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Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Rise (Order of the Krigers, #1) in Books
Jan 23, 2020
<b><i>I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i></b>
Well, now that school's over, time to get back into the swing of things... I think. But really, I'd like to apologize to anyone and anybody I've bothered because of the lack of motivation over here (the slump is real and it's horrible, and I think 2.5 years of "consistent" blogging is finally catching up and smacking me upside the head).
Moving on, but fair warning: this review might be short.
I feel like <i>Rise</i> falls a little short but I really can't do much comparing aside literally one book (<i>Cage of Deceit). T</i>he first book in the <i>Order of the Krigers</i> series starts off a little slow and draggy lots of preparing for Kaia to step into the role of a Kriger, so there is plenty of walking, talking, and training going on for awhile. But despite the feel of slowness and dragginess, I actually found a lot of the talking really interesting, because the world Jennifer Anne Davis builds in her newest series is just intriguing to learn about. It also helps that Kaia has this interest of learning as much as she can about the Krigers.
But anyways, while Rise felt like a slow start to the series, I don't think Jennifer Anne Davis will fail to deliver in future books. In fact... I think the slowness of the first book will be well worth it.
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/blog-tour-rise-by-jennifer-anne-davis-arc-review-and-giveaway/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Well, now that school's over, time to get back into the swing of things... I think. But really, I'd like to apologize to anyone and anybody I've bothered because of the lack of motivation over here (the slump is real and it's horrible, and I think 2.5 years of "consistent" blogging is finally catching up and smacking me upside the head).
Moving on, but fair warning: this review might be short.
I feel like <i>Rise</i> falls a little short but I really can't do much comparing aside literally one book (<i>Cage of Deceit). T</i>he first book in the <i>Order of the Krigers</i> series starts off a little slow and draggy lots of preparing for Kaia to step into the role of a Kriger, so there is plenty of walking, talking, and training going on for awhile. But despite the feel of slowness and dragginess, I actually found a lot of the talking really interesting, because the world Jennifer Anne Davis builds in her newest series is just intriguing to learn about. It also helps that Kaia has this interest of learning as much as she can about the Krigers.
But anyways, while Rise felt like a slow start to the series, I don't think Jennifer Anne Davis will fail to deliver in future books. In fact... I think the slowness of the first book will be well worth it.
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/blog-tour-rise-by-jennifer-anne-davis-arc-review-and-giveaway/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Viral Nation (Viral Nation, #1) in Books
Jan 11, 2021
3½ out of 5 stars
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Hmm…
Well lets start with the cover. It’s amazing; really eye-catching and appropriate to the story. If I’m honest, it’s what drew me to the book in the first place.
Then the plotline: It sounded very interesting, which is the second thing I go for in a book, first the cover then the synopsis. I didn’t realise at the time that it sounds a bit like Acid by Emma Pass, another book I’ve reviewed recently, though it was minus the time-travelling and the autistic girl.
Speaking of, this is the first book I’ve ever read where the character has had “special needs”, though I’m not a fan of that phrase. Clover has autism and struggles with a few things, like crowded places and people arguing.
I’ve never really known anyone who has had autism so it was interesting reading it from the characters perspective and how she has to escape almost into herself to overcome these “issues” and how her dog helped her by applying a gentle pressure to her to anchor her in the here and now.
Up to about the 20% mark I was really liking the story and then it got a little boring and then at about the 35% mark it got interesting again. If a longer book cant keep my interest, I wont carry on reading and luckily for this one, it got good just as i was getting bored. That sounds harsh, but this is an honest review. Anyway, after that point I was really intrigued and almost couldn’t put it down.
I enjoyed it and trying to work out the mystery that was unfolding before me with every page.
If you like young adult dystopian books then you will most definitely like this one.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Hmm…
Well lets start with the cover. It’s amazing; really eye-catching and appropriate to the story. If I’m honest, it’s what drew me to the book in the first place.
Then the plotline: It sounded very interesting, which is the second thing I go for in a book, first the cover then the synopsis. I didn’t realise at the time that it sounds a bit like Acid by Emma Pass, another book I’ve reviewed recently, though it was minus the time-travelling and the autistic girl.
Speaking of, this is the first book I’ve ever read where the character has had “special needs”, though I’m not a fan of that phrase. Clover has autism and struggles with a few things, like crowded places and people arguing.
I’ve never really known anyone who has had autism so it was interesting reading it from the characters perspective and how she has to escape almost into herself to overcome these “issues” and how her dog helped her by applying a gentle pressure to her to anchor her in the here and now.
Up to about the 20% mark I was really liking the story and then it got a little boring and then at about the 35% mark it got interesting again. If a longer book cant keep my interest, I wont carry on reading and luckily for this one, it got good just as i was getting bored. That sounds harsh, but this is an honest review. Anyway, after that point I was really intrigued and almost couldn’t put it down.
I enjoyed it and trying to work out the mystery that was unfolding before me with every page.
If you like young adult dystopian books then you will most definitely like this one.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick (Perry & Gobi, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
<b>Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick</b> is a pure adrenaline rush from start to finish, never letting up for a moment. The tagline: "Ferris Bueller Meets La Femme Nikita in this funny, action-packed young adult novel" pretty much describes it to a T (though I'm sure there are other influences involved too), except in this case the main character, Perry, is closer to Alan Ruck's Cameron than Ferris himself. While reading, I couldn't help but visualize this as a movie, as it'd work very well developed for the big screen. This is definitely a plot-driven book, with less characterization than action, though the author gives just enough to get a sense of who both Perry and the pseudo-foreign-exchange-student-but-in-reality-assassin, Gobi, are that goes beyond two-dimensional. If you're looking for a realistic book, this isn't it, but if you're looking for a wild ride filled with death, violence, rock 'n' roll, humor, mystery, and a main character who grows as the night unfolds, give this a shot, it's loads for fun. A very short book (190 pages), ARCEC is a fast, non-stop action read that would be perfect entertainment if your brain is overworked from work, school, or just every day worries and should appeal to both males and females who enjoy light YA novels.
Kristin (149 KP) rated True Colors (The Masks, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I was given an ARC e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
True Colors follows Caitlyn "Caity" Davis, a high school senior just trying to make her way through her final year alongside all her friends. Little does must she know that one night out will change her life forever. A mysterious stranger bestows an even stranger gift on her, and she must try and deal with the fallout. Can she find a way to cope with her new-found ability with the help of her cute neighbor, or will it be the end of her friendship and life as she knows it?
This book, like all of Melissa's books, pulled me in right from the start. The story is such a new and different one, and I absolutely loved her way of putting it into words. The characters are all entertaining, and they certainly evoke strong emotions: envy, anger, empathy, sorrow, etc. For Caitlyn, she can see all those emotions rolling across the faces of those around her, and I felt like I would have been an open book to her while reading her story. I cannot wait for the next book to come out, as this plot is so intriguing. And the nod to the "Betwixt" series was a great crossover!!
5 stars (because that's as high as Goodreads will let me go!)
True Colors follows Caitlyn "Caity" Davis, a high school senior just trying to make her way through her final year alongside all her friends. Little does must she know that one night out will change her life forever. A mysterious stranger bestows an even stranger gift on her, and she must try and deal with the fallout. Can she find a way to cope with her new-found ability with the help of her cute neighbor, or will it be the end of her friendship and life as she knows it?
This book, like all of Melissa's books, pulled me in right from the start. The story is such a new and different one, and I absolutely loved her way of putting it into words. The characters are all entertaining, and they certainly evoke strong emotions: envy, anger, empathy, sorrow, etc. For Caitlyn, she can see all those emotions rolling across the faces of those around her, and I felt like I would have been an open book to her while reading her story. I cannot wait for the next book to come out, as this plot is so intriguing. And the nod to the "Betwixt" series was a great crossover!!
5 stars (because that's as high as Goodreads will let me go!)
Kristin (149 KP) rated Always (Immortal Love, #2) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The second in the Immortal Love series, this portion continues after the first and is told from Claudia's perspective, in the form of a story to Eva about how Claudia and Marcus Letrell met and ended up together. Starting in the late 1800s, there's plenty of information to grab you, from the idea of house servants to help you dress to a wealthy suitor asking for your hand to improve your station in life. Plus, there's vampires and all the crazy things that happen with them. =)
As I've said before, Amy is one of my favorite authors, and this series is just plain awesome. We get to learn about the Letrell brothers from their companion's perspective, and that's something that really pulls me in. In this book, we read about Claudia's life before Marcus entered it, and how she came to find out about him and his family. Over the course of her story, she tells how she became a vampire and what happened to her in the decades that followed. It's a rather moving story, one that had my emotions on a roller coaster from start to finish.
I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who enjoys vampires, paranormal romance, strong female characters, or who just wants to read a good book. =)
The second in the Immortal Love series, this portion continues after the first and is told from Claudia's perspective, in the form of a story to Eva about how Claudia and Marcus Letrell met and ended up together. Starting in the late 1800s, there's plenty of information to grab you, from the idea of house servants to help you dress to a wealthy suitor asking for your hand to improve your station in life. Plus, there's vampires and all the crazy things that happen with them. =)
As I've said before, Amy is one of my favorite authors, and this series is just plain awesome. We get to learn about the Letrell brothers from their companion's perspective, and that's something that really pulls me in. In this book, we read about Claudia's life before Marcus entered it, and how she came to find out about him and his family. Over the course of her story, she tells how she became a vampire and what happened to her in the decades that followed. It's a rather moving story, one that had my emotions on a roller coaster from start to finish.
I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who enjoys vampires, paranormal romance, strong female characters, or who just wants to read a good book. =)
Kristin (149 KP) rated Descent of Blood (The Red Veil Series Book 1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the storyline of this book. I'm usually not a big fan of historical romance, but I wouldn't say that's all this is, there's so much more there. What drew me in was the vampire angle, because I'm a softie when it comes to anything with vampires. The idea behind the different vampire clans, the floated theory about how the vampire lineage, etc., all of it drew me in from start to finish.
This story is just the prequel for The Red Veil series, and it's an amazing start. I could actually get lost in the story, the time period, the characters' relationships, etc. while reading, and that's something I think every author strives for. What really did it for me was the use of period language, phrases, manners of speaking, and so on. I've read a couple other historical works, and while the story may have been set in a certain time, the writing just didn't pull it off. However, this was not the case with Descent of Blood, and I will definitely be on the lookout for Book One in the series, as I just have to know how the rest of the story goes!
5 stars =)
I really enjoyed the storyline of this book. I'm usually not a big fan of historical romance, but I wouldn't say that's all this is, there's so much more there. What drew me in was the vampire angle, because I'm a softie when it comes to anything with vampires. The idea behind the different vampire clans, the floated theory about how the vampire lineage, etc., all of it drew me in from start to finish.
This story is just the prequel for The Red Veil series, and it's an amazing start. I could actually get lost in the story, the time period, the characters' relationships, etc. while reading, and that's something I think every author strives for. What really did it for me was the use of period language, phrases, manners of speaking, and so on. I've read a couple other historical works, and while the story may have been set in a certain time, the writing just didn't pull it off. However, this was not the case with Descent of Blood, and I will definitely be on the lookout for Book One in the series, as I just have to know how the rest of the story goes!
5 stars =)
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!
Ross (3284 KP) rated Perfect Silence in Books
Oct 9, 2018 (Updated Oct 9, 2018)
Gripping and thrilling detective story
*** Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ***
This, the fourth DI Luc Callanach book, follows a familiar pattern - two crimes committed early on and parallel investigations into those cause conflict and tension, one being a more typical serial killer hunt, the other a more politically charged investigation.
Over the previous books it feels like Fields has grown bored of her French detective and has put a lot more focus into DCI Ava Turner. This is in no way a bad thing as she feels more real and likeable (less clichéd), but an odd progression for "The DI Callanach" series to have.
The action and cases in this book are quite compelling - young women being kidnapped and their mutilated bodies dumped a week later and a gruesome memento left in the locale of the next victim, with religious overtones; and a spate of drugged homeless people being branded in public places. As usual the killer leaves virtually no trace behind and it is quite some time before the detectives have any idea of who they are looking for.
I still have a few issues with the dialogue in these books, but the plot was solid here, with twists and turns along the way, with a very gripping, proper unputdownable final few chapters.
This, the fourth DI Luc Callanach book, follows a familiar pattern - two crimes committed early on and parallel investigations into those cause conflict and tension, one being a more typical serial killer hunt, the other a more politically charged investigation.
Over the previous books it feels like Fields has grown bored of her French detective and has put a lot more focus into DCI Ava Turner. This is in no way a bad thing as she feels more real and likeable (less clichéd), but an odd progression for "The DI Callanach" series to have.
The action and cases in this book are quite compelling - young women being kidnapped and their mutilated bodies dumped a week later and a gruesome memento left in the locale of the next victim, with religious overtones; and a spate of drugged homeless people being branded in public places. As usual the killer leaves virtually no trace behind and it is quite some time before the detectives have any idea of who they are looking for.
I still have a few issues with the dialogue in these books, but the plot was solid here, with twists and turns along the way, with a very gripping, proper unputdownable final few chapters.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The Time Chamber: A Magical Story and Colouring Book in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Take a break from the chaos of life and spend hours immersed in the intricacies and the magic of The Time Chamber, a coloring book for adults.
The red haired fairy leaves her time garden to visit our world. She brings with her, a few magical items, which you must find hidden in the pages. Everything she touches is a magical new adventure for her. She explores our world as the little girl sleeps. When the girl awakens, the fairy retreats back to her own world.
I have always enjoyed art. Whether it's painting an original piece, coloring a fuzzy poster, doing a paint-by-number or doodling in my son's coloring book, I find relaxation in expressing myself through my artwork. So when I discovered coloring books for adults, I did a happy dance. I have spent hours coloring in The Time Chamber. The detail is incredible and the artwork intricate. I also found the story line enchanting. Although, I did find a few inconsistencies with the patterns that my O.C.D. did not like, I was able to overlook them and enjoy my time. Overall, this is a very charming book and I absolutely love taking time out of the day to relax and color.
I received a free copy of The Time Chamber from Penguin Random House Publishing through Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.
The red haired fairy leaves her time garden to visit our world. She brings with her, a few magical items, which you must find hidden in the pages. Everything she touches is a magical new adventure for her. She explores our world as the little girl sleeps. When the girl awakens, the fairy retreats back to her own world.
I have always enjoyed art. Whether it's painting an original piece, coloring a fuzzy poster, doing a paint-by-number or doodling in my son's coloring book, I find relaxation in expressing myself through my artwork. So when I discovered coloring books for adults, I did a happy dance. I have spent hours coloring in The Time Chamber. The detail is incredible and the artwork intricate. I also found the story line enchanting. Although, I did find a few inconsistencies with the patterns that my O.C.D. did not like, I was able to overlook them and enjoy my time. Overall, this is a very charming book and I absolutely love taking time out of the day to relax and color.
I received a free copy of The Time Chamber from Penguin Random House Publishing through Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Courageous (Valiant Hearts, #3) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
I loved the first two books in the Valiant Hearts Series. Exciting and engaging. However, the final book in the series fell very short of my expectations. It was fun to revisit characters from the first two books, I love how the storylines cross over. The epilogue provided a satisfying conclusion to the series. But Courageous just could not hold my attention. The first half of the book is very slow and lacking in action. There was some discrepancy regarding dates in the beginning of the book, it may just have been a typo, but it made things very confusing for a bit. I enjoyed Randel and Rosalind's characters and their journey of growth, healing and courage. I highly recommend the first two books in the series: Dauntless and Chivalrous. You may enjoy Courageous more than I did, it just wasn't for me. Keep in mind that it has a very different feel and approach. I recommend reading this series in order. There are characters and circumstances that I don't believe can be fully appreciated unless you read the first books first.
I received a free copy of Courageous from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
My Rating
★★☆☆☆ - She is tolerable I suppose, but not handsome enough to tempt me.
I received a free copy of Courageous from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
My Rating
★★☆☆☆ - She is tolerable I suppose, but not handsome enough to tempt me.