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Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Daughter of Auschwitz in Books
Oct 1, 2022
“The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.” ELIE WIESEL
This is an extremely hard book to read but one I feel necessary so the past is not forgotten.
Tova was born just prior to the start of World War II; her earliest memories being of living in the ghetto her family and parents were sent to by the Nazi's. From the ghetto, she and her parents are sent to a labour camp; Tova is 5 years old. At the age of 6, Tova and her mum are separated from her dad for the first time as they are placed in different cattle cars and sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Tova describes her experiences from the eyes of an innocent child trying to make sense of the horrors she hears and witnesses every day. How someone, let alone a child, can survive what went on in that hell and come out the other side and live even close to a 'normal' life is beyond me. It is testament to the strength of her mother and the lessons she taught Tova that she survived and became the woman she did.
Many thanks to Quercus Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this powerful, heart-breaking but uplifting book. This should be required reading for all school children and adults alike.
This is an extremely hard book to read but one I feel necessary so the past is not forgotten.
Tova was born just prior to the start of World War II; her earliest memories being of living in the ghetto her family and parents were sent to by the Nazi's. From the ghetto, she and her parents are sent to a labour camp; Tova is 5 years old. At the age of 6, Tova and her mum are separated from her dad for the first time as they are placed in different cattle cars and sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Tova describes her experiences from the eyes of an innocent child trying to make sense of the horrors she hears and witnesses every day. How someone, let alone a child, can survive what went on in that hell and come out the other side and live even close to a 'normal' life is beyond me. It is testament to the strength of her mother and the lessons she taught Tova that she survived and became the woman she did.
Many thanks to Quercus Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this powerful, heart-breaking but uplifting book. This should be required reading for all school children and adults alike.
The North Wind (The Four Winds #1)
8.0
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Lush. Dark. Romantic. Introducing a newly reimagined tale written in the vein of Beauty and the...
New Adult Fantasy Romance
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Child of Fear & Fire in Books
Mar 30, 2022
57 of 230
Book
Child of Fear & Fire
By G.R. Thomas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fear feeds Wickedness.
It hungers for the tremor of a voice, the drop of a tear. Wickedness dines on the echo of a racing heart, delights in the falsetto of a scream.
Eliza lives darkness’s dream. A maid in a great house, owned by indifferent aristocrats, run by their three cruel daughters.
Daily beatings, tricks and cruelties by the Norlane sisters have left Eliza a mute shell, a vacant vessel besieged by fear. Yet, alone as she feels, as small and insignificant as her life seems, something is watching her.
Darkness lives in the forbidden forest beyond the neat and orderly civility of Norlane Hall. Wickedness hears Eliza’s silent tears, rises to the vibrations of her body that quivers in terror.
Wickedness awakens from its slumber and calls to her.
This was such an interesting tale. It’s was deep and so dark. We follow the life of a young housemaid that’s bullied, beaten and abused by the entitled. Three sister and a father who take liberties with this young girl until you could say the darkness of nature gives her a helping hand at getting her revenge. Totally mesmerising you didn’t know how this would end. I genuinely broke my heart for how Eliza was treated by them. What an ending though! Loved it!
Book
Child of Fear & Fire
By G.R. Thomas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fear feeds Wickedness.
It hungers for the tremor of a voice, the drop of a tear. Wickedness dines on the echo of a racing heart, delights in the falsetto of a scream.
Eliza lives darkness’s dream. A maid in a great house, owned by indifferent aristocrats, run by their three cruel daughters.
Daily beatings, tricks and cruelties by the Norlane sisters have left Eliza a mute shell, a vacant vessel besieged by fear. Yet, alone as she feels, as small and insignificant as her life seems, something is watching her.
Darkness lives in the forbidden forest beyond the neat and orderly civility of Norlane Hall. Wickedness hears Eliza’s silent tears, rises to the vibrations of her body that quivers in terror.
Wickedness awakens from its slumber and calls to her.
This was such an interesting tale. It’s was deep and so dark. We follow the life of a young housemaid that’s bullied, beaten and abused by the entitled. Three sister and a father who take liberties with this young girl until you could say the darkness of nature gives her a helping hand at getting her revenge. Totally mesmerising you didn’t know how this would end. I genuinely broke my heart for how Eliza was treated by them. What an ending though! Loved it!
David McK (3562 KP) rated Lesser Evil (Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendency, #3) in Books
Sep 25, 2022
Final part in Timothy Zahn's newest Thrawn trilogy, which itself acts as a sort of a prequel to his earlier prequel Thrawn trilogy (in which Thrawn joins the Empire), which itself is a prequel - of sorts - to his appearance in the tv show 'Star Wars: Rebels', with the latter most likely a result of his immense popularity since he was first introduced in Zahn's own (now defunct) 'Heir to the Empire' trilogy from the early 1990s.
Anyway - and, as before for this trilogy - this is set 'A long time ago, beyond a galaxy far, far away ...' and finally completes the arc/narrative started in Chaos Rising (and continued on in Greater Good) with the Chiss Ascendency under attack from a shadowy figure who has been pulling the strings all along (now that I type that, sounding a bit like Palpatine (it's not) ) turning the Ascendency against itself and their neighbours also against them at the same time. It's actually only really in the epilogue, where Thrawn and another character discuss the Fall of the Republic and the Rise of the Empire that you really only get a sense of where and when these events happen, which is both the novels greatest strength (it's fresh! it's not beholden to what-has-come-before) and weakness (the setting may be too 'new' for more casual Star Wars fans).
Anyway - and, as before for this trilogy - this is set 'A long time ago, beyond a galaxy far, far away ...' and finally completes the arc/narrative started in Chaos Rising (and continued on in Greater Good) with the Chiss Ascendency under attack from a shadowy figure who has been pulling the strings all along (now that I type that, sounding a bit like Palpatine (it's not) ) turning the Ascendency against itself and their neighbours also against them at the same time. It's actually only really in the epilogue, where Thrawn and another character discuss the Fall of the Republic and the Rise of the Empire that you really only get a sense of where and when these events happen, which is both the novels greatest strength (it's fresh! it's not beholden to what-has-come-before) and weakness (the setting may be too 'new' for more casual Star Wars fans).
David McK (3562 KP) rated Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023) in Movies
Mar 19, 2023
I've always quite liekd Zachary Levi, going back to when I first encountered him in his TV days on the spy comedy drama show 'Chuck' (remember that?)
Beyond that - and a few side character appearances in the early Thor films - I would struggle to name a single movie with him in it.
Except for 2019s Shazam!, where he took the leading role of the grown-up alter-ego of a teenager who is granted magic (superheroic) powers when he shouts the word Shazam!
That movie, itself, was enjoyable and a breath of fresh air from the grimdark of the DC brand (in the movies) at the time.
This follows on from the events of the first movie, with a certain select group of people now aware of who Shazam *is*, and with the same sprinkling of the horror genre throughout; albeit not quite so much 'on the nose' as the Seven Deadly Sins were. Instead, we have the mythical Daughters of Atlas out for revenge, viewing their powers as having been stolen and gifted to the mortals by the (still nameless) Wizard (who makes a return, despite having turned to dust previously - don't ask).
Whilst the future structure of the whole DC universe is currently 'under review', it may be interesting to see where this lesser-known (at least, to me) brand goes!
Beyond that - and a few side character appearances in the early Thor films - I would struggle to name a single movie with him in it.
Except for 2019s Shazam!, where he took the leading role of the grown-up alter-ego of a teenager who is granted magic (superheroic) powers when he shouts the word Shazam!
That movie, itself, was enjoyable and a breath of fresh air from the grimdark of the DC brand (in the movies) at the time.
This follows on from the events of the first movie, with a certain select group of people now aware of who Shazam *is*, and with the same sprinkling of the horror genre throughout; albeit not quite so much 'on the nose' as the Seven Deadly Sins were. Instead, we have the mythical Daughters of Atlas out for revenge, viewing their powers as having been stolen and gifted to the mortals by the (still nameless) Wizard (who makes a return, despite having turned to dust previously - don't ask).
Whilst the future structure of the whole DC universe is currently 'under review', it may be interesting to see where this lesser-known (at least, to me) brand goes!
You Won't Know Her Name
9.0
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There lives a little girl whom you will never know the name of, and for her, a terrible storm is...
bullying sexual assualt middle school junior high
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Troy in Books
Mar 4, 2022
39 of 230
Book
Troy (Mythos book 3)
By Stephen Fry
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
AN EPIC BATTLE THAT LASTED TEN YEARS. A LEGENDARY STORY THAT HAS SURVIVED THOUSANDS.
'An inimitable retelling of the siege of Troy . . . Fry's narrative, artfully humorous and rich in detail, breathes life and contemporary relevance into these ancient tales'OBSERVER
'Stephen Fry has done it again. Well written and super storytelling' 5***** READER REVIEW
________
'Troy. The most marvellous kingdom in all the world. The Jewel of the Aegean. Glittering Ilion, the city that rose and fell not once but twice . . .'
When Helen, the beautiful Greek queen, is kidnapped by the Trojan prince Paris, the most legendary war of all time begins.
Watch in awe as a thousand ships are launched against the great city of Troy.
Feel the fury of the battleground as the Trojans stand resolutely against Greek might for an entire decade.
And witness the epic climax - the wooden horse, delivered to the city of Troy in a masterclass of deception by the Greeks . . .
In Stephen Fry's exceptional retelling of our greatest story, TROY will transport you to the depths of ancient Greece and beyond.
________
I love Greek Mythology and Stephen Fry is one of my favourite people. All through this book his voice was in my head. Brilliant retellings and underlying humour. Brilliant!
Book
Troy (Mythos book 3)
By Stephen Fry
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
AN EPIC BATTLE THAT LASTED TEN YEARS. A LEGENDARY STORY THAT HAS SURVIVED THOUSANDS.
'An inimitable retelling of the siege of Troy . . . Fry's narrative, artfully humorous and rich in detail, breathes life and contemporary relevance into these ancient tales'OBSERVER
'Stephen Fry has done it again. Well written and super storytelling' 5***** READER REVIEW
________
'Troy. The most marvellous kingdom in all the world. The Jewel of the Aegean. Glittering Ilion, the city that rose and fell not once but twice . . .'
When Helen, the beautiful Greek queen, is kidnapped by the Trojan prince Paris, the most legendary war of all time begins.
Watch in awe as a thousand ships are launched against the great city of Troy.
Feel the fury of the battleground as the Trojans stand resolutely against Greek might for an entire decade.
And witness the epic climax - the wooden horse, delivered to the city of Troy in a masterclass of deception by the Greeks . . .
In Stephen Fry's exceptional retelling of our greatest story, TROY will transport you to the depths of ancient Greece and beyond.
________
I love Greek Mythology and Stephen Fry is one of my favourite people. All through this book his voice was in my head. Brilliant retellings and underlying humour. Brilliant!
Merissa (12914 KP) rated Hexes and Hijinx (The Lost Witch #2) in Books
Oct 3, 2023
HEXES AND HIJINX is the second and final book in The Lost Witch series. You really need to read Book One as this one follows on from where that left off.
Theo and Fiona go from one thing straight to another. Her father is a piece of work and the thought of framing his daughter for the murders of a whole coven is nothing if it means he can escape.
Theo proves beyond any doubt that he means to stand by Fiona, no matter what! In return, Fiona is Theo's in all ways. Their combined grumpiness, spice and sass came through loud and clear, and I loved how the story flowed.
One thing for me was although Theo and Fiona's relationship moved forward, it almost felt as though it was on the back burner - which kind of makes sense considering what they were up against, but still. Personally, I would have liked a little more time with those two, rather than everyone else, but that's just me.
A great read and a brilliant finale to their story. I'm really hoping we return to this world. Definitely recommended by me.
** 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!.
Oct 3, 2023
Theo and Fiona go from one thing straight to another. Her father is a piece of work and the thought of framing his daughter for the murders of a whole coven is nothing if it means he can escape.
Theo proves beyond any doubt that he means to stand by Fiona, no matter what! In return, Fiona is Theo's in all ways. Their combined grumpiness, spice and sass came through loud and clear, and I loved how the story flowed.
One thing for me was although Theo and Fiona's relationship moved forward, it almost felt as though it was on the back burner - which kind of makes sense considering what they were up against, but still. Personally, I would have liked a little more time with those two, rather than everyone else, but that's just me.
A great read and a brilliant finale to their story. I'm really hoping we return to this world. Definitely recommended by me.
** 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!.
Oct 3, 2023
Merissa (12914 KP) rated Scorched by Darkness (Eternal Mates #18) in Books
Apr 19, 2021 (Updated Jul 27, 2023)
SCORCHED BY DARKNESSEternal Mates series and what a joy it was to get back into this series, having missed the last couple of stories.
Hartt and Mackenzie are both assassins, both charged with killing the same mark, the King of Death himself. They start off as just two rival assassins, but things quickly change when they realise they are fated mates. Neither of them wants to be with someone just because Fate said so though, so Hartt goes above and beyond to prove he loves her. Plus, he does have some grovelling to do because of Iolanthe!
This was a brilliantly paced story, with plenty of intrigue to move the story along, plus steamy times. I loved seeing couples I have met before, and how their personalities change and yet remain the same. Read it, you'll understand what I mean!
I also loved the hints about Syn. I really can't wait to learn her story. I am wondering if she'll be the next story, but either way, I can't wait for this to continue. A brilliant addition to the series, and definitely recommended by me.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 19, 2021
Hartt and Mackenzie are both assassins, both charged with killing the same mark, the King of Death himself. They start off as just two rival assassins, but things quickly change when they realise they are fated mates. Neither of them wants to be with someone just because Fate said so though, so Hartt goes above and beyond to prove he loves her. Plus, he does have some grovelling to do because of Iolanthe!
This was a brilliantly paced story, with plenty of intrigue to move the story along, plus steamy times. I loved seeing couples I have met before, and how their personalities change and yet remain the same. Read it, you'll understand what I mean!
I also loved the hints about Syn. I really can't wait to learn her story. I am wondering if she'll be the next story, but either way, I can't wait for this to continue. A brilliant addition to the series, and definitely recommended by me.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 19, 2021
Shadow Bound (Shadow #1)
8.0
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Enter a world of perilous fae magic in Erin Kellison's captivating Shadow Series... Talia O'Brien...
Urban Fantasy Romance Mystery