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Gail (4 KP) rated Only (Alex Conner Chronicles, #3) in Books
Jun 4, 2018
Only: The Alex Connor Chronicles book 3
Four stars
This was an interesting read. Different in a good way. I was confused some what when the scenes changed. But it didn’t take too much away from my enjoyment of this book. I recommend reading the first two books first. I didn’t think about that when I started reading this book. So I was a little lost in the beginning. It’s a lot at first when you just jump right in but I liked it without the knowing the back story. The author offered US something unique and compelling. If you’re interested in other world reading and magic this is a good series for that. Alex is a strong character who is scared to be soft and scared at times. But when it was needed her back was made of steel. I will go back to read the first two books because I would like to know what happened to Justin. Her relationship with Valant is intriguing also. Then there is Ryan. Can you say oh la la. Definitely a series worth picking up to give a try. The authors style was smooth and had a very good dialogue.
Four stars
This was an interesting read. Different in a good way. I was confused some what when the scenes changed. But it didn’t take too much away from my enjoyment of this book. I recommend reading the first two books first. I didn’t think about that when I started reading this book. So I was a little lost in the beginning. It’s a lot at first when you just jump right in but I liked it without the knowing the back story. The author offered US something unique and compelling. If you’re interested in other world reading and magic this is a good series for that. Alex is a strong character who is scared to be soft and scared at times. But when it was needed her back was made of steel. I will go back to read the first two books because I would like to know what happened to Justin. Her relationship with Valant is intriguing also. Then there is Ryan. Can you say oh la la. Definitely a series worth picking up to give a try. The authors style was smooth and had a very good dialogue.
Sara Cox (1845 KP) rated Donuts and Disaster in Books
Jul 27, 2019
Donuts and Disaster - other than making me feel extremely peckish throughout I surprised myself by enjoying this short book. I was having a spout of 'I want to read, but nothing is holding onto my interest' when I found this on my #tbr shelf. It's number 4 of a series of Sandy Bay Cozy Mysterys. Meghan runs a bakery and finds herself (yet again apparently) tangled up with a murder. The story was quick paced and a lot happened in a short space of time. If I were to offer a criticism I would say that the murder should happen sooner for such a short book. The murder did not happen until half way through, which means there was only a little time in the short book for it to be solved. But as a quick and easy read after a long day at work - definitely a winner. I like that you can read it as a standalone and not need to know what happened in the previous books. The discovery of a killer disappointed me a little as very little investigative work went into it - I was expecting more Jessica Fletcher than accidental confession/discovery.
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.
James Bagshaw recommended track Blueberry Hill (with Fats Domino (Antoine Dominique Domino Jr.)) by Fats Domino in All-Time Greatest Hits by Fats Domino in Music (curated)
Kristina (502 KP) rated Be the Girl in Books
Dec 7, 2020
Contains spoilers, click to show
The meaning behind this story is an important one, it's just unfortunate that it didn't hit very hard until the last 100 pages or less. I continued to read because I knew something big was coming, something shocking and interesting, and I was right: the whole time, I assumed Aria had attempted suicide and was trying to forget her past, so it was definitely a surprise to discover she was escaping from a mistake she made that actually led to a former student committing suicide. The first 85% of the story I wasn't bored, necessarily, just waiting expectantly for "more". But, boy, that last percentage really packed a punch. It goes to show how bullying can go wrong, how there are literally life and death consequences to such actions. It also highlights some of the differences in those with autism, which is nice, because I feel like that topic is shied away from by many. I love K. A. Tucker and I hate to say that, while the moral of the story was an important one, 'Be the Girl' wasn't one of my favorites.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Abandon (Abandon, #1) in Books
Sep 5, 2019
3.5 stars.
I had no idea what to expect with this book as the synopsis was a little vague and I have to say now, slightly false.
The way it was written near the start was intriguing, trying to figure out what had happened between Pierce and John in the Underworld when only being given quick peeks here and there and it grabbed my attention. But then when the style continued throughout, going to past situations where John had turned up, it started to annoy me a little.
I'm not sure how I feel about their relationship because it did sort of appear out of nowhere. I can understand John's feelings because he'd met her before and been keeping her safe for the past two years but Pierce was afraid of him during that time so her feelings are a bit doubtful, if you ask me.
I did like John, though he acted a little moody throughout when we read about him. And Pierce, well, she was a bit annoying in places.
I have to admit though I think I will continue the trilogy.
I had no idea what to expect with this book as the synopsis was a little vague and I have to say now, slightly false.
The way it was written near the start was intriguing, trying to figure out what had happened between Pierce and John in the Underworld when only being given quick peeks here and there and it grabbed my attention. But then when the style continued throughout, going to past situations where John had turned up, it started to annoy me a little.
I'm not sure how I feel about their relationship because it did sort of appear out of nowhere. I can understand John's feelings because he'd met her before and been keeping her safe for the past two years but Pierce was afraid of him during that time so her feelings are a bit doubtful, if you ask me.
I did like John, though he acted a little moody throughout when we read about him. And Pierce, well, she was a bit annoying in places.
I have to admit though I think I will continue the trilogy.
Becky is a retelling of Vanity Fair - which I haven’t read - so I only really know what other people have said about it, really. Regardless of my lack of background knowledge, I can safely say that you will be able to enjoy this novel without any Regency or Victorian novel reading background.
I tore through this. When you realise that for the meteoric rise of the main character, Becky, there will be a plummet, it’s a case of morbid fascination!
And like the original, this is a story without a hero. None of the men are particularly “dashing”, or nice, in fact. Becky isn’t a likeable character either. She knows what she wants, and will do anything in the dirty world of tabloid “news” to get it.
I couldn’t stop reading this, and I closed the book after the last page thinking: “Well THAT was a good job!”
So hopefully I haven’t given too much away, and if you’ve read any of my other reviews, you’ll know that I love to hate a character, and Becky has this particular trait in spades!
It’s a cracking read!
I tore through this. When you realise that for the meteoric rise of the main character, Becky, there will be a plummet, it’s a case of morbid fascination!
And like the original, this is a story without a hero. None of the men are particularly “dashing”, or nice, in fact. Becky isn’t a likeable character either. She knows what she wants, and will do anything in the dirty world of tabloid “news” to get it.
I couldn’t stop reading this, and I closed the book after the last page thinking: “Well THAT was a good job!”
So hopefully I haven’t given too much away, and if you’ve read any of my other reviews, you’ll know that I love to hate a character, and Becky has this particular trait in spades!
It’s a cracking read!
Merissa (13120 KP) rated The London Monster in Books
Feb 10, 2021 (Updated Jun 10, 2023)
THE LONDON MONSTER is set about one hundred years before Jack the Ripper, and tells the story of a man who attacked women at night. It became known that he would only attack beautiful women, so it was almost a 'badge of honour' to have been chosen.
I have to say, I had no idea who it was, right up until The Final Note. The characters all intermingle, and you have no idea how much until it is revealed by the author. Simply wonderful!
This book reads as a standalone and I have no idea if the real London Monster was ever truly identified. I would love to know more about Tom, Sophie, and in particular, Dalton and Cuthbert. Those two got off very lightly in my opinion.
A long book that you can fully immerse yourself in, I found this to be one of the best mysteries I have read in a long time. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Feb 10, 2021
I have to say, I had no idea who it was, right up until The Final Note. The characters all intermingle, and you have no idea how much until it is revealed by the author. Simply wonderful!
This book reads as a standalone and I have no idea if the real London Monster was ever truly identified. I would love to know more about Tom, Sophie, and in particular, Dalton and Cuthbert. Those two got off very lightly in my opinion.
A long book that you can fully immerse yourself in, I found this to be one of the best mysteries I have read in a long time. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Feb 10, 2021
Debbiereadsbook (1478 KP) rated Whichever Way The Road Leads (The Eastman Saga #1) in Books
Aug 4, 2024
loved them both, together and apart!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I should say, I'm UK based, so the 1812 war between Canada and the US is not really one I know anything about. Therefore, I cannot comment on the accuracy of the details in this book.
What I can comment on, though, is the story between Zee and Jesse and their struggle to cope during this war. I loved them both, together and apart. They are both strong people, emotionally, do deal with such a difficult time, and to come out the other side.
It's beautifully written, from both Zee and Jesse's POV. There are wonderful descriptions of the scenery in that part of the world. I really enjoyed trying to picture them.
It has some lighter moments, but some darker ones too. There was much that made me cry.
I haven't read anything by this author before, A quick look shows her books seem to be about couples in settings with a war backdrop. I'd like to read more from this author.
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I should say, I'm UK based, so the 1812 war between Canada and the US is not really one I know anything about. Therefore, I cannot comment on the accuracy of the details in this book.
What I can comment on, though, is the story between Zee and Jesse and their struggle to cope during this war. I loved them both, together and apart. They are both strong people, emotionally, do deal with such a difficult time, and to come out the other side.
It's beautifully written, from both Zee and Jesse's POV. There are wonderful descriptions of the scenery in that part of the world. I really enjoyed trying to picture them.
It has some lighter moments, but some darker ones too. There was much that made me cry.
I haven't read anything by this author before, A quick look shows her books seem to be about couples in settings with a war backdrop. I'd like to read more from this author.
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated The Shopkeeper's Widow in Books
Feb 23, 2021
I love the era that this book was set in! The American Revolution was an is a time of difficult decisions and torn loyalties which Izzy James portrays in very well laid out detail. I believe that this book is standalone.
The main characters Delany and Field were very interesting. They made some very hard decisions, and by the end of the book, you could vividly see their growth as a character. I liked Delany’s strength and fortitude through her trials in life (I can only hope to weather life like her!) and Flint really seemed to come to life through the story. I enjoyed Izzy James’ portrayal of what indentured people went through and how some of them overcame their circumstances. Mixed along with the ever-increasing threat of war, I thought this book was very intriguing. I will say that I had a hard time getting into it at first, I think due to the way the characters speak, but after a couple of chapters, I started to enjoy the flow of their words.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the themes presented, the interesting time period, and the well-done characters. I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
The main characters Delany and Field were very interesting. They made some very hard decisions, and by the end of the book, you could vividly see their growth as a character. I liked Delany’s strength and fortitude through her trials in life (I can only hope to weather life like her!) and Flint really seemed to come to life through the story. I enjoyed Izzy James’ portrayal of what indentured people went through and how some of them overcame their circumstances. Mixed along with the ever-increasing threat of war, I thought this book was very intriguing. I will say that I had a hard time getting into it at first, I think due to the way the characters speak, but after a couple of chapters, I started to enjoy the flow of their words.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the themes presented, the interesting time period, and the well-done characters. I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.