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Urban Shaman (Walker Papers, #1)
C.E. Murphy | 2005 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
6
7.5 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
I had a difficult time really getting into this book simply because I could not connect with the main character, Joanne Walker. The reader gets thrown into the fast-paced plot right from the beginning, but background information about Joanne Walker is almost non-existent. I kept asking myself why this was happening to Joanne, which is explained about half-way through the plot. Nothing is explained about the world that Joanne lives in in regards to the supernatural aspects, only what is immediately happening to her in particular. Why is she being singled out by these Celtic gods, and if there are Celtic ones what about other mythical gods from other cultures? While the plot is exciting and entertaining, the "world-building" information is lacking. From what I can gather, the only reason she is singled out as a shaman in name is because of her Cherokee background, otherwise she would only be a "healer." My question is, what's the difference, where are the details that make her so important and special? Plus, even though she is just discovering her abilities as a shaman, she wields them like a pro, as if she has known how to use them for most of her life. In my opinion, it is much more realistic to make mistakes with such abilities before mastering them, as with any new skill. I did find how Joanne behaves when she is recovering from stepping outside her body humorous as it greatly resembles a drunk, minus the cons of abusing alcohol. Ironically, that was when she was most interesting as a character. Joanne seems to be driven only by instinct and what her abilities are telling her without any real understanding of what is happening. More than once, she wanted to stop and think about what was happening to her, but that never really played out in the plot.
Also, I did pick up on certain similarities with the Patricia Briggs series of Mercy Thompson, such as the main character's interest in being a car mechanic, as well as the coyote presence. Joanne's snarkiness and attitude is also similar to Mercy's.
I give this book three roses simply because as the first book in a series, I am hoping that I get more depth to the character and world with subsequent books.
  
Aries (Zodiac Twin Flame #2)
Aries (Zodiac Twin Flame #2)
Rachel Medhurst | 2015 | Fiction & Poetry
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Aries (Zodiac Twin Flame #2) by Rachel Medhurst
Aries is the second book in the Zodiac Twin Flame and, obviously, this story focuses on him. He is a firefighter that enjoys the women, although he has been with Natalie on and off again for years. The Zodiacs are still trying to find their kidnapped father, and it is after an event to do with that, that Aries runs into Natalie again and spends the night with her. The following day he is called into work as there is a bad fire, and it's all hands on deck. During the rescue, Aries is injured.

Whilst this book did sort of carry on with the twin flame story, I felt it was more about Aries' recovery and mindset. The time line moved very quickly in places, which was a tad disturbing when reading. However, this book does continue the story moving along, with plenty of hints given for future pairings.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
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Lumos (380 KP) rated Redwall in Books

Jan 9, 2018  
Redwall
Redwall
Brian Jacques | 2006 | Children
8
7.7 (7 Ratings)
Book Rating
Great Vocabulary. Action packed (0 more)
Mild violence and language. (0 more)
Engaging!
I have read this book as a read-aloud to my class (5th graders) for two years now. Their reactions are always the same.. A very unexcited groan when I announce that I will be reading it to them for the foreseeable future... and then excited talking and cheering when it is time to read again. This book quickly becomes my class's favorite every year. It is filled with action, a lovable main character (who couldn't love a little warrior mouse in flip-flops that are way too big), and a grungy antagonist that we all love to hate. This book has sparked many "non-readers" to explore more books in this genre. It is wonderful to see them excited in reading and this book helps many of them. There is some mild language, however and many scenes that are a bit gruesome (but that's probably what draws them in to begin with- ha!) so just be warned about that. My brother read this when he was younger and it sticks with him, to this day, as one of his favorites.
  
TL
The Lamp (the Lamp Series, Book 1)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received this book as a member giveaway through LibraryThing for an honest review. I received the Omnibus so read all four books together. I recommend that since you will want to know what happens next.

I was amazed by the characters in this series. They were so real but also had a uniqueness to them. [Jason Cunningham] did a magnificent job of taking you into the struggle between good and evil and showing you the shades of grey most of us get caught up in. [The Lamp Series Omnibus] as the name suggests is four complete novels that follow Violet, Levi, Jenny and Micah as they try to come to terms with what is right and wrong. Also they must decide how best to protect those they love.

As a comic book fan and someone who loves to read about struggles of conscience this series kept me coming back for more. I was vaguely reminded of [The Stand] except this was focused on one city.It is never made clear if it goes beyond. They mystery involved also keeps you on your seat.

[Cunningham] has written a must read for fans of many types of genres.
  
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Julie (77 KP) rated The Goddess Test in Books

Sep 12, 2017  
The Goddess Test
The Goddess Test
Aimee Carter | 2011 | Young Adult (YA)
9
9.0 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
Henry (1 more)
Not insta-love
"I’ve probably read The Goddess Test trilogy at least five times. I absolutely LOVE these books.

This spin on the Greek gods is amazing. It’s so different and refreshing. In this book, Kate has a big task ahead of her. Passing the seven tests are difficult, but what happens after winning is almost as difficult, if not more so. But let me just say, she has the ability to pass and do well after doing so, she just doesn’t quite believe it herself.

You get to read about a lot of different characters, each one is very different and has their own little quirks and faults. Some of them being Ava- Kates best friend who is a flirty, boy crazy young girl who has a hard time keeping her hands to herself; Calliope- a quiet, obedient servant who shows Kate support; Ella- Kate’s bossy attendant who loves to dress her up in awful dresses; and Diana- Kate’s loving mother who is dying but visits Kate through her dreams." Read the entire review here: https://thenerdybookwormsite.wordpress.com/2017/07/07/the-goddess-test-by-aimee-carter/
  
Uncommon Type: Some Stories
Uncommon Type: Some Stories
Tom Hanks | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
8
7.6 (7 Ratings)
Book Rating
Such a multi-talented man
Tom Hanks is probably my favourite actor. I don't think he's ever been in a film that I haven't liked. So for me this book of short stories was a bit of a worry as id hate for it not to be as good as his acting.

Fortunately however, these stories prove that Hanks can write as well as he can act. The stories are very short, but detailed and witty and for the most part very interesting. Not a lot tends to happen in these stories, they seem to be more of a "day in the life of" but this isn't a bad thing because they're so well written that you still find the stories to be very entertaining. The only parts of this book I didn't like were the short columns from Hank Fiset, which to me seemed a little out of place and not as well written as the rest of the books.

This really proves Hanks is a good author and I'd love for him to write a full novel. Something like the story about regression would make a great novel.
  
Eldridge's Release (Club Rebellion #1)
Eldridge's Release (Club Rebellion #1)
Evelise Archer | 2018 | Contemporary, Erotica, LGBTQ+
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Eldridge's Release (Club Rebellion #1) by Evelise Archer
Eldridge's Release is the first book in the Club Rebellion series, but it almost feels like it should be book two. Although Johnson and Issy being together is what gets Eldridge to the Club, I would also love to hear more about them and how they got together.

Although this is mainly low-angst, Eldridge does have enough angst in his past to deal with. The relationship with Dalton moves at the speed of light, as is often the case in novellas. That does mean that there is not much in the way of character's history, or connection as the two of them move forward, but still, this is a good read, and definitely a series I would like to continue with.

With no spelling or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I have no hesitation in recommending this to those who enjoy insta-love in a fast-paced novella.

* 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!