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Jennerz (8 KP) rated A Court of Thorns and Roses in Books
Mar 24, 2019
My first 10 star rating in nearly 7 years!
Lets be honest, im not a die hard fantasy reader. I didnt like lord of the rings, i didnt like harry potter, i dont like game of thrones.. i could go on. I have pretty much decided that if a huge majority of people are raving about something i will most likely hate it.
Why i picked up this book then? Well, i recently joined a few bookclubs and this author was what everyone talked about, everyone had these inside jokes that i had no idea what they were talking about... i guess that ticked me off enough times to buckle and give this book a try... AND OH AM I HAPPY THAT I DID.
Im not going to go into details about the book and potentially spoil it.. however i will say a few things.
Firstly, after a few chapters in brace yourself.. there is no "down time" to this book, no filler. I literally had to.. HAD TO, put the book down to process because it was so good.
I can not speak for this authors writing in any other novel because this series is my first of hers.. but the writing is beautiful and intricate. Do not expect to speed read this..it wont happen.
everytime i thought i knew what was going to happen next.. I WAS SOOO WRONG. (And im actually pretty good a guessing.)
The characters are so well thoughtout and i love each one of them as i should for what they are. The main characters of a book are usually the only ones you get to know, but we see into the past, future and present of each one of these beautiful souls.
So i guess what im saying is.. i went into this book ticked off lol and very much expecting to DNF ing it. And i came out the other side in love.. ...
Why i picked up this book then? Well, i recently joined a few bookclubs and this author was what everyone talked about, everyone had these inside jokes that i had no idea what they were talking about... i guess that ticked me off enough times to buckle and give this book a try... AND OH AM I HAPPY THAT I DID.
Im not going to go into details about the book and potentially spoil it.. however i will say a few things.
Firstly, after a few chapters in brace yourself.. there is no "down time" to this book, no filler. I literally had to.. HAD TO, put the book down to process because it was so good.
I can not speak for this authors writing in any other novel because this series is my first of hers.. but the writing is beautiful and intricate. Do not expect to speed read this..it wont happen.
everytime i thought i knew what was going to happen next.. I WAS SOOO WRONG. (And im actually pretty good a guessing.)
The characters are so well thoughtout and i love each one of them as i should for what they are. The main characters of a book are usually the only ones you get to know, but we see into the past, future and present of each one of these beautiful souls.
So i guess what im saying is.. i went into this book ticked off lol and very much expecting to DNF ing it. And i came out the other side in love.. ...
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated A Stranger in the House in Books
Mar 15, 2018
I really wish I had loved this book more! I have heard so many good things about her debut (which I still need to read!) so I was expecting great things from this one too. Dont get me wrong, this wasnt awful but I guessed the different twists straight away and I wasnt so keen on the writing style, although more on that later because Im conflicted!
I thought the characters in this one were quite well developed. You definitely got a feel for them and their lives, but none of them were particularly enthralling characters to read about. I didnt find myself rushing to get back to the book to know what Tom was going to do next, or how Brigid felt in the next part. They were fine, but not great. Nor, were any particularly likeable, in my opinion.
When it comes to the writing, Im a little conflicted. I said earlier I wasnt so keen on it, but it did add some suspense to the novel, which is always good. I guess what I didnt like so much was the repetition of my wife / my husband or using someones name about 3 times in a sentence.
I cant think of much more to say about this one I enjoyed it enough to continue reading it, and reasonably quickly. It only took me a few days to get through (which may seen like a lot for a short book, but I was in the middle of leaving and starting a new job)!
Even though this hasnt been my favourite book of the year, I still want to read Lapenas debut, and depending on if I like that, I will read her next book too. I always find second books slip in quality, ever so slightly? Not all the time, but thats how I find it a lot of the time.
I thought the characters in this one were quite well developed. You definitely got a feel for them and their lives, but none of them were particularly enthralling characters to read about. I didnt find myself rushing to get back to the book to know what Tom was going to do next, or how Brigid felt in the next part. They were fine, but not great. Nor, were any particularly likeable, in my opinion.
When it comes to the writing, Im a little conflicted. I said earlier I wasnt so keen on it, but it did add some suspense to the novel, which is always good. I guess what I didnt like so much was the repetition of my wife / my husband or using someones name about 3 times in a sentence.
I cant think of much more to say about this one I enjoyed it enough to continue reading it, and reasonably quickly. It only took me a few days to get through (which may seen like a lot for a short book, but I was in the middle of leaving and starting a new job)!
Even though this hasnt been my favourite book of the year, I still want to read Lapenas debut, and depending on if I like that, I will read her next book too. I always find second books slip in quality, ever so slightly? Not all the time, but thats how I find it a lot of the time.
Dana (24 KP) rated The Princess Diarist in Books
Mar 23, 2018
I want to start off by saying that I was so saddened to hear about Carrie's passing. She was a childhood hero of mine, so to see that she was gone was devastating.
Carrie Fisher was a brilliant woman, but like was not always kind to her. She battled with addiction, depression, and so many other things, but I would have never guessed it.
It was interesting to actually read what she thought of herself when she was younger. With her self worth and self-esteem issues, it was very easy to identify with her journal pages. Now, having read the whole book, I know she would tell me to buck up and don't give a damn about what other people think of me. Which is something I am trying to do now. It honestly hurt to read these things because I can see myself in these pages. People are so quick to put these famous people on pedestals and forget that they are human too. I can say that I did the same thing.
Yes, we get information on her affair with Harrison, but I don't necessarily want to get into that. If you want information on it, feel free to pick up the book.
We also get an understanding of how fame affected her. She often speaks of her own mortality, talking about how people will see her after her death. Many of these things have already started happening. For example, she talked about how she would be forever immortalized by her pictures as Princess Leia with those buns she hated so much. Oh, and she loved fan interactions because it showed why her work was important to others.
I loved reading this book and I am going to pick up some of her other biographies.
Carrie Fisher was a brilliant woman, but like was not always kind to her. She battled with addiction, depression, and so many other things, but I would have never guessed it.
It was interesting to actually read what she thought of herself when she was younger. With her self worth and self-esteem issues, it was very easy to identify with her journal pages. Now, having read the whole book, I know she would tell me to buck up and don't give a damn about what other people think of me. Which is something I am trying to do now. It honestly hurt to read these things because I can see myself in these pages. People are so quick to put these famous people on pedestals and forget that they are human too. I can say that I did the same thing.
Yes, we get information on her affair with Harrison, but I don't necessarily want to get into that. If you want information on it, feel free to pick up the book.
We also get an understanding of how fame affected her. She often speaks of her own mortality, talking about how people will see her after her death. Many of these things have already started happening. For example, she talked about how she would be forever immortalized by her pictures as Princess Leia with those buns she hated so much. Oh, and she loved fan interactions because it showed why her work was important to others.
I loved reading this book and I am going to pick up some of her other biographies.
Becs (244 KP) rated Warrior Protect in Books
Sep 24, 2018
Cade. (5 more)
Aurora.
Karas.
The story as a whole.
The cover.
The plot
A fun and thrilling read that will leave you wanting more.
I received a read and review copy of Warrior Protect by Brie Farmer from the author herself for my full honest opinion.
This is the second novel I have read by Brie Farmer and when I say you need to check her out, I mean you need to drop everything and check her out now. She is a great writer and I absolutely loved her debut novel. Now, I can add another great book to my loved list. So let's talk about everything I loved.
Warrior Protect was a thrilling and very engaging read that had me going through all of my emotions. Guys, I cried... I actually cried and I haven't cried over a book in a very long time. I'm not emotional, you are! That's how you know a book is good. If you cry, if you get angry, if you get overwhelmed with emotions, the books is good and worth a million rereads. I'm not kidding. Everybody needs to read this.
I loved how relatable the female MC was and man, the male MC sounds very attractive. Who needs a husband when you can have all the book boyfriends. ;) The love that was felt, the anger that caused blood to spill, the happiness that resulted in friendship. It was all amazing to read and Brie Farmer did a wonderful job portraying it in a way that brought the reader into the story. There were a few grammatical and editing errors, but this was still a four-star read!
This is the second novel I have read by Brie Farmer and when I say you need to check her out, I mean you need to drop everything and check her out now. She is a great writer and I absolutely loved her debut novel. Now, I can add another great book to my loved list. So let's talk about everything I loved.
Warrior Protect was a thrilling and very engaging read that had me going through all of my emotions. Guys, I cried... I actually cried and I haven't cried over a book in a very long time. I'm not emotional, you are! That's how you know a book is good. If you cry, if you get angry, if you get overwhelmed with emotions, the books is good and worth a million rereads. I'm not kidding. Everybody needs to read this.
I loved how relatable the female MC was and man, the male MC sounds very attractive. Who needs a husband when you can have all the book boyfriends. ;) The love that was felt, the anger that caused blood to spill, the happiness that resulted in friendship. It was all amazing to read and Brie Farmer did a wonderful job portraying it in a way that brought the reader into the story. There were a few grammatical and editing errors, but this was still a four-star read!
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Killer Inside (Joe Stark #3) in Books
Jul 20, 2021
Loved it - proper rollercoaster of a ride that I didn't want to get off!
At first, I didn't realise this was the third in the series starring Joe Stark as I have never read anything by Matthew Frank before but first the title and then the blurb enticed me and had I not read some other reviews first, I wouldn't have known. So, I can safely say that this can be read as a standalone because although I have probably missed a lot of backstory and character development, for me it didn't detract from my enjoyment one little bit.
I absolutely love the character of Joe Stark - yes, he is a bit of a cliché being ex-military with a troubled history now working within the police but, for me, this made him an interesting and complex character. The supporting cast were equally well developed and I think Julian Sinclair was a great "baddie".
At first, you think the plot is going to be pretty simple and straightforward but as the book progresses, it becomes more complex; the police investigation plays this out really well with them struggling to put the pieces of the puzzle together with many of their leads ending in dead ends. The politics within the police also provide an interesting side story as does Joe's complicated life.
This is fast paced with plenty of twists and action. It is also a dark read with some scenes that some might find disturbing so if you are easily shocked, I would give this a miss but I would definitely recommend this to others who enjoy this genre and eagerly await the next instalment.
Thank you to Penguin Michael Joseph UK and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
At first, I didn't realise this was the third in the series starring Joe Stark as I have never read anything by Matthew Frank before but first the title and then the blurb enticed me and had I not read some other reviews first, I wouldn't have known. So, I can safely say that this can be read as a standalone because although I have probably missed a lot of backstory and character development, for me it didn't detract from my enjoyment one little bit.
I absolutely love the character of Joe Stark - yes, he is a bit of a cliché being ex-military with a troubled history now working within the police but, for me, this made him an interesting and complex character. The supporting cast were equally well developed and I think Julian Sinclair was a great "baddie".
At first, you think the plot is going to be pretty simple and straightforward but as the book progresses, it becomes more complex; the police investigation plays this out really well with them struggling to put the pieces of the puzzle together with many of their leads ending in dead ends. The politics within the police also provide an interesting side story as does Joe's complicated life.
This is fast paced with plenty of twists and action. It is also a dark read with some scenes that some might find disturbing so if you are easily shocked, I would give this a miss but I would definitely recommend this to others who enjoy this genre and eagerly await the next instalment.
Thank you to Penguin Michael Joseph UK and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Debbiereadsbook (1557 KP) rated Heartbeat Girl in Books
Dec 8, 2021
Fabulous vampire read!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
When Jayne's boss disappears, the band she was working with hires her as their PA. But something is off about The Oppressors and Jayne can't figure it out. She also can't keep her attraction to one of them hidden if she's sharing their bus.
It's been a while since I had a good vampire read, and I have to say, this proper hit the spot!
I loved that there was history between Jayne and Liam, but we don't get the full story till much later in the story. And indeed, that it was well past half way before they give into their desires for each other. Loved the sire aspect of this vampire lore.
Liam knew all that time ago, that Jayne was special to him, but it wasn't til he fully opened his soul to her, that he realised just HOW special she was.
I loved all the guys, but now I think Pete has a place in my heart. He does something here that was incredibly brave, and could have cost him his life, but his love for Jayne, even if she wasn't his, pulled him through. Steve too, but to a lesser extent. I want them both to have a story, they need one!
There's a bit on the blurb that says this can be read as a standalone, but that characters from Soul Food are mentioned. And it can, it is totally stand alone, BUT now I WANT to go back and read that book, I really do. Ruth is Jayne's boss and where she ends up? I need to know what happened to her.
First I've read of this author too, I need more!
A very, very enjoyable 4 star read
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
When Jayne's boss disappears, the band she was working with hires her as their PA. But something is off about The Oppressors and Jayne can't figure it out. She also can't keep her attraction to one of them hidden if she's sharing their bus.
It's been a while since I had a good vampire read, and I have to say, this proper hit the spot!
I loved that there was history between Jayne and Liam, but we don't get the full story till much later in the story. And indeed, that it was well past half way before they give into their desires for each other. Loved the sire aspect of this vampire lore.
Liam knew all that time ago, that Jayne was special to him, but it wasn't til he fully opened his soul to her, that he realised just HOW special she was.
I loved all the guys, but now I think Pete has a place in my heart. He does something here that was incredibly brave, and could have cost him his life, but his love for Jayne, even if she wasn't his, pulled him through. Steve too, but to a lesser extent. I want them both to have a story, they need one!
There's a bit on the blurb that says this can be read as a standalone, but that characters from Soul Food are mentioned. And it can, it is totally stand alone, BUT now I WANT to go back and read that book, I really do. Ruth is Jayne's boss and where she ends up? I need to know what happened to her.
First I've read of this author too, I need more!
A very, very enjoyable 4 star read
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Chloe (514 KP) rated The Good Doctor in TV
Mar 7, 2019
really enjoyable
The first season is amazing it has anything you could want out f a good medical drama:
- a quirky main character
-well developed secondary characters
-lots of gory medical scenes
and 1 thing you would want to see in any drama much character development
That being said like many other dramas and even movies and books the series falls at the hurdle of the second season.don't get me wrong the series is still watchable and good however it just for me at least loses its spark that you see in the first season. its really hard to pinpoint what is lacking but it is. if I had to say what brings this about id say that maybe if anything they set the bar to high in the first season. I mean how can you beat performing surgery in a train station?
Although yes the series does go downhill slightly it is still highly enjoyable and id recommend to anyone particularly for those with a love of medical dramas.
- a quirky main character
-well developed secondary characters
-lots of gory medical scenes
and 1 thing you would want to see in any drama much character development
That being said like many other dramas and even movies and books the series falls at the hurdle of the second season.don't get me wrong the series is still watchable and good however it just for me at least loses its spark that you see in the first season. its really hard to pinpoint what is lacking but it is. if I had to say what brings this about id say that maybe if anything they set the bar to high in the first season. I mean how can you beat performing surgery in a train station?
Although yes the series does go downhill slightly it is still highly enjoyable and id recommend to anyone particularly for those with a love of medical dramas.
David McK (3632 KP) rated Sharpe's Company (1994) in Movies
Oct 10, 2021 (Updated Oct 10, 2021)
Back when this was first shown on TV (it's a TV movie) in the mod 90s, this was based on what-was-then on of the mid entries in Cornwell's long-running series.
I say what was then, as there have since been more novels set before, during or even after The Napoleonic Wars, which provided the background for these movies.
This - both novel and movie - is the one that starts with the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and ends with that of Badajoz, with (Sean Beans) Captain Richard Sharpe 'pushed aside' in the intervening period by those who can afford to buy his commission. This is also the one with the mad, twitching Obadiah Hakeswill (portrayed here by Pete Postlethwaite), who isn't so much a danger to Sharpe himself as he is too his men - Patrick Harper included - and who has a history with Sharpe.
I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again: I so wish they had a proper budget for these movies!
I say what was then, as there have since been more novels set before, during or even after The Napoleonic Wars, which provided the background for these movies.
This - both novel and movie - is the one that starts with the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and ends with that of Badajoz, with (Sean Beans) Captain Richard Sharpe 'pushed aside' in the intervening period by those who can afford to buy his commission. This is also the one with the mad, twitching Obadiah Hakeswill (portrayed here by Pete Postlethwaite), who isn't so much a danger to Sharpe himself as he is too his men - Patrick Harper included - and who has a history with Sharpe.
I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again: I so wish they had a proper budget for these movies!
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Ponyo (2009) in Movies
Feb 8, 2019
Bonkers
Let's be honest, a Studio Ghibli film is never going to bad and is most usually going to be a little bit weird and wonderful. Well Ponyo is about as wacky and bonkers as you can get for a storyline, and you spend most of this film wondering what on earth you're watching. Which isn't a bad thing, it's just a bit surreal.
The animation side is wonderful as always and it's a heartwarming story, albeit a bit crazy. I wouldn't say it's one of my favourite Studio Ghibli films, but its still a fun family entertaining animation.
The animation side is wonderful as always and it's a heartwarming story, albeit a bit crazy. I wouldn't say it's one of my favourite Studio Ghibli films, but its still a fun family entertaining animation.
Alicia S (193 KP) rated Beyond the Consequences (Consequences, #5) in Books
Sep 28, 2018
What more can I say about this incredible series? Im SO sad its over... Ive loved Claire & Tony's story, no matter how painful it was to read and go through at times. The connection, the passion and the perfect fit of these two are just amazing.. I've been rooting for Tony & Claire for books now and am so beyond happy to see them end up in their "happily ever after." Now we an all just sit around and hope that someday Aleatha changes her mind and continues this story! (although Im sure she's tired of hearing that!?) ;-) LOVE LOVE LOVE this series...