events impacted the new characters if it did at all. As always, Michael Connelly proves why he has so many fans.
This book started a bit slowly as we were introduced to all the players from the original investigation as Bosch and Kiz work on getting up to speed on the case and see if they can figure out how the DNA results fit. However, rest assured, there are still plenty of twists coming before the book is over, and fans of author Michael Connelly won’t be disappointed in how things unravel by the time the book ends. Bosch is still a fantastic lead character, and I enjoyed getting to spend time with Kiz again. Several other regular players pop in. Since this book takes place 17 years after the murder took place, it allows us to see how murder impacts those left behind, especially when they have no idea what happened. This adds a complexity to the book I enjoyed, and it left me wondering how these events impacted the new characters if it did at all. As always, Michael Connelly proves why he has so many fans.
Ross (3284 KP) Dec 11, 2018
ClareR (5885 KP) Dec 11, 2018