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Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Side Jobs: Stories from the Dresden Files (The Dresden Files, #12.5) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
Marvelous! I'd missed more short pieces than I realized, so this book was even more of a treat than anticipated. I read quite a few anthologies, so I had thought that only the much-anticipated new novella would be new to me. Even the ones I've read before are good enough to revisit, though - a sure sign of a very good author. They were like revisiting old friends.
The new novella, <i>Aftermath</i>, was fascinating. I don't want to say too much, as I know that quite a few people ended up with too many spoilers about the end of [b:Changes|6585201|Changes (The Dresden Files, #12)|Jim Butcher|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1250016196s/6585201.jpg|6778696]. I think I'll just say that the it is well worth reading and leave it there. As promised, it does pick up right at the end of <i>Changes</i>. If you've read that, you want to read <i>Aftermath</i>. Come on, you know you do!
The new novella, <i>Aftermath</i>, was fascinating. I don't want to say too much, as I know that quite a few people ended up with too many spoilers about the end of [b:Changes|6585201|Changes (The Dresden Files, #12)|Jim Butcher|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1250016196s/6585201.jpg|6778696]. I think I'll just say that the it is well worth reading and leave it there. As promised, it does pick up right at the end of <i>Changes</i>. If you've read that, you want to read <i>Aftermath</i>. Come on, you know you do!
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Hope's Folly (Dock Five Universe, #3) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
As usual, too much romance for my tastes--but the rest made up for it. I keep reading Sinclair's work, even though it is largely romance, because she also has good plots and does a good job with character development. Unlike many authors, each of her main characters is a well-defined individual, not "another good guy" or "another beautiful-yet-insecure woman." There was a touch of beautiful-yet-insecure in Rya Bennton (SUCH an annoying clich@eacute;!), but she got past it.
Some of the things that annoy me the most are, apparently, standard romance memes. Having relationship problems just because nobody will say, "Hey, this is what I want and need, how about you?" is fairly realistic, but I'd love to see SOMEBODY in a book who has grown past that.
Anyway, this was a worthy read, and it does stand alone, but everything will make far more sense if you read the earlier books in the same universe.
Some of the things that annoy me the most are, apparently, standard romance memes. Having relationship problems just because nobody will say, "Hey, this is what I want and need, how about you?" is fairly realistic, but I'd love to see SOMEBODY in a book who has grown past that.
Anyway, this was a worthy read, and it does stand alone, but everything will make far more sense if you read the earlier books in the same universe.
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated The White Road: The Nightrunner Series, Book 5 in Books
Mar 1, 2018
Thank goodness. A particular story arc is finally closed, spread over the length of this and the previous novel. It was interesting at first, then it got really tiresome. I will say that it was fairly unique, which is fairly rare, so kudos to Flewelling for that, and it really tested the relationship between Alec and Seregil while it lasted.
I'm not sure how much longer these books can stay fresh, although the world does offer more potential. Perhaps it's time for Flewelling to allow this couple to turn things over to a new generation? Their heritage does mean they'll be young enough for nightrunning for years to come, but that doesn't mean readers will stay interested in reading about them that long unless they go off to countries as yet unexplored. I, to be honest, would prefer to read stories including more female POV characters for a change. (I have nothing against gay male characters - I just like female characters, too.)
I'm not sure how much longer these books can stay fresh, although the world does offer more potential. Perhaps it's time for Flewelling to allow this couple to turn things over to a new generation? Their heritage does mean they'll be young enough for nightrunning for years to come, but that doesn't mean readers will stay interested in reading about them that long unless they go off to countries as yet unexplored. I, to be honest, would prefer to read stories including more female POV characters for a change. (I have nothing against gay male characters - I just like female characters, too.)
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Cracked to Death (A Webb's Glass Shop Mystery, #3) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
This is the third book in the Webbs Glass Shop mystery series. If you havent read the previous books in the series, dont worry. Youll be able to catch on to whos who and whats happening easily enough that you can jump right in at this point without feeling lost.
I love the glass-making theme of this cozy series. The process is fascinating, and you can almost see the work being done from the vivid descriptions in the book. Its not all about the glass, though, and luckily Savannah has a great group of friends and colleagues to help her out when things get ugly. With another death in town, she needs them to help her track down a killer. This was a great addition to a fun series.
<i>NOTE: I was provided with a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.</i>
I love the glass-making theme of this cozy series. The process is fascinating, and you can almost see the work being done from the vivid descriptions in the book. Its not all about the glass, though, and luckily Savannah has a great group of friends and colleagues to help her out when things get ugly. With another death in town, she needs them to help her track down a killer. This was a great addition to a fun series.
<i>NOTE: I was provided with a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.</i>
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Legacy of Secrets (Kingdom Keepers: The Return, #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
The Kingdom Keepers are back in 1955, trying to follow clues to find Walt’s pen so they can make sure it is properly preserved so they can use it in the future. Meanwhile in the present, Amanda and Jess are trying to figure out how to help them and stumble upon long buried secrets that might change the game for everyone.
The two plots are balanced perfectly, keeping us entertained. Plus we learn some hows and whys that I didn’t know I cared about but explain much of what has been happening in the Kingdom Keeper series. We don’t get as much direct action as in previous books, but there is still some of that, and it is great. Plus, as a DisNerd, I was extremely green with all the Kingdom Keepers got to do in 1955.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/08/book-review-legacy-of-secrets-by-ridley.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
The two plots are balanced perfectly, keeping us entertained. Plus we learn some hows and whys that I didn’t know I cared about but explain much of what has been happening in the Kingdom Keeper series. We don’t get as much direct action as in previous books, but there is still some of that, and it is great. Plus, as a DisNerd, I was extremely green with all the Kingdom Keepers got to do in 1955.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/08/book-review-legacy-of-secrets-by-ridley.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated The Last Detective (Elvis Cole, #9) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
While PI Elvis Cole is watching his girlfriend Lucy’s son, Ben is kidnapped. The caller says it is payback for something in Cole’s past, but he can’t figure out what that might be. As more people get involved in the case, the kidnapping puts a strain on Elvis’s relationship with Lucy. Can he find Ben?
This is a thrilling read from start to finish. Since we have gotten to know Lucy and Ben over the last couple of books, we care about the outcome here. I was so pulled in at the climax that I didn’t want to stop. The characters are strong as well, including Elvis and his partner Joe Pike. They are becoming more human. The flashbacks to Elvis’s past help with that, and they manage to be as engrossing as the main story instead of slowing it down.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-last-detective-by-robert.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is a thrilling read from start to finish. Since we have gotten to know Lucy and Ben over the last couple of books, we care about the outcome here. I was so pulled in at the climax that I didn’t want to stop. The characters are strong as well, including Elvis and his partner Joe Pike. They are becoming more human. The flashbacks to Elvis’s past help with that, and they manage to be as engrossing as the main story instead of slowing it down.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-last-detective-by-robert.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Gila Monster (Mirage Mysteries #4) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
When the head of the Venomous Animals Research Institute is found dead in the lab with a Gila monster next to him, Joe and Tom are called in to find out what is going on. It might be an accident, but they don’t think so, especially when they realize just how few people actually liked the victim. With more incidents happening, can the pair find the killer?
I’ve really been enjoying rereading these books, and this book was no exception. I did remember who the killer was about half way through, but that didn’t dampen my enjoyment at all. I never wanted to put the book down. The suspects are strong and become well developed as we get to further into the book. There are really only three main characters, but I’m enjoying getting to watch them grow.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/08/book-review-gila-monster-by-sandy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I’ve really been enjoying rereading these books, and this book was no exception. I did remember who the killer was about half way through, but that didn’t dampen my enjoyment at all. I never wanted to put the book down. The suspects are strong and become well developed as we get to further into the book. There are really only three main characters, but I’m enjoying getting to watch them grow.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/08/book-review-gila-monster-by-sandy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
When sorting books in the basement of the town library, Ricky Kidd stumbles on what he thinks might be a treasure map. Soon, the entire town is buzzing about it, and the race is on to find the treasure that the town miser hid before his death. Can Ricky and his friends find the treasure first? Is there even a treasure to find?
It’s been a while since I first read this series or revisited the characters, but I quickly fell back under their spell. The characters are absolutely wonderful with hints at hidden layers. The plot is strong with wonderful clues and twists before the end. And there are some great laughs and nice thoughtful moments along the way as well. The target middle grade audience will love it, and any mystery reader will enjoy it as well.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/08/book-review-race-for-park-street.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
It’s been a while since I first read this series or revisited the characters, but I quickly fell back under their spell. The characters are absolutely wonderful with hints at hidden layers. The plot is strong with wonderful clues and twists before the end. And there are some great laughs and nice thoughtful moments along the way as well. The target middle grade audience will love it, and any mystery reader will enjoy it as well.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/08/book-review-race-for-park-street.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated The Generosity Factor in Books
Jul 12, 2018
Have you ever read a book and rolled your eyes so many times that you thought they would get stuck like that? Well, if you're looking for a book to experience the feeling, this is the book for you.
Personally, the thought behind this book was interesting and I hoped that I would learn something from it. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. All this book talked about was God. God this, God that, etc. It was done in such a preachy way, I couldn't enjoy it. I kept wishing that it was more subtle and not preachy.
I am not a religious person but I usually can get through religious books without wanting to gag myself with a spoon. I'm glad that I didn't purchase it and that it was a gift.
If you're a religious person, you may like this book. I personally found it way too preachy and not something I would ever recommend.
Personally, the thought behind this book was interesting and I hoped that I would learn something from it. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. All this book talked about was God. God this, God that, etc. It was done in such a preachy way, I couldn't enjoy it. I kept wishing that it was more subtle and not preachy.
I am not a religious person but I usually can get through religious books without wanting to gag myself with a spoon. I'm glad that I didn't purchase it and that it was a gift.
If you're a religious person, you may like this book. I personally found it way too preachy and not something I would ever recommend.
ashezbookz (32 KP) rated All the Crooked Saints in Books
Jul 5, 2018
This book was alright - it was an interesting read but the writing was strange. The Stiefvater books I've read have all been audiobook style (Raven Cycle) so it was strange to read a book on paper like this and it was rough at times to pick apart the context of the book.
The whole Saint aspect was well thought out I think and quite unique to things I have read in the past as far as magical realism goes. There was also a plethora of great characters to choose from to be your favourite from the start. The book doesn't generally focus on any one in particular even though it's about the three cousins I feel equal play time was given to the pilgrims so it was a joy in that aspect.
If it weren't for the difficult shift in head space, going from one character straight into another's thoughts I think this book would have been utterly joyful! But a solid 3.5 stars anyway!
The whole Saint aspect was well thought out I think and quite unique to things I have read in the past as far as magical realism goes. There was also a plethora of great characters to choose from to be your favourite from the start. The book doesn't generally focus on any one in particular even though it's about the three cousins I feel equal play time was given to the pilgrims so it was a joy in that aspect.
If it weren't for the difficult shift in head space, going from one character straight into another's thoughts I think this book would have been utterly joyful! But a solid 3.5 stars anyway!