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Kate (493 KP) rated The Career Killer in Books

Jan 22, 2020  
The Career Killer
The Career Killer
Ali Gunn | 2019 | Crime, Mystery
7
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
I enjoyed this book. When I read it it sounded like it was the 2nd book in a series as they mentioned a previous murder but when I read further I realised that wasn't the case so am glad I continued reading and didn't give up.
I read crime books all the time and I enjoyed this one. It had a good story and it all made sense. I didn't guess who the murderer was and why he chose his victims.
As previous mentioned I was close to giving up as I thought it was a follow book and also within the first few chapters I struggled to get into the book which is never a good sign. I wasn't as compelled to pick up the book and continue reading as much as I usually am with books. I didn't really connect with the characters in the book either and sometimes I felt like rolling my eyes at some of the things the characters did. I didn't think they were very professional at all.
I was definitely the intended audience in that I read a crime novels and I understood the book. Age could be anywhere from 25 up.
I'm not excited to read the other books in the set so possibly won't.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
  
The Heart of Things: Book One of the Lakeland Series
The Heart of Things: Book One of the Lakeland Series
Leigh Macfarlane | 2019 | Crime, Mystery, Romance
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Kept me guessing till the very end (0 more)
This is a good, easy reading crime book. It would say if anyone is trying to get into crime books this is a good one to start of with. It would be a book I'd recommend.
I love crimes books and I'm usually good at discovering the killer and sometimes the motive before it is revealed in the book but this one I couldn't guess at all. I enjoy when a book has me stumped as it keeps me reading. This was definitely a book I couldn't out down and needed to find out the killer.
The author really made the characters come to life and gave them their own voice and personality. They got each person spot on which might sound a weird thing to say but it helped the book and get an upstanding of each character.
Although it was a crime book there was a slight romance story to it. I like when a story has two stories ongoing as long as they don't intertwine too much and put one story into the background.
The blurb caught my attention but didn't give too much away.
I would read the other books in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
  
Madam Tulip and the Serpent's Tree (Madam Tulip #4)
Madam Tulip and the Serpent's Tree (Madam Tulip #4)
David Ahern | 2020 | Mystery, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I have to be honest, I miss these characters, they are so theatrical, pompous, but at the same time so realistic and cute. The protagonist of this story is Derry, and the book is told from her perspective. Derry has this “luck” to get herself into craziest situations, involving rich and famous, she knows most of their secrets, and always gets into trouble. I like Derry and her crazy parents, and I enjoy their craziness in every book, including this one.

I was very impressed with the plot of this book, it is funny and entertaining, but at the same time more serious and solid. I liked the way the author unravelled this mystery, it was interesting to read about the music band’s lifestyle, mysterious shaman, and plenty of interesting history of Dublin. The narrative starts quite slow, but it has enough action and intense moments as well. Even though this book is a part of the series, it can be easily read as a stand-alone.

I liked the setting of this novel, the author describes Dublin and surrounding areas very picturesquely and I really liked that. I enjoy David Ahern’s writing style, I think he improves with every single book. The chapters are quite short, so the book didn’t drag for me. I loved the ending of this book, I think it rounded this book really well.
  
Magic Corrupts, Magic Conquers (Warrior of the Divine Sword #2)
Magic Corrupts, Magic Conquers (Warrior of the Divine Sword #2)
A.J. Locke | 2023 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
MAGIC CORRUPTS, MAGIC CONQUERS is the second book in the Warrior of the Divine Sword series and follows on from book one, so I really do recommend you read that one first. It's been a while since I read it and it took me some time to remember what had gone on in book one and how it was relevant to now.

Penn and the others are all here, trying to move along in this new world. When Penn is attacked by a magical human tree (stick with me) it turns out her actions in book one have consequences. This girl never catches a break! And if that isn't bad enough, something happens with Gideon that no one expected, Toji is clinging on by his fingernails, and Callan finds out more of his mum's legacy. Phew!!! I'm exhausted just with that.

This book is non-stop action so make sure you are well-rested before diving in. It also comes with one helluva cliffhanger too, so consider yourself warned. It was an amazing follow-up to the previous book and definitely left me wanting more. Absolutely 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!
Apr 14, 2023
  
The Verderer (Pitch & Sickle #2)
The Verderer (Pitch & Sickle #2)
D K Girl | 2021 | LGBTQ+, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE VERDERER is the second book in Pitch & Sickle series and follows on from book one, which you will absolutely have to read to understand what's going on here.

As with the first book, this has a slow and meandering pace, giving the reader time to learn about both Silas and Pitch, as they themselves learn about each other and just what is expected from them.

There are still big parts of the story that aren't yet explained, leaving me definitely wanting more. Silas is still standing strong with his loyalty. He still has a lot to learn and is still naïve about the new world he inhabits. Pitch is still cantankerous and full of innuendoes. I really wish he would dial it back a bit!

Towards the end of the book, there is a lot of action that has been building throughout. And when I say action, I mean fight scenes. There is still nothing between Pitch and Silas apart from a near-kiss.

A great follow-up to book one and I can't wait for book 3! 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!
  
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Merissa (11961 KP) rated Surrounded by Silence (The Rescuer #2) in Books

Nov 25, 2020 (Updated Aug 14, 2023)  
Surrounded by Silence (The Rescuer #2)
Surrounded by Silence (The Rescuer #2)
Eric Huffbind | 2020 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
SURROUNDED BY SILENCE is the second book in The Rescuer series and while it does feature some of the characters from the first book, can be read as a standalone because the issues raised are discussed in this book.

Sam has reached rock bottom and has realised that for all his billions, he can't buy happiness. He reaches out to the one person he thinks can help and manages to convince him. That is how Sam ends up working in a Soup Kitchen.

I enjoyed this book so much more than the first (sorry, Mr Huffbind!) The writing style is not as stilted and flowed more naturally. The dialogue was more believable and the "I love you's" weren't bandied around as quickly or as often.

The terror that Sam feels toward the end of the book comes across clearly and was extremely well written. The whole problem with learning ASL was also easy to read. As someone who was learning BSL, I know how daunting it can be but also how rewarding.

All in all, this book was completely enjoyable and I have no hesitation in recommending it.

* 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!
Nov 25, 2020
  
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Christine A. (965 KP) rated Red Rising in Books

Nov 14, 2018  
Red Rising
Red Rising
Pierce Brown | 2014 | Dystopia, Fiction & Poetry, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.5 (35 Ratings)
Book Rating
"Red Rising" is the first book in the "Red Rising Saga" by Pierce Brown. I read this book switching between a printed copy, an E-book and, when in the car, listened to the audio book. While this story is not a new concept the story is engaging and a quick read. At the start of the book, Darrow, a member of the lowest caste is full of hate and rage toward the dominant Gold caste. (SPOILERS FOLLOW) Throughout the story, and even toward the end, Darrow is surprised to learn he likes, and has become friends with, some of the Golds. He learned not all members of a group are the same. At the end of the novel, he is still full of rage and hate but it's now directed mainly at specific people, not just all members of the ruling Gold caste. I would like to see this story added to required reading lists for students. This book is a subtle way to teach tolerance. I will read the rest of the series but at this time. I had read twice. The 1st read (in 2015) was for me. The 2nd read (in 2018) was for a book club.
  
The Frights of Fiji ( Alyssa McCarthy's Magical Missions #1)
The Frights of Fiji ( Alyssa McCarthy's Magical Missions #1)
Sunayna Prasad | 2018 | Children, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Well, I found a book to fall into during this strange time. That book is The Frights of Figi, it quite a good book. Once you get into it. This book is about a girl that somehow attracts magic into her life. Why this happens I do not know.

Her name is Alyssa and she lives with her Uncle and cousin. When things start happening, no one believes her. She gets into trouble. Will she get save herself and friends and family. Things get more interesting one she is kidnapped by an evil wizard.

This is good for middle-grade children and ages 8 to 12 years old. The author does a really good job with the plot of the story. The characters are developed well. If you are looking for a good fantasy book for your child or children this one is good. This one as a young girl as a hero.

This is a series. It is a good one at that. Alyssa McCarthy Magical Missions. I can not wait to pick up the second book. I am wondering if her friends from the previous book are going to need to help her or if she ends up doing it herself.
  
Nomad (The Flight and Flame Trilogy, #2)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Yall…I have no idea where to begin describing the epicness that is this book. <i>Nomad</i> is the second book in R. J. Andersons <b>The Flight and Flame trilogy</b>, and I was totally not prepared for the next level that R. J. Anderson took this book to. I mean I LOVED <i>Swift</i> the first book in the series, but this one….
   The adventures that Ivy and Martin go on are riveting in their intensity and made me stay up way too late to finish the book. I love the way all the characters interact together; R. J. Anderson has created such good relationships between her characters that they feel natural and inclusive. I loved how Ivy stepped up in this book and became a leader for her people. I also really love Martin’s antics and layered characteristics that keep me wondering.
  Readers of all ages will love this epic fantasy filled with great characters, an original storyline, and an adventure of a lifetime. I <b>HIGHLY</b> recommend <i>Nomad</i> and I CANNOT wait for <i>Torch</i> to release! 5 out of 5 stars!

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
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Sarah (7798 KP) rated Beyond Broadhall in Books

Aug 24, 2020  
Beyond Broadhall
Beyond Broadhall
Keith A Pearson | 2017 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy
9
9.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
A fitting sequel
I was that excited to read this book that I’ve read and finished it across the space of 2 evenings, and that was purely because I made myself put it down on the first evening!

Like the first book, i struggled to put this down. It’s full of humour and heartwarming relationships, whilst Craig Pelling again tries to repair his damaged and broken life. I actually nearly shed a tear or two on more than one occasion. After the ending of the first book there’s really only a limited number of ways this sequel can pan out and this is the only real negative - unlike the first book which shocked me with how it ended, Beyond Broadhall is a tad predictable. That said, it’s the journey that matters in this book. Not everything pans out the way you’d expect and the entertainment stems from the investment you have in Craig. He really is a lovable and endearing character. I will admit that the ending of this book is making a tad cheesy and overly sweet and schmaltzy, but it’s nice to read how it turns out for Craig in the end. It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed reading a book series as much as this one!