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Cori June (3033 KP) rated Blood Trade (Jane Yellowrock, #6) in Books
Dec 3, 2018 (Updated Nov 8, 2019)
This one is lower mostly because she gets really emotional (for good reasons) and is more "alone time". One of the things I love about most Jane Yellowrock books is the interactions between her and the other characters especially her and Eli. This seems like a "builder book" a book to set the story up for something else. Although, it has a lot of elements of "placement book" too; as in, let me place this book here to give some background information on a couple of characters. I would have liked more background on Jane although it was fun to see her interact with people from her past. The is still that three way triangle thing with Bruiser and Rick. As well as where Eli fits into the structure of friend/romantic partner/business partner/brother type. The romance parts, well, it's all a little understated when compared to the previous books this one being more of a hack and slash version. And there is very little of the fang head Leo.

Natalia (73 KP) rated Ruin and Rising (The Grisha #3) in Books
Jan 26, 2019
Having finished this book just an hour before writing this, I can really feel the effect this book is having on me.
Getting to know these character for two/three books and having that come to an end is utterly heartbreaking in the best way possible. While some questions remain, I have a feeling they'll be answered in the rest of the Grishaverse books, and those that will remain unanswered will either keep me coming back or keep me discussing the possibilities obsessively with the few people I know who've also read the series. Characters have gained depth, and plenty is set up to link in the other works from Bardugo. Even some of the characters that I felt were one-dimensional became well-rounded and have managed to take up their own place in my heart.
Genuinely, I cannot say how I feel about the series coming to an end. The ending itself I love - but to leave this series behind will take a lot of effort on my part.
Getting to know these character for two/three books and having that come to an end is utterly heartbreaking in the best way possible. While some questions remain, I have a feeling they'll be answered in the rest of the Grishaverse books, and those that will remain unanswered will either keep me coming back or keep me discussing the possibilities obsessively with the few people I know who've also read the series. Characters have gained depth, and plenty is set up to link in the other works from Bardugo. Even some of the characters that I felt were one-dimensional became well-rounded and have managed to take up their own place in my heart.
Genuinely, I cannot say how I feel about the series coming to an end. The ending itself I love - but to leave this series behind will take a lot of effort on my part.
I had high hopes for this one.
I quite enjoyed [b:Ready Player One|9969571|Ready Player One|Ernest Cline|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1406383612s/9969571.jpg|14863741] and it's almost-plausible-near-future setting that read a bit like a mix between Bruce Willis's movie "Surrogates" with a dash of "The Matrix" thrown in, and always like a bit of sci-fi.
Unfortunately, this fell flat for me.
I don't know whether it's because it's not as believable (and yes, I'm futher aware that I'm talking about fiction here) as [b:Ready Player One|9969571|Ready Player One|Ernest Cline|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1406383612s/9969571.jpg|14863741], or because I could tell where the plot was going within the first 100 pages or so - think "The Last Starfighter" meets "Ender's Game" with a bit of "BattleStar Galactica" thrown in for good measure, but - for me - this just didn't really do it.
Tricky second novel syndrome, perhaps?
N.B.: I did pick up on the numerous real-world sci-fi references :-)
I quite enjoyed [b:Ready Player One|9969571|Ready Player One|Ernest Cline|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1406383612s/9969571.jpg|14863741] and it's almost-plausible-near-future setting that read a bit like a mix between Bruce Willis's movie "Surrogates" with a dash of "The Matrix" thrown in, and always like a bit of sci-fi.
Unfortunately, this fell flat for me.
I don't know whether it's because it's not as believable (and yes, I'm futher aware that I'm talking about fiction here) as [b:Ready Player One|9969571|Ready Player One|Ernest Cline|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1406383612s/9969571.jpg|14863741], or because I could tell where the plot was going within the first 100 pages or so - think "The Last Starfighter" meets "Ender's Game" with a bit of "BattleStar Galactica" thrown in for good measure, but - for me - this just didn't really do it.
Tricky second novel syndrome, perhaps?
N.B.: I did pick up on the numerous real-world sci-fi references :-)

Charley (64 KP) rated The Mermaid in Books
Jan 28, 2019
Unusual and left you wanting more
This author is truly amazing. She is able to take well know tales/ folk lores and turn them into gripping novels. This book is no different. I found this enchanting tale after reading her Chronicles of Alice series of books.
She has taken the story of Bo Burnham and the little mermaid and amalgamated them into what is an amazing read.
In short the story is about a mermaid who wants to see the world. She is taken in by Burnham with a promise of money to show the world her mermaid tricks. Safe to say that like all of Christina Henry's other books it takes a dark and twisted turn however seems to work out well in the end.
There are definitely some moments in the book where i was worried to read on as i thought something really bad was going to happen.
It kept me on the edge of my seat through out and was a wonderful tale of the darkness of men and magic.
She has taken the story of Bo Burnham and the little mermaid and amalgamated them into what is an amazing read.
In short the story is about a mermaid who wants to see the world. She is taken in by Burnham with a promise of money to show the world her mermaid tricks. Safe to say that like all of Christina Henry's other books it takes a dark and twisted turn however seems to work out well in the end.
There are definitely some moments in the book where i was worried to read on as i thought something really bad was going to happen.
It kept me on the edge of my seat through out and was a wonderful tale of the darkness of men and magic.

Sarah (7800 KP) rated Men at Arms (Discworld, #15; City Watch #2) in Books
Oct 28, 2019
Wonderfully wacky
I dare anyone to read a Discworld book and not smile at least once (if not multiple times). There's something about the wonderfully wacky world of Ankh-Morporkh that makes it so entertaining and delightful to read. Not only are the Discworld books well written, they're also full of flawed yet well developed and loveable characters.
Men at Arms is no different. The City Guard are a rather motley crew of loveable misfits, and every single one from Vimes to Carrot to Detritus has their moment or moments in this book. Some of the interactions and conversations between characters in this book are hilarious, especially those involving Detritus and Cuddy, or the conversations between Vimes, Carrot and Vetinari. Not only does Pratchett manage to fill the book with humour and fantasy, he also throws in a lot of real world problems like racism and species-ism (probably not a word) in such a manner that it's both thought provoking, meaningful and still funny. Pratchett really knows how to work his magic with these books.
Men at Arms is no different. The City Guard are a rather motley crew of loveable misfits, and every single one from Vimes to Carrot to Detritus has their moment or moments in this book. Some of the interactions and conversations between characters in this book are hilarious, especially those involving Detritus and Cuddy, or the conversations between Vimes, Carrot and Vetinari. Not only does Pratchett manage to fill the book with humour and fantasy, he also throws in a lot of real world problems like racism and species-ism (probably not a word) in such a manner that it's both thought provoking, meaningful and still funny. Pratchett really knows how to work his magic with these books.

Merissa (12911 KP) rated Journey to the Dark Goddess: How to Return to Your Soul in Books
Dec 17, 2018
This is a must-have books for anyone's collection, whether they are Pagan or not. At some point in your life, you will make a descent to the Dark Goddess. Whether this is by choice or not is irrelevant. It is also a descent that people will resist and fight but will ultimately lose as they travel downwards. This is a journey that everyone NEEDS to make, to see their soul complete. Without darkness there is no light and life should be about balance.
I have made my own descent many times, the first one that I am conscious of was 10 years ago. This book helped me to understand things that I had only touched the surface of. It centers mainly around the Sumerian Goddess Inanna and the Greek Goddesses Persephone and Psyche, although other Dark Goddesses are mentioned. The books contains preparations, meditations and rituals to help you work through your journey.
A wonderful book to add to your collection that you will want to read again.
I have made my own descent many times, the first one that I am conscious of was 10 years ago. This book helped me to understand things that I had only touched the surface of. It centers mainly around the Sumerian Goddess Inanna and the Greek Goddesses Persephone and Psyche, although other Dark Goddesses are mentioned. The books contains preparations, meditations and rituals to help you work through your journey.
A wonderful book to add to your collection that you will want to read again.

Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Eclipse (Twilight, #3) in Books
Feb 19, 2020
As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge, Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob - knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella has one more decision to make: life or death. But which is which?
I'm on my 4th reread and I've possibly reviewed this book before. This is my favourite of the of the the first 3 books. Apart from Bella still drives me crazy she is so pathetic sometimes! But yes I still like the books! This is seeing an end to all her relationships before they change in my opinion. My heart breaks for Jacob in this book he definitely gets the elbow and strictly friendzoned before the book ends!
Victoria is finally dead and the voltorie is all that's left to worry about.
I'm on my 4th reread and I've possibly reviewed this book before. This is my favourite of the of the the first 3 books. Apart from Bella still drives me crazy she is so pathetic sometimes! But yes I still like the books! This is seeing an end to all her relationships before they change in my opinion. My heart breaks for Jacob in this book he definitely gets the elbow and strictly friendzoned before the book ends!
Victoria is finally dead and the voltorie is all that's left to worry about.

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