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David McK (3632 KP) rated The Rage of Dragons in Books
May 15, 2022
I picked this one up during the summer for a holiday read, but have only just got around to reading it now.
And, I have to say, I was really impressed with it.
Telling the story of Tau Solarin, this probably falls somewhere between high fantasy (yes, there are dragons but no elves or dwarves or such like) and heroic fantasy (none of the characters are really what you would call conventional heroes!), but nor is it what I would call Dark fantasy (you can understand why they are doing what they are doing, with none of the characters really anti-heroes).
I'm looking forward to finding out more about the background, culture, beliefs and (in general) the world in future instalments: just what was The Cull, for instance, and why did the Omehi have to flee from it?
At that, how did the caste system come about? Will it be overthrown ... ?
And, I have to say, I was really impressed with it.
Telling the story of Tau Solarin, this probably falls somewhere between high fantasy (yes, there are dragons but no elves or dwarves or such like) and heroic fantasy (none of the characters are really what you would call conventional heroes!), but nor is it what I would call Dark fantasy (you can understand why they are doing what they are doing, with none of the characters really anti-heroes).
I'm looking forward to finding out more about the background, culture, beliefs and (in general) the world in future instalments: just what was The Cull, for instance, and why did the Omehi have to flee from it?
At that, how did the caste system come about? Will it be overthrown ... ?
ClareR (5996 KP) rated Death of a Bookseller in Books
May 23, 2023
🐌🐌🐌
I loved this book about two booksellers: Brogan (or Roach to her work colleagues) who has a fascination with all things true crime, and Laura, the object of Roach’s obsession.
To say Roach is obsessed with Laura would actually be an understatement, and she becomes increasingly creepy as the book goes on. To be fair, neither Roach or Laura are particularly likeable characters, but Roach and her rather questionable personal hygiene practices may just clinch it for me. Although she does have a pet giant land snail, so that may be her one redeeming feature 🐌
This is a really unsettling book, and I couldn’t find anything to like about either character (err, the snail was nice!) - even though I did try to feel sorry for Laura. She goes through a lot, and her background is traumatic.
I can see this being very popular and for good reason - it’s a great read!
🐌🐌🐌
I loved this book about two booksellers: Brogan (or Roach to her work colleagues) who has a fascination with all things true crime, and Laura, the object of Roach’s obsession.
To say Roach is obsessed with Laura would actually be an understatement, and she becomes increasingly creepy as the book goes on. To be fair, neither Roach or Laura are particularly likeable characters, but Roach and her rather questionable personal hygiene practices may just clinch it for me. Although she does have a pet giant land snail, so that may be her one redeeming feature 🐌
This is a really unsettling book, and I couldn’t find anything to like about either character (err, the snail was nice!) - even though I did try to feel sorry for Laura. She goes through a lot, and her background is traumatic.
I can see this being very popular and for good reason - it’s a great read!
🐌🐌🐌
starwarsluvr (236 KP) rated Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones, #2) in Books
Jan 30, 2018
Wow, ok so what can I say about this... this was.. amazing. The writing flowed even better then the first book. The characters were even better. Everything was easier to follow in most places and the depth of the characters was even more amazing. The imagery of the scenes was beautiful. I felt as if I was a part of it and seeing the scenery and people and places with my own eyes. Ian goes through so many problems and trials to become who he needs to be again. I loved that he lost who he was for a while and then he had to refind himself. It added so much to this story to watch him go through so many feelings and ideas and thoughts. He had to work so hard and got through it all to become who he had to be. Ian is amazing and wonderful and such a special person/Shinree. I loved that this book has a bit of everything. It has mystery, sex, intrique, love, happiness, sadness, and so much action. I loved CL's use of magic in this written world.. I loved the feelings and the action. It was all so much fun to read and I cannot wait to see how this all ends in book 3.
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated Sarah in Books
Mar 15, 2018
Also read my review here: http://bookbum.weebly.com/book-reviews/sarah-by-jt-leroy
Wow I don't know what to say really.
I think that most people rating this book have judged it based on the author's hoax at claiming this was a true story but if you ignore all that mess, what you find here is a really weird, heart breaking and hilarious novel. I think people need to start looking at this as a stand-alone novel and push the whole scandal to the side to see how brilliant this book actually is.
I wasn't sure why I decided to request this from Netgalley because it's the sort of book I'd normally steer clear of, but I'm glad I left my comfort zone to read this, because it was worth it.
Sarah will take you through every single emotion you can possibly think of, from love to terror to hope and you'll find yourself a bit lost once it's all over. I have another JT LeRoy book to start next, I'm hoping I like it just as much as this.
Thanks to Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group UK for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
Wow I don't know what to say really.
I think that most people rating this book have judged it based on the author's hoax at claiming this was a true story but if you ignore all that mess, what you find here is a really weird, heart breaking and hilarious novel. I think people need to start looking at this as a stand-alone novel and push the whole scandal to the side to see how brilliant this book actually is.
I wasn't sure why I decided to request this from Netgalley because it's the sort of book I'd normally steer clear of, but I'm glad I left my comfort zone to read this, because it was worth it.
Sarah will take you through every single emotion you can possibly think of, from love to terror to hope and you'll find yourself a bit lost once it's all over. I have another JT LeRoy book to start next, I'm hoping I like it just as much as this.
Thanks to Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group UK for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Forged in Blood II (The Emperor's Edge, #7) in Books
Jan 11, 2021
Contains spoilers, click to show
Okay, when I started this I was probably 35% interested in the ending (getting Sespian back on the throne if possible, the guys getting their bounties removed, Sicarius and Amaranthe finding each other after thinking the other was dead) and 65% interested in Amaranthe and Sicarius getting their night together that was mentioned in the previous book and finishing what had been in the works since probably book 1 or 2.
I think there was a little too much discussion in the first 40% or so, and with me eager for my two favourite characters to find each other again I may have skipped a few bits though I don't think I missed anything exciting.
There was a lot of action in this one as everything reached its pinnacle: outing bad guys, running into gang members, the return of monsters...it was full on to say the least.
But for me the best bit has to be the epilogue *grins like an idiot* and I'm sure you can figure out what happens in it.
One thing made me almost cry but I wont spoil it by telling you what.
A great ending to the series and I cant wait to read more about Sicarius and Amaranthe's adventure!
I think there was a little too much discussion in the first 40% or so, and with me eager for my two favourite characters to find each other again I may have skipped a few bits though I don't think I missed anything exciting.
There was a lot of action in this one as everything reached its pinnacle: outing bad guys, running into gang members, the return of monsters...it was full on to say the least.
But for me the best bit has to be the epilogue *grins like an idiot* and I'm sure you can figure out what happens in it.
One thing made me almost cry but I wont spoil it by telling you what.
A great ending to the series and I cant wait to read more about Sicarius and Amaranthe's adventure!
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Summer Heat in Books
Sep 3, 2019
Oh dear...that ending...I'm wincing on behalf of both of them.
So this is my fifteenth book by the author, I think, and I've enjoyed all of them. This one was on the shorter side in length and a quick easy ready, but that didn't mean it didn't make me want the characters to get together and have their HAE.
Of course, though, it's a trilogy and I'll have to go and buy book 2 and 3 to see how Marlo and Ray get over that little revelation that's just been spilled in that shower stall.
One thing I will say, Rachel knows how to write male characters POV's. Most of the books I read tend to be in female POV's but Rachel always seems to write both and sometimes it's really great to see how the male characters are feeling in romances and I always tend to fall for them, too.
So, as mentioned before, I will definitely be off to Amazon in a little while to see about purchasing the rest of the Cruel Summer trilogy so I can finish this series after that intriguing start.
UPDATE: I can't find the rest of the series on Amazon! What am I going to do?!
So this is my fifteenth book by the author, I think, and I've enjoyed all of them. This one was on the shorter side in length and a quick easy ready, but that didn't mean it didn't make me want the characters to get together and have their HAE.
Of course, though, it's a trilogy and I'll have to go and buy book 2 and 3 to see how Marlo and Ray get over that little revelation that's just been spilled in that shower stall.
One thing I will say, Rachel knows how to write male characters POV's. Most of the books I read tend to be in female POV's but Rachel always seems to write both and sometimes it's really great to see how the male characters are feeling in romances and I always tend to fall for them, too.
So, as mentioned before, I will definitely be off to Amazon in a little while to see about purchasing the rest of the Cruel Summer trilogy so I can finish this series after that intriguing start.
UPDATE: I can't find the rest of the series on Amazon! What am I going to do?!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Siren Sacrificed ( Thief of Hearts book 2) in Books
Feb 27, 2022
36 of 230
Kindle
Siren Sacrificed ( Thief of Hearts book 2)
By C.R. Jane and Mila Young
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What is a siren without her power?
I'm about to find out, and I have no problems embracing the darkness to do so.
I was thrown into a literal hell, and every day feels like it could be my last.
But amid such darkness, I thought I found light with three men who've shown me happiness is possible even in a place like this.
Except, maybe I was too quick to trust and give my heart away.
They say trust takes years to build, seconds to break... and I don't think forever will be long enough to repair what they did to me.
One will sacrifice himself for me. One will shatter my soul. And one will kill me to save me.
This is a weird little series I’m really enjoying it! It has such a dark undertone that gives me the creeps. This young woman has just had hell and I’m not sure how much more she can take! This ending is just so sad but I felt peaceful with her. Can’t wait to see what book 3 brings. I really enjoy Mila Youngs books.
Kindle
Siren Sacrificed ( Thief of Hearts book 2)
By C.R. Jane and Mila Young
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What is a siren without her power?
I'm about to find out, and I have no problems embracing the darkness to do so.
I was thrown into a literal hell, and every day feels like it could be my last.
But amid such darkness, I thought I found light with three men who've shown me happiness is possible even in a place like this.
Except, maybe I was too quick to trust and give my heart away.
They say trust takes years to build, seconds to break... and I don't think forever will be long enough to repair what they did to me.
One will sacrifice himself for me. One will shatter my soul. And one will kill me to save me.
This is a weird little series I’m really enjoying it! It has such a dark undertone that gives me the creeps. This young woman has just had hell and I’m not sure how much more she can take! This ending is just so sad but I felt peaceful with her. Can’t wait to see what book 3 brings. I really enjoy Mila Youngs books.
Debbiereadsbook (1557 KP) rated Footwork in Books
Sep 11, 2023
Bode's heart is in the right place, he just goes about it all wrong.
I was gifted my copy of this book.
Bode never claimed to be an angel. Serving time for his crimes, he's out on parole and finds himself in an illegal fight ring run by his parole officer. When his mum skips town, and the step father throws Bode's younger brother, Danny, out, Bode goes to the last person who might want to see him, but the one he knows won't say no to him, his ex Sonny.
Bode is an a$$hole. He knows it, Sonny knows it, even Danny knows it. But what I loved about Bode is he doesn't try to be anything else. He is what he is, and you take as he is. But deep down, Bode's heart is in the right place, he just goes about it all wrong.
He knows Sonny won't say no, and won't push him away, and he knows Sonny has a boyfriend (deputy boyfriend, it made me smile, Bode giving him that tag!) but Bode still pushes Sonny. To some extent, Sonny lets himself be pushed though, and Sonny knows that he will eventually give in. I liked that he does what he does BEFORE giving in though.
Danny is a character, and I loved that even at 14, he can see who Bode is. But I liked that he still has some child-like qualities: believing his mum will come home, especially. Not sure I liked mum, to be honest! I mean she does come good, but bloody hell, it's hardly surprising Bode is how he is with her for his mum.
Getting Bode out of the fighting ring comes top priority, and, as much as deputy boyfriend hates Bode, he does help. I liked how that all worked out. Not how I thought it was going to, to be honest so I love being kept on my toes there.
Given who Bode is and what he is doing, it is quite violent, but I think it really is needed to know just what he is going through. Steamy and smexy too!
Both Sonny and Bode have a say, so I'm happy about that cos I wasn't sure if Sonny would at one point!
It's been a while since I read a Moore book. I do like the way she spins her tales.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Bode never claimed to be an angel. Serving time for his crimes, he's out on parole and finds himself in an illegal fight ring run by his parole officer. When his mum skips town, and the step father throws Bode's younger brother, Danny, out, Bode goes to the last person who might want to see him, but the one he knows won't say no to him, his ex Sonny.
Bode is an a$$hole. He knows it, Sonny knows it, even Danny knows it. But what I loved about Bode is he doesn't try to be anything else. He is what he is, and you take as he is. But deep down, Bode's heart is in the right place, he just goes about it all wrong.
He knows Sonny won't say no, and won't push him away, and he knows Sonny has a boyfriend (deputy boyfriend, it made me smile, Bode giving him that tag!) but Bode still pushes Sonny. To some extent, Sonny lets himself be pushed though, and Sonny knows that he will eventually give in. I liked that he does what he does BEFORE giving in though.
Danny is a character, and I loved that even at 14, he can see who Bode is. But I liked that he still has some child-like qualities: believing his mum will come home, especially. Not sure I liked mum, to be honest! I mean she does come good, but bloody hell, it's hardly surprising Bode is how he is with her for his mum.
Getting Bode out of the fighting ring comes top priority, and, as much as deputy boyfriend hates Bode, he does help. I liked how that all worked out. Not how I thought it was going to, to be honest so I love being kept on my toes there.
Given who Bode is and what he is doing, it is quite violent, but I think it really is needed to know just what he is going through. Steamy and smexy too!
Both Sonny and Bode have a say, so I'm happy about that cos I wasn't sure if Sonny would at one point!
It's been a while since I read a Moore book. I do like the way she spins her tales.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Lost in Wonderland in Books
Jan 23, 2020
<b><i>I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i></b>
<i>Lost in Wonderland</i> has got to be one of the weirdest books Ive ever read, and if Ive read a weirder book than this one, then this is the weirdest book Ive read this year.
Okay, the books weirdness is what intrigued me to read the book in the first place. But let me say just how weird this book really is:
The book starts with a character named Mouse. Honestly, I thought the book started with a legit mouse (it really sounded like one as well). A flipping <i>mouse</i>! Who starts a book with a mouse?! Really, I just got so confused for awhile at the very beginning, so to save everyone elses sanity, the main character is not actually a mouse.
Its a reference to some of the characters involved in Lewis Carrolls <i>Alice In Wonderland</i>. After that got cleared out, the plot actually made a lot more sense. (Lets also keep in mind that I do not remember the synopsis of a book. I read it, I find it interesting, I get the book myself, and then actually read the book. Maybe Ill remember the synopsis if Im lucky.)
But anyways, <i>Lost In Wonderland</i> is extremely weird. As in, top of the notch weird. Its disturbing and gruesome and twisted. But its such a good kind of weird, that I think this entire series would be a really cool TV show. <i>Lost In Wonderland</i> is basically Law & Order, CSI - just think of any crime related shows - with a fairy tale twist. I just cant get how awesome this would be on an actual screen, and I just want to see if Peacock incorporates any other fairy tales or just <i>Alice In Wonderland</i>.
<div style="text-align: center;"></div>
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-lost-in-wonderland-by-nicky-peacock/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
<i>Lost in Wonderland</i> has got to be one of the weirdest books Ive ever read, and if Ive read a weirder book than this one, then this is the weirdest book Ive read this year.
Okay, the books weirdness is what intrigued me to read the book in the first place. But let me say just how weird this book really is:
The book starts with a character named Mouse. Honestly, I thought the book started with a legit mouse (it really sounded like one as well). A flipping <i>mouse</i>! Who starts a book with a mouse?! Really, I just got so confused for awhile at the very beginning, so to save everyone elses sanity, the main character is not actually a mouse.
Its a reference to some of the characters involved in Lewis Carrolls <i>Alice In Wonderland</i>. After that got cleared out, the plot actually made a lot more sense. (Lets also keep in mind that I do not remember the synopsis of a book. I read it, I find it interesting, I get the book myself, and then actually read the book. Maybe Ill remember the synopsis if Im lucky.)
But anyways, <i>Lost In Wonderland</i> is extremely weird. As in, top of the notch weird. Its disturbing and gruesome and twisted. But its such a good kind of weird, that I think this entire series would be a really cool TV show. <i>Lost In Wonderland</i> is basically Law & Order, CSI - just think of any crime related shows - with a fairy tale twist. I just cant get how awesome this would be on an actual screen, and I just want to see if Peacock incorporates any other fairy tales or just <i>Alice In Wonderland</i>.
<div style="text-align: center;"></div>
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-lost-in-wonderland-by-nicky-peacock/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated The Hallowed Ones (The Hallowed Ones, #1) in Books
Jun 7, 2018
When I read the synopsis of The Hallowed Ones by Laura Bickle, I knew I had to read this book!! I've always been intrigued by the Amish lifestyle. I ended up buying it as the urge to read it was much too strong. When I found out it was a book that featured vampires, I was a bit put off by it as I hate vampire books, but this one turned out to be alright.
Katie and her best friend Elijah only have a few more weeks to wait until they will be able to go on Rumpsringa. However, when the a helicopter crashes in an Amish field, and no one from the Outside comes to check it out, Katie begins to worry. Eventually, Katie discovers that vampires have taken over the Outside. How will she survive? How can she make sure her friends and family are safe?
The Hallowed Ones is a great description of the Amish, and I can see why the author chose this as the title of her book. It fits in with the plot of the story, so I think it was an excellent choice.
How foreboding does the cover look!?! It looks a bit creepy to me which also made me want to read the book even more. Yes, I know the saying "never judge a book by its cover" but this one definitely had me intrigued. The cover is good, but it's just a picture of an Amish girl and some ravens. Whilst ravens are mentioned in the book, I just wish the cover would've given more away about the book. It would've been much better had it featured a vampire on the cover!! Well, that's my personal opinion anyway.
The setting was great! It takes place all on Amish land. I don't know enough about the Amish to say how correct the author was when it came to recreating the world of the Amish, but from what I do know, everything seemed to fit.
(This review can also be found on my blog at <a href="http://themisadventuresofatwentysomething.blogspot.co.uk">The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl</a>).
The pacing does start out a bit slow at the beginning, but it subtly speeds up. I did find myself bored for awhile whilst reading this book, but I was soon enthralled. I couldn't tell you when I actually started enjoying it as it just kind of creeped up on me.
A lot of the dialogue in this book is about Katie's inner turmoil about her religion. I hate when books seem to slag off God, but I tried to read this from an unbiased viewpoint. I just thought I'd throw that out there for those who might be put off because of that fact. Other than that, the dialogue is great! I enjoyed the Amish words that were used in it as well.
As for the characters, I thought Katie was great. I loved how she challenged everything and wasn't afraid to stand up for what she believed in. She's very outspoken which I very much admired. I started out liking Elijah, but after how he treats Katie, I started disliking him. I thought the character of Alex was great as well. I don't want to say too much about him due to spoilers. Overall, all the characters were very well-developed which I was happy about.
This book helped me learn a bit more about the Amish which I was thankful for. Even though it featured vampires, it wasn't overly focused on them like most books are.
I'd recommend this book to everyone over the age of 16. It's a good little read! I kind of just wish that I'd have borrowed it from the library than buying it.
Katie and her best friend Elijah only have a few more weeks to wait until they will be able to go on Rumpsringa. However, when the a helicopter crashes in an Amish field, and no one from the Outside comes to check it out, Katie begins to worry. Eventually, Katie discovers that vampires have taken over the Outside. How will she survive? How can she make sure her friends and family are safe?
The Hallowed Ones is a great description of the Amish, and I can see why the author chose this as the title of her book. It fits in with the plot of the story, so I think it was an excellent choice.
How foreboding does the cover look!?! It looks a bit creepy to me which also made me want to read the book even more. Yes, I know the saying "never judge a book by its cover" but this one definitely had me intrigued. The cover is good, but it's just a picture of an Amish girl and some ravens. Whilst ravens are mentioned in the book, I just wish the cover would've given more away about the book. It would've been much better had it featured a vampire on the cover!! Well, that's my personal opinion anyway.
The setting was great! It takes place all on Amish land. I don't know enough about the Amish to say how correct the author was when it came to recreating the world of the Amish, but from what I do know, everything seemed to fit.
(This review can also be found on my blog at <a href="http://themisadventuresofatwentysomething.blogspot.co.uk">The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl</a>).
The pacing does start out a bit slow at the beginning, but it subtly speeds up. I did find myself bored for awhile whilst reading this book, but I was soon enthralled. I couldn't tell you when I actually started enjoying it as it just kind of creeped up on me.
A lot of the dialogue in this book is about Katie's inner turmoil about her religion. I hate when books seem to slag off God, but I tried to read this from an unbiased viewpoint. I just thought I'd throw that out there for those who might be put off because of that fact. Other than that, the dialogue is great! I enjoyed the Amish words that were used in it as well.
As for the characters, I thought Katie was great. I loved how she challenged everything and wasn't afraid to stand up for what she believed in. She's very outspoken which I very much admired. I started out liking Elijah, but after how he treats Katie, I started disliking him. I thought the character of Alex was great as well. I don't want to say too much about him due to spoilers. Overall, all the characters were very well-developed which I was happy about.
This book helped me learn a bit more about the Amish which I was thankful for. Even though it featured vampires, it wasn't overly focused on them like most books are.
I'd recommend this book to everyone over the age of 16. It's a good little read! I kind of just wish that I'd have borrowed it from the library than buying it.