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BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated For Love and Honor (An Uncertain Choice, #3) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Daring swordfights, a hidden secret, bandits, treasure, true love...Oh yes, Jody Hedlund has delivered another winner of a medieval young adult story.
Lady Sabine has a harrowing journey of self-acceptance ahead of her. Sir Bennet has always strived to remain honorable...Will he be able to follow his heart and love?
I adore that one of my favorite authors has branched out and started a Young Adult series! My only complaint is that the story was too short. I would have loved to have a little more time with Sabine and Bennet...I love the world that Jody has created and the heroes, the knights, are so very swoony! I am excited to read the next book in the series, A Loyal Heart.
I received a complimentary copy of For Love and Honor from the publisher. I also borrowed the audio version from my library and purchased my own print copy. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Lady Sabine has a harrowing journey of self-acceptance ahead of her. Sir Bennet has always strived to remain honorable...Will he be able to follow his heart and love?
I adore that one of my favorite authors has branched out and started a Young Adult series! My only complaint is that the story was too short. I would have loved to have a little more time with Sabine and Bennet...I love the world that Jody has created and the heroes, the knights, are so very swoony! I am excited to read the next book in the series, A Loyal Heart.
I received a complimentary copy of For Love and Honor from the publisher. I also borrowed the audio version from my library and purchased my own print copy. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
David McK (3562 KP) rated Dead Beat (The Dresden Files, #7) in Books
Jan 28, 2019 (Updated May 10, 2020)
<2020 update>
Sue the Zombie T-Rex :-)
That is all.
<2016 update>
This is the Zombie-themed one, that ends with Sue the Tyrannosaur and also (I think) has the first appearance of Waldo Butters as one of the main players. In this, Thomas is also now lodging with Harry, who has now found out his relationship to the former, with Thomas trying to change his lifestyle. Karen Murphy is also absent for most of the novel, off on holiday with Kincaid.
<2011 notes below>
Magic - it can get a guy killed
Book number 7 in Jim Butchers Harry Dresden series, this is one where I think it is highly advisable to have read the previous entries first, as it ties several plot lines from those earlier novels into the events of this one.
Having said that: this is, as always, a good read, but maybe not the best in the series so far (which, to use an over-coined term, seems to be getting progressively 'darker' in tone)
Sue the Zombie T-Rex :-)
That is all.
<2016 update>
This is the Zombie-themed one, that ends with Sue the Tyrannosaur and also (I think) has the first appearance of Waldo Butters as one of the main players. In this, Thomas is also now lodging with Harry, who has now found out his relationship to the former, with Thomas trying to change his lifestyle. Karen Murphy is also absent for most of the novel, off on holiday with Kincaid.
<2011 notes below>
Magic - it can get a guy killed
Book number 7 in Jim Butchers Harry Dresden series, this is one where I think it is highly advisable to have read the previous entries first, as it ties several plot lines from those earlier novels into the events of this one.
Having said that: this is, as always, a good read, but maybe not the best in the series so far (which, to use an over-coined term, seems to be getting progressively 'darker' in tone)
David McK (3562 KP) rated Warriors of the Storm in Books
Jan 28, 2019
Ninth(1) book in [a: Bernard Cornwell|12542|Bernard Cornwell|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1240500522p2/12542.jpg]'s Warrior Chronicles (or Saxon Stories, if you live in the U.S) series about the founding of England.
I don't think I'm giving anything away when I say that we're now (well) past the death of Alfred (the only English monarch to ever be given the epitaph 'the Great'), with Uhtred now in late middle-age (for us), and still eager to reclaim his ownership of Bebbanburg.
The novel, however, concerns itself more with raids made by Ragnall Iverson, with his motives initially unclear: does he come to rape and pillage? To attack Chester? To take control of the Danish kingdom of Northumbria?
Ragnall, however, is related to Uhtred through marriage, so his loyalties remain in doubt to the rulers of the land, with Uhtred eventually disobeying orders and sailing to Ireland (and back), for reasons that become clear in the plot.
Another strong entry in the series; perhaps not the strongest, but still pretty good.
I don't think I'm giving anything away when I say that we're now (well) past the death of Alfred (the only English monarch to ever be given the epitaph 'the Great'), with Uhtred now in late middle-age (for us), and still eager to reclaim his ownership of Bebbanburg.
The novel, however, concerns itself more with raids made by Ragnall Iverson, with his motives initially unclear: does he come to rape and pillage? To attack Chester? To take control of the Danish kingdom of Northumbria?
Ragnall, however, is related to Uhtred through marriage, so his loyalties remain in doubt to the rulers of the land, with Uhtred eventually disobeying orders and sailing to Ireland (and back), for reasons that become clear in the plot.
Another strong entry in the series; perhaps not the strongest, but still pretty good.
David McK (3562 KP) rated Rapscallion (Matthew Hawkood, #3) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The third book in James McGee's <i>Hawkwood</i> series of novels, this see Matthew Hawkwood sent undercover to the prison Hulks to investigate both the escape of several prisoners, and the disappearance of those sent previously to track them down.
Again taking factual history as its starting point (life on the prison Hulks, and the activities of the Free Traders (i.e. Smugglers)), the plot builds up to include those afore-mentioned smuggling rings, and a little bit of sea battle (a first in the series). It's also a first that the majority of this novel takes place away from London!
I do have to say, however, that even more so than the first two books, I found this one to be very remniscient of one of the Sharpe books from the 90s - have a look at <i>Sharpe's Company</i> (in particular) to see what I mean! That's not to say I din't enjoy it - I did - but just that, to me, elements of the plot seemed very familiar
Again taking factual history as its starting point (life on the prison Hulks, and the activities of the Free Traders (i.e. Smugglers)), the plot builds up to include those afore-mentioned smuggling rings, and a little bit of sea battle (a first in the series). It's also a first that the majority of this novel takes place away from London!
I do have to say, however, that even more so than the first two books, I found this one to be very remniscient of one of the Sharpe books from the 90s - have a look at <i>Sharpe's Company</i> (in particular) to see what I mean! That's not to say I din't enjoy it - I did - but just that, to me, elements of the plot seemed very familiar
David McK (3562 KP) rated The Legion (Eagle, #10) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The latest in Simon Scarrows Roman series of books (that initially all had the word 'Eagle' somewhere in the title), this follows on fromt he events of 'The Gladiator' and can be seen as concluding the plot line first began in 'Centurion'.
Unlike 'The Gladiator', however, I reckon it would be possible (maybe not advisable, but possible) to read this as stand-alone: although reference is made to previous events, they aren't quite as central to the story in this book as the events in 'Centurion' are to 'The Gladiator'. This particular novel is set in Egypt - Rome's bread-basket - and follows Cato (who, for the first time in the series as a whole, has more responsibility than Macro) and Macro's search to hunt down the renegade Gladiator Ajax, who escaped from Crete at the end of the previous novel. As before, when you pick up one of these books: you pretty much know what to expect - bloody battles, a little bit of suspense, and a few loose ends for the sequels ...
Unlike 'The Gladiator', however, I reckon it would be possible (maybe not advisable, but possible) to read this as stand-alone: although reference is made to previous events, they aren't quite as central to the story in this book as the events in 'Centurion' are to 'The Gladiator'. This particular novel is set in Egypt - Rome's bread-basket - and follows Cato (who, for the first time in the series as a whole, has more responsibility than Macro) and Macro's search to hunt down the renegade Gladiator Ajax, who escaped from Crete at the end of the previous novel. As before, when you pick up one of these books: you pretty much know what to expect - bloody battles, a little bit of suspense, and a few loose ends for the sequels ...
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Sin & Surrender (Demigods of San Francisco, #6) in Books
Jan 8, 2021
This has been borrowed from the Kindle Unlimited Library.
This is the last book in the series! How am I going to survive without more Kieran and Lexi and co?
Anyway, they are now at the Magical Summit. Kieran is hoping for his place as San Francisco's Demigod to be approved as well as his link to Alexis. In the meantime, every Demigod's minions are prowling the grounds of the ginormous estate looking for battles, including Lexi and co.
This was quite fun. It was clear to see that Lexi and the gang were some of the most skilled fighters in the place. We met some fun characters and some stuff comes out that I hadn't expected, which was great. And then that end bit with Jack. I really do love this group of people.
I don't have the words to express how much I enjoyed this.
And then that bit with the green eyed jinn and Daisy... I'm thinking she may get her own series where that bit will be explored.
This is the last book in the series! How am I going to survive without more Kieran and Lexi and co?
Anyway, they are now at the Magical Summit. Kieran is hoping for his place as San Francisco's Demigod to be approved as well as his link to Alexis. In the meantime, every Demigod's minions are prowling the grounds of the ginormous estate looking for battles, including Lexi and co.
This was quite fun. It was clear to see that Lexi and the gang were some of the most skilled fighters in the place. We met some fun characters and some stuff comes out that I hadn't expected, which was great. And then that end bit with Jack. I really do love this group of people.
I don't have the words to express how much I enjoyed this.
And then that bit with the green eyed jinn and Daisy... I'm thinking she may get her own series where that bit will be explored.
Joe Goodhart (27 KP) rated Hounded in Books
Nov 30, 2020
A 21-Centuries-old Celt, and he has an Irish Wolfhound named Oberon, with whom they share a telepathic bond/communication? Look, you had me at the inclusion of a furry/fuzzy dog! However, it went downhill thereafter!
From the first page, there is a playful sense of adventure within, and that is good. Unfortunately, having the lead character "knock boots" with any of the Tuatha Dé Danann who appear in the book left an unpleasant taste in mouth. Further exacerbating the taste was the objectification used in his description of anyone of the opposite sex! Wow! It started to feel like a ride on the Misogynist Express..and that was only the first six Chapters (I couldn't go any further)!
It's a shame, too, because the series has garner a more than fair amount of praise, and with the upcoming Dabel Brothers comic adaptation of the series, I was looking forward to this. Ah well, there's other, less sexist/misogynistic/etc. fantasy/urban fantasy out there. You (and I) can do better to search elsewhere..
From the first page, there is a playful sense of adventure within, and that is good. Unfortunately, having the lead character "knock boots" with any of the Tuatha Dé Danann who appear in the book left an unpleasant taste in mouth. Further exacerbating the taste was the objectification used in his description of anyone of the opposite sex! Wow! It started to feel like a ride on the Misogynist Express..and that was only the first six Chapters (I couldn't go any further)!
It's a shame, too, because the series has garner a more than fair amount of praise, and with the upcoming Dabel Brothers comic adaptation of the series, I was looking forward to this. Ah well, there's other, less sexist/misogynistic/etc. fantasy/urban fantasy out there. You (and I) can do better to search elsewhere..
Hazel (2934 KP) rated All Fall Down (Helen Grace #9) in Books
Jun 7, 2020
This is another great addition to this series of books starring DI Helen Grace and another that keeps you on your toes, guessing to the end and reading way into the night. Although this is the ninth in the series, it does work well as a standalone however, you do lose a bit of the history of the characters which helps to flesh them out and explain their motivations but not enough to detract from what is a great book.
The premise of the story is like nothing I have read before ... the killer lets the victim know they are going to die within the hour! What would you think? What would you do?
From the very beginning, the action starts and the pace doesn't let up throughout culminating in a heart-stopping, breath-holding finale.
There are twists, turns, trials and tribulations aplenty which made for an exciting read and I most definitely look forward to number 10.
Many thanks to Orion Publishing Group via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
The premise of the story is like nothing I have read before ... the killer lets the victim know they are going to die within the hour! What would you think? What would you do?
From the very beginning, the action starts and the pace doesn't let up throughout culminating in a heart-stopping, breath-holding finale.
There are twists, turns, trials and tribulations aplenty which made for an exciting read and I most definitely look forward to number 10.
Many thanks to Orion Publishing Group via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
ClareR (5879 KP) rated The Moscow Whisper in Books
Jun 12, 2020
This is another non-stop action spy thriller from Michael Jenkins, and this time his hero, Sean Richardson, is on a mission to infiltrate a group of Russian mercenaries who are trying to take over a nation state in Africa.
What surprises me more than anything, is how much I enjoy these books. I don’t like spy books. I failed miserably to read and enjoy the only James Bond book I picked up. But when I saw this pop up on the options of books to read on The Pigeonhole app, I jumped at the opportunity to sign up. I’ve enjoyed all three of these books in the series. They’re really engaging, well explained for those of us who don’t understand the inner workings of British Intelligence or military, and the characters are highly likeable (or detestable, depending on who they are!).
It’s simply a great read, whether you like spy novels, or if you’ve never tried one. This whole series is so good, and I’m already looking forward to the next one!
What surprises me more than anything, is how much I enjoy these books. I don’t like spy books. I failed miserably to read and enjoy the only James Bond book I picked up. But when I saw this pop up on the options of books to read on The Pigeonhole app, I jumped at the opportunity to sign up. I’ve enjoyed all three of these books in the series. They’re really engaging, well explained for those of us who don’t understand the inner workings of British Intelligence or military, and the characters are highly likeable (or detestable, depending on who they are!).
It’s simply a great read, whether you like spy novels, or if you’ve never tried one. This whole series is so good, and I’m already looking forward to the next one!
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Kill Again (Claire Waters #2) in Books
Oct 17, 2021
I have had this book on my to-be-read pile for years and I don't know why I waited so long to read it because I was gripped from the start. I haven't read the first in the series but this didn't cause a problem at all and certainly didn't detract from my reading experience.
I love the two main characters, Claire and Nick. They are interesting, flawed and totally believable. The pace is great and it's one of those books where you say "just one more chapter!" and before you know it, it's way past your bed time. The plot was gripping and I didn't guess who the killer was until the end when everything came together and finished satisfactorily for me.
It's a shame there haven't been any more books in this series - well none that I can find - because I would definitely read them however, I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good serial killer thriller and my thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
I love the two main characters, Claire and Nick. They are interesting, flawed and totally believable. The pace is great and it's one of those books where you say "just one more chapter!" and before you know it, it's way past your bed time. The plot was gripping and I didn't guess who the killer was until the end when everything came together and finished satisfactorily for me.
It's a shame there haven't been any more books in this series - well none that I can find - because I would definitely read them however, I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good serial killer thriller and my thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.