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Jake (52 KP) rated Honor's Price (Fury of a Rising Dragon, #2) in Books
Jul 25, 2019
Let me preface my review by saying that this book has very defined themes that really hit home for me. Things like: Friendship, trial, sacrifice, perseverance, study and reward, defined magic rules, war / training themes, rich history, and how love and grit will get you through tough times. Some of those themes are prevalent in books like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, or even things like Mistborn, etc. If you enjoyed those series, you may enjoy this series as well. For me, those themes really resonate with me, and this book is no exception.
Id like to recommend that you read Arcane The Arinthian Line Series (Books 1 -5) first. Really, so much is set up before this book that you cant just jump in blindly now. If you read those books and loved them, then KEEP READING: it just keeps getting more and more awesome. I love these books, and this book in the series just continues to help solidify my feeling that this has got to be one of the best book series I have ever read.
There are many ups and downs in this book. The author does a great job of making you feel like there is no hope, that all is lost, and that theres no way they can ever get out of what theyre up against. I cant say too much other than this: the few wins that there are do really hit hard on you: you just FEEL so much for the characters vindication and justice that everything was worth it.
There were definitely some slow scenes and definitely some exciting scenes. There was rich history woven in a tapestry of friendship and growth and pain. Although the story might slow here and there, I felt it was very cohesive and realistic, and couldnt find any gaps or issues with it. I felt that the characters development (emotionally and otherwise) was so satisfying and raw. I love the villains and I love the heroes and everyone in between.
Honestly its been awhile since the last book, and since the first 5 books in the series, so I kinda forgot a few of the side characters, but I quickly was able to jump back in, and nothing weird about any side characters ever was enough of an issue to keep me from being engaged in the story.
Sever, keep up the good work. To me, this book and this whole series is the most under-rated gem of the 21st century. (Insert meme of me at a table with a sign that says just that, and underneath says change my mind. But then those words Change my mind are crossed out as youll never be able to do so!)
I hope that there is only 1 more book in this particular series as I think that would be a great way to end things, but realistically I plan on reading ANY book that Sever puts out at this point. Its just so great that these books, while good for teens, can also hit home for adults as well. Also, as one who is mindful of content, this book is generally between PG & PG-13 rated, mainly due to fighting, and so Im glad to be able to enjoy quality literature thats NOT R-rated. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Sever.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review, and I recommend buying this book for an honest-to-goodness great experience.
Id like to recommend that you read Arcane The Arinthian Line Series (Books 1 -5) first. Really, so much is set up before this book that you cant just jump in blindly now. If you read those books and loved them, then KEEP READING: it just keeps getting more and more awesome. I love these books, and this book in the series just continues to help solidify my feeling that this has got to be one of the best book series I have ever read.
There are many ups and downs in this book. The author does a great job of making you feel like there is no hope, that all is lost, and that theres no way they can ever get out of what theyre up against. I cant say too much other than this: the few wins that there are do really hit hard on you: you just FEEL so much for the characters vindication and justice that everything was worth it.
There were definitely some slow scenes and definitely some exciting scenes. There was rich history woven in a tapestry of friendship and growth and pain. Although the story might slow here and there, I felt it was very cohesive and realistic, and couldnt find any gaps or issues with it. I felt that the characters development (emotionally and otherwise) was so satisfying and raw. I love the villains and I love the heroes and everyone in between.
Honestly its been awhile since the last book, and since the first 5 books in the series, so I kinda forgot a few of the side characters, but I quickly was able to jump back in, and nothing weird about any side characters ever was enough of an issue to keep me from being engaged in the story.
Sever, keep up the good work. To me, this book and this whole series is the most under-rated gem of the 21st century. (Insert meme of me at a table with a sign that says just that, and underneath says change my mind. But then those words Change my mind are crossed out as youll never be able to do so!)
I hope that there is only 1 more book in this particular series as I think that would be a great way to end things, but realistically I plan on reading ANY book that Sever puts out at this point. Its just so great that these books, while good for teens, can also hit home for adults as well. Also, as one who is mindful of content, this book is generally between PG & PG-13 rated, mainly due to fighting, and so Im glad to be able to enjoy quality literature thats NOT R-rated. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Sever.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review, and I recommend buying this book for an honest-to-goodness great experience.
Midge (525 KP) rated The First Cut in Books
Mar 11, 2019
Nail-biting & Dark
“The First Cut” is actually the third book in a series called the ‘Doctors of Darkness’, the first book being ‘Daddy Darkest’ and the second is ‘The Hanging Tree’. I don’t think this made much difference to my immense enjoyment of the book as plenty of back-story was provided.
‘Love Doctors’ Ian and Kate Culpepper are brutally murdered in their Carmel mansion on Valentine’s Day. To Ava, its fate because Ian left her for the perfect Kate four years ago. Then they made their home close to Ava, complete with their perfect house and their perfect daughter and their matching perfect smiles. It’s no wonder that Ava can’t stop watching or that she can’t let go…
However, Ian is far from perfect, and Ava owes a debt too, for when they were together, they did an unforgivable thing - a dark deed that severed their marriage in two. Ava’s name is found inked in blood at the crime scene and someone knows what she’s hiding…
Ellery Kane has a very unique writing style that is perfect for this psychological thriller. Many of the characters, especially Ava, were so complex that, at first, it wasn’t easy to work out exactly how they contributed to the story. Eventually, as different aspects of the story were revealed, it all started to come together. This, though, is the foundation for a fantastic psychological thriller.
Overall, “The First Cut” is a sensational and thrilling read with lots of nail-biting and alarming moments that culminate in a fulfilling conclusion.
[Thanks to Hidden Gems and the author Ellery Kane for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
‘Love Doctors’ Ian and Kate Culpepper are brutally murdered in their Carmel mansion on Valentine’s Day. To Ava, its fate because Ian left her for the perfect Kate four years ago. Then they made their home close to Ava, complete with their perfect house and their perfect daughter and their matching perfect smiles. It’s no wonder that Ava can’t stop watching or that she can’t let go…
However, Ian is far from perfect, and Ava owes a debt too, for when they were together, they did an unforgivable thing - a dark deed that severed their marriage in two. Ava’s name is found inked in blood at the crime scene and someone knows what she’s hiding…
Ellery Kane has a very unique writing style that is perfect for this psychological thriller. Many of the characters, especially Ava, were so complex that, at first, it wasn’t easy to work out exactly how they contributed to the story. Eventually, as different aspects of the story were revealed, it all started to come together. This, though, is the foundation for a fantastic psychological thriller.
Overall, “The First Cut” is a sensational and thrilling read with lots of nail-biting and alarming moments that culminate in a fulfilling conclusion.
[Thanks to Hidden Gems and the author Ellery Kane for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Pure Soapmaking: How to Create Nourishing, Natural Skin Care Soaps in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Soap making is something I have recently become interested in so imagine my delight when I saw this book on Netgalley. I was even more thrilled that my request as accepted. I had to download an app to be able to read it, but boy it was worth it!
For someone who has never made soap in her life and knows nothing about soap making, this was the absolute best book to start with. It describes everything from the tools you will need to the different processes you can use with such detail, that even an absolute novice like me can make it. In fact, I got it right on my first try thanks to the detailed instructions.
The writing is far from dry either. The author really knew how to make it interesting for the reader as well as instructing them. She breaks each section down to make it easier. It starts with a little science (which a science nerd like me loved!) then she follows it with a short glossary of commons terms you should familiarize yourself with. There is a section about safety guidelines (since lye is involved) and detailed section about the equipment needed as well as images to match. In fact, all the images through the book are beautiful and beneficial.
I dont think I can brag about this book enough. It was exactly what a novice like me needed. I am sure someone familiar to soap making wouldnt need all the extra information but there is still a lot of recipes in here they may interested in using.
Soap making is something I have recently become interested in so imagine my delight when I saw this book on Netgalley. I was even more thrilled that my request as accepted. I had to download an app to be able to read it, but boy it was worth it!
For someone who has never made soap in her life and knows nothing about soap making, this was the absolute best book to start with. It describes everything from the tools you will need to the different processes you can use with such detail, that even an absolute novice like me can make it. In fact, I got it right on my first try thanks to the detailed instructions.
The writing is far from dry either. The author really knew how to make it interesting for the reader as well as instructing them. She breaks each section down to make it easier. It starts with a little science (which a science nerd like me loved!) then she follows it with a short glossary of commons terms you should familiarize yourself with. There is a section about safety guidelines (since lye is involved) and detailed section about the equipment needed as well as images to match. In fact, all the images through the book are beautiful and beneficial.
I dont think I can brag about this book enough. It was exactly what a novice like me needed. I am sure someone familiar to soap making wouldnt need all the extra information but there is still a lot of recipes in here they may interested in using.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Lila and the Crow in Books
Jun 18, 2018
<a href="https://awindowintobooks.wordpress.com">Full Review</a>
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lila and the Crow by Gabrielle Grimard is a beautiful story dealing with and sad and very
real issue. Lila arrives at her neScreen Shot 2016-06-21 at 9.04.55 PMw school with the hopes of making new friends; however, instead of being welcomed with open arms she is welcomed with a mean comment. It only takes that one comment to destroy her confidence.
The first day with the first comment was the start of ruining her confidence. The comment came from one student but there are other students who either stand by and allow the comments to come or join in laughing. Eventually, Lila decides not to let the differences defy her but to embrace the differences. This book will show children that there will be situations where other children will hurt of mock them but that they should stand up and not allow the situation to ruin their day, month or year.
This book will open the floor to have a discussion about bullying and how it should not happen and if it is, that you should help the person instead of joining in the bullying or being a bystander. Everyone is different and this book can teach children to embrace and accept the differences.
The illustrations are wonderful, they show such great emotion in the characters as well as creating a mood that fits the story. Lila and the Crow will be a great asset to any home, classroom or library.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lila and the Crow by Gabrielle Grimard is a beautiful story dealing with and sad and very
real issue. Lila arrives at her neScreen Shot 2016-06-21 at 9.04.55 PMw school with the hopes of making new friends; however, instead of being welcomed with open arms she is welcomed with a mean comment. It only takes that one comment to destroy her confidence.
The first day with the first comment was the start of ruining her confidence. The comment came from one student but there are other students who either stand by and allow the comments to come or join in laughing. Eventually, Lila decides not to let the differences defy her but to embrace the differences. This book will show children that there will be situations where other children will hurt of mock them but that they should stand up and not allow the situation to ruin their day, month or year.
This book will open the floor to have a discussion about bullying and how it should not happen and if it is, that you should help the person instead of joining in the bullying or being a bystander. Everyone is different and this book can teach children to embrace and accept the differences.
The illustrations are wonderful, they show such great emotion in the characters as well as creating a mood that fits the story. Lila and the Crow will be a great asset to any home, classroom or library.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated After a Fashion (A Class of Their Own, #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Fashion, intrigue, danger and surprises. After a Fashion will leave you breathless with anticipation.
In New York City, 1882 Mr. Oliver Addleshaw is one of the wealthiest men in the country. His goal in life is to acquire more wealth than Mr. Vanderbilt ever did. That is, until Ms. Harriett Peabody, who has a love of fashion and designing, happens across his path. When they enter into a business agreement, they have no idea the plans that God begins to unfold. As humans, we tend to think that the plans we have made are the best we will ever see in life. But, God’s plan for your life is far greater than you could ever dream of.
I cannot begin to adequately express the joy it was reading After a Fashion. Quite simply, it is one of the best books I have ever read. The style that Jen Turano uses to tell this story is unique and engaging. I had a very hard time putting the book down, which was unfortunately quite often due to the needs of my 2 kids. However, this book had me laughing, yelling and even tearing up by the time I was finished. I cannot praise this book enough! If you don’t read any other book this year, I recommend After a Fashion for certain. It is easy to read and the action never ceases. I look forward to reading Jen Turano’s previous books as well as her new release this July In Good Company.
I received a free digital edition of After a Fashion from Bethany House Publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
In New York City, 1882 Mr. Oliver Addleshaw is one of the wealthiest men in the country. His goal in life is to acquire more wealth than Mr. Vanderbilt ever did. That is, until Ms. Harriett Peabody, who has a love of fashion and designing, happens across his path. When they enter into a business agreement, they have no idea the plans that God begins to unfold. As humans, we tend to think that the plans we have made are the best we will ever see in life. But, God’s plan for your life is far greater than you could ever dream of.
I cannot begin to adequately express the joy it was reading After a Fashion. Quite simply, it is one of the best books I have ever read. The style that Jen Turano uses to tell this story is unique and engaging. I had a very hard time putting the book down, which was unfortunately quite often due to the needs of my 2 kids. However, this book had me laughing, yelling and even tearing up by the time I was finished. I cannot praise this book enough! If you don’t read any other book this year, I recommend After a Fashion for certain. It is easy to read and the action never ceases. I look forward to reading Jen Turano’s previous books as well as her new release this July In Good Company.
I received a free digital edition of After a Fashion from Bethany House Publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
The Second Bank of the United States: Central Banker in an Era of Nation-Building, 1816-1836
Book
The year 2016 marks the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Second Bank of the United States...
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Lost in Me (Here and Now, #1) in Books
Jan 11, 2021
*I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
4.25 stars
This book grabbed me from the first chapter. I was interested in how Lizzy was going to help her get her crush and then we're thrown straight into the next chapter and she's suffering from amnesia and can't remember anything of the last year but her life has changed considerably.
I just HAD to keep reading so I could unravel the mystery of what had happened to Hanna and to figure out how everything had changed in those months she couldn't remember. I read this in one sitting, I was that addicted.
Being a bigger girl myself I was invested in Hanna getting her guy. I wanted her to be happy and body confident. But figuring out who was the right guy when she can't remember anything was hard. I was invested in it. In her.
And then those last couple of chapters... I was in floods of tears towards the end.
Then that last sentence turned it into a cliff-hanger ending and I now NEED to read the next book to see what happens next with Hanna. That's my reasoning for knocking the story down half a star. I was looking forward to a happy ending for them and currently they haven't got one.
There are also still several unanswered questions: What happened the day she fell down the bakery stairs? Who's the anonymous investor in the bakery? (Though we may already know the answer). Did Hanna put the ring on that day, or did someone put it on for her?
Off to buy book 2.
4.25 stars
This book grabbed me from the first chapter. I was interested in how Lizzy was going to help her get her crush and then we're thrown straight into the next chapter and she's suffering from amnesia and can't remember anything of the last year but her life has changed considerably.
I just HAD to keep reading so I could unravel the mystery of what had happened to Hanna and to figure out how everything had changed in those months she couldn't remember. I read this in one sitting, I was that addicted.
Being a bigger girl myself I was invested in Hanna getting her guy. I wanted her to be happy and body confident. But figuring out who was the right guy when she can't remember anything was hard. I was invested in it. In her.
And then those last couple of chapters... I was in floods of tears towards the end.
Then that last sentence turned it into a cliff-hanger ending and I now NEED to read the next book to see what happens next with Hanna. That's my reasoning for knocking the story down half a star. I was looking forward to a happy ending for them and currently they haven't got one.
There are also still several unanswered questions: What happened the day she fell down the bakery stairs? Who's the anonymous investor in the bakery? (Though we may already know the answer). Did Hanna put the ring on that day, or did someone put it on for her?
Off to buy book 2.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Catch (Angler, #2) in Books
Sep 5, 2019
*Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
I read the first book, Bait, back in February 2012 and loved it. I still remember a lot of what happened and with how many books I read, that's a miracle! I think it was the whole using humans as bait to catch evil vampires that drew me in and hooked me.
This carries on from the last with just a few months passing and Connie and Rurik are in Rio. I will say that you don't necessarily need to read the first book for this to make sense but it does help to understand the connection between Rurik, Connie and Tane.
The author has this way of writing that draws you in and makes you want to get lost in the world she weaves. I will quite happily get lost in it. (Bring on book 3!)
Tane was an odd one for me, through both books, but he evolved a lot in this and we got to know him a lot more and it's obvious he isn't as bad as previously thought. Rurik is still the protective, nice, sexy vampire from the first and Connie still likes to kick arse when she can.
Though there are a few sex scenes throughout the story, there is also a good, strong plot to get lost in. I guess I should mention that it has a ménage scene in it near the end (M/M/F) that had been brewing for a long time and it was quite hot.
I cant wait to read the third book in the series to find out what's going to happen next.
I read the first book, Bait, back in February 2012 and loved it. I still remember a lot of what happened and with how many books I read, that's a miracle! I think it was the whole using humans as bait to catch evil vampires that drew me in and hooked me.
This carries on from the last with just a few months passing and Connie and Rurik are in Rio. I will say that you don't necessarily need to read the first book for this to make sense but it does help to understand the connection between Rurik, Connie and Tane.
The author has this way of writing that draws you in and makes you want to get lost in the world she weaves. I will quite happily get lost in it. (Bring on book 3!)
Tane was an odd one for me, through both books, but he evolved a lot in this and we got to know him a lot more and it's obvious he isn't as bad as previously thought. Rurik is still the protective, nice, sexy vampire from the first and Connie still likes to kick arse when she can.
Though there are a few sex scenes throughout the story, there is also a good, strong plot to get lost in. I guess I should mention that it has a ménage scene in it near the end (M/M/F) that had been brewing for a long time and it was quite hot.
I cant wait to read the third book in the series to find out what's going to happen next.
Beckie Shelton (40 KP) rated Ring on Her Finger in Books
Feb 8, 2018
I received a e copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Amanda St. Claire awakes to find she has unintentionally married rich playboy Blake Worthington in Vegas, an event she has no memory of,, with plans in place for Africa the last thing Amanda wants is a partnership with a boy she has loathed for the past 4 years of college an annulment is the answer.Blake has had feelings for Amanda for a long time he had his chance a few years ago and blew it and knows now his time has run out to act if he wants Mandy for himself.What follows is the ups and downs of a relationship where opinions are changed (with a lot of time and effort on Blake's part)and two young adults fall head over heels and eventually get their HEA. a sweet clean read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Amanda St. Claire awakes to find she has unintentionally married rich playboy Blake Worthington in Vegas, an event she has no memory of,, with plans in place for Africa the last thing Amanda wants is a partnership with a boy she has loathed for the past 4 years of college an annulment is the answer.Blake has had feelings for Amanda for a long time he had his chance a few years ago and blew it and knows now his time has run out to act if he wants Mandy for himself.What follows is the ups and downs of a relationship where opinions are changed (with a lot of time and effort on Blake's part)and two young adults fall head over heels and eventually get their HEA. a sweet clean read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Crystal (9 KP) rated Delilah: Treacherous Beauty (Dangerous Beauty, #3) in Books
Jul 4, 2018
The writing is well done, and very easy to understand. The descriptions of the world are good, especially when discussing social aspects. The world is built well, with enough history given, but without overloading with too much information or facts. Although the writing is good, the character development is mediocre. The main character never really learns her lesson until it is much too late, and is hell bent on revenge before anything else. There isn't a lot of opportunity for growth, though she struggles in the beginning, it would be more empowering to see her 'fall' be a little more dramatic as far as her standards she was used to. It's mentioned but I feel that her emotions could've been better explored. For a 'biblical fiction' I enjoyed the story and historical information.
I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.