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Merissa (14108 KP) rated Catalyst (Demon Guard #3) in Books
Jan 4, 2021 (Updated Aug 7, 2023)
CATALYST is the third and final book in the Demon Guard series and I really couldn't wait to find out just what would happen with Raith and Nox!
Yet another faction enters the picture, but Raith and Nox are not prepared to take anything at face value these days. They learn the answers to some questions whilst more arise. Ambry regains consciousness, but I'm still not sure she's the one for Raith. Luckily for me, the main arc of this story was Raith and Nox, not the budding romance, so that worked out perfectly for me.
The finale is breathtaking and perfect for the story so far. The epilogue left me with a huge smile on my face. I won't say more as you really should read it for yourself.
Full of action and humour between Raith and Nox, plus some heart-rending moments, this was the perfect ending to the series and highly 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. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 4, 2021
Yet another faction enters the picture, but Raith and Nox are not prepared to take anything at face value these days. They learn the answers to some questions whilst more arise. Ambry regains consciousness, but I'm still not sure she's the one for Raith. Luckily for me, the main arc of this story was Raith and Nox, not the budding romance, so that worked out perfectly for me.
The finale is breathtaking and perfect for the story so far. The epilogue left me with a huge smile on my face. I won't say more as you really should read it for yourself.
Full of action and humour between Raith and Nox, plus some heart-rending moments, this was the perfect ending to the series and highly 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. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 4, 2021
Doctor Who: Engines of War
6.5
Rate It
Book
"I've had many faces. Many lives. I don't admit to all of them. There's one life I've tried very...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2615 KP) rated The Proof of the Pudding in Books
Nov 9, 2023
Of Poison Gardens and Poisonous Dinner Parties
Lady Georgie has hired a new chef from France, and he is a hit in the community. In fact, Georgie’s neighbor, Sir Mortimer Mordred, has hired him to provide the dinner at the end of the open house he is hosting to show off his poison garden. The next morning, a few of the guests are sick, and one dies. Could Georgie’s chef be a poisoner?
As is usual for this series, the book takes a while to set the story in motion, but once it does, I was hooked. Georgie gets a fun new sleuthing partner that I loved. The climax, while a little unconventional, works well for this book and answers all of our questions. It was great to see the series regulars again and see them continue to grow. Meanwhile, the new characters are great. We get some funny scenes and reminders of what was going on in Europe in the 1930’s. While the two are very different in tone, they are balanced perfect. I enjoyed this latest entry in the series, and fans will as well.
As is usual for this series, the book takes a while to set the story in motion, but once it does, I was hooked. Georgie gets a fun new sleuthing partner that I loved. The climax, while a little unconventional, works well for this book and answers all of our questions. It was great to see the series regulars again and see them continue to grow. Meanwhile, the new characters are great. We get some funny scenes and reminders of what was going on in Europe in the 1930’s. While the two are very different in tone, they are balanced perfect. I enjoyed this latest entry in the series, and fans will as well.
Merissa (14108 KP) rated Fire Witch (Witches of Westwood Academy #3) in Books
May 29, 2023
FIRE WITCH is the third book in the Witches of Westwood Academy and this time, it is Tana's turn. She has always been the snarky one and now we find out why. We also find out just why this group of witches was placed together, instead of in the separate Elemental-based dorms.
This is a quick read so don't expect a multi-layered story. What you get is quick and hot (it is Fire, after all!) Personally, I would have preferred it a little longer to see more build-up to the connection between Brandon and Tana. However, saying that, the story does move along, giving answers to questions you may not have even realised you had.
A great addition to the series and it will definitely leave you wanting more. I would recommend you read these as a series, but each book can be read as a standalone if you wanted.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 29, 2023
This is a quick read so don't expect a multi-layered story. What you get is quick and hot (it is Fire, after all!) Personally, I would have preferred it a little longer to see more build-up to the connection between Brandon and Tana. However, saying that, the story does move along, giving answers to questions you may not have even realised you had.
A great addition to the series and it will definitely leave you wanting more. I would recommend you read these as a series, but each book can be read as a standalone if you wanted.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 29, 2023
Swing Into Murder
Book
Harper Lange is a grade school teacher with a secret. Well, since her husband passed away, she...
Mystery Romantic Elements
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2615 KP) rated Murder Takes the Stage in Books
Jun 19, 2026
A Brutal Crime
A producer is interested in turning one of Agatha Christie’s stories into a play, so housekeeper Phyllida Bright has reluctantly returned to London. She’s hoping she can stay in the rented house supervising the household staff. But that’s before Archibald Allston is found dead in an armchair on stage, and Phyllida is asked to figure out if foul play was involved. She grows more suspicious when the actor playing Benvolio in a production of Romeo and Juliette is bludgeoned to death on the balcony the next day. Can Phyllida discover what is happening before another death occurs?
Fans will know we’ve been given hints about Phyllida’s past before, but we get some answers in this book, which I enjoyed. Enough of the staff come along for the trip, so that part feels like a normal part of the series. And I’m curious to see what some of the developments mean for future books. The mystery was a little focused on events over actual deduction, but there was still enough here to keep me entertained. The ending, while being a little over dramatic, was also satisfying. Fans will be happy with this entry in the series.
Fans will know we’ve been given hints about Phyllida’s past before, but we get some answers in this book, which I enjoyed. Enough of the staff come along for the trip, so that part feels like a normal part of the series. And I’m curious to see what some of the developments mean for future books. The mystery was a little focused on events over actual deduction, but there was still enough here to keep me entertained. The ending, while being a little over dramatic, was also satisfying. Fans will be happy with this entry in the series.
Merissa (14108 KP) rated The Deceiver: Tales of Kelnore (Royals #2) in Books
Jul 2, 2026
THE DECEIVER is the second book in The Tales of Kelnore: Royals, and I would recommend you read The Princess first, if only to get an idea about Kelnore, its emperor, and his sons and daughters.
Once again, this story is told from multiple perspectives, and there are so many layers to it, it rivals Shrek's onion. While we go deeper into the lives, history, and current events of Kelnore, including political allies and enemies, please don't expect to have all the answers by the end of this book.
As always, Ms Carey takes us on an adventure, leading us to places we might not have gone by ourselves, and leaves us wondering just what will happen next! While I still love Pern Coen, I am loving the characters of Kelnore, even if I find it stifling, too.
A fantastic read that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
** The same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - Stories Worth Unearthing
Jul 2, 2026
Once again, this story is told from multiple perspectives, and there are so many layers to it, it rivals Shrek's onion. While we go deeper into the lives, history, and current events of Kelnore, including political allies and enemies, please don't expect to have all the answers by the end of this book.
As always, Ms Carey takes us on an adventure, leading us to places we might not have gone by ourselves, and leaves us wondering just what will happen next! While I still love Pern Coen, I am loving the characters of Kelnore, even if I find it stifling, too.
A fantastic read that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
** The same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - Stories Worth Unearthing
Jul 2, 2026
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Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Future Home of the Living God in Books
Mar 25, 2018
Minority Representation (1 more)
Interesting premise
NO ANSWERS (1 more)
No resolution
Well that was a waste of time. This book spends its entire length asking one real question. Will the main character's baby survive? There are a number of smaller questions - Will the baby be born normal? Why is evolution turning backwards, or sideways? What happened to the main character's father? What happened to her friend from the hospital? What happened to her husband? Does she ever find freedom?
THE BOOK ANSWERS NONE OF THESE QUESTIONS.
I am really frustrated with this book. Why did I bother reading it if it refuses to resolve any of its plotlines?
We're going to get a little bit into writing theory here. It has been a classic recommendation to have the climax of your book 2/3 of the way through the book, and have the last third be denouement. Wrap-up. Show us how the climax affected the characters and the world. John Green does this well - all his books follow a standard plot line. Character A is introduced. A meets B. B changes A's life. B leaves A's life. (Those last two are usually incorporated in the climax of the book.) A has to learn how to live without B in a world changed by B's existence in it. It's a little formulaic, but it works for Green, and his books are great. Some books do not do this so well. Wheel of Time had 5-6 pages of denouement after the series climax, and nothing was really revealed about how the events changed the world for the better. Future Home of the Living God had TWO. TWO PAGES AFTER THE CLIMAX. AND THEY ANSWER NOTHING. The main character talks about missing winter.
I finished the book and almost threw it across the room. I probably would have, except for two things: I was at a friend's house, and it was a library book. That's all that saved it from that fate. I have stacks of books I want to read, and I feel like I just wasted a few hours on this piece of crap.
The writing was actually pretty good, and the main character is an Ojibwe Indian, so there's minority representation, but the book as a whole was just CRAP. Wrap up your plotlines. Answer the questions you ask. (At least the ones having to do with your plot - you can leave unanswered philosophical questions, that's fine.)
Hard pass on this book.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
THE BOOK ANSWERS NONE OF THESE QUESTIONS.
I am really frustrated with this book. Why did I bother reading it if it refuses to resolve any of its plotlines?
We're going to get a little bit into writing theory here. It has been a classic recommendation to have the climax of your book 2/3 of the way through the book, and have the last third be denouement. Wrap-up. Show us how the climax affected the characters and the world. John Green does this well - all his books follow a standard plot line. Character A is introduced. A meets B. B changes A's life. B leaves A's life. (Those last two are usually incorporated in the climax of the book.) A has to learn how to live without B in a world changed by B's existence in it. It's a little formulaic, but it works for Green, and his books are great. Some books do not do this so well. Wheel of Time had 5-6 pages of denouement after the series climax, and nothing was really revealed about how the events changed the world for the better. Future Home of the Living God had TWO. TWO PAGES AFTER THE CLIMAX. AND THEY ANSWER NOTHING. The main character talks about missing winter.
I finished the book and almost threw it across the room. I probably would have, except for two things: I was at a friend's house, and it was a library book. That's all that saved it from that fate. I have stacks of books I want to read, and I feel like I just wasted a few hours on this piece of crap.
The writing was actually pretty good, and the main character is an Ojibwe Indian, so there's minority representation, but the book as a whole was just CRAP. Wrap up your plotlines. Answer the questions you ask. (At least the ones having to do with your plot - you can leave unanswered philosophical questions, that's fine.)
Hard pass on this book.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
Darren (1599 KP) rated The 33 (2015) in Movies
Jun 20, 2019
Story: The 33 starts as we follow our Chilean miners including family man Mario Sepulveda (Banderas) and safety inspector Don Lucho (Phillips) who is reluctantly backs down from their boss about the conditions inside the mine, believing the mountain will start to collapse in on itself.
When the mine does collapse, it leaves all 33 miners trapped hoping they might get rescued, well that is inside the mine. Outside the mine the miner’s families led by Maria Segovia (Binoche) demanded answers and help from the government with Laurence Golborne (Santoro) calling the shots, doing the best he can to find a way to rescue the miners. This is the incredible story of how the Chilean miners survived and were rescued.
Thoughts on The 33
Characters/Performance – The film is based on the real people involved, Mario is the one that takes control inside the mine, the reluctant hero even against the odds. Laurence is the government man that must do the right thing while working with the experts as well as keep the families happy. Maria is the sister of one of the miners and leads the protest to find answers about her brother and other miners.
Performance wise, Banderas shows himself to be the biggest star within the mine, we do get strange casting choices up next because we have a French actress playing a Chilean lady, and Irish man as a Chilean. But away from this we have good performances all around from the whole cast.
Story – The story is one that we all followed on the news, it was one of the most must watch news stories of the 21st Century. Seeing the amazing story of how the men survived, the way a small town can together to bring a nation, then the world to see, beg and pray for these men is an incredible story of courage, strength and belief in the human race.
Biography/History – While we don’t truly get to know the men personally, we do see the 69 days that changed their lives. This will go down in history as one of our moments of greatness as a human race.
Settings – The film is set between the mine which shows us just how trapped the character will be but we also see how the family members are working towards rescue.
Final Thoughts – This is an incredible story that was one we followed and seeing this brings back the memories but in places this is slightly slow.
Overall: Great glimpse into history.
https://moviesreview101.com/2018/03/27/a-z-bonus-review-month-the-33-2015/
When the mine does collapse, it leaves all 33 miners trapped hoping they might get rescued, well that is inside the mine. Outside the mine the miner’s families led by Maria Segovia (Binoche) demanded answers and help from the government with Laurence Golborne (Santoro) calling the shots, doing the best he can to find a way to rescue the miners. This is the incredible story of how the Chilean miners survived and were rescued.
Thoughts on The 33
Characters/Performance – The film is based on the real people involved, Mario is the one that takes control inside the mine, the reluctant hero even against the odds. Laurence is the government man that must do the right thing while working with the experts as well as keep the families happy. Maria is the sister of one of the miners and leads the protest to find answers about her brother and other miners.
Performance wise, Banderas shows himself to be the biggest star within the mine, we do get strange casting choices up next because we have a French actress playing a Chilean lady, and Irish man as a Chilean. But away from this we have good performances all around from the whole cast.
Story – The story is one that we all followed on the news, it was one of the most must watch news stories of the 21st Century. Seeing the amazing story of how the men survived, the way a small town can together to bring a nation, then the world to see, beg and pray for these men is an incredible story of courage, strength and belief in the human race.
Biography/History – While we don’t truly get to know the men personally, we do see the 69 days that changed their lives. This will go down in history as one of our moments of greatness as a human race.
Settings – The film is set between the mine which shows us just how trapped the character will be but we also see how the family members are working towards rescue.
Final Thoughts – This is an incredible story that was one we followed and seeing this brings back the memories but in places this is slightly slow.
Overall: Great glimpse into history.
https://moviesreview101.com/2018/03/27/a-z-bonus-review-month-the-33-2015/