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Rachel King (13 KP) rated The Bronze and the Brimstone in Books
Feb 11, 2019
This book is the sequel to The Lens and the Looker: Book #1 of the Verona Series (History Camp: the Verona Trilogy) and opens with the main character, Hansum, in a dream. This is actually rather confusing, as I don't realize he is dreaming until afterwards, and it seems like a poorly-timed ploy to re-introduce the reader to what has occurred so far in the series.
Early in the book, Hansum is separated from his friends, but not before he manages to marry Guillietta in secret. What bugs me about this is how Guillietta's father still treats him like a child, even though he is certainly entitled to be treated as an adult by this time. Hansum exhibits a certain level of maturity that few seem to recognize or respect. Once Hansum is moved to a private estate, his story exchanges with the rest of his friends in alternating sections.
The drama that occurs between Shamira and the artist is quite transparent to me. I am not sure if the author intended for the reader to discern the artist's true intentions so easily, but the artist's lack of talent combined with obvious lies and an obsessive interest in the lookers made it apparent what he was really about. I can only feel sorry for Shamira in her first foray into the realm of romance.
Hansum does well at creatively avoiding an engagement to Lady Beatrice, but I had to wonder how long he would be successful at this. With Hansum's almost constant protectiveness over the genie, Pan, I also wondered how long he would really be able to keep up the ruse.
With a greater focus on the technological advancements that Hansum is introducing, and less of a focus on the relationship-building of the first book in the series, this book was better written and a more enjoyable read for me. The author's evident strengths lie in his knowledge of the technology used in the series and the history of 14th-century Verona, so when those are brought to the forefront, the writing is quite intriguing. I still feel that the author is trying to do too much with this novel and trying to appeal to a too-large audience with everything from romance, history, suspense, political intrigue, and technology, to numerous science fiction themes, but it is better written than the first book in the series.
Early in the book, Hansum is separated from his friends, but not before he manages to marry Guillietta in secret. What bugs me about this is how Guillietta's father still treats him like a child, even though he is certainly entitled to be treated as an adult by this time. Hansum exhibits a certain level of maturity that few seem to recognize or respect. Once Hansum is moved to a private estate, his story exchanges with the rest of his friends in alternating sections.
The drama that occurs between Shamira and the artist is quite transparent to me. I am not sure if the author intended for the reader to discern the artist's true intentions so easily, but the artist's lack of talent combined with obvious lies and an obsessive interest in the lookers made it apparent what he was really about. I can only feel sorry for Shamira in her first foray into the realm of romance.
Hansum does well at creatively avoiding an engagement to Lady Beatrice, but I had to wonder how long he would be successful at this. With Hansum's almost constant protectiveness over the genie, Pan, I also wondered how long he would really be able to keep up the ruse.
With a greater focus on the technological advancements that Hansum is introducing, and less of a focus on the relationship-building of the first book in the series, this book was better written and a more enjoyable read for me. The author's evident strengths lie in his knowledge of the technology used in the series and the history of 14th-century Verona, so when those are brought to the forefront, the writing is quite intriguing. I still feel that the author is trying to do too much with this novel and trying to appeal to a too-large audience with everything from romance, history, suspense, political intrigue, and technology, to numerous science fiction themes, but it is better written than the first book in the series.
Kai (5 KP) rated The Lightning Thief in Books
Nov 29, 2017
This is actually a really good book. It tugs at the heartstrings in places, then makes you laugh out loud in others. I definitely would like to read the rest of the series but will come back to that at a later point. I read it as part of my reading challenge for the year and I am glad I did.
Kai (5 KP) rated A Child Called "It" (Dave Pelzer #1) in Books
Nov 29, 2017
Wow. I am blown away by this book and I think that it is a really amazing and important thing to be written. I applaud David for his courage in writing this, in sharing his story. It is a difficult read, but it is one I don't regret undertaking. Definitely plan to read the next ones in the series later.
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Forget Me Always (Lovely Vicious #2) in Books
Dec 12, 2017
Book two of this series does not disappoint!! All the characters are back and this story line has even more secrets than the first one. You can't help but to fall in love with this author's writing as she quickly pulls you into the story and keeps you enthralled until the bitter end. I can't wait to read the next one!!
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Serafina and the Black Cloak in Books
Jan 15, 2018
This was such a wonderful book! So many great lessons running through through the whole thing about friendship, family, & the impact the choices you make have. Yet it had blood & suspense but humor too. I can't wait to see how this series continues, if it does. Mr. Beatty you have some big shoes to fill to live up to this first installment!
Ross (3284 KP) rated Deadline (Newsflesh Trilogy #2) in Books
Sep 4, 2017
Not as enjoyable as the first book in the series. The PoV is now with Shaun, a much more irritating, geeky protagonist than his sister. There is a conspiracy running through the plot, which is exposed very slowly over far too many pages. Again, the action scenes are quite exciting but they fit into an overall piece which is somewhat disappointing.
J. L. Stowers (136 KP) rated Space Team: A Comedic Sci-Fi Adventure in Books
Apr 26, 2018
A laugh out loud science fiction adventure
I can't say enough about the first book in the Space Team series. It's a hoot. I really enjoyed the main character and the unexpected adventure he was sucked in to. Space Team is a really fun read if you're looking to unwind with some light-hearted laughter.
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
starwarsluvr (236 KP) rated Taboo 1: Where's the Beef? (The Generalist #2) in Books
Jan 30, 2018
Wow, this was even better then the first. Got new characters, new plots and new interesting twists and turns. I loved so much about this story and this series. Got introduced to a yummy new character... yum ;) and I was on the edge of my seat with anticipation through most of this book. I cannot wait to read the next one.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2395 KP) rated One For The Money (Stephanie Plum, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
A desperate Stephanie Plum takes a job as a bounty hunter for her cousin. And her first job? Tracking down her former high school boyfriend turned cop. A bit raunchy at times, but a fast paced and humorous series opener.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/03/book-review-one-for-money-by-janet.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/03/book-review-one-for-money-by-janet.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2395 KP) rated Double Cross (Bert & Nan Tatum, #3) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Bert is working for a nasty divorce lawyer, but when her boss is shot, she and her twin Nan team up to find the killer. A bit slower than the rest of the series, but these twins are always fun.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/02/book-review-double-cross-by-barbara.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/02/book-review-double-cross-by-barbara.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.