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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2502 KP) rated McElligot’s Pool in Books
Sep 29, 2021
You Never Know What You’ll Find in McElligot’s Pool
The book opens with Marco, the protagonist from To Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, fishing in a pond on the McElligot’s farm. He’s warned that there’s nothing in the pond but junk that people have thrown away. Marco, however, takes a more fanciful outlook on the pool. After all, maybe it’s connected to the sea but a tunnel no one knows about. And, if that’s the case, you never know exactly what you could catch.
This early book from Dr. Seuss is imagination on display. The heart of the book is Marco’s fish stories, which go from the plausible to the outlandish and back again. It’s fun. The rhymes could be a bit better, and the book does feel a bit repetitive, but I remember enjoying this one as a kid, and it still has charm rereading it as an adult. This is early Dr. Seuss, so the illustrations are very detailed pen and ink, some in color and some not. Yes, this is one of the recently banned books. It is banned takes to one page that features Marco’s imaginative take on Eskimo fish. Yes, the drawings on that page are caricatures, but the entire book is filled with caricatures. They fit right in. While this isn’t one of Dr. Seuss’s best books, it is a shame that it won’t be around to spark the imagination of future generations.
This early book from Dr. Seuss is imagination on display. The heart of the book is Marco’s fish stories, which go from the plausible to the outlandish and back again. It’s fun. The rhymes could be a bit better, and the book does feel a bit repetitive, but I remember enjoying this one as a kid, and it still has charm rereading it as an adult. This is early Dr. Seuss, so the illustrations are very detailed pen and ink, some in color and some not. Yes, this is one of the recently banned books. It is banned takes to one page that features Marco’s imaginative take on Eskimo fish. Yes, the drawings on that page are caricatures, but the entire book is filled with caricatures. They fit right in. While this isn’t one of Dr. Seuss’s best books, it is a shame that it won’t be around to spark the imagination of future generations.
Merissa (13828 KP) rated Bound (Dark Reflections #1) in Books
Apr 6, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
As you may be aware, I am a Reflections Fan. I read book one and was drawn in. By book 2 I was completely hooked and just found myself further enthralled with Alec and Adri as the story continued. So I'll admit to being torn about this set. I loved Reflections and wasn't sure if I even wanted to read an alternate storyline. But then my curiosity kicked in and I started reading it. As always with Dean Murray's books, I ended up staying awake a lot longer than I intended as I "just read one more chapter".
The story is certainly darker than the original series, hence the "Dark Reflections" series title. You see familiar faces in unfamiliar conditions and surroundings. Some of the things that happen in Reflections don't or haven't happened here. On the whole, it is a brand new look at the wolf pack of Sanctuary and of the shifter world in general.
I really enjoyed this book, almost against my own desires, and am looking forward to reading more in this series. I think it will be very interesting to find out how Adri and Alec will meet up this time. If you like Reflections, then definitely give Dark Reflections a chance.
* 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!
November 19, 2016
The story is certainly darker than the original series, hence the "Dark Reflections" series title. You see familiar faces in unfamiliar conditions and surroundings. Some of the things that happen in Reflections don't or haven't happened here. On the whole, it is a brand new look at the wolf pack of Sanctuary and of the shifter world in general.
I really enjoyed this book, almost against my own desires, and am looking forward to reading more in this series. I think it will be very interesting to find out how Adri and Alec will meet up this time. If you like Reflections, then definitely give Dark Reflections a chance.
* 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!
November 19, 2016
Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated Commander (Hellfire #3) in Books
Mar 3, 2023
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mei has been followed by Kellias as a punishment, ever since she annoyed Lucifer with her attitude when he upset her best friend. She has tried to lose him whenever she can but she never seems to have much luck. When she is sent on a mission to see who is trying to make wildfire with Kellias will she finally get rid of him or find his value?
This is book number 3 in the hellfire series and I have enjoyed every single story in this series. As soon as I had finished one book I was ready to read the next one. There are a couple of novellas as well that I will be reading and I am eagerly waiting for book number 4!
The way that Ella has written these are fresh and exciting. Lots of anticipation about what could happen next and whom it involves. Although this story contains characters from previous books, I think you could read it as a stand-alone. Personally, I recommend you read them all as they are fast-paced, romantic, passionate, and gripping. I really can't praise them high enough they are brilliant!
** 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. *
Mei has been followed by Kellias as a punishment, ever since she annoyed Lucifer with her attitude when he upset her best friend. She has tried to lose him whenever she can but she never seems to have much luck. When she is sent on a mission to see who is trying to make wildfire with Kellias will she finally get rid of him or find his value?
This is book number 3 in the hellfire series and I have enjoyed every single story in this series. As soon as I had finished one book I was ready to read the next one. There are a couple of novellas as well that I will be reading and I am eagerly waiting for book number 4!
The way that Ella has written these are fresh and exciting. Lots of anticipation about what could happen next and whom it involves. Although this story contains characters from previous books, I think you could read it as a stand-alone. Personally, I recommend you read them all as they are fast-paced, romantic, passionate, and gripping. I really can't praise them high enough they are brilliant!
** 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 (13828 KP) rated Get Frosted (Christmas Falls #3) in Books
Nov 16, 2023
GET FROSTED is the third book in the multi-author series, Christmas Falls. This time we have the managers of the two pubs - Frosty's and Rudolph's. They have known each other for years as Rudy was Mik's brother's best friend. They had a rivalry that was blown out of proportion to keep them both in the spotlight when they played hockey. Rudy is the one who has always moved around. Mik is the one with deep roots in Christmas Falls.
Although I enjoyed the story, it didn't press as many buttons as the previous books have. I also can't agree with them being 'forced' to work together. No one forced anything. Although this is billed as low angst, I actually would have preferred a little more angst! It felt as though the storyline about Rudy possibly leaving was almost lost amidst the pregnant sister-in-law and the birthday granny.
On the whole, I enjoyed this story and did enjoy being back in Christmas Falls. It just didn't work as well for me as the others have. I have no hesitation in recommending it for all those who love a low-angst seasonal story.
** 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!
Nov 15, 2023
Although I enjoyed the story, it didn't press as many buttons as the previous books have. I also can't agree with them being 'forced' to work together. No one forced anything. Although this is billed as low angst, I actually would have preferred a little more angst! It felt as though the storyline about Rudy possibly leaving was almost lost amidst the pregnant sister-in-law and the birthday granny.
On the whole, I enjoyed this story and did enjoy being back in Christmas Falls. It just didn't work as well for me as the others have. I have no hesitation in recommending it for all those who love a low-angst seasonal story.
** 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!
Nov 15, 2023
Merissa (13828 KP) rated Insatiable Incubus (Lads and Monsters #1) in Books
Dec 1, 2023
INSATIABLE INCUBUS is a standalone novel with the possibility of future stories set in this world.
Wilder is in his mid-twenties and has fallen into the monster assassination business. Lucian is said monster, an incubus who keeps himself to himself but has been accused of murdering young virgin girls from the nearby village.
The attraction is almost instantaneous between these two but I never got the sadistic vibe as detailed in the blurb. It was intense, yes, but not sadistic. Things get hot and heavy between the two, and Wilder is drawn to help the monster he was sent to kill. Unfortunately, the common issue of miscommunication raises its ugly head and complicates matters.
This was a quick read that I enjoyed. The world-building leaves it open for other books, and I sincerely hope the author returns to this world. I'd love to learn more about it. As for the connection between Wilder and Lucian, although steamy, I would have liked to have seen a bit more in their emotional connection, rather than just physical with a realisation at the end.
A great read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
** 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!
Dec 1, 2023
Wilder is in his mid-twenties and has fallen into the monster assassination business. Lucian is said monster, an incubus who keeps himself to himself but has been accused of murdering young virgin girls from the nearby village.
The attraction is almost instantaneous between these two but I never got the sadistic vibe as detailed in the blurb. It was intense, yes, but not sadistic. Things get hot and heavy between the two, and Wilder is drawn to help the monster he was sent to kill. Unfortunately, the common issue of miscommunication raises its ugly head and complicates matters.
This was a quick read that I enjoyed. The world-building leaves it open for other books, and I sincerely hope the author returns to this world. I'd love to learn more about it. As for the connection between Wilder and Lucian, although steamy, I would have liked to have seen a bit more in their emotional connection, rather than just physical with a realisation at the end.
A great read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
** 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!
Dec 1, 2023
Merissa (13828 KP) rated Envy (Seven Princes of Sin #5) in Books
May 31, 2023
Please read the TWs!
ENVY is the fifth book in the Seven Princes of Sin series and, in my opinion, you really need to have read the others to receive the full benefit of this one. Also, and it's a biggie, you really need to read the Trigger Warnings for this series. It is hella dark and disturbing in places. Now, moving on…
Aedin is the Prince of Envy. And Becca is Aedin's soul mate. Becca is… troubled, to say the least, and it's not surprising at all when you consider her past. I know all of the soul mates were to be reincarnated into pain and sorrow each time but, oh man, this one was a doozy.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, dark as it was, and loved the snippets of information we got about Wrath and Luci. I honestly can't wait for their books! The overall story arc is moving along with each book, and the previous pairs show up in each new one, so it really does help to read them in order.
A fantastic addition to the series and definitely recommended by me. Just, again, please read the TWs!
** 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!
May 31, 2023
Aedin is the Prince of Envy. And Becca is Aedin's soul mate. Becca is… troubled, to say the least, and it's not surprising at all when you consider her past. I know all of the soul mates were to be reincarnated into pain and sorrow each time but, oh man, this one was a doozy.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, dark as it was, and loved the snippets of information we got about Wrath and Luci. I honestly can't wait for their books! The overall story arc is moving along with each book, and the previous pairs show up in each new one, so it really does help to read them in order.
A fantastic addition to the series and definitely recommended by me. Just, again, please read the TWs!
** 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!
May 31, 2023
Death Checked Out
6.5
Rate It
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When in doubt, go to the library...and solve the murder mystery! Greta Plank, library director in...
Debbiereadsbook (1675 KP) rated Ravished by the Rhubarb (The Rhubarb Effect #3) in Books
Nov 25, 2024
Apollo doesn't like custard!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I love reading weird stuff, and this series by Sayle and Brown hit the nail on the head every time!
Apollo thinks his mate rejected him, and tries to not be in Glass' company. But Glass did NOT reject Apollo, he was just overcome by meeting his mate. In an effort to get Apollo to talk to Glass, the pair are set up on camera duty, and Glass brings a bag of things. Turns out, the pride and or the bunch of rhubarb (which has a name but I can't remember it!) was sneaky and someone swapped the contents for some more adult toys!
What I am really enjoying about these books is that while they are a lot, and I mean A LOT of fun, there is some drama here too. In this book, Apollo thinks he can't have his mate, because he doesn't like custard. And, you really need to read the other books to get what I mean by "custard" :-p
There is a way round that, and the pride comes good with their ideas to see both Apollo and Glass happy. And they get VERY happy!
Red and Gordon are next and we might find out just who wants Red and more importantly, WHY!
4 absolute fun stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I love reading weird stuff, and this series by Sayle and Brown hit the nail on the head every time!
Apollo thinks his mate rejected him, and tries to not be in Glass' company. But Glass did NOT reject Apollo, he was just overcome by meeting his mate. In an effort to get Apollo to talk to Glass, the pair are set up on camera duty, and Glass brings a bag of things. Turns out, the pride and or the bunch of rhubarb (which has a name but I can't remember it!) was sneaky and someone swapped the contents for some more adult toys!
What I am really enjoying about these books is that while they are a lot, and I mean A LOT of fun, there is some drama here too. In this book, Apollo thinks he can't have his mate, because he doesn't like custard. And, you really need to read the other books to get what I mean by "custard" :-p
There is a way round that, and the pride comes good with their ideas to see both Apollo and Glass happy. And they get VERY happy!
Red and Gordon are next and we might find out just who wants Red and more importantly, WHY!
4 absolute fun stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
The Bandersnatch (199 KP) rated The Secret Garden in Books
Nov 7, 2019
Written and published in 1911 the secret garden started its life as a serialization ten issues of in The American magazine (November 1910-August 1911), before being published by the American publishers Fredrick A. Stokes in August 1911 and by British publishers Heinemann later that year. However Copyright expired in the states in 1987 and inmost other parts of the world by 1995 placing the book in public domain and resulting in several abridged and unabridged editions being published. The book has the theme of Rejuvenation and regeneration, showing that if something is neglected it dies and if its worked on and cared for it thrives (Like Mary, Colin and the garden do).
The story starts at the turn of the 20th century and follows Mary Lennox, a sickly and unloved child born abroad and brought back to her wealthy uncles house after a Cholera outbreak leaves her an orphan. As Mary gets used to her new isolated home she learns of a private walled garden once owned by her aunt forever locked by her uncle and hears crying which eventually leads to her cousin Colin. With Mary telling Colin stories about the moor, her friend Dickon and the secret garden she has access to, Colin is inspired to join her outside and as such both children improve beyond belief.
The books working title was Mistress Mary in reference to the English Nursery Rhyme Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary. Parts of the book was written during Burnett's visits to Buile Hill park, Maytham Hall in Kent, England. She'd lived there for a number of years and the garden was cited as influence for the book. Burnett herself kept an extensive garden however its noted besides the garden Maytham hall and Misslethwaite Manor are physically very different.
Having been marketed to both adults and children the reception may have been affected. The book was not as celebrated as Burnett's other books during her lifetime and paled in comparison to the popularity of her other books. The books revival could be traced by an almost complete eclipse at the time of Burnett's death in1924. With the rise of scholarly work in the past twenty five years the book has risen in popularity and prominence. Its often noted as amongst the best books of the 20th century. It ranked 51 in the Big Read (BBC Survey), was named amongst the Teachers top 100 books for children in 2007 and in 2012 ranked 15th in the all time children's novels in a survey published by School Library Journal.
There have been Six movies (1919, 1949, 1987, 1993 and 1994), a TV show (1975), a Musical (1989), an Anime TV series (1991), an Opera (2013), Even a colouring book published (2013) from the book each one with various degrees of popularity and success. There will be a new 'The Secret Garden' movie which is being produced by David Heyman and Rosie Alison with the Production company Heydey films and Studiocanal. Both Colin firth and Julie Walters are set to star as Mrs Medlock and Archibald Craven and the release date will be the 17th April 2020....I am very excited to go see it.
The Author is Francis Hodgson Burnett and her bio segment is in last Tuesdays book club on The Little Princess if you would like to read it.
MY OPINIONS
I came across the book after seeing the 1993 movie when I was 9/10 years old. I went looking for the book bought it and started reading. I really really like the book and I agree that the theme of rejuvenation and regeneration definitely runs through the book. I love this book and definitely will be reading it to my future children. I give this book 8/10.
The story starts at the turn of the 20th century and follows Mary Lennox, a sickly and unloved child born abroad and brought back to her wealthy uncles house after a Cholera outbreak leaves her an orphan. As Mary gets used to her new isolated home she learns of a private walled garden once owned by her aunt forever locked by her uncle and hears crying which eventually leads to her cousin Colin. With Mary telling Colin stories about the moor, her friend Dickon and the secret garden she has access to, Colin is inspired to join her outside and as such both children improve beyond belief.
The books working title was Mistress Mary in reference to the English Nursery Rhyme Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary. Parts of the book was written during Burnett's visits to Buile Hill park, Maytham Hall in Kent, England. She'd lived there for a number of years and the garden was cited as influence for the book. Burnett herself kept an extensive garden however its noted besides the garden Maytham hall and Misslethwaite Manor are physically very different.
Having been marketed to both adults and children the reception may have been affected. The book was not as celebrated as Burnett's other books during her lifetime and paled in comparison to the popularity of her other books. The books revival could be traced by an almost complete eclipse at the time of Burnett's death in1924. With the rise of scholarly work in the past twenty five years the book has risen in popularity and prominence. Its often noted as amongst the best books of the 20th century. It ranked 51 in the Big Read (BBC Survey), was named amongst the Teachers top 100 books for children in 2007 and in 2012 ranked 15th in the all time children's novels in a survey published by School Library Journal.
There have been Six movies (1919, 1949, 1987, 1993 and 1994), a TV show (1975), a Musical (1989), an Anime TV series (1991), an Opera (2013), Even a colouring book published (2013) from the book each one with various degrees of popularity and success. There will be a new 'The Secret Garden' movie which is being produced by David Heyman and Rosie Alison with the Production company Heydey films and Studiocanal. Both Colin firth and Julie Walters are set to star as Mrs Medlock and Archibald Craven and the release date will be the 17th April 2020....I am very excited to go see it.
The Author is Francis Hodgson Burnett and her bio segment is in last Tuesdays book club on The Little Princess if you would like to read it.
MY OPINIONS
I came across the book after seeing the 1993 movie when I was 9/10 years old. I went looking for the book bought it and started reading. I really really like the book and I agree that the theme of rejuvenation and regeneration definitely runs through the book. I love this book and definitely will be reading it to my future children. I give this book 8/10.
SummerLGrant (185 KP) rated Within the Sanctuary of Wings in Books
Aug 2, 2017
The world building (3 more)
The character development
The way it's approached as a real memoir
Just the writing in general
One of the best fantasy series around
This is a review more for the entire series as a whole.
Lady Trent has been an absolutely fascinating character to read about for the past few years and the character development you see happens naturally throughout all five books of her memoirs. As the final instalment of an amazing series, Within the Sanctuary of Wings is a suitable conclusion for her adventures and completely outstripped my expectations.
In a series of this size there's usually a dip of quality at some point, but somehow Marie Brennan was able to avoid that and kept the pace of the story going without a wasted word and a clear idea of where she wanted the story to go.
Lady Trent has been an absolutely fascinating character to read about for the past few years and the character development you see happens naturally throughout all five books of her memoirs. As the final instalment of an amazing series, Within the Sanctuary of Wings is a suitable conclusion for her adventures and completely outstripped my expectations.
In a series of this size there's usually a dip of quality at some point, but somehow Marie Brennan was able to avoid that and kept the pace of the story going without a wasted word and a clear idea of where she wanted the story to go.