Search
Eleanor (1463 KP) rated The Witch Elm: A Novel in Books
Jan 12, 2020
I listened to the audiobook of this narrated by Gerry O’Brian and would recommend increasing the speed it plays at. I didn’t until quite far in and regretted not speeding it up sooner.
Following on from a brutal attack Toby goes to stay in his old family home. When a skull is discovered in Wych Elm in the garden Toby has to question everything he thought he knew about his family.
Despite the skull discovery being on the blurb it actually is a long way into the book before we get that revelation. There is a lot of build-up to it and while I like a good bit of character building I did wish it had just got on with the main story sooner. Told from Toby’s POV who I didn’t find to be a particularly interesting or likable character there seemed to be way too much navel-gazing. I was also a bit disappointed by the main mystery; with so much build-up it just felt anticlimactic and again the whole investigation was overly drawn out. Just when I thought it had finally ended it managed to keep going for even longer.
Overall too much of a slow burner for me.
Following on from a brutal attack Toby goes to stay in his old family home. When a skull is discovered in Wych Elm in the garden Toby has to question everything he thought he knew about his family.
Despite the skull discovery being on the blurb it actually is a long way into the book before we get that revelation. There is a lot of build-up to it and while I like a good bit of character building I did wish it had just got on with the main story sooner. Told from Toby’s POV who I didn’t find to be a particularly interesting or likable character there seemed to be way too much navel-gazing. I was also a bit disappointed by the main mystery; with so much build-up it just felt anticlimactic and again the whole investigation was overly drawn out. Just when I thought it had finally ended it managed to keep going for even longer.
Overall too much of a slow burner for me.
An Imaginative Woman
Book
This comes to you courtesy of Miniature Masterpieces who have an excellent range of quality short...
RavenclawPrincess913 (253 KP) rated The Silent Unseen in Books
Jun 8, 2022
Title: The Silent Unseen: A Novel of World War Two
Author: Amanda McCrina
320 Pages
Published on April 5th 2022
Genre: Historical fiction
This book takes place in Poland in July of 1944 during World War Two. The main character Maria is on her way home after labor she was forced into in Nazi Germany only to find her parents deceased and village gone from the war. When her brother Tomek commander of the local Resistance unit disappears Maria is determined to find him.
This book had a slow start but I love Historical fiction especially World War Two novels so I decided to continue. I loved the plot of the story it's very interesting and felt so real. I love what you can learn from historical fiction novels too. It shows us how emotional and hard it was for the people living during this time. I will be honest that some parts were hard to follow listening to the audiobook though so if you plan to read this book I reccomend getting the physical copy. It didn't take away from the storyline though I still loved it. Finally, I would definitely reccomend reading this emotional book if you love Historical fiction and love novels about World War Two.
Author: Amanda McCrina
320 Pages
Published on April 5th 2022
Genre: Historical fiction
This book takes place in Poland in July of 1944 during World War Two. The main character Maria is on her way home after labor she was forced into in Nazi Germany only to find her parents deceased and village gone from the war. When her brother Tomek commander of the local Resistance unit disappears Maria is determined to find him.
This book had a slow start but I love Historical fiction especially World War Two novels so I decided to continue. I loved the plot of the story it's very interesting and felt so real. I love what you can learn from historical fiction novels too. It shows us how emotional and hard it was for the people living during this time. I will be honest that some parts were hard to follow listening to the audiobook though so if you plan to read this book I reccomend getting the physical copy. It didn't take away from the storyline though I still loved it. Finally, I would definitely reccomend reading this emotional book if you love Historical fiction and love novels about World War Two.
ClareR (5885 KP) rated Isaac and the Egg in Books
Aug 17, 2022
Isaac and the Egg should come with a warning (I need to make it absolutely clear here that I loved this book!).
Isaac Addy really isn’t coping with the death of his wife. You’ll stand with him on the bridge as he contemplates throwing himself off as he can’t go on without her, and then he hears a strange noise coming from the woodland below and goes to investigate.
I adored this beautiful, heartfelt, crazy book. I also can’t see how I can tell you ANYTHING at all about it without dropping huge spoilers and making it sound ridiculous. And this is most certainly NOT a ridiculous book. I swung between utter heartbreak (not good on a dog walk) and laughing (also not great, but people always smile back!)
It’s just a perfect book.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Johnny Flynn, who was such a good choice. I’ve heard of him before, and have listened to his music for years (I’ve never seen him act though, and I’m thinking I should!). He has such a gentle voice, absolutely suited to a novel with the themes of love and loss.
So read it, listen to it - but just do one or the other. You won’t regret it. Just keep the tissues handy.
Isaac Addy really isn’t coping with the death of his wife. You’ll stand with him on the bridge as he contemplates throwing himself off as he can’t go on without her, and then he hears a strange noise coming from the woodland below and goes to investigate.
I adored this beautiful, heartfelt, crazy book. I also can’t see how I can tell you ANYTHING at all about it without dropping huge spoilers and making it sound ridiculous. And this is most certainly NOT a ridiculous book. I swung between utter heartbreak (not good on a dog walk) and laughing (also not great, but people always smile back!)
It’s just a perfect book.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Johnny Flynn, who was such a good choice. I’ve heard of him before, and have listened to his music for years (I’ve never seen him act though, and I’m thinking I should!). He has such a gentle voice, absolutely suited to a novel with the themes of love and loss.
So read it, listen to it - but just do one or the other. You won’t regret it. Just keep the tissues handy.
ClareR (5885 KP) rated The Valkyrie in Books
May 30, 2023
What a fantastic book! Myth, strong women, magic - what’s not to like?!
I’ll own up now. This was a NetGalley book, and it kind of got left behind. So I listened to the audiobook on Xigxag audiobooks. And I’m SO glad that I did.it came to life for me, and where some reviews have said that they were sometimes a little confused as to whose chapter it was, either Brynhild the fallen Valkyrie or Gudrun, Princess of Burgundia, I had no such issue. The narrators, Eleanor Jackson and India Shaw-Smith WERE Brynhild and Gudrun. And they were both self-assured, strong leaders who would take no nonsense.
What did surprise me was how forgiving Brynhild was of Sigurd lies. If you already know the myth, then you’ll know! Otherwise, my lips are sealed, because you really have to read this for yourself!
Oh, and the Germanic history was the icing on the cake for me. And there’s loads of extra information about both the Norse mythology and the German history, both in relation to the book, on Kate Heartsfields website - chapter by chapter! I’ve had the BEST time on there!
So, yes, this is very much a recommended book!
I’ll own up now. This was a NetGalley book, and it kind of got left behind. So I listened to the audiobook on Xigxag audiobooks. And I’m SO glad that I did.it came to life for me, and where some reviews have said that they were sometimes a little confused as to whose chapter it was, either Brynhild the fallen Valkyrie or Gudrun, Princess of Burgundia, I had no such issue. The narrators, Eleanor Jackson and India Shaw-Smith WERE Brynhild and Gudrun. And they were both self-assured, strong leaders who would take no nonsense.
What did surprise me was how forgiving Brynhild was of Sigurd lies. If you already know the myth, then you’ll know! Otherwise, my lips are sealed, because you really have to read this for yourself!
Oh, and the Germanic history was the icing on the cake for me. And there’s loads of extra information about both the Norse mythology and the German history, both in relation to the book, on Kate Heartsfields website - chapter by chapter! I’ve had the BEST time on there!
So, yes, this is very much a recommended book!
ClareR (5885 KP) rated Black Thorn in Books
May 22, 2024
I found Black Thorn on my kindle, downloaded last year from NetGalley and forgotten (I’m sorry). So in recompense and quite a lot of guilt, I bought the audiobook. I’m very glad I did. Imogen Church does a great job of reading this rather disturbing story from Agnes Gale’s point of view. She’s the adult daughter of one of the men responsible for the building and sale of the houses in an exclusive development on the Cornish cliffs.
Just weeks after moving in, six people, including children, are dead. All the remaining inhabitants are told to leave their homes as they’re deemed unsafe, and the whole development is cordoned off. Agnes is sure there’s more to it, so she decides to investigate.
There’s a really unnerving atmosphere to this story, probably made more so coming from Agnes’ point of view. She’s autistic, and even though she’s adamant that something isn’t right, she’s largely ignored because of her autism. The insights into Agnes’ personality and her inner thoughts were sensitively handled and realistic, I thought.
All of the characters were really well developed: Errol, Agnes’ friend; Christie her brother; and Trevor her fathers business partner, especially.
This was a thoroughly good listen, and I’m so glad that I (eventually) found it!
Just weeks after moving in, six people, including children, are dead. All the remaining inhabitants are told to leave their homes as they’re deemed unsafe, and the whole development is cordoned off. Agnes is sure there’s more to it, so she decides to investigate.
There’s a really unnerving atmosphere to this story, probably made more so coming from Agnes’ point of view. She’s autistic, and even though she’s adamant that something isn’t right, she’s largely ignored because of her autism. The insights into Agnes’ personality and her inner thoughts were sensitively handled and realistic, I thought.
All of the characters were really well developed: Errol, Agnes’ friend; Christie her brother; and Trevor her fathers business partner, especially.
This was a thoroughly good listen, and I’m so glad that I (eventually) found it!
Kyera (8 KP) rated Hunt for Jade Dragon (Michael Vey, #4) in Books
Feb 1, 2018
As this is the fourth book in the series, there really isn't much that I can say that wouldn't be spoiler-y. I chose to listen to this series via audiobook, so I want to specifically address that. For whatever reason, the third and fourth books were not narrated by the same person who voiced the first, second, fifth, six and final book in the series. That means that three different people narrated this series if that is something that would bother you I would recommend reading the books physically. I personally enjoyed the narrator for this book the most out of the three that voiced this series.
This story was as enjoyable as the others and is a good level for middle-grade readers or younger YA readers. Unfortunately, the author continues to overuse the word said and it is becoming more and more irksome as the series progresses. I had hoped that it would improve, but it hasn't yet. One can still hope though.
It was nice to see more character development and the Electroclan seeing more of the world. Understandably, after everything the kids have gone through they feel older than their actual years. Forced to grow up and shoulder too much responsibility too quickly. I still recommend this series and hope that the writing will improve through the last three books.
This story was as enjoyable as the others and is a good level for middle-grade readers or younger YA readers. Unfortunately, the author continues to overuse the word said and it is becoming more and more irksome as the series progresses. I had hoped that it would improve, but it hasn't yet. One can still hope though.
It was nice to see more character development and the Electroclan seeing more of the world. Understandably, after everything the kids have gone through they feel older than their actual years. Forced to grow up and shoulder too much responsibility too quickly. I still recommend this series and hope that the writing will improve through the last three books.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel in Books
Jul 12, 2018
I received this Graphic Novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have been meaning to read Anne of Green Gables for years upon years. About a month ago I picked up the audiobook and decided to listen/read it. I really enjoyed the story. It was so beautiful in it's simplicity. When I saw there was a graphic novel on netgalley, I immediately had to download it and read it.
The artwork in this book is spectacular. It's beautifully done and just transports you to the lake of shining waters and makes you feel almost as if you're there with Anne enjoying the day. I loved how simplistic the story was and how placing into a graphic novel just seemed to work. The artwork is simplistic yet complex in its variety of colors and beauty.
With reading the book just a few weeks ago, I did notice a bit of the story missing or redone which is completely understandable. You can't fit everything in all the time. I mention this solely for those kids who might decide to read this instead of the book for school.
All in all, this graphic novel expertly shows you the simplicity of the story and enhances it with the beautiful artwork. If you love Anne of Green Gables, I highly recommend taking a look at this. It's spectacular!
I have been meaning to read Anne of Green Gables for years upon years. About a month ago I picked up the audiobook and decided to listen/read it. I really enjoyed the story. It was so beautiful in it's simplicity. When I saw there was a graphic novel on netgalley, I immediately had to download it and read it.
The artwork in this book is spectacular. It's beautifully done and just transports you to the lake of shining waters and makes you feel almost as if you're there with Anne enjoying the day. I loved how simplistic the story was and how placing into a graphic novel just seemed to work. The artwork is simplistic yet complex in its variety of colors and beauty.
With reading the book just a few weeks ago, I did notice a bit of the story missing or redone which is completely understandable. You can't fit everything in all the time. I mention this solely for those kids who might decide to read this instead of the book for school.
All in all, this graphic novel expertly shows you the simplicity of the story and enhances it with the beautiful artwork. If you love Anne of Green Gables, I highly recommend taking a look at this. It's spectacular!
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Once Upon a River in Books
Dec 19, 2018
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
"Once Upon the River" by Diane Setterfield is a difficult book to categorize. It’s part fairy tale, part mystery, part fantasy, and has a dash of historical fiction thrown in for good measure. It revolves around a little town, its pub, its residents, and the river that flow nearby.
The residents are a colorful cast of characters. I enjoyed Setterfield’s use of the pub’s regulars and how they helped move the story along with their storytelling. Storytelling is a significant topic discussed in the story.
I found the beginning of the story confusing. I think it was because of all of the people involved in the storyline. Three separate storylines run parallel and intermingle in the story. Once I was able to keep the characters straight I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
I also listened to a preview of the corresponding audiobook and recommend that also. The narrator, Juliet Stevenson, uses different voices that allows the listener to clearly recognize that character.
I devoured Setterfield’s “The Thirteenth Tale” (my rating is 4 out of 5 stars) and now “Once Upon a River” (4 stars rating). Diane Setterfield is now an author I follow and am looking forward to her next story.
"Once Upon the River" by Diane Setterfield is a difficult book to categorize. It’s part fairy tale, part mystery, part fantasy, and has a dash of historical fiction thrown in for good measure. It revolves around a little town, its pub, its residents, and the river that flow nearby.
The residents are a colorful cast of characters. I enjoyed Setterfield’s use of the pub’s regulars and how they helped move the story along with their storytelling. Storytelling is a significant topic discussed in the story.
I found the beginning of the story confusing. I think it was because of all of the people involved in the storyline. Three separate storylines run parallel and intermingle in the story. Once I was able to keep the characters straight I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
I also listened to a preview of the corresponding audiobook and recommend that also. The narrator, Juliet Stevenson, uses different voices that allows the listener to clearly recognize that character.
I devoured Setterfield’s “The Thirteenth Tale” (my rating is 4 out of 5 stars) and now “Once Upon a River” (4 stars rating). Diane Setterfield is now an author I follow and am looking forward to her next story.
Audm - The Atlantic, WIRED
News and Magazines & Newspapers
App
Audm presents the world's best long-form journalism, read aloud word-for-word by celebrated...