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Merissa (13018 KP) rated The Rake is Taken (League of Lords #2) in Books
Aug 17, 2021
THE RAKE IS TAKEN is the second book in the League of Lords series, and I'm so grateful that Ms Sumner made a series! After reading book one, I really hoped it would happen, and it did. Woot!!
A very different story to book, so you could read it as a standalone, but with some characters from the first one. You would have more of an idea of past events and how their characters interact but it isn't necessary.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Finn and Victoria. Two very different and compelling characters who NEED to be together, and the fun is in watching them figure it out and overcoming all the obstacles. The psychic side of it is mentioned but specifically (most of the time) towards Finn and Victoria and how it affects them.
This was a brilliant read that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I can't wait to read book three. Absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
A very different story to book, so you could read it as a standalone, but with some characters from the first one. You would have more of an idea of past events and how their characters interact but it isn't necessary.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Finn and Victoria. Two very different and compelling characters who NEED to be together, and the fun is in watching them figure it out and overcoming all the obstacles. The psychic side of it is mentioned but specifically (most of the time) towards Finn and Victoria and how it affects them.
This was a brilliant read that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I can't wait to read book three. Absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated All The Beautiful Lies in Books
Sep 26, 2021
160 of 250
Book
All the Beautiful Lies
By Peter Swanson
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
On the eve of his college graduation, Harry is called home by his step-mother Alice, to their house on the Maine coast, following the unexpected death of his father.
But who really is Alice, his father's much younger second wife? In a brilliant split narrative, Peter Swanson teases out the stories and damage that lie in her past. And as her story entwines with Harry's in the present, things grow increasingly dark and threatening - will Harry be able to see any of it clearly through his own confused feelings?
It was ok. A decent story but a little predictable. A few parts that can possibly be trigger points but that’s what I see writing as taking on those issues that most people shy away from. In my opinion they were both toxic and she got what she deserved in the end! Some would argue she a product of how she was raised! I think I will try a few more books from Peter Swanson.
Book
All the Beautiful Lies
By Peter Swanson
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
On the eve of his college graduation, Harry is called home by his step-mother Alice, to their house on the Maine coast, following the unexpected death of his father.
But who really is Alice, his father's much younger second wife? In a brilliant split narrative, Peter Swanson teases out the stories and damage that lie in her past. And as her story entwines with Harry's in the present, things grow increasingly dark and threatening - will Harry be able to see any of it clearly through his own confused feelings?
It was ok. A decent story but a little predictable. A few parts that can possibly be trigger points but that’s what I see writing as taking on those issues that most people shy away from. In my opinion they were both toxic and she got what she deserved in the end! Some would argue she a product of how she was raised! I think I will try a few more books from Peter Swanson.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Smoke and Iron (The Great Library, #4) in Books
Jan 30, 2023
13 of 235
Book
Smoke and Iron ( The Great Library #4 )
By Rachel Caine
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The opening moves of a deadly game have begun. Jess Brightwell has put himself in direct peril, with only his wits and skill to aid him in a game of cat and mouse with the Archivist Magister of the Great Library. With the world catching fire, and words printed on paper the spark that lights rebellion, it falls to smugglers, thieves, and scholars to save a library thousands of years in the making...if they can stay alive long enough to outwit their enemies.
So it’s all coming to an end! I’m so sad to see the series end but also so grateful I found it. Book one took two attempts to get through but once I had I didn’t look back.
I can’t imagine living in a world where The Library rules what we are exposed to where it is so corrupt it causes a world war. We all expect it from religion or politics but not from books and librarians. This is such a brilliant series to sink into.
Just a shame we are at its end!!
Book
Smoke and Iron ( The Great Library #4 )
By Rachel Caine
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The opening moves of a deadly game have begun. Jess Brightwell has put himself in direct peril, with only his wits and skill to aid him in a game of cat and mouse with the Archivist Magister of the Great Library. With the world catching fire, and words printed on paper the spark that lights rebellion, it falls to smugglers, thieves, and scholars to save a library thousands of years in the making...if they can stay alive long enough to outwit their enemies.
So it’s all coming to an end! I’m so sad to see the series end but also so grateful I found it. Book one took two attempts to get through but once I had I didn’t look back.
I can’t imagine living in a world where The Library rules what we are exposed to where it is so corrupt it causes a world war. We all expect it from religion or politics but not from books and librarians. This is such a brilliant series to sink into.
Just a shame we are at its end!!
A River of Crows
8.0
Rate It
Book
In 1988, Sloan Hadfield’s brother Ridge went fishing with their father and never came home. Their...
Thriller
Merissa (13018 KP) rated Scaling the Moon (A Wildewardian Tale #2) in Books
Mar 31, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
SCALING THE MOON is a Wildewardian Tale that accompanies the main series, The Wildeward Academy.
Evetta and Gemma are both supporting characters who still managed to have their own love story alongside Victoria and her coterie. HOWEVER, as with all of this author's characters, I wanted more. I wanted to know how they got together, what troubles they faced... You know what I mean. And this novella delivered all of that and more.
Evetta really comes into her own in this story. You understand more about the role she chooses with Victoria. As for Gemma, well, I already knew her 'father' was a piece of work but this just compounded it. Luckily for me, I've already read Victoria's story, so I knew what happened.
A brilliant side story to an amazing series. I would definitely recommend you read all of them, just so you don't miss anything. Absolutely fantastic.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Mar 31, 2023
Evetta and Gemma are both supporting characters who still managed to have their own love story alongside Victoria and her coterie. HOWEVER, as with all of this author's characters, I wanted more. I wanted to know how they got together, what troubles they faced... You know what I mean. And this novella delivered all of that and more.
Evetta really comes into her own in this story. You understand more about the role she chooses with Victoria. As for Gemma, well, I already knew her 'father' was a piece of work but this just compounded it. Luckily for me, I've already read Victoria's story, so I knew what happened.
A brilliant side story to an amazing series. I would definitely recommend you read all of them, just so you don't miss anything. Absolutely fantastic.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Mar 31, 2023
Merissa (13018 KP) rated Midnight Sun (Arctic Love, #3) in Books
Dec 17, 2018 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
I received this book from NetGalley in return for a fair and honest review.
This is Frey's story - we've had Andreas and Varg's and now it's time for the 'quiet' twin. I have been enjoying this series. It's light but still manages to convey emotions and connections. I have been intrigued by Frey's story with the snippets we have already heard so I was looking forward to reading it. Unfortunately for me, this one seemed to fall a bit flat. I don't know if it's because of the short length, although this didn't seem to be a problem with the other books, or what. For me, the bare bones of the story was there but the meat was missing. It felt like the story was just skimmed over, rather than allowing the reader a bit more of an explanation and chance to digest.
I still liked the story and feel that Frey and Jørgen make a brilliant pair but I also feel a bit sorry that their story wasn't as good as I thought and hoped it would be.
December 18, 2018
This is Frey's story - we've had Andreas and Varg's and now it's time for the 'quiet' twin. I have been enjoying this series. It's light but still manages to convey emotions and connections. I have been intrigued by Frey's story with the snippets we have already heard so I was looking forward to reading it. Unfortunately for me, this one seemed to fall a bit flat. I don't know if it's because of the short length, although this didn't seem to be a problem with the other books, or what. For me, the bare bones of the story was there but the meat was missing. It felt like the story was just skimmed over, rather than allowing the reader a bit more of an explanation and chance to digest.
I still liked the story and feel that Frey and Jørgen make a brilliant pair but I also feel a bit sorry that their story wasn't as good as I thought and hoped it would be.
December 18, 2018
Merissa (13018 KP) rated Sparks (Sparks Saga #1) in Books
Apr 16, 2023
This is a brilliant epic fantasy that grabs you from the start and refuses to let go throughout. It is an emotionally packed story that will keep you turning the pages, long after you should have put it down and gone to bed!
The main characters of Lark, Khea, and Micha are all fantastic and I loved all three of them for their varying abilities and differing personalities. I wasn't too sure about Avis to begin with, but before long, I was loving every scene he was in. As this book takes place over a number of years, you get to see each character's growth, trials, and tribulations as they grow.
Brilliantly written, smoothly paced and with intense and vivid scenes, this is classic Fantasy brought to life. Highly recommended.
*ps - I must add that there are some scenes that may just bring a tear to your eyes! Tissue warning, just in case!!*
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 15, 2015
The main characters of Lark, Khea, and Micha are all fantastic and I loved all three of them for their varying abilities and differing personalities. I wasn't too sure about Avis to begin with, but before long, I was loving every scene he was in. As this book takes place over a number of years, you get to see each character's growth, trials, and tribulations as they grow.
Brilliantly written, smoothly paced and with intense and vivid scenes, this is classic Fantasy brought to life. Highly recommended.
*ps - I must add that there are some scenes that may just bring a tear to your eyes! Tissue warning, just in case!!*
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 15, 2015
Merissa (13018 KP) rated Redeem (The Caelian Cycle #2.5) in Books
May 5, 2023
OK, so I will admit before even starting my review that I am biased towards Kian. I love him!!! He is brilliant in every way so I was ecstatic to receive this ARC. I was not disappointed as Donnielle Tyner has managed to make her voice 'male' and completely believable. You learn things about Kian's past that are only alluded to, which help make him a more rounded character, giving me a new understanding of him and his behaviour.
Although this is a novella, it covers a fair amount of time so be prepared for a couple of 'time jumps' as you read through. You don't feel like anything of importance is missed out though, and the reading flows.
With a smooth pace, well-written and with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this is a wonderful addition to The Caelian Cycle, and I can't wait for the next book to come along! Highly recommended.
* 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!
Feb 10, 2016
Although this is a novella, it covers a fair amount of time so be prepared for a couple of 'time jumps' as you read through. You don't feel like anything of importance is missed out though, and the reading flows.
With a smooth pace, well-written and with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this is a wonderful addition to The Caelian Cycle, and I can't wait for the next book to come along! Highly recommended.
* 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!
Feb 10, 2016
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Twenty (Major Crimes, Book 2) in Books
May 7, 2023
A definite 5 star read for me and one of my books of 2023 so far ... an absolute cracker!!
I read a lot of crime and psychological thrillers and the odd horror book and it takes a lot to get me going but Sam Holland most definitely got me going with The Twenty. Oh my word!! Why? I hear you ask.
Excellent and interesting characters ... check.
Excellent serial killer ... check.
Gripping story line ... check.
Fast pace ... check.
Twists and turns ... check.
Gruesome scenes that give you the chills ... check.
Tension and suspense in spades ... check.
What more is there to be said? Oh yes, this might be book 2 but don't let that put you off, it can easily be read as a standalone but I would strongly suggest you read book 1, The Echo Man, it's also a cracker!!
Highly recommended to those of you who enjoy a dark, gritty and grisly crime thriller ... you won't go far wrong with Sam Holland and I must thank HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of the brilliant The Twenty.
I can't wait to see what comes next.
I read a lot of crime and psychological thrillers and the odd horror book and it takes a lot to get me going but Sam Holland most definitely got me going with The Twenty. Oh my word!! Why? I hear you ask.
Excellent and interesting characters ... check.
Excellent serial killer ... check.
Gripping story line ... check.
Fast pace ... check.
Twists and turns ... check.
Gruesome scenes that give you the chills ... check.
Tension and suspense in spades ... check.
What more is there to be said? Oh yes, this might be book 2 but don't let that put you off, it can easily be read as a standalone but I would strongly suggest you read book 1, The Echo Man, it's also a cracker!!
Highly recommended to those of you who enjoy a dark, gritty and grisly crime thriller ... you won't go far wrong with Sam Holland and I must thank HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of the brilliant The Twenty.
I can't wait to see what comes next.
