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Culture and International Economic Law
Book
Globalization and international economic governance offer unprecedented opportunities for cultural...
Illiterate Apostles: Uneducated Early Christians and the Literates Who Loved Them
Book
Pagan critics ridiculed the early Christians for being uneducated. We know this, because a few...
Geodesign by Integrating Design and Geospatial Sciences
Danbi Lee, Eduardo Dias and Henk J. Scholten
Book
In Europe, the emerging discipline of geodesign was earmarked by the first Geodesign Summit held in...
Summer Nineteen Forty-Five
Book
“Thirty years later, when he is in the middling part of his life… Peter Howard, needing to...
literary fiction
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Sweet Liar (Candy #2) in Books
Jan 6, 2021
*A copy of this book was received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Hmm... It's taken me a few days to read this, mainly because of work but also because it didn't go how I expected.
So, I read the first book Like Candy a week or so ago and I was loving the blossoming relationship between Candy and Jonah but I wasn't so keen on the other half of the plotline, the dad thing.
Unfortunately that was what this followed up on, especially after that cliffhanger ending from the last one. I needed an explanation but I also wanted more of the romance.
We did get it, along with an emotional rollercoaster, but the main plotline in this was around Candy's father.
It didn't grab me like the first book did but I'll admit to having a good old cry at the end.
There were nice bits and not so nice bits and together it was alright. It was a good ending to the story--and I'm assuming it is the last one?
Hmm... It's taken me a few days to read this, mainly because of work but also because it didn't go how I expected.
So, I read the first book Like Candy a week or so ago and I was loving the blossoming relationship between Candy and Jonah but I wasn't so keen on the other half of the plotline, the dad thing.
Unfortunately that was what this followed up on, especially after that cliffhanger ending from the last one. I needed an explanation but I also wanted more of the romance.
We did get it, along with an emotional rollercoaster, but the main plotline in this was around Candy's father.
It didn't grab me like the first book did but I'll admit to having a good old cry at the end.
There were nice bits and not so nice bits and together it was alright. It was a good ending to the story--and I'm assuming it is the last one?
Ross (3284 KP) rated Pan's Labyrinth: The Labyrinth of the Faun in Books
Aug 19, 2019
Thrilling and eerie film adaptation
*I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
It has been a number of years since I watched Pan's Labyrinth, but remember it as being a dark, twisted fairy tale set during the second world war. The book keeps that feel, we are introduced to Ofelia, a quiet bookish young girl who is moving with her mother to live with her stepfather, as he tries to break a group of Spanish rebels, ahead of the birth of her half-brother.
Ofelia sees some unusual statues and artefacts in the woods and soon meets the Faun, who sets her a mission to return to take her place as the princess of the Underground Kingdom.
There follows a brilliant mix of Ofelia's real life, the despicable exploits of Franco's army, and the fairy tale world she steps into.
This is a very short, immersive fairy tale with lots of nice side-stories that all weave into the book in some form.
It has been a number of years since I watched Pan's Labyrinth, but remember it as being a dark, twisted fairy tale set during the second world war. The book keeps that feel, we are introduced to Ofelia, a quiet bookish young girl who is moving with her mother to live with her stepfather, as he tries to break a group of Spanish rebels, ahead of the birth of her half-brother.
Ofelia sees some unusual statues and artefacts in the woods and soon meets the Faun, who sets her a mission to return to take her place as the princess of the Underground Kingdom.
There follows a brilliant mix of Ofelia's real life, the despicable exploits of Franco's army, and the fairy tale world she steps into.
This is a very short, immersive fairy tale with lots of nice side-stories that all weave into the book in some form.
Merissa (14148 KP) rated Secretly Mine (Offbeat Shifters #1) in Books
Feb 11, 2021 (Updated Aug 7, 2023)
SECRETLY MINE is the first book in the Offbeat Shifters series, and the first thing I want to talk about is how wonderful it is to have two shifters, neither of which are bears or wolves!
Isaac left his job at the London Stock Exchange and is hired by an old college 'friend' as a bodyguard. His first job is to protect up-and-coming pop star, Jesse Steele. He expects a diva, but what he gets is very different.
This is a slow-burn romance with some steamy moments that enhance the overall story. The pacing is smooth, and the world-building and attention to detail are spot-on. I loved the suspense aspect of it, even though I guessed correctly early on who it was.
A great start to a series that I can't wait to continue. Absolutely 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!
Feb 11, 2021
Isaac left his job at the London Stock Exchange and is hired by an old college 'friend' as a bodyguard. His first job is to protect up-and-coming pop star, Jesse Steele. He expects a diva, but what he gets is very different.
This is a slow-burn romance with some steamy moments that enhance the overall story. The pacing is smooth, and the world-building and attention to detail are spot-on. I loved the suspense aspect of it, even though I guessed correctly early on who it was.
A great start to a series that I can't wait to continue. Absolutely 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!
Feb 11, 2021
(This review can be found on my blog <a href="http://themisadventuresofatwentysomething.blogspot.com/">The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl</a> at the beginning of December).
When I was asked if I would review this book, I said yes without even thinking about. This book has been on my to be read shelf for awhile, and while it wasn't laugh out loud funny all the time, it was still laugh worthy.
The cover shows that this is going to be a humorous book with funny illustrations. I, personally, like the cover, and it drew me in.
There is one sign that you're a Facebook addict on each page as well as a full page illustration on the other to go with the sign. Some of these are funny while others are mildly amusing. Some signs used in the book include "you've already created a page for your unborn child," your partner angrily claims they've become a Facebook widow," and "you've had a face-off with Facebook." There's also suggestions to detox from Facebook such as "get sent to jail," "join Google+ instead," and "fall in love."
I enjoyed the illustrations the most if I'm honest. Gemini Adams, not only wrote the book, but also illustrated it. While most of them are cutesy, there area few which are kinda crude. Mostly, they only show women's breasts. There's no illustrations of crotches so worry not.
I believe this book would be a perfect stocking stuffer or gag gift for someone who is on Facebook a lot. I'm thinking of getting this book for my dad who is obsessed with how many friends he has and how many likes he gets.
(I received a free paperback copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review).
When I was asked if I would review this book, I said yes without even thinking about. This book has been on my to be read shelf for awhile, and while it wasn't laugh out loud funny all the time, it was still laugh worthy.
The cover shows that this is going to be a humorous book with funny illustrations. I, personally, like the cover, and it drew me in.
There is one sign that you're a Facebook addict on each page as well as a full page illustration on the other to go with the sign. Some of these are funny while others are mildly amusing. Some signs used in the book include "you've already created a page for your unborn child," your partner angrily claims they've become a Facebook widow," and "you've had a face-off with Facebook." There's also suggestions to detox from Facebook such as "get sent to jail," "join Google+ instead," and "fall in love."
I enjoyed the illustrations the most if I'm honest. Gemini Adams, not only wrote the book, but also illustrated it. While most of them are cutesy, there area few which are kinda crude. Mostly, they only show women's breasts. There's no illustrations of crotches so worry not.
I believe this book would be a perfect stocking stuffer or gag gift for someone who is on Facebook a lot. I'm thinking of getting this book for my dad who is obsessed with how many friends he has and how many likes he gets.
(I received a free paperback copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review).
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Serafina and the Black Cloak in Books
Jun 18, 2018
<a href="https://awindowintobooks.wordpress.com">Full Review</a>
Serafina and the Twisted Staff by Robert Beatty is the second book in the series. This picks up not too long after the first book left off. During that time, Serafina spent time with her mother wandering the woods and learning about her catamount nature. She has not been successful in shifting to her cat form yet, she is determined.
In the first book the reader learns that Serafina is fearless. In the start of book #2, Serafina is still roaming around in the walls and vents, sleeping during the day, and for the most part keeping out of sight of the rest of the inhabitants in the house. She is skeptical of having contact with others and continues to view herself as other. However; by then end of the story of book #2, she has learned to accept herself and has become confident in her specific qualities.
In the first book the reader meet Braeden and it is learned that he loves animals and is able to communicate with them easier than humans. In the second book Braeden has a better understanding of his gifts. The relationship between Braeden and Serafina continues to develop.
Serafina and the Twisted Staff is written for a middle/ junior high students. The story has twists that keep the story moving and creates a level of suspense. The descriptions of the setting is vivid which allows for the reader to really "see" where the story takes place. Serafina and the Twisted Staff is a great addition to the Serafina story.
I received this book from the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Serafina and the Twisted Staff by Robert Beatty is the second book in the series. This picks up not too long after the first book left off. During that time, Serafina spent time with her mother wandering the woods and learning about her catamount nature. She has not been successful in shifting to her cat form yet, she is determined.
In the first book the reader learns that Serafina is fearless. In the start of book #2, Serafina is still roaming around in the walls and vents, sleeping during the day, and for the most part keeping out of sight of the rest of the inhabitants in the house. She is skeptical of having contact with others and continues to view herself as other. However; by then end of the story of book #2, she has learned to accept herself and has become confident in her specific qualities.
In the first book the reader meet Braeden and it is learned that he loves animals and is able to communicate with them easier than humans. In the second book Braeden has a better understanding of his gifts. The relationship between Braeden and Serafina continues to develop.
Serafina and the Twisted Staff is written for a middle/ junior high students. The story has twists that keep the story moving and creates a level of suspense. The descriptions of the setting is vivid which allows for the reader to really "see" where the story takes place. Serafina and the Twisted Staff is a great addition to the Serafina story.
I received this book from the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Olivia (102 KP) rated Infinite Blue in Books
Aug 13, 2018
I received an advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
What I expected from Infinite Blue was a story about two teens trying to make love work and last. Instead, what I got was a contemporary, magical-realism book about life, love, passion and just how eternal they are.
Infinite Blue is a mystical read that I highly enjoyed. The relationship between our two main characters, Ash and Clayton, was incredibly sweet, the concept of this book felt highly original, and it was quick and easy to read. So, with all that praise, why have I given it a relatively low rating?
Infinite Blue left me wanting more. Unfortunately, not in the traditional "I loved this book and never want it to end! Give me twenty spin-offs of it!" way. The book is only 178 pages long. In that time a lot happens. But so much of it is skimmed over to an extreme extent where I felt I'd only read a third of a book. Yes, all the details a reader need to know are disclosed on paper, but there is practically no build up toward these events. That alone is why I don't feel I can give it a higher rating. The book feels incomplete.
With that being said, Orca Publishing specializes in publishing books for reluctant readers. This is a book I would recommend to reluctant readers ages 12-15. It's very straight to the point so it leaves little room to get distracted and the concept is extremely interesting.
But ultimately, as an avid reader, I found myself a bit let down by how incomplete the book felt as a whole.
What I expected from Infinite Blue was a story about two teens trying to make love work and last. Instead, what I got was a contemporary, magical-realism book about life, love, passion and just how eternal they are.
Infinite Blue is a mystical read that I highly enjoyed. The relationship between our two main characters, Ash and Clayton, was incredibly sweet, the concept of this book felt highly original, and it was quick and easy to read. So, with all that praise, why have I given it a relatively low rating?
Infinite Blue left me wanting more. Unfortunately, not in the traditional "I loved this book and never want it to end! Give me twenty spin-offs of it!" way. The book is only 178 pages long. In that time a lot happens. But so much of it is skimmed over to an extreme extent where I felt I'd only read a third of a book. Yes, all the details a reader need to know are disclosed on paper, but there is practically no build up toward these events. That alone is why I don't feel I can give it a higher rating. The book feels incomplete.
With that being said, Orca Publishing specializes in publishing books for reluctant readers. This is a book I would recommend to reluctant readers ages 12-15. It's very straight to the point so it leaves little room to get distracted and the concept is extremely interesting.
But ultimately, as an avid reader, I found myself a bit let down by how incomplete the book felt as a whole.