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David McK (3533 KP) rated Masquerade (Star Wars: X-Wing Rogue Squadron, #8) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
No-longer canon entry in the X-Wing series of graphic novels, released way back before Marvel took over (and wiped out the Extended Universe) the reins.
I remember reading the actual novels back in the late 90s/early 2000s, but I never actually realized until fairly recently that the graphic novels released alongside them DIDN'T actually tell the same story: rather, that they stood on their own 2 feet alongside those books.
This is #8 in those graphic novels, and is set after the events of 'Return of the Jedi' (before Episode VII was ever even thought about), but before the New Republic had (re)captured Coruscant - like those X-Wing novels, a large part of these stories is set around the plans to do just that.
In this, the interim Emperor Sate Pestage is beginning to lose his grip on the Empire, leading to him to seek contact with Princess Leia in order to negotiate his defection.
However, Ysanne Isard - the key villainess of the novels - suspects him of doing so, and will stop at nothing to wrest control of the Empire ...
I remember reading the actual novels back in the late 90s/early 2000s, but I never actually realized until fairly recently that the graphic novels released alongside them DIDN'T actually tell the same story: rather, that they stood on their own 2 feet alongside those books.
This is #8 in those graphic novels, and is set after the events of 'Return of the Jedi' (before Episode VII was ever even thought about), but before the New Republic had (re)captured Coruscant - like those X-Wing novels, a large part of these stories is set around the plans to do just that.
In this, the interim Emperor Sate Pestage is beginning to lose his grip on the Empire, leading to him to seek contact with Princess Leia in order to negotiate his defection.
However, Ysanne Isard - the key villainess of the novels - suspects him of doing so, and will stop at nothing to wrest control of the Empire ...
Marylegs (44 KP) rated Call Me By Your Name in Books
Aug 14, 2019
So I heard lots of good things about this book. It was being (has been) made into a film. So I thought I'll give this a go. And after the effort it was to read this book, all I can say is, meh.
The were elements I really enjoyed, where I started to go "Ooo its starting to get good" and then I would be dragged back into really abstract ways to describe the scene. I honestly don't mind a bit of well done descriptions of visuals of feeling etc. But this just felt pointless. I think its a very, arty, type of writing and honestly its just not my cup of tea.
The story as a whole, is interesting and would normally be my cup of tea. Over a beautiful hot summer in Italy a young professor finishing off his philosophy book and the son of the people housing him in Italy begin a romantic affair in secret. The concept of the story brilliant and refreshingly new. The execution... honestly, not my style and the writing style really stopped me following the story easily. I just like a bit more instant gratification from my books.
The were elements I really enjoyed, where I started to go "Ooo its starting to get good" and then I would be dragged back into really abstract ways to describe the scene. I honestly don't mind a bit of well done descriptions of visuals of feeling etc. But this just felt pointless. I think its a very, arty, type of writing and honestly its just not my cup of tea.
The story as a whole, is interesting and would normally be my cup of tea. Over a beautiful hot summer in Italy a young professor finishing off his philosophy book and the son of the people housing him in Italy begin a romantic affair in secret. The concept of the story brilliant and refreshingly new. The execution... honestly, not my style and the writing style really stopped me following the story easily. I just like a bit more instant gratification from my books.
Marylegs (44 KP) rated After Alice in Books
Aug 14, 2019
At this point I honestly don’t know what to write about ‘After Alice’. This SHOULD be a book I enjoy. This is an author I have read other books from and have enjoyed. But in all honesty this book is dire. I am 15%+ into the book, and I can’t honestly tell you what is happening.
The language feels like someone has vomited out a thesaurus. It doesn’t flow and the language doesn’t even feel like it is being used to enhance the descriptive tones. Instead it feels like alternative words are being used for the sake it. Possibly to mask the fact that even though I am over 15% in NOTHING has happened.
I have no bond with the characters. It isn’t even that I dislike them. There has been barely any character building what so ever. I very rarely leave a book unfinished. But I feel like I am reading for the sake of finishing it. And having a toddler I don’t have the time to read a book I am not enjoying.
Very disappointing. I feel like I should have loved it.
The language feels like someone has vomited out a thesaurus. It doesn’t flow and the language doesn’t even feel like it is being used to enhance the descriptive tones. Instead it feels like alternative words are being used for the sake it. Possibly to mask the fact that even though I am over 15% in NOTHING has happened.
I have no bond with the characters. It isn’t even that I dislike them. There has been barely any character building what so ever. I very rarely leave a book unfinished. But I feel like I am reading for the sake of finishing it. And having a toddler I don’t have the time to read a book I am not enjoying.
Very disappointing. I feel like I should have loved it.
Merissa (12552 KP) rated The Blood of Four Gods and Other Stories in Books
Dec 17, 2018
The Blood of Four Gods and Other Stories is a collection of short stories by Jamie Lackey, with a strong Asian/Native American theme. None of the stories are guaranteed a HAE, and in fact, I would say at least half have their own particular ending. These stories are all very vivid when you read them, which is excellent - Jamie Lackey's descriptive voice is in full flow. However, some of them are not so 'nice' to read, and so the descriptions can make you swallow slightly as you read them. Some only seem like snippets, and I would love to know more about the characters and the worlds in which they live.
With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I thoroughly enjoyed each of these stories. With smooth pacing, well rounded characters, and with individual stories for each and every one, this is a wonderful collection of stories, sure to delight. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I thoroughly enjoyed each of these stories. With smooth pacing, well rounded characters, and with individual stories for each and every one, this is a wonderful collection of stories, sure to delight. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Merissa (12552 KP) rated Safeword in Books
Dec 17, 2018
In Safeword we are immediately immersed into Carter's life, such as it is. He left home and found (or was found by) Winters. Through his time with him, Carter learns the brutal side of BDSM and that a safeword is just a trick. When he is given to Crow, he thinks that his time is up. When it becomes clear that Crow is different, Carter is determined to enjoy his time as a Sub, knowing that Winters won't be happy that he hasn't been hurt and will hurt him when his time with Crow is over.
This is a short novella, and as such I had to go with the flow on some parts although I definitely wanted more information, such as how did Crow and co know about Carter? Although not insta-love, the connection between Carter and Crow happened a bit too quick for me, as well as the fact that Crow was straight.
Although short, this was well-written and fast-paced, a quick 'naughty' thrill of a read.
* I received this book from Pride Publishing in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is a short novella, and as such I had to go with the flow on some parts although I definitely wanted more information, such as how did Crow and co know about Carter? Although not insta-love, the connection between Carter and Crow happened a bit too quick for me, as well as the fact that Crow was straight.
Although short, this was well-written and fast-paced, a quick 'naughty' thrill of a read.
* I received this book from Pride Publishing in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (12552 KP) rated Lady Catherine's Secret (Secrets and Seduction, #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
The second book in the Secrets & Seductions series but a standalone (as they all are), Lady Catherine's Secret tells of her rise to 'Lady' from Miss, as well as her secret fetish... fencing! Now obviously, in 1853 ladies had very strict guidelines to follow and fencing was definitely something not on that list. Cat isn't about to let that stop her though, and uses an alias of Alexander Gray so that she can attend lessons. Things change though when a new Lord appears on the scene. With mischief and mayhem, will Cat keep her secret?
I loved this story! Sheridan Jeane conveys just how much Cat is breaking the rules, and what could happen if anyone finds out, with admirable aplomb! Weaving in deals gone sour, ladies chasing after a husband, blackmail and kidnap, as well as a cameo appearance by Cecilia of It Takes A Spy... fame, this story skips along at a steady pace, keeping you intrigued and delighted as you do so.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to distract the eye, this book is a solid read, thoroughly enjoyable in every way. Definitely recommended by me.
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I loved this story! Sheridan Jeane conveys just how much Cat is breaking the rules, and what could happen if anyone finds out, with admirable aplomb! Weaving in deals gone sour, ladies chasing after a husband, blackmail and kidnap, as well as a cameo appearance by Cecilia of It Takes A Spy... fame, this story skips along at a steady pace, keeping you intrigued and delighted as you do so.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to distract the eye, this book is a solid read, thoroughly enjoyable in every way. Definitely recommended by me.
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Deborah (162 KP) rated The Tudor Wife in Books
Dec 21, 2018
This was not bad for an 'on holiday, don't think too much about it' sort of read. I still can't say I'd go out of my way to recommend it though!
I thought the writing style was OK, but in places got a bit repetitive - towards the end I lost count of the number of times we heard "she who sows the whirlwind reaps the storm".... I never think books written in the first person work quite so well as those written in the third person anyway. This one was written from the point of view of Jane Boleyn (nee Parker), wife to George Boleyn, Anne's brother. It could have been a more interesting psychological study of this woman, but she ends up looking voyeristic and petty! The sex scenes in this book are one of the worst parts to be honest, let alone the fact that we have Jane sleeping with Cromwell and Katherine Howard and Anna of Cleves involved in a very interesting situation with a pot of honey.... it seems to be salacious just for the sake of it as it doesn't add anything!
I thought the writing style was OK, but in places got a bit repetitive - towards the end I lost count of the number of times we heard "she who sows the whirlwind reaps the storm".... I never think books written in the first person work quite so well as those written in the third person anyway. This one was written from the point of view of Jane Boleyn (nee Parker), wife to George Boleyn, Anne's brother. It could have been a more interesting psychological study of this woman, but she ends up looking voyeristic and petty! The sex scenes in this book are one of the worst parts to be honest, let alone the fact that we have Jane sleeping with Cromwell and Katherine Howard and Anna of Cleves involved in a very interesting situation with a pot of honey.... it seems to be salacious just for the sake of it as it doesn't add anything!
Eilidh G Clark (177 KP) rated The Wind in the Willows in Books
Jul 2, 2019
I was pleasantly surprised by this book
I was surprised by this book. I did a bit of a skim read to begin with because I intend to use some of the books content as part of an essay that I'm writing for children's literature. My skim read put me off reading it for a few days. When I did start reading it I was enthralled by Grahame's use of language and imagery. I have to say that his use of language to describe the countryside and the changing seasons is perhaps some of the most beautiful language I have ever read. He captures the scenery so perfectly that you can almost touch it.
The characters were good, toad in particular. It is clear to see that Grahame was talking about hysteria in the character of toad. Written in the early 20th century, the novel is typical of its slower pace when compared to modern literature for children. The humour and sentiment may be enough to grip even the 21st century child. As an adult though, this is a delightful little book that should never be skimmed.
The characters were good, toad in particular. It is clear to see that Grahame was talking about hysteria in the character of toad. Written in the early 20th century, the novel is typical of its slower pace when compared to modern literature for children. The humour and sentiment may be enough to grip even the 21st century child. As an adult though, this is a delightful little book that should never be skimmed.
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Always Forever in Books
Nov 8, 2019
All technology is all but dead and the ancient powers stalk the land. With civlization in ruins only the Brothers and Sisters of Dragons can stop the world sliding into chaos. But they are broken, a spent force after the many trials they have endured. All may be lost after all.
Carrying on the tone of the first two books of the trilogy this is a dark and edgy read, often difficult as the protagonists are pushed to breaking point and beyond. Chadbourn's writing is very evocative and descriptive of the locations and the characters - perhaps because they have every flaw exposed - seem very human.
The ending makes the trilogy worthwhile, but to an extent maybe this is half a book too far; some plot elements become a little repetitive as do the threat from the creatures of legend that are hunting for the heroes. Ultimately the story just about justifies this and it definitely doesn't let down the series but maybe there's just a bit of faerie fatigue.
If you like your fantasy dark and your heroes really put through the wringer this series will appeal but it is not for the faint hearted.
Carrying on the tone of the first two books of the trilogy this is a dark and edgy read, often difficult as the protagonists are pushed to breaking point and beyond. Chadbourn's writing is very evocative and descriptive of the locations and the characters - perhaps because they have every flaw exposed - seem very human.
The ending makes the trilogy worthwhile, but to an extent maybe this is half a book too far; some plot elements become a little repetitive as do the threat from the creatures of legend that are hunting for the heroes. Ultimately the story just about justifies this and it definitely doesn't let down the series but maybe there's just a bit of faerie fatigue.
If you like your fantasy dark and your heroes really put through the wringer this series will appeal but it is not for the faint hearted.
Merissa (12552 KP) rated Dark Coven (The Wolfborne Saga #3) in Books
Jan 13, 2020
Dark Coven is the third book in The Wolfborne Saga and Zev has agreed to help out with a coven causing trouble. He is also accepting Alia is with Mitch whilst realising his protective feelings towards Isley may be more than he first thought.
I thought this was brilliantly written and is the best (so far) for me. I loved how Zev continues to grow and learn things about himself and the situations. He has a bitter situation to comprehend but, with his friends, he is able to work past the situation and continues to move forward.
This is part of a series so I would absolutely recommend you read them in order. The story arc is leading me on and I am loving every moment. This world is so eloquently written and the characters are incredibly life-like. I am thoroughly enjoying this story and series and look forward to the next instalment.
* 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 thought this was brilliantly written and is the best (so far) for me. I loved how Zev continues to grow and learn things about himself and the situations. He has a bitter situation to comprehend but, with his friends, he is able to work past the situation and continues to move forward.
This is part of a series so I would absolutely recommend you read them in order. The story arc is leading me on and I am loving every moment. This world is so eloquently written and the characters are incredibly life-like. I am thoroughly enjoying this story and series and look forward to the next instalment.
* 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!