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The Counsel of the Cunning (Roger Viceroy #2)
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Author of Give Place to Wrath—Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award Finalist & American Book Fest...
Mystery
Absolution
9.0
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Ten years after the publication of Annihilation, the surprise fourth volume in Jeff VanderMeer’s...
Weird Fiction Speculative fiction
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated The Unannounced Christmas Visitor in Books
Mar 5, 2019
What if angels really did come from the most unlikely of places? That’s exactly what happens in this heartwarming story, set in a homeless community in Anywhere USA. Sent to Planet Earth by his Maker, disguised as a homeless person, Enoch was on a mission: to rescue a man whose life was slowly but steadily spiraling out of control Inspired by Hebrews 13:2, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it,” this story will stir your soul like never be afore, guaranteed! 2016 IPA (INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHER AWARDS) GOLD MEDAL AWARD WINNER.
My Thoughts: This novel is certainly a winner! It comes just in time for the holiday and Christmas season, reminding us how important hospitality and loving others is. It's not about receiving but in giving from the heart. Patrick Higgins has done an incredible job of showing us through his writing how important it is to give to others. How we need to have the love of God in us in order to feel complete. This novel truly moved me and it will certainly speak to those who are feeling lost, depressed or not knowing their God-given purpose.
This book will make the reader think twice about how society treats the homeless and what would your church do if a homeless person came into the church next Sunday? Patrick Higgins hit a lot of points in this book and I recommend that every Christian give this book a read.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
My Thoughts: This novel is certainly a winner! It comes just in time for the holiday and Christmas season, reminding us how important hospitality and loving others is. It's not about receiving but in giving from the heart. Patrick Higgins has done an incredible job of showing us through his writing how important it is to give to others. How we need to have the love of God in us in order to feel complete. This novel truly moved me and it will certainly speak to those who are feeling lost, depressed or not knowing their God-given purpose.
This book will make the reader think twice about how society treats the homeless and what would your church do if a homeless person came into the church next Sunday? Patrick Higgins hit a lot of points in this book and I recommend that every Christian give this book a read.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Sam (74 KP) rated The Hate u Give in Books
Mar 27, 2019
It’s got five-star reviews everywhere, has won so many awards, and literally, everyone is talking about it. So, of course, it’s worth a try.
Only I didn’t enjoy it to the point where I got halfway through and couldn’t finish it. I wasn’t even sure whether to post the review because I know that lots of people will disagree with me over this.
I was so excited for a book to be out that’s about police brutality in America towards black teenagers, and was surprised, to begin with, that something as serious as this was in a YA book, but also happy that it was being told to teenagers. It sounded like my ideal book.
But I just couldn’t get along with it at all. The whole idea with the book is to show what casual racism is doing to America, but at the same time on every few pages, there’s another part talking about how horrible and funny and evil white people are. If a book wants to make a stand against racism, make a stand against it from both sides, not just one. You cannot end racism by calling the other race.
I just found it really one-sided in its battle against racism. I am definitely not saying that the police shooting was right, let me just say that, and Starr has every right to hate the police for shooting her best friend. However, this does not mean that every few pages there needs to be a comment about how awful white people are.
A much healthier focus for the book would have been equality, not switching the racism to the other side in a ‘how-do-you-like-it-now’ move.
Only I didn’t enjoy it to the point where I got halfway through and couldn’t finish it. I wasn’t even sure whether to post the review because I know that lots of people will disagree with me over this.
I was so excited for a book to be out that’s about police brutality in America towards black teenagers, and was surprised, to begin with, that something as serious as this was in a YA book, but also happy that it was being told to teenagers. It sounded like my ideal book.
But I just couldn’t get along with it at all. The whole idea with the book is to show what casual racism is doing to America, but at the same time on every few pages, there’s another part talking about how horrible and funny and evil white people are. If a book wants to make a stand against racism, make a stand against it from both sides, not just one. You cannot end racism by calling the other race.
I just found it really one-sided in its battle against racism. I am definitely not saying that the police shooting was right, let me just say that, and Starr has every right to hate the police for shooting her best friend. However, this does not mean that every few pages there needs to be a comment about how awful white people are.
A much healthier focus for the book would have been equality, not switching the racism to the other side in a ‘how-do-you-like-it-now’ move.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Andreas Moss by Andreas Moss in Music
Jun 7, 2019
Andreas Moss is a Swedish-born, Nashville-bred, and Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter. Not too long ago, he released his self-titled 7-track debut EP featuring Yachtmoney and Melanie Pfirrman.
Moss (Jonathan Thulin) has amassed Dove Awards, number-one records, and headlined tours as a Christian recording artist before making the transition to pop music in recent years. After struggling with the acceptance of his sexuality within the church, the sexually fluid singer decided to go his own way. And now, he’s unveiling what he has discovered on his debut project.
“STUCK IN MY FEELINGS”
The Matthew Underwood-directed video shows a couple making love. Also, the following scenes aren’t too cozy, as their communication dwindles.
“KODAK”
Moss sings about a relationship issue. He’s over his head in a relationship with a woman he loves. His adoration for her is tearing him up and he knows it. Also, he references the relationship being kodak or looking picture perfect on the outside. But internally, he’s dead like a corpse.
“KOKAIN”
Moss sings about being addicted to cocaine. Also, he highlights the pain of a woman he hurt while being an addict. She’s had it up to here with his inability to rid himself of an addiction that’s detrimental to their long-term relationship.
“DEAR MISERY”
Moss bares his soul and unveils his departure from being an addict and living in misery. He sings about this touching breakup on a remarkable ballad perfumed with hopefulness.
CONCLUSION
Andrea Moss’s self-titled debut project takes listeners on a relatable journey through love, addiction, and redemption. There’s a myriad of emotions felt
throughout the voyage, but the outcome is attractively wonderful.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/andreas-moss-debut-ep/
Moss (Jonathan Thulin) has amassed Dove Awards, number-one records, and headlined tours as a Christian recording artist before making the transition to pop music in recent years. After struggling with the acceptance of his sexuality within the church, the sexually fluid singer decided to go his own way. And now, he’s unveiling what he has discovered on his debut project.
“STUCK IN MY FEELINGS”
The Matthew Underwood-directed video shows a couple making love. Also, the following scenes aren’t too cozy, as their communication dwindles.
“KODAK”
Moss sings about a relationship issue. He’s over his head in a relationship with a woman he loves. His adoration for her is tearing him up and he knows it. Also, he references the relationship being kodak or looking picture perfect on the outside. But internally, he’s dead like a corpse.
“KOKAIN”
Moss sings about being addicted to cocaine. Also, he highlights the pain of a woman he hurt while being an addict. She’s had it up to here with his inability to rid himself of an addiction that’s detrimental to their long-term relationship.
“DEAR MISERY”
Moss bares his soul and unveils his departure from being an addict and living in misery. He sings about this touching breakup on a remarkable ballad perfumed with hopefulness.
CONCLUSION
Andrea Moss’s self-titled debut project takes listeners on a relatable journey through love, addiction, and redemption. There’s a myriad of emotions felt
throughout the voyage, but the outcome is attractively wonderful.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/andreas-moss-debut-ep/
ClareR (5874 KP) rated Red Clocks in Books
Mar 18, 2018 (Updated Mar 18, 2018)
A marmite book!
This follows the lives of five women, in a world where abortion is illegal and seen as murder, IVF is also illegal as the embryo cannot give its opinion, and only married couples can foster and adopt. Back street abortions are back, and the people in a seaside town believe that a woman who lives on her own in the woods and sells cures, is a witch. Each chapter is for a separate female character: the Wife, the Biographer, the Mender, and the Daughter, and between those chapters are snippets from a book that the Biographer is trying to write about a female Arctic explorer. Each woman shows how a patriarchal society inhibits their life choices - they have no choice of their own.
I loved the flow of the language in this novel, I loved the personalities of the characters who were shown to be both loving and spiteful, selfish and generous and strong and weak. Finally, I loved how Zumas has chosen a topic that is all too current in her own country and many others around the world. This is a great book, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if it won awards. It has been criticised for riding on the coat tails of The Handmaids Tale, but I really don't think that this is the case. It is a great piece of work in its own right. This is a topic, though, that is very much on people's minds. And rightly so.
I've seen some very mixed reviews about this novel: it seems to attract extremes of hatred/ love, and I'm not overly surprised. I think the best thing to do, is to probably go and read it!
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Little, Brown and Company for the opportunity to read this!
I loved the flow of the language in this novel, I loved the personalities of the characters who were shown to be both loving and spiteful, selfish and generous and strong and weak. Finally, I loved how Zumas has chosen a topic that is all too current in her own country and many others around the world. This is a great book, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if it won awards. It has been criticised for riding on the coat tails of The Handmaids Tale, but I really don't think that this is the case. It is a great piece of work in its own right. This is a topic, though, that is very much on people's minds. And rightly so.
I've seen some very mixed reviews about this novel: it seems to attract extremes of hatred/ love, and I'm not overly surprised. I think the best thing to do, is to probably go and read it!
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Little, Brown and Company for the opportunity to read this!
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated I Want Your Love - Single by Wes Mason in Music
Jun 17, 2019
Wes Mason is an award-winning recording artist based in Toronto, Canada. Not too long ago, he released a music video for his “I Want Your Love” single featuring Wyclef Jean’s protege Kofi Black.
“Some songs are close to finished when you bring them into the studio. But some songs happen spontaneously and come to life unexpectedly during a party. This is one of those songs that is simply the result of having a great time with great people in the studio.” – Wes Mason
‘I Want Your Love’ song tells an adoring tale of a young guy who finds himself in the presence of a desirable female who wants him in more ways than one.
Apparently, it’s 2:00 AM in the morning and they are dancing on each other at a crowded social event or party.
An hour later, she has her hands all over his body and he’s loving every moment of her touch. Later, inside a nearby hotel room, they kiss and make love.
‘I Want Your Love’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and vibey instrumentation flavored with tropical, contemporary R&B, and commercial pop elements.
The likable island-inspired tune was recorded at the legendary Tito Jackson’s private studio in Los Angeles. Also, at the historic Kensington Sound in Toronto.
It will be featured on Wes Mason’s upcoming album, entitled, “The Animal Inside”.
“I ultimately just want my music to affect people the same way that my favorite artists have affected me. It’s crazy how somebody else’s story can become your own.” – Wes Mason
At the age of 20, Wes Mason has amassed as many accolades as artists twice his age.
So far, he has won numerous international music awards and gained tens of millions of media impressions across TV, radio, and online.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/wes-mason-i-want-your-love-video/
“Some songs are close to finished when you bring them into the studio. But some songs happen spontaneously and come to life unexpectedly during a party. This is one of those songs that is simply the result of having a great time with great people in the studio.” – Wes Mason
‘I Want Your Love’ song tells an adoring tale of a young guy who finds himself in the presence of a desirable female who wants him in more ways than one.
Apparently, it’s 2:00 AM in the morning and they are dancing on each other at a crowded social event or party.
An hour later, she has her hands all over his body and he’s loving every moment of her touch. Later, inside a nearby hotel room, they kiss and make love.
‘I Want Your Love’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and vibey instrumentation flavored with tropical, contemporary R&B, and commercial pop elements.
The likable island-inspired tune was recorded at the legendary Tito Jackson’s private studio in Los Angeles. Also, at the historic Kensington Sound in Toronto.
It will be featured on Wes Mason’s upcoming album, entitled, “The Animal Inside”.
“I ultimately just want my music to affect people the same way that my favorite artists have affected me. It’s crazy how somebody else’s story can become your own.” – Wes Mason
At the age of 20, Wes Mason has amassed as many accolades as artists twice his age.
So far, he has won numerous international music awards and gained tens of millions of media impressions across TV, radio, and online.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/wes-mason-i-want-your-love-video/
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Normal People in Books
Jan 9, 2019 (Updated Jan 9, 2019)
An adorable yet frustrating love story
I always enjoy reading books that are based around the most banal and ordinary of plots, yet are still hugely entertaining and enthralling. I think it takes a great author to make a plot like this rise above just average and readable, to something you can’t put down. And Sally Rooney really succeeds with this book.
It’s just a normal romance between two teenagers in Ireland, whose stories and family lives aren’t anything exceptional and are no doubt similar to many others, yet Sally Rooney has turned this into an adorable and un-putdownable read. There’s something so sweet and yet bleak and dark about this story that I really struggled to put it down. The central characters of Connell and Marianne are well developed yet flawed, and I’m sure many people could relate to them. I really enjoyed the twists and turns and changes in their relationship as the story progressed. The book itself is for the most part well written. It has a good structure and I liked how each chapter skips ahead a few months. My only issue with the writing is that I dislike how the dialogue hasn’t been separated out from the rest of the narrative. Since when is it acceptable to not separate dialogue and conversation between characters using speech marks etc? It made reading some of the conversation a little difficult at times. I’m not sure why books that tend to win awards and accolades do so by having questionable punctuation and prose... I’m also not too sure about the ending. It was unsatisfying and felt like the characters were never going to change or advance. But despite this, I really did think this was a great book.
It’s just a normal romance between two teenagers in Ireland, whose stories and family lives aren’t anything exceptional and are no doubt similar to many others, yet Sally Rooney has turned this into an adorable and un-putdownable read. There’s something so sweet and yet bleak and dark about this story that I really struggled to put it down. The central characters of Connell and Marianne are well developed yet flawed, and I’m sure many people could relate to them. I really enjoyed the twists and turns and changes in their relationship as the story progressed. The book itself is for the most part well written. It has a good structure and I liked how each chapter skips ahead a few months. My only issue with the writing is that I dislike how the dialogue hasn’t been separated out from the rest of the narrative. Since when is it acceptable to not separate dialogue and conversation between characters using speech marks etc? It made reading some of the conversation a little difficult at times. I’m not sure why books that tend to win awards and accolades do so by having questionable punctuation and prose... I’m also not too sure about the ending. It was unsatisfying and felt like the characters were never going to change or advance. But despite this, I really did think this was a great book.
Marylegs (44 KP) rated No Man Can Tame (The Dark-Elves of Nightbloom, #1) in Books
Aug 14, 2019
So, I have been in a bit of a book slump this year. I work hard. I have a two year old. I just don't have the time or the brain power for the types of books I used to read. 800 page epic novels are just too taxing on my time presently. Until I have the time like I use to, I want instant gratification from the books I read.
Now when I say this book is trash, I don't mean the story is rubbish. Far from it I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. What I mean is it isn't 'high' fiction, its probably not going to win any awards. What is is though, is a simple to read, quick paced, sexy book. I am not going to drag out descriptions about the characters and any flaws they may have had in character development (there were some, if I am to be anyway critical). I have read much much much worse books by 'high quality' authors. This was at it's simplest form a book that I have enjoyed reading. I enjoyed it so much that i will most likely read any future novels.
I also feel like it actually wouldn't take too much for this story to actually become 'high' fiction. but when a book it this short there is only so much character and world building that can be done. If it were ever re-edited to be expanded, would I read it again.... yes. The skeleton of the story is very good. but it is at present definitely a book written to get as quick as it can to the juicy (sexy) parts. some good shameless smut is included. So if you aren't into that, this is not the book for you.
This book well and truly got me out of my reading slump.
Now when I say this book is trash, I don't mean the story is rubbish. Far from it I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. What I mean is it isn't 'high' fiction, its probably not going to win any awards. What is is though, is a simple to read, quick paced, sexy book. I am not going to drag out descriptions about the characters and any flaws they may have had in character development (there were some, if I am to be anyway critical). I have read much much much worse books by 'high quality' authors. This was at it's simplest form a book that I have enjoyed reading. I enjoyed it so much that i will most likely read any future novels.
I also feel like it actually wouldn't take too much for this story to actually become 'high' fiction. but when a book it this short there is only so much character and world building that can be done. If it were ever re-edited to be expanded, would I read it again.... yes. The skeleton of the story is very good. but it is at present definitely a book written to get as quick as it can to the juicy (sexy) parts. some good shameless smut is included. So if you aren't into that, this is not the book for you.
This book well and truly got me out of my reading slump.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Symbolism by Caracol in Music
Jul 10, 2019
Caracol is a bilingual singer-songwriter based in Montreal, Canada. Not too long ago, she released a music video for her “Flooded Field” single featuring Illa J (brother of the late Jay Dilla).
“I could be your island. Headlights in the distance reaching out in silence if you won’t tell me how the water came. How can I really get you out of it? Your heart is a flooded field. Tell me what it means. Don’t know how to get to you.” – lyrics
‘Flooded Field’ tells an interesting tale of a supportive woman who wants to comfort her significant other.
Apparently, he has built a wall, so she doesn’t know how to get to him. But she has patience, therefore, she urges him to open up so she can nurture him with love.
‘Flooded Field’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and groovy instrumentation flavored with an electro-reggae aroma.
‘Flooded Field’ is a featured track on Caracol’s latest album, entitled, “Symbolism”.
The 11-track project sums up her past musical experiences and her beginnings as a percussionist and back-up singer in reggae bands.
Also, it highlights her work as a sound engineer in film music and her presence in the songwriting community and pop music writing camps.
Her “Symbolism” adventure began when she met producer Joey Waronker during a creative trip to Los Angeles.
After falling in love with her demos, he decided to work with her, and during the recording process, Caracol reached new heights.
Caracol was recently nominated at the Canadian Indie Awards in the Electronic Artist of the Year category.
Her music influences include Santigold, Lykke Li, Grimes, Beach House, Wild Belle, and Portishead.
“I could be your island. Headlights in the distance reaching out in silence if you won’t tell me how the water came. How can I really get you out of it? Your heart is a flooded field. Tell me what it means. Don’t know how to get to you.” – lyrics
‘Flooded Field’ tells an interesting tale of a supportive woman who wants to comfort her significant other.
Apparently, he has built a wall, so she doesn’t know how to get to him. But she has patience, therefore, she urges him to open up so she can nurture him with love.
‘Flooded Field’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and groovy instrumentation flavored with an electro-reggae aroma.
‘Flooded Field’ is a featured track on Caracol’s latest album, entitled, “Symbolism”.
The 11-track project sums up her past musical experiences and her beginnings as a percussionist and back-up singer in reggae bands.
Also, it highlights her work as a sound engineer in film music and her presence in the songwriting community and pop music writing camps.
Her “Symbolism” adventure began when she met producer Joey Waronker during a creative trip to Los Angeles.
After falling in love with her demos, he decided to work with her, and during the recording process, Caracol reached new heights.
Caracol was recently nominated at the Canadian Indie Awards in the Electronic Artist of the Year category.
Her music influences include Santigold, Lykke Li, Grimes, Beach House, Wild Belle, and Portishead.