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Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Hunt the Moon (Cassandra Palmer, #5) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
Chance must have thought readers were bored with the Cassandra/Mircea match, because much of this book is spent with Cassie falling for Pritkin without really being aware that she's getting into dangerous territory.
Palmer isn't one of my favorite characters. She isn't an ass-kicker, but she's probably somewhat more realistic than most paranormal heroines for that fact. She's coming into her own by standing up to Mircea more in this volume, but she does it in childish ways. I find her annoying partially because I'd hate to try protecting her from herself, much less anyone else.
I don't honestly understand why Mircea and Pritkin are attracted to her, either, but part of the romance formula is the heroine has to be irresistible to at least one, preferably more than one man. I do find Mircea and Pritkin interesting (they just have bad taste in women), so they and the plots hold my interest.
To be fair, Cassie seems to be growing up a little bit. Not entirely, but she's growing a little. She does vehemently claim to care about whether or not other people get hurt trying to protect her.
This book also serves as backstory time for Mircea and Pritkin, as we learn a lot more about their pasts. Things drag a bit while they relate their stories, and in fact there seems to be little point in what we hear from Mircea (readers of the series already know a lot about his family and history).
Altogether, I wouldn't have read it if I weren't already so far into the series. I do wish Chance would switch focus to another character. (I'm aware of the Dorina Basarab series set in the same universe, and consider them to be better books in general). I suppose that's unlikely, seeing as it's the Cassandra Palmer series.
Palmer isn't one of my favorite characters. She isn't an ass-kicker, but she's probably somewhat more realistic than most paranormal heroines for that fact. She's coming into her own by standing up to Mircea more in this volume, but she does it in childish ways. I find her annoying partially because I'd hate to try protecting her from herself, much less anyone else.
I don't honestly understand why Mircea and Pritkin are attracted to her, either, but part of the romance formula is the heroine has to be irresistible to at least one, preferably more than one man. I do find Mircea and Pritkin interesting (they just have bad taste in women), so they and the plots hold my interest.
To be fair, Cassie seems to be growing up a little bit. Not entirely, but she's growing a little. She does vehemently claim to care about whether or not other people get hurt trying to protect her.
This book also serves as backstory time for Mircea and Pritkin, as we learn a lot more about their pasts. Things drag a bit while they relate their stories, and in fact there seems to be little point in what we hear from Mircea (readers of the series already know a lot about his family and history).
Altogether, I wouldn't have read it if I weren't already so far into the series. I do wish Chance would switch focus to another character. (I'm aware of the Dorina Basarab series set in the same universe, and consider them to be better books in general). I suppose that's unlikely, seeing as it's the Cassandra Palmer series.
I don’t know what to say about this story. It has me feeling negative and angry. I gave it 4 stars because though I was lost and confused while reading it wasn’t a horrible story. Just not a story I could relate to or understand.
There are multiple women that they focus on coming in and out of Nico's life. Luna is at a point in her life where she needs to feel validated for everything. Nico gives her this. What she really gets is a need to always please and be with Nico. She has a husband that loves her but isn’t demanding or possessive. She wants him to give her what she feels with Nico.
I’ve never been in this type of situation or felt these feelings these women have. From my view I feel that they didn’t want to believe what they already knew. They chose not to see the negative that was clearly present to everyone else.
When they said this compares to 50 Shades of Grey and other dark books I was excited. I find myself just continuing to read it because I got the book so I needed to read it. It was a good story but it wasn’t something that I think I want to read again. The characters were different I wasn’t a fan of Luna because she was basically saying that her relationship with her husband wasn’t enough. You’ve been married to this man for a really long time and yet you can’t come forward and tell him how you feel about what’s going on?
All the other women were so naïve. This man has so much power over them to pressure them to do things that they normally wouldn’t even think about doing.
There are multiple women that they focus on coming in and out of Nico's life. Luna is at a point in her life where she needs to feel validated for everything. Nico gives her this. What she really gets is a need to always please and be with Nico. She has a husband that loves her but isn’t demanding or possessive. She wants him to give her what she feels with Nico.
I’ve never been in this type of situation or felt these feelings these women have. From my view I feel that they didn’t want to believe what they already knew. They chose not to see the negative that was clearly present to everyone else.
When they said this compares to 50 Shades of Grey and other dark books I was excited. I find myself just continuing to read it because I got the book so I needed to read it. It was a good story but it wasn’t something that I think I want to read again. The characters were different I wasn’t a fan of Luna because she was basically saying that her relationship with her husband wasn’t enough. You’ve been married to this man for a really long time and yet you can’t come forward and tell him how you feel about what’s going on?
All the other women were so naïve. This man has so much power over them to pressure them to do things that they normally wouldn’t even think about doing.
Merissa (12822 KP) rated Heavens Aground (Treble and the Lost Boys #2) in Books
Oct 18, 2018
Heavens Aground (Treble and the Lost Boys #2) by G.R. Lyons
Heavens Aground is the second book in the Treble and the Lost Boys series, and it is Ryley's turn. We met Ryley in book one, and although he was (and is) cheating on Vic, there is still something about him. Of course, he's also a big pain in the posterior, but as you learn more about his story, SOME of his behaviour becomes almost reasonable. The one thing I haven't liked about him was his constant cheating, but I am pleased to report that does change.
This is an intricate storyline, with hidden memories holding Ryley back. However, although hints are given throughout the book, you never quite know for sure until it is laid out for you. Along with Ryley, you have two very strong characters in Vic and Asher. Vic, of course, played a part in book one, but Asher is new to this book. He is the perfect foil for Ryley, even if he is very laid back!!!
All in all, I loved how this story was told, and I honestly can't wait for book 3 - Vic's story. I want to know what's going on with Cam, and can't remember if it went into detail in book 1, so I may just have to re-read to see ;)
With no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading, this book was brilliantly written, with a strong character base and equally strong world building. There is no second book dip with this one, and I highly recommend it.
* 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!
This is an intricate storyline, with hidden memories holding Ryley back. However, although hints are given throughout the book, you never quite know for sure until it is laid out for you. Along with Ryley, you have two very strong characters in Vic and Asher. Vic, of course, played a part in book one, but Asher is new to this book. He is the perfect foil for Ryley, even if he is very laid back!!!
All in all, I loved how this story was told, and I honestly can't wait for book 3 - Vic's story. I want to know what's going on with Cam, and can't remember if it went into detail in book 1, so I may just have to re-read to see ;)
With no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading, this book was brilliantly written, with a strong character base and equally strong world building. There is no second book dip with this one, and I highly recommend it.
* 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!
I was sent [b:Fear Week|17157832|Fear Week|Andrew McBurnie|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1356078463s/17157832.jpg|23580878] by [a:Andrew McBurnie|2920822|Andrew McBurnie|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1377149028p2/2920822.jpg], the author, in exchange for an honest review. The plot appealed to me as I'd never heard of, let alone read anything about the Cuban missile crisis, and I wanted a chance to learn about that and the Cold War.
The story centres around Adrian Thorby and the events that happen to him over the week of the Cuban missile crisis. His age is never mentioned, but I'd put it at around 13. The tension between America and Russia is affecting Hull in 1962, but those aren't the only things that worry Adrian that week.
Generally, when starting a book I read as little of the blurb as possible, so I was a little shocked when, on the second page, there's the line:
<blockquote>"He felt his willy twitching..."</blockquote>
Don't get me wrong, it's realistic, but I hadn't been expecting it! There was more on this subject throughout the book, and at times it was somewhat awkward, but this was probably proportionate to the embarrassment Adrian was feeling!
McBurnie created really realistic relationships between the characters, whether Adrian's family or friends. I loved the sibling rivalry, and could really relate to the sense of panic Adrian's friend Tim and he felt when they 'lost' his brother's book.
It took me a little while to get into this, but once I did, I enjoyed it. It's a creeper! McBurnie captures the little things really well - fears about the nuclear threat, and family niggles, for example. I also thought that, once it got going, the story managed to evoke the history it was representing. The casual acceptance of caning in school helped with a lot of this, haha!
The story centres around Adrian Thorby and the events that happen to him over the week of the Cuban missile crisis. His age is never mentioned, but I'd put it at around 13. The tension between America and Russia is affecting Hull in 1962, but those aren't the only things that worry Adrian that week.
Generally, when starting a book I read as little of the blurb as possible, so I was a little shocked when, on the second page, there's the line:
<blockquote>"He felt his willy twitching..."</blockquote>
Don't get me wrong, it's realistic, but I hadn't been expecting it! There was more on this subject throughout the book, and at times it was somewhat awkward, but this was probably proportionate to the embarrassment Adrian was feeling!
McBurnie created really realistic relationships between the characters, whether Adrian's family or friends. I loved the sibling rivalry, and could really relate to the sense of panic Adrian's friend Tim and he felt when they 'lost' his brother's book.
It took me a little while to get into this, but once I did, I enjoyed it. It's a creeper! McBurnie captures the little things really well - fears about the nuclear threat, and family niggles, for example. I also thought that, once it got going, the story managed to evoke the history it was representing. The casual acceptance of caning in school helped with a lot of this, haha!
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Love Hurts in Books
Dec 17, 2018
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Love Hurts is a young adult book containing several stories compiled together by the well-known Malorie Blackman. There are a few new short stories however most are extracts from pre-existing novels. The short stories are written by a variety of different authors such as Susie Day, Lauren Dockrill, Lauren Kate, Catherine Johnson and James Dawson. Many readers will be familiar with these authors as well as some of the books that the extracts are from, for example: More Than This, If I Stay, I Am The Messenger and Northern Lights.
The aim of this anthology is to explore what love means. Love is not a simple, straightforward concept. There is love lost and love found, bitter love and sweet love. Each story focuses on a different perspective. Some are about teenagers, some are about adults. Some are about homosexuality and others are not.
Love Hurts is an interesting concept and it is interesting to see different authors' understanding on the term "love". The biggest problem with this book however is due to most of the entries being snippets of other stories as it is often difficult to understand what was going on and who the characters were.
Another issue for me was I found some of the stories uninteresting and difficult to get into; and as they were short there was not a lot of time to appreciate the different concepts and styles of writing.
Although it would have been a challenge, it would have been better for all the stories to be brand new and unique. On he other hand, Malorie Blackman has done an excellent job at sourcing all the content.
Love Hurts is a young adult book containing several stories compiled together by the well-known Malorie Blackman. There are a few new short stories however most are extracts from pre-existing novels. The short stories are written by a variety of different authors such as Susie Day, Lauren Dockrill, Lauren Kate, Catherine Johnson and James Dawson. Many readers will be familiar with these authors as well as some of the books that the extracts are from, for example: More Than This, If I Stay, I Am The Messenger and Northern Lights.
The aim of this anthology is to explore what love means. Love is not a simple, straightforward concept. There is love lost and love found, bitter love and sweet love. Each story focuses on a different perspective. Some are about teenagers, some are about adults. Some are about homosexuality and others are not.
Love Hurts is an interesting concept and it is interesting to see different authors' understanding on the term "love". The biggest problem with this book however is due to most of the entries being snippets of other stories as it is often difficult to understand what was going on and who the characters were.
Another issue for me was I found some of the stories uninteresting and difficult to get into; and as they were short there was not a lot of time to appreciate the different concepts and styles of writing.
Although it would have been a challenge, it would have been better for all the stories to be brand new and unique. On he other hand, Malorie Blackman has done an excellent job at sourcing all the content.
David McK (3557 KP) rated Zulu Hart (George Hart #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
"The first in a series of books about the Zulu War, this is also the first fictional book that Saul David has written. While he may be a good historian (never having read his works, I don't know), I have to say: I'm not so sure about his ability to write good fiction.
Not that there's anything wrong with his knowledge of the battle(s) of Islandwhana and Rorke's Drift (there isn't, and I'm sure he knows more about it than me) - that part of the book isn't actually too bad - rather, that he seemed to be too clumsy in how he manoeuvred his characters into position to be involved in those battles. I've never been too fond of the use of the amazing coincidence device! I also wasn't keen on the fact that the characters seemed to feel the need to explain to each other things that they should already know, even if the reader doesn't. You know, like one military officer describing to another how to perform a fighting retreat by ranks (one rank firing while the other covers them)?
There's two main love interests in the book, but only one of them seems fully realised or in place properly: the other added almost as an afterthought, and the conclusion of that one seems pretty weak.
Like another reviewer, I'd have to say that while this certainly wasn't the worse book I'v ever read, it's a long way from being the best, or even the best 'new' book I've read this year (that would have to be Angus Donald's "Outlaw"). Quite glad that I got it as part of a 1/2 price offer: would be less impressed if I'd had to pay full price for it!"
Not that there's anything wrong with his knowledge of the battle(s) of Islandwhana and Rorke's Drift (there isn't, and I'm sure he knows more about it than me) - that part of the book isn't actually too bad - rather, that he seemed to be too clumsy in how he manoeuvred his characters into position to be involved in those battles. I've never been too fond of the use of the amazing coincidence device! I also wasn't keen on the fact that the characters seemed to feel the need to explain to each other things that they should already know, even if the reader doesn't. You know, like one military officer describing to another how to perform a fighting retreat by ranks (one rank firing while the other covers them)?
There's two main love interests in the book, but only one of them seems fully realised or in place properly: the other added almost as an afterthought, and the conclusion of that one seems pretty weak.
Like another reviewer, I'd have to say that while this certainly wasn't the worse book I'v ever read, it's a long way from being the best, or even the best 'new' book I've read this year (that would have to be Angus Donald's "Outlaw"). Quite glad that I got it as part of a 1/2 price offer: would be less impressed if I'd had to pay full price for it!"
Marylegs (44 KP) rated Bridget Jones's Diary in Books
Aug 14, 2019
I can’t begin to imagine why it has taken me so very long to get round to reading this book. Of course I was in my mid-teens when the film came out. Obviously I have seen the film, it happens to be one of my favourite chick flick films to curl up under tons of covers to. Maybe that’s why it has taken me so long to get round to….
So unless you have been hiding under a rock for the past 10 years, most people have a rough idea what Bridget Jones’s Diary is all about.
I found Bridget less frumpy then the film portrayed her and I think she is much stronger than she believes she is. Although she was at times pretty self-centred… but this is her diary… everyone thinks about themselves when they talk to their diary and are less concerned with other people.
I could whole heartedly relate to Bridget’s constant dilemma about dieting and trying to lose weight…. And often failing due to food tasting so damn good. On the whole it was as I imagined it would be. I particularly liked the parts where Bridget makes references to fancying Mr. Darcy (ie Colin Firth) from Pride and Prejudice. Never expecting that he would one day turn out to be her Darcy in the film.
If you liked/loved the film and haven’t read the book, I would recommend it. Don’t expect anything more than the film, but you definitely don’t get less. I will read two following books as I am sure there are many other deep thoughts Bridget needs to share with me and it was a fun easy read.
So unless you have been hiding under a rock for the past 10 years, most people have a rough idea what Bridget Jones’s Diary is all about.
I found Bridget less frumpy then the film portrayed her and I think she is much stronger than she believes she is. Although she was at times pretty self-centred… but this is her diary… everyone thinks about themselves when they talk to their diary and are less concerned with other people.
I could whole heartedly relate to Bridget’s constant dilemma about dieting and trying to lose weight…. And often failing due to food tasting so damn good. On the whole it was as I imagined it would be. I particularly liked the parts where Bridget makes references to fancying Mr. Darcy (ie Colin Firth) from Pride and Prejudice. Never expecting that he would one day turn out to be her Darcy in the film.
If you liked/loved the film and haven’t read the book, I would recommend it. Don’t expect anything more than the film, but you definitely don’t get less. I will read two following books as I am sure there are many other deep thoughts Bridget needs to share with me and it was a fun easy read.
When I went to the library to pick up the Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, I also picked up this book. I wanted to learn more about her last months, as Anne didn’t write in her diary after she was found and brought to the camps.
If you, just like me, are looking for books to help you find this info, please skip this one.
The title is completely misleading, as Anne Frank is barely mentioned in the book, and these women that claim to know her seem to not have known her at all. If I see a person on the far end of the fence, or sit together while the guards are counting us, I wouldn’t consider them a friend. Just a fellow unfortunate companion.
Don’t get me wrong – these six women, that went through all this traumatized period, and are brave enough to tell the story are worth mentioning, and are worth of great recognitions. And this book is also a great value to history of what happened in those cruel places.
But when people use a famous person’s name in order to sell a book, on such painful basis, this is beyond me to comment, so I will leave it to you to make a conclusion on your own.
Among this part, the stories of these six women were heartbreaking, and so well-described, it felt as if I was there for a moment. The things they went through and the families they lost is so sad.
I also liked the old images that were in the middle of the book. They added a real image to the words.
If you want to read more about Anne Frank – choose another book. But if you want to find out about other people’s stories from this time period – grab this book.
If you, just like me, are looking for books to help you find this info, please skip this one.
The title is completely misleading, as Anne Frank is barely mentioned in the book, and these women that claim to know her seem to not have known her at all. If I see a person on the far end of the fence, or sit together while the guards are counting us, I wouldn’t consider them a friend. Just a fellow unfortunate companion.
Don’t get me wrong – these six women, that went through all this traumatized period, and are brave enough to tell the story are worth mentioning, and are worth of great recognitions. And this book is also a great value to history of what happened in those cruel places.
But when people use a famous person’s name in order to sell a book, on such painful basis, this is beyond me to comment, so I will leave it to you to make a conclusion on your own.
Among this part, the stories of these six women were heartbreaking, and so well-described, it felt as if I was there for a moment. The things they went through and the families they lost is so sad.
I also liked the old images that were in the middle of the book. They added a real image to the words.
If you want to read more about Anne Frank – choose another book. But if you want to find out about other people’s stories from this time period – grab this book.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Spirit Legacy (The Gateway Trilogy #1) in Books
Dec 10, 2019
Contains spoilers, click to show
“The Gateway is open...”
These cryptic words wake college student Jess Ballard from a terrifying dream into an even more terrifying reality. Jess' life has never been what anyone would call easy; doing damage control in the wake of your nomadic, alcoholic mother doesn't exactly make for a storybook childhood. But now her world has fallen apart just when it should be coming together: her mother gone—dead under mysterious circumstances; her life uprooted to stay with estranged relatives she’s never met; and there’s something odd about some of the people she’s been meeting at school:
They’re dead.
Aided by Tia, her neurotic roommate, and Dr. David Pierce, a ghost-hunting professor, Jess must unravel the mystery behind her hauntings. But the closer she gets to the truth, the more danger shadows her every move. An ancient secret, long-buried, is about to claw its way to the surface, and nothing can prepare Jess for one terrifying truth...
...her encounters with the world of the dead are only just beginning.
Spirit Legacy is the first of three thrilling novels in The Gateway Trilogy by E.E. Holmes.
I really enjoyed this book! It popped up on Facebook recommend by a friend. I'm glad I went with it. A touch of ghost whispering mixed with college like. Jess not only loses her mum the has to live with an aunt she doesn't know while starting a new college but she also gets landed with spirits and a twin sister she knew nothing about! This could easily have turned into one of those whiney teen books but it was far from it and Jess being a character you can get along with.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
These cryptic words wake college student Jess Ballard from a terrifying dream into an even more terrifying reality. Jess' life has never been what anyone would call easy; doing damage control in the wake of your nomadic, alcoholic mother doesn't exactly make for a storybook childhood. But now her world has fallen apart just when it should be coming together: her mother gone—dead under mysterious circumstances; her life uprooted to stay with estranged relatives she’s never met; and there’s something odd about some of the people she’s been meeting at school:
They’re dead.
Aided by Tia, her neurotic roommate, and Dr. David Pierce, a ghost-hunting professor, Jess must unravel the mystery behind her hauntings. But the closer she gets to the truth, the more danger shadows her every move. An ancient secret, long-buried, is about to claw its way to the surface, and nothing can prepare Jess for one terrifying truth...
...her encounters with the world of the dead are only just beginning.
Spirit Legacy is the first of three thrilling novels in The Gateway Trilogy by E.E. Holmes.
I really enjoyed this book! It popped up on Facebook recommend by a friend. I'm glad I went with it. A touch of ghost whispering mixed with college like. Jess not only loses her mum the has to live with an aunt she doesn't know while starting a new college but she also gets landed with spirits and a twin sister she knew nothing about! This could easily have turned into one of those whiney teen books but it was far from it and Jess being a character you can get along with.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mulle Meck builds a car — a children's book
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