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Roxanne (13 KP) rated House of Small Shadows in Books
Nov 14, 2018
_ <b>1 Star Rating</b> _
I absolutely hate not finishing books, I really do, so I persevered with this one right to the end (mostly with the hope that it'll get better) but unfortunately I really didn't enjoy this. Instead of this one, I recommend reading <i>The Ritual</i> as I thought that one was a lot better.
My main reason for giving this one such a low rating was because I didn't understand it at all. None of it made sense! When I first started reading this book I was totally into it, I enjoy reading about freaky ass dolls as they creep me the hell out...I like that. The dolls weren't even the main focus of the story...now that I mention it i'm not even sure what the main focus of the story was. I didn't like any of the characters, the MC was incredibly annoying with her constant 'This happened...but maybe it didn't...but then this definitely happened...oooh maybe it didn't'. <b>Boooooored<b/>.
I have a question; 'What the f*ck did happen woman'?
I absolutely hate not finishing books, I really do, so I persevered with this one right to the end (mostly with the hope that it'll get better) but unfortunately I really didn't enjoy this. Instead of this one, I recommend reading <i>The Ritual</i> as I thought that one was a lot better.
My main reason for giving this one such a low rating was because I didn't understand it at all. None of it made sense! When I first started reading this book I was totally into it, I enjoy reading about freaky ass dolls as they creep me the hell out...I like that. The dolls weren't even the main focus of the story...now that I mention it i'm not even sure what the main focus of the story was. I didn't like any of the characters, the MC was incredibly annoying with her constant 'This happened...but maybe it didn't...but then this definitely happened...oooh maybe it didn't'. <b>Boooooored<b/>.
I have a question; 'What the f*ck did happen woman'?
This is just one of those books that stays with you for a long time after reading it as it's so compelling, emotional and so different from other young teen fantasy stories. I remember reading this one in school and very much enjoying it and so when I had the chance to borrow it from a friend and re read it I jumped at the chance as I knew it would take me back to my childhood. The story touches on family issues that may arise in a young persons life that are very difficult to deal with, yet this book explores these issues with a sensitive and caring nature but without distorting the truth about how hard those times may be. It allows a young child to escape into fantasy whilst trying to deal with 'grown up' family problems and unexpected illnesses. I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages, even though it is more aimed at younger teens I believe we can all learn something from this book.
Merissa (12854 KP) rated Old Acquaintance in Books
Nov 30, 2018
Old Acquaintance by Annabelle Jacobs
Old Acquaintance is a semi-seasonal story about two men who reunite after many years apart. Their separation was caused by life, and jobs, and the fact they never got on when they were at school, for reasons only known to one of them.
The story takes place on the build up to Christmas (hence the semi-seasonal), but it doesn't focus on the season! Instead, quite rightly, it focuses on Sam and Charlie. You stay with them as they work through their attraction, and communication issues, and even bring up history from the past.
There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading. This is a lovely book, with a real feel-good vibe to it. Funny in places, and low-angst in others, this was the getaway-from-everything book I needed. Most definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was received by 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!
The story takes place on the build up to Christmas (hence the semi-seasonal), but it doesn't focus on the season! Instead, quite rightly, it focuses on Sam and Charlie. You stay with them as they work through their attraction, and communication issues, and even bring up history from the past.
There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading. This is a lovely book, with a real feel-good vibe to it. Funny in places, and low-angst in others, this was the getaway-from-everything book I needed. Most definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was received by 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!
Rachel Maria Berney (114 KP) rated Wizard and Glass - Dark Tower IV in Books
Dec 6, 2018
A good step on the road to the dark tower
I just finished reading this, took a few days, more than I expected. The first 3 dark tower books I couldn't put down and flew through; this one started well, gripping, but in the middle it slowed down and dragged a bit.
We start where we left off in Dark Tower III, it's fairly fast paced until we get a bit of Roland's back story. Whilst I love hearing about what happened to Roland before he met Jake and made a new ka-tet, this story in a story was slow paced and dragged, you were just waiting to get to the good bits.
Once Roland had told his story, there wasn't much left to read. King only moves their journey to the dark tower a little bit. Overall, you do get to know Roland a lot better, which is a good thing. I am still looking forward to reading the next book.
We start where we left off in Dark Tower III, it's fairly fast paced until we get a bit of Roland's back story. Whilst I love hearing about what happened to Roland before he met Jake and made a new ka-tet, this story in a story was slow paced and dragged, you were just waiting to get to the good bits.
Once Roland had told his story, there wasn't much left to read. King only moves their journey to the dark tower a little bit. Overall, you do get to know Roland a lot better, which is a good thing. I am still looking forward to reading the next book.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Behemoth (Leviathan, #2) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
As the world plunges into The Great War, the Leviathan travels to the Ottoman Empire in hopes of keeping the peace with the Emperor. Follow Deryn and Alek as they travel around the world. These books abound with secret missions, new beasts and machines, hidden lies and truths that are (FINALLY) revealed and many historical figures encountered. As you may have guessed, I have a problem with binge reading. When I find a series that I am IN LOVE with, I won't stop until I am finished! However, most of the time I need to wait six months to a year before the next installment. Thankfully that was not the case with Mr. Scott Westerfeld's Leviathan Trilogy. My favorite beastie by far is the perspicacious loris. I want one!!! It was so much fun reading this alternate history of WWI. Learning a few interesting details about the war that did in fact happen along the way. Although Mr. Westerfeld has made some definite changes to history in this book, it was very entertaining and engrossing. I love the whole idea behind this series.
Charley (64 KP) rated Alice (The Chronicles of Alice, #1) in Books
Jan 27, 2019
Chilling twist on what is a classic tale
This story is set just after the classic Alice in Wonderland book that most will know and love.
It starts of in a mental institution where Alice is resident. Her parents putting her in there after her "adventures" in Wonderland. She has a relationship with the man in the next cell called Hatcher, three guesses who he is supposed to represent.
This whirlwind adventure takes you through a Victorian esq London with all the characters of the classic story.
It is a very dark adaptation of Alice in Wonderland and I have to say kept me guessing throughout.
The characters seem familiar but in a dark and twisted way and ultimately it's about Alice's journey after escaping the mental home with her companion Hatcher.
I will not say anymore as it will spoil the storyline but it is definitely worth a look.
Christina Henry has definitely made an amazing book and since I read this I went out and bought all her books.
It starts of in a mental institution where Alice is resident. Her parents putting her in there after her "adventures" in Wonderland. She has a relationship with the man in the next cell called Hatcher, three guesses who he is supposed to represent.
This whirlwind adventure takes you through a Victorian esq London with all the characters of the classic story.
It is a very dark adaptation of Alice in Wonderland and I have to say kept me guessing throughout.
The characters seem familiar but in a dark and twisted way and ultimately it's about Alice's journey after escaping the mental home with her companion Hatcher.
I will not say anymore as it will spoil the storyline but it is definitely worth a look.
Christina Henry has definitely made an amazing book and since I read this I went out and bought all her books.
David McK (3557 KP) rated Gale Force (Weather Warden, #7) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Poor old Joanne Baldwin
So far in this series she's been marked (literally) for Death, died and been re-born again as a Djinn, lost her Djinn-hood, survived the war Warden/Djinn war and the subsequent Djinn Civil War, and suffered from a severe case of amnesia.
While it felt like most of those various plot strands had been tied-up in the last Weather Warden novel (<i>Thin Air</i>), this proves NOT to be the case, as the backlash from those events continue on in this. In addition, Joanne has to deal with sorting out the details to her wedding to the Djinn leader David (a wedding that some in the Wardens and other Djinn are none to pleased about), as well coping with inquisitive reporters who are now investigating the Wardens.
To my mind, this novel comes across as the 'entry point' to a whole new Weather Warden story, with <i>Thin Air</i>] wrapping up the 'old' story. You would probably still need to read those books first, though!
So far in this series she's been marked (literally) for Death, died and been re-born again as a Djinn, lost her Djinn-hood, survived the war Warden/Djinn war and the subsequent Djinn Civil War, and suffered from a severe case of amnesia.
While it felt like most of those various plot strands had been tied-up in the last Weather Warden novel (<i>Thin Air</i>), this proves NOT to be the case, as the backlash from those events continue on in this. In addition, Joanne has to deal with sorting out the details to her wedding to the Djinn leader David (a wedding that some in the Wardens and other Djinn are none to pleased about), as well coping with inquisitive reporters who are now investigating the Wardens.
To my mind, this novel comes across as the 'entry point' to a whole new Weather Warden story, with <i>Thin Air</i>] wrapping up the 'old' story. You would probably still need to read those books first, though!
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Read Me Romance in Podcasts
Jul 24, 2019
I can no longer support this podcast
I really loved this podcast up until I found out some of the sketchy things that Alexa Riley (Lea & Mel) have done. They're known scammers who have book stuffed on Amazon, stolen plots from various authors and have been subsequently banned from Amazon.
I still love that you can get free professionally narrated audiobooks but I cannot listen to this podcast anymore due to the above issues.
Original Review:
I love this podcast because I get to try new authors and listen to professionally narrated audiobooks in bite-size chunks. I'm not one to listen to podcasts, so when I heard about this podcast through a Skye Warren post, I knew I needed to give it a try.
This podcast is a great way to read new authors and find some new favorites. I haven't had a chance to listen to all of them, but it has been fun catching up to the live airing and listening to all of the different novellas.
I still love that you can get free professionally narrated audiobooks but I cannot listen to this podcast anymore due to the above issues.
Original Review:
I love this podcast because I get to try new authors and listen to professionally narrated audiobooks in bite-size chunks. I'm not one to listen to podcasts, so when I heard about this podcast through a Skye Warren post, I knew I needed to give it a try.
This podcast is a great way to read new authors and find some new favorites. I haven't had a chance to listen to all of them, but it has been fun catching up to the live airing and listening to all of the different novellas.
Merissa (12854 KP) rated Highland Hearts in Books
Dec 17, 2018
This book takes place in Scotland which I am sure is a massive surprise considering the title! Callum has a flat in Edinburgh, but goes to the Highlands to see the house that he has inherited from the grandfather he has never met, and now never will. Upon his arrival, he meets his next door neighbour and the spark between them is instantaneous.
With a hint of the supernatural about it, just enough to give Callum a nudge, this story is well-paced and thought out. It moves smoothly, giving the characters enough time to get to know each other even if they do go to bed together the first night - because no one ever does that in real life, right?!
This book simply ticked all my boxes. With excellent characters, whether you like them or not, a back story that completes the picture, romance, steam, supernatural, sadness, hope - it's all here. I loved every word and didn't want it to finish. Absolutely recommended by me.
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
With a hint of the supernatural about it, just enough to give Callum a nudge, this story is well-paced and thought out. It moves smoothly, giving the characters enough time to get to know each other even if they do go to bed together the first night - because no one ever does that in real life, right?!
This book simply ticked all my boxes. With excellent characters, whether you like them or not, a back story that completes the picture, romance, steam, supernatural, sadness, hope - it's all here. I loved every word and didn't want it to finish. Absolutely recommended by me.
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Mort in Books
Nov 20, 2019
In lots of ways Mort is the first book which feels like a 'proper' Discworld novel, fusing the fantasy setting, humour and allegorical commentary together into a delightful, coherent whole.
The story itself is a good one: Death takes on Mort as an apprentice so he can take a break. When Mort breaks the rules he causes a wound in space/time that needs to be healed. And the more Mort does the job of Death the more the job begins to take its toll on him.
There is so much to like about this book. The humour is spot-on with some great one-liners, characters and footnotes. The exploration of the mechanics of how Death really operates on the Discworld fits perfectly with the logic of how the rather unique world operates and is the first glimpse into just how complex and rich the series of books could be.
The Discworld was still evolving rapidly at this point and Mort represents a real statement of intent for the future.
The story itself is a good one: Death takes on Mort as an apprentice so he can take a break. When Mort breaks the rules he causes a wound in space/time that needs to be healed. And the more Mort does the job of Death the more the job begins to take its toll on him.
There is so much to like about this book. The humour is spot-on with some great one-liners, characters and footnotes. The exploration of the mechanics of how Death really operates on the Discworld fits perfectly with the logic of how the rather unique world operates and is the first glimpse into just how complex and rich the series of books could be.
The Discworld was still evolving rapidly at this point and Mort represents a real statement of intent for the future.