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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2322 KP) rated Phantom Outlaw at Wolf Creek in Books

Mar 9, 2021  
Phantom Outlaw at Wolf Creek
Phantom Outlaw at Wolf Creek
Sigmund Brouwer | 1990 | Children, Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Danger on a Montana Ranch
Ricky Kidd is on a month long vacation with his friends Mike and Ralphy at Mike’s uncle and aunt’s ranch in Montana. When he arrives, he hears the legend of a bank robbery that happened decades ago and the phantom of the outlaw that still haunts the nearby canyon. Or is it a legend? Mike and his visiting cousin, Sarah, insist on investigating, and Ricky sees evidence with his own eyes that the legend might be true. Can Ricky uncover the truth of what is going on?

This is another wonderful book in a favorite middle grade mystery series. The characters are sharp and provide some wonderful laughs. Sometimes their antics slow down the mystery in the first half of the book, but parts of the plot are being worked in to the fun, and the second half pays off the questions wonderfully. The suspense at the end is great, and the way Ricky works everything out is perfect. These books were written for the Christian market, and they work Ricky’s faith in organically without ever once preaching. The books are a bit dated now since they were originally released in the 1990’s, but as long as you know that going in, you’ll be fine. It might take a bit to track down this mystery, but it is worth it.
  
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Merissa (12710 KP) rated In Pain and Blood (Spellster #1) in Books

Jun 15, 2018  
In Pain and Blood (Spellster #1)
In Pain and Blood (Spellster #1)
Aldrea Alien | 2017 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
4
4.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
In Pain and Blood (Spellster #1) by Aldrea Alien
In Pain and Blood is the first book in the Spellster series, and has all the hallmarks of everything I enjoy - epic fantasy, m/m, romance, action, and adventure. Dylan has spent his life in 'the Tower' learning how to be a spellster. Magic comes easily to him, but his guardian keeps on telling him to stay safe in the tower, and not to make waves. However, one event shoves him to the forefront, and he sees more of life than he expected. Trying to make his way back to the Tower, he becomes part of a ragtag group and sees life in a completely different way.

This should have been a good book. I really wanted it to be a good book, but it fell short for me on a number of different levels. First of all, it's long. And I mean REALLY long. Now don't get me wrong, I love epic fantasy, and regularly read books of a thick volume. However, for this book, it felt like it needed some serious editing to get some of the monotonous repetition removed. Also, this land is supposed to be under attack, but they manage to completely miss any and every member of either army on their two month trek across the land - which we hear about in great detail. How this book started actually had me going back to check on the blurb as I thought I was reading a completely different book. It does change and become the story the blurb describes, but only after a long start. It is only the two main characters who we really meet, and I wouldn't say I 'know' them very well. Even their companions, who they spend so much time with, aren't really fleshed out. It didn't help when one of the main characters spoke to everyone as 'my dear hunter/my dear warrior/my dear spellster'. I know this was supposed to be one of his quirks, but I got it after the first dozen times. It really didn't need repeating multiple times on every page. The ending, such as it was, is the only thing in the book that felt rushed. Big events happen, something life-changing happens to a supporting character, opinions change, a lifetime's enduring love is pronounced, and it happens at the speed of light.

I struggled to finish this book. It was only my sheer stubborn nature and optimistic belief that it would get better (and if I finished it before it ended, I would never know) that kept me turning the pages to the very end. I am glad I've read it, but I wouldn't recommend it.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
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graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Queste (Septimus Heap #4) in Books

Feb 15, 2019  
Queste (Septimus Heap #4)
Queste (Septimus Heap #4)
Angie Sage | 2008 | Children
8
6.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
I really enjoyed this fourth book in the Septimus Heap series and can't wait for the fifth to come out next month. The plots keeping getting better and better as the series progresses. My only complaint is Jenna. She's getting to be very bossy and it's rather making me dislike her anymore. I understand Jenna's a princess and will be queen, but she was raised better than that and I wish she'd get a lesson in humility soon. Especially since she's basically the main secondary character. I really want to like her again. Overall, great story with great creativity, and I just love the 'epilogues' of various characters that is always included.
4.5 stars
  
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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post

Jun 17, 2022  
If you like mystery books, you're in for a treat! DEADLY KEEPSAKES by Anita Dickason, Author is featured on my blog today. Be sure to pre-order your copy of this awesome book which will be released next month. Then, enter the giveaway for a chance to win a Deadly Keepsakes tote bag - two winners!

https://alltheupsandowns.blogspot.com/2022/06/pre-order-book-blitz-and-giveaway.html

**BOOK SYNOPSIS**
The past becomes the future. Secrets that can kill!

After someone tries to kill her, Tori Winters is on the run. Looking for a place to hide, a mysterious phone call about a vague inheritance seems to be the answer. After all, who would think of looking for her in Granbury, a small quaint Texas town. Instead, her life is about to spin into an existence where nothing is as it seems. The historic house she inherits has secrets. Ones she's been warned can kill. A stranger in a strange town, who can she trust? There is the kindly lawyer and his son, or the disinherited step-grandson. What secrets do they hide? Tori's newfound fortune may not be a blessing. It could become her death warrant.