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The Wind in the Willows
The Wind in the Willows
Kenneth Grahame | 1908 | Children, Fiction & Poetry
7
7.3 (15 Ratings)
Book Rating
The language is beautiful (0 more)
Perhaps a little slow (0 more)
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.
  
Always Forever
Always Forever
Mark Chadbourn | 2002 | Dystopia, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
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.
  
Dark Coven (The Wolfborne Saga #3)
Dark Coven (The Wolfborne Saga #3)
Cheree Alsop | 2019 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
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!
  
Nightmares and Dreamscapes
Nightmares and Dreamscapes
Stephen King | 1993 | Fiction & Poetry, Horror, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.5 (18 Ratings)
Book Rating
A varied mix of stories
It's no secret that Stephen King is my all time favourite author, and I'm especially fond of his anthology books filled with a variety of short stories.

I'd read Nightmares & Dreamscapes manybyeats ago, and decided it was about time to read it again. This really is a varied bunch of stories, all well written as you'd always expect from King, but with plots ranging from an alright 6/10 to an exception 10/10. None of the stories are bad at all, but I did struggle getting through this book at times, especially as it's a rather hefty tome with some seriously small writing. But there are some noteworthy excellent stories in here, such as Dolan's Cadillac, The Ten O'clock People, The Night Flier and Umney's Last Case. There's even a surprise appearance from Holmes and Watson, which whilst it seems oddly out of place in a book of King short stories, it's a very welcome and pretty good story to mix things up a little.

Overall this isn't my King book of short stories (that accolade goes to Night Shift), but it's still a very good offering.
  
The Forgotten Girls
The Forgotten Girls
Alexa Steele | 2014 | Crime
9
7.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
If you like Big Little Lies, you'll love this (0 more)
I enjoyed this book as it was about the lives of the people as well as the solving of the crime.
It is definitely a book I would normally read. I love crime books.
I couldn't put the book down. I was hooked although it did take me a few chapters to get into it.
When the characters were 'speaking' especially the girls I could hear that voice. This is down to how the author described them.
Once the detectives started putting some of the pieces it place they quickly fell into place in my mind so I figured it out before it was fully revealed.
The characters and location of the book reminded me of Big Little Lies - the TV show. The story was different but the characters and location were definitely similar.
The book would be best for people who like a crime book - but I would say females in their late 20's to 40's.
It definitely exceeded my expectations from the blurb.
I would 100% read the next book if there was one.
  
A Darkness at Sethanon
A Darkness at Sethanon
Raymond E. Feist | 1986 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
9
9.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Contains spoilers, click to show
A Darkness at Sethanon is the stunning climax to Raymond E. Feist's brilliant epic fantasy trilogy, the Riftwar Saga.

Here be dragons and sorcery, swordplay, quests, pursuits, intrigues, stratagems, journeys to the darkest realms of the dead and titanic battles between the forces of good and darkest evil.

Here is the final dramatic confrontation between Arutha and Murmandamus - and the perilous quest of Pug the magician and Tomas the warrior for Macros the Black. A Darkness at Sethanon is heroic fantasy of the highest excitement and on the grandest scale, a magnificent conclusion to one of the great fantasy sagas of our time.

Omg!!! I was at one point about to throw the book in the bin sneaky sneaky killing of Arutha I was distraught!! Poor Jimmy. But all was well that sneaky prince ran off to save the world! This is one series I've absolutely loved! Raymond E Feist is a fantastic writer I'd love to see this series developed into films it would rival lord of the rings! I was in awe at the last 5 chapters. Brilliant brilliant set of books!!!