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Ali A (82 KP) rated Promise Boys in Books
Feb 14, 2023
Trigger Warnings: Murder, blood
After their school principal is shot and killed at Promise Prep School for Boys, J.B, Ramón, and Trey are labeled as the prime suspects. All three of them had had some kind of disagreement with their principal before he was killed and they all may have had the opportunity to have access to the murder weapon. With all three maintaining their innocence, they must band together to track down who really did it before one of them is falsely accused.
This book is told through multiple POVs, with each chapter giving you who the main focus is. A few of them are people you only hear from once, but they do give you important pieces of information. Because of the changing of the POVs, it does make the story go by quickly.
I usually have a hard time with teen male voices and them coming across as whiny to me. But this one, had not one, not two, but three separate teen male voices and I was intrigued by everyone. They were all authentic to me and each one captured my attention and got me turning pages. Which tells you something, because I did end up reading this book in one day.
There were a lot of twists and turns and I was still questioning whether or not each boy was truly innocent until we got towards the end and all was revealed. Nick Brooks did an amazing job at showing just how differently black and brown boys are treated when it comes down to being guilty or not. One of the boys gets in trouble a lot because his cousin is the leader of a gang around the neighborhood and a lot of people just assume he’s a part of them. Another boy jokes around a lot, and in a school where they’re not allowed to even smile in the hallways, he’s constantly getting in trouble.
Overall, this book is perfect for those who like thriller mysteries and who are fans of Jason Reynolds, Angie Thomas, and Holly Jackson. I can see this book getting more and more popular with the more people who read it. I can also see this making it to the big screen as well. Brooks wrote a wonderful, enhancing novel.
*Thank you Bookish First and Henry Holt and Co. for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
After their school principal is shot and killed at Promise Prep School for Boys, J.B, Ramón, and Trey are labeled as the prime suspects. All three of them had had some kind of disagreement with their principal before he was killed and they all may have had the opportunity to have access to the murder weapon. With all three maintaining their innocence, they must band together to track down who really did it before one of them is falsely accused.
This book is told through multiple POVs, with each chapter giving you who the main focus is. A few of them are people you only hear from once, but they do give you important pieces of information. Because of the changing of the POVs, it does make the story go by quickly.
I usually have a hard time with teen male voices and them coming across as whiny to me. But this one, had not one, not two, but three separate teen male voices and I was intrigued by everyone. They were all authentic to me and each one captured my attention and got me turning pages. Which tells you something, because I did end up reading this book in one day.
There were a lot of twists and turns and I was still questioning whether or not each boy was truly innocent until we got towards the end and all was revealed. Nick Brooks did an amazing job at showing just how differently black and brown boys are treated when it comes down to being guilty or not. One of the boys gets in trouble a lot because his cousin is the leader of a gang around the neighborhood and a lot of people just assume he’s a part of them. Another boy jokes around a lot, and in a school where they’re not allowed to even smile in the hallways, he’s constantly getting in trouble.
Overall, this book is perfect for those who like thriller mysteries and who are fans of Jason Reynolds, Angie Thomas, and Holly Jackson. I can see this book getting more and more popular with the more people who read it. I can also see this making it to the big screen as well. Brooks wrote a wonderful, enhancing novel.
*Thank you Bookish First and Henry Holt and Co. for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Merissa (13600 KP) rated The Cook and the Gangster (Farthingdale Ranch #5) by Jackie North in Books
Feb 22, 2022 (Updated Jul 3, 2023)
THE COOK AND THE GANGSTER is the fifth book in the Farthingdale Ranch series, and this time, we have Levi's story. We find out just why Levi has always been a bit separate from the others, even when he tries to join in. We also learn about his youth and the friendship he had with Cassidy - the one Cassidy is yearning for again. Now, I will say, this review also includes the bonus, so be prepared.
This was written with heart and soul, giving each of the characters depth and feeling. I loved catching up with the others in their cameos, although Kit played a bigger (necessary) role here than the others. The relationship between Levi and Cassidy is on from the start, simply because they already know each other, they have 'history'! Of course, that includes why Levi left so suddenly.
I had a couple of niggles with this book - nothing major and totally just me, but it wouldn't be a completely honest review if I didn't mention them. So, here we go:
1) - "My Prince" - every time either one of them said this, I couldn't help but think of The Little Prince. I know it came from their childhood, but why so often?
2) - Levi is one who holds onto things. He is still being careful even though he doesn't know why his mum ran from his dad all those years ago. It happened, she was scared, so he keeps on the low-down. And yet, in the midst of holding on, he accepts Cassidy's word that Uncle Mack is sorry. I would have been a bit leerier until I knew the truth for myself.
And there you go. Ninety-eight per cent of this book is absolutely perfect but those two niggles just got me. Sorry, Ms North! I loved the bonus chapter and thought it finished the story perfectly. I really hope we see more of these two as the series continues. Plus, I want to see the Tavern!
I was drawn into this sweet and sometimes steamy novel, set in beautiful surroundings and with great people. I absolutely recommend it. Another corker from Jackie North.
** 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!
Feb 22, 2022
This was written with heart and soul, giving each of the characters depth and feeling. I loved catching up with the others in their cameos, although Kit played a bigger (necessary) role here than the others. The relationship between Levi and Cassidy is on from the start, simply because they already know each other, they have 'history'! Of course, that includes why Levi left so suddenly.
I had a couple of niggles with this book - nothing major and totally just me, but it wouldn't be a completely honest review if I didn't mention them. So, here we go:
1) - "My Prince" - every time either one of them said this, I couldn't help but think of The Little Prince. I know it came from their childhood, but why so often?
2) - Levi is one who holds onto things. He is still being careful even though he doesn't know why his mum ran from his dad all those years ago. It happened, she was scared, so he keeps on the low-down. And yet, in the midst of holding on, he accepts Cassidy's word that Uncle Mack is sorry. I would have been a bit leerier until I knew the truth for myself.
And there you go. Ninety-eight per cent of this book is absolutely perfect but those two niggles just got me. Sorry, Ms North! I loved the bonus chapter and thought it finished the story perfectly. I really hope we see more of these two as the series continues. Plus, I want to see the Tavern!
I was drawn into this sweet and sometimes steamy novel, set in beautiful surroundings and with great people. I absolutely recommend it. Another corker from Jackie North.
** 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!
Feb 22, 2022
Green Riding Hood
Book and Games
App
* "Free App of the Week" in 2017 * iPad App of the Year 2015 (Best of App Store, Russia) * Winner of...
Macroeconomics: Institutions, Instability, and the Financial System
Wendy Carlin and David Soskice
Book
This authoritative new textbook integrates the modern monetary framework, based on the 3-equation...
LilyLovesIndie (123 KP) rated A Cast of Stones (The Staff and the Sword, #1) in Books
Nov 5, 2018
I received this book through the Goodreads First Read Giveaway and have to say, I am so glad it landed on my doormat!
The story is set in a medieval style alternative world, and follows the sudden changes taking place in the kingdom. Errol, an orphan and drunkard, embarks on a strange quest which sees him travel through the kingdom to the capital, meeting people who help and hinder him along the way, and becoming a completely different man in the process.
I have to admit, when I first started to get into this, the book gripped me from the first chapter, which I liked, but which also concerned me whether or not Carr could continue that momentum through out over 300 pages. Boy was I wrong! What a wonderfully written story this is! The plot is incredibly engaging and keeps you hooked all the way through, with delicate twists and turns, secrets and spies all up until the very last few words. In fact, so much happens, it's hard not to spoil any of it when writing a review!
Another huge positive in this book is the characters. Errol is a wonderfully written character, and the way Carr shows his development through the book is excellently done, delivering the changes so gradually that when he finally does flourish into the 'man for the job' (ambiguous I know, but I'm trying not to spoil it for those who are yet to read, and believe me, you will!) it feels sudden as you forget in that moment all the gradual changes that have taken place. The other characters are equally enjoyable and engaging, whether it's the dilemma and greed of caravan masters, mysterious members of The Watch, or even the various clergy you encounter throughout the book, all with ulterior motives and all keeping secrets with each other. They all help contribute something special to this tale, and although you would have thought it would be difficult to keep track of all the secrets and duplicities, but it's written in such a wonderful way, woven delicately together with immense skill, that it isn't hard at all, in fact, I found myself thinking about them after I put the book down and trying to pick it apart in my own head.
Something else that needs mentioning, is the flow of this book. It's brilliantly linked from one part to the next, and I found the action to be playing out like a film in my head. This is a book that even those with the least imagination could 'see' as they read, which is testament to the excellence of the writing. I have to be honest, I would love to see this made into a film series, as I think there is so much potential for a 'box office smash' and the characters would be great on the big screen, but that's just my opinion.
Overall, this is a truly wonderful start to what I imagine will become a best selling saga. The foundations are incredibly well written and are firmly set, with many outcomes possible, and I wouldn't be surprised if more characters were added to this eclectic mix. I honestly cannot recommend this book highly enough, it was thoroughly engaging and enjoyable, 'un-put-downable' and a book I will be pushing into the hands of friends all over the place and urging them to read! Carr is a fantastic new talent in this genre and someone I will most definitely be watching out for future releases from, especially this saga as I am on tenterhooks to discover the destiny of the kingdom! Well done Patrick Carr, a fabulous piece of writing that, I think, will stand the test of time, now when can we get our hands on the next instalment?
The story is set in a medieval style alternative world, and follows the sudden changes taking place in the kingdom. Errol, an orphan and drunkard, embarks on a strange quest which sees him travel through the kingdom to the capital, meeting people who help and hinder him along the way, and becoming a completely different man in the process.
I have to admit, when I first started to get into this, the book gripped me from the first chapter, which I liked, but which also concerned me whether or not Carr could continue that momentum through out over 300 pages. Boy was I wrong! What a wonderfully written story this is! The plot is incredibly engaging and keeps you hooked all the way through, with delicate twists and turns, secrets and spies all up until the very last few words. In fact, so much happens, it's hard not to spoil any of it when writing a review!
Another huge positive in this book is the characters. Errol is a wonderfully written character, and the way Carr shows his development through the book is excellently done, delivering the changes so gradually that when he finally does flourish into the 'man for the job' (ambiguous I know, but I'm trying not to spoil it for those who are yet to read, and believe me, you will!) it feels sudden as you forget in that moment all the gradual changes that have taken place. The other characters are equally enjoyable and engaging, whether it's the dilemma and greed of caravan masters, mysterious members of The Watch, or even the various clergy you encounter throughout the book, all with ulterior motives and all keeping secrets with each other. They all help contribute something special to this tale, and although you would have thought it would be difficult to keep track of all the secrets and duplicities, but it's written in such a wonderful way, woven delicately together with immense skill, that it isn't hard at all, in fact, I found myself thinking about them after I put the book down and trying to pick it apart in my own head.
Something else that needs mentioning, is the flow of this book. It's brilliantly linked from one part to the next, and I found the action to be playing out like a film in my head. This is a book that even those with the least imagination could 'see' as they read, which is testament to the excellence of the writing. I have to be honest, I would love to see this made into a film series, as I think there is so much potential for a 'box office smash' and the characters would be great on the big screen, but that's just my opinion.
Overall, this is a truly wonderful start to what I imagine will become a best selling saga. The foundations are incredibly well written and are firmly set, with many outcomes possible, and I wouldn't be surprised if more characters were added to this eclectic mix. I honestly cannot recommend this book highly enough, it was thoroughly engaging and enjoyable, 'un-put-downable' and a book I will be pushing into the hands of friends all over the place and urging them to read! Carr is a fantastic new talent in this genre and someone I will most definitely be watching out for future releases from, especially this saga as I am on tenterhooks to discover the destiny of the kingdom! Well done Patrick Carr, a fabulous piece of writing that, I think, will stand the test of time, now when can we get our hands on the next instalment?
Night Reader Reviews (683 KP) rated Voice of the Elders in Books
Jan 9, 2020
Honest Review for Free Copy of Book
Contains spoilers, click to show
The Voice of the Elders by Greg Ripley is a very well written book that anyone who has a strong connection with earth and nature would be drawn to right away. This is well received as the book puts a lot of focus on the harder topics of what we face with global warming and as a race if we do not start thinking about sustainability as a complete way of life. It also brings to light the idea that even if sustainability is the best for the planet as whole companies such as big oil and nuclear power may not be all that interested because it takes profit away from them, showing just how harmful human greed can be.
The book also mentions many aspects from different religions and cultures, along with their moral views. Christian theology is even mentioned in the same paragraph as the threefold version of the Golden Rule which many would attribute to the Pagans or more specifically the religion of Wicca. However, a lot of talk in the book revolves around Chinese Daoism and somewhat in-depth at that. This lost me at a few different places but not for long as the ideas were also explained fairly well. I believe the average reader should be able to at least the get gist of what is being said during the conversations.
The basic idea of the book is that the Earth is in major trouble. As humans, our greed and lack of concern for our environment is killing our planet as it is already too late to reverse these effects unless we do something big really quick. A meeting is being held at the United Nations to address these concerns and that is where the reader first meets the main character Rohini. It is also where the Elders are first introduced into the story. Without giving too much away to the interested reader I feel like I can safely say that the Elders tell the World Leaders about what can be done to save the Earth and propose a plan where the Earth will send ambassadors to the world of the Elders.
Rohini is chosen to be one of these ambassadors and is brought before the world on TV when all of those selected to be ambassadors are introduced. This is when trouble starts, those against the Elders and the sustainability programs launch their first direct attack and kill most of the ambassadors and the President forcing Rohini, her trainer Jane, and Jane’s friend Guangming into hiding as suspects while waiting for their names to be cleared.
Overall the book is very well written and I failed to find any major editorial flaws in it. Still, I rate this book to be 2 out of 4 stars. This is because while I loved seeing Rohini grow spiritually and increase her personal connection with the Earth I found the book lacking. The last five-chapter or so felt rushed like Greg Ripley got bored or wasn’t sure how to pull everything together. I guess more of what I am trying to say is with how amazingly detailed the rest of the book was the end felt haphazardly thrown together. Now if this were the first in a series I would change my rating to a 3 providing that a few things got explained better such as who exactly the “Others” are (not going to say anything more about them without risking a spoiler) and what happens with the Earth and the Elders.
The book also mentions many aspects from different religions and cultures, along with their moral views. Christian theology is even mentioned in the same paragraph as the threefold version of the Golden Rule which many would attribute to the Pagans or more specifically the religion of Wicca. However, a lot of talk in the book revolves around Chinese Daoism and somewhat in-depth at that. This lost me at a few different places but not for long as the ideas were also explained fairly well. I believe the average reader should be able to at least the get gist of what is being said during the conversations.
The basic idea of the book is that the Earth is in major trouble. As humans, our greed and lack of concern for our environment is killing our planet as it is already too late to reverse these effects unless we do something big really quick. A meeting is being held at the United Nations to address these concerns and that is where the reader first meets the main character Rohini. It is also where the Elders are first introduced into the story. Without giving too much away to the interested reader I feel like I can safely say that the Elders tell the World Leaders about what can be done to save the Earth and propose a plan where the Earth will send ambassadors to the world of the Elders.
Rohini is chosen to be one of these ambassadors and is brought before the world on TV when all of those selected to be ambassadors are introduced. This is when trouble starts, those against the Elders and the sustainability programs launch their first direct attack and kill most of the ambassadors and the President forcing Rohini, her trainer Jane, and Jane’s friend Guangming into hiding as suspects while waiting for their names to be cleared.
Overall the book is very well written and I failed to find any major editorial flaws in it. Still, I rate this book to be 2 out of 4 stars. This is because while I loved seeing Rohini grow spiritually and increase her personal connection with the Earth I found the book lacking. The last five-chapter or so felt rushed like Greg Ripley got bored or wasn’t sure how to pull everything together. I guess more of what I am trying to say is with how amazingly detailed the rest of the book was the end felt haphazardly thrown together. Now if this were the first in a series I would change my rating to a 3 providing that a few things got explained better such as who exactly the “Others” are (not going to say anything more about them without risking a spoiler) and what happens with the Earth and the Elders.
QuietlyBookish (65 KP) rated The Night Circus in Books
Aug 3, 2017
Plot (4 more)
Characters
Detail
Twists and Turns!
Magic
Simply Magical
Reading this book was an experience. It was not at all what I was expecting, I'll try not to go into too much detail because I think it's better to read this without knowing too much about the plot!
The characters were amazing, they were all very well developed and every person you meet has a significant role to play, there are no side characters; they all become important at one point in the story.
The plot is intricate and is perfectly woven. No matter how hard you try to guess where the story is going it will go in the complete opposite direction. It has so many little details that become important later and the descriptions and attention to detail make it so immersive it's as if you're there at the circus. Plus every so often you'll have interludes where it changes to your perspective as you explore the circus which is a nice touch.
The only drawback is that the timeline skips, so you have to pay attention at the beginning of the chapter to know where in the timeline it takes place. This made it a bit difficult to follow but I didn't think it stopped me from enjoying and understanding the story.
I'd definitely recommend this book, especially if you want a story that will completely immerse you and a world that you can lose yourself in!
The characters were amazing, they were all very well developed and every person you meet has a significant role to play, there are no side characters; they all become important at one point in the story.
The plot is intricate and is perfectly woven. No matter how hard you try to guess where the story is going it will go in the complete opposite direction. It has so many little details that become important later and the descriptions and attention to detail make it so immersive it's as if you're there at the circus. Plus every so often you'll have interludes where it changes to your perspective as you explore the circus which is a nice touch.
The only drawback is that the timeline skips, so you have to pay attention at the beginning of the chapter to know where in the timeline it takes place. This made it a bit difficult to follow but I didn't think it stopped me from enjoying and understanding the story.
I'd definitely recommend this book, especially if you want a story that will completely immerse you and a world that you can lose yourself in!
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Seven: The Number for Happiness, Love, and Success in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Seven by Jacqueline Leo
Rating: 3/5
Seven is an intriguing book about the phenomenon of the number seven, the appeal we feel for it, the psychology behind the appeal, and so on. Unlike some non-fiction, Seven is very readable and interesting, and is written in a way that doesn’t make it funny or witty, but doesn’t make it dry either. There is the perfect balance of information and interest to make it quite enjoyable.
Seven is filled with interesting stories, ranging from Tiger Woods’ religion to Josh Waitzkin’s martial arts experience to robot’s facial expressions. Seven has many lists of sevens that make a lot of sense—seven reasons why people still smoke, seven strategies for a successful start-up in a company, comparing the seven media items in 1956 to the thirty-five (at least) in 2008, and so on.
Seven is a thought provoking book that will hopefully give its readers insight into the psychological attraction to numbers, and also some valuable advice for day to day life.
Recommendation: Ages 12+. I would recommend reading a chapter here and there on a lonely boring rainy day (hey, it worked for me!) with a cup of hot tea at your side. Leave plenty of time for musing and meditation while you read this one, and be prepared to entertained by this read!
**Thank you to Anna from Hachette for providing my review copy!**
Rating: 3/5
Seven is an intriguing book about the phenomenon of the number seven, the appeal we feel for it, the psychology behind the appeal, and so on. Unlike some non-fiction, Seven is very readable and interesting, and is written in a way that doesn’t make it funny or witty, but doesn’t make it dry either. There is the perfect balance of information and interest to make it quite enjoyable.
Seven is filled with interesting stories, ranging from Tiger Woods’ religion to Josh Waitzkin’s martial arts experience to robot’s facial expressions. Seven has many lists of sevens that make a lot of sense—seven reasons why people still smoke, seven strategies for a successful start-up in a company, comparing the seven media items in 1956 to the thirty-five (at least) in 2008, and so on.
Seven is a thought provoking book that will hopefully give its readers insight into the psychological attraction to numbers, and also some valuable advice for day to day life.
Recommendation: Ages 12+. I would recommend reading a chapter here and there on a lonely boring rainy day (hey, it worked for me!) with a cup of hot tea at your side. Leave plenty of time for musing and meditation while you read this one, and be prepared to entertained by this read!
**Thank you to Anna from Hachette for providing my review copy!**
A scarily plausible thriller that immediately made me change by router password!
Stalker is not what you would expect from the title. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, in the UK a stalker is "a person who illegally follows and watches someone, especially a woman, over a period of time" and although this book certainly covers this definition, it does so slightly differently to what you would imagine it would. For one, it isn't primarily about physically following someone around and for another, it's not primarily about a man stalking a woman.
It starts of a little slow but certainly builds to a very satisfying conclusion. The main character, Flint, is a bit weird but, strangely, he grew on me as the story developed and I found myself feeling sorry for him despite the creepy way in which he lives his life watching over other people living theirs.
Once the book got going proper (that's good English!), it never stopped it became a very riveting read that I found difficult to stop ... you know the feeling ... just one more chapter and before you know it, it's way past your bed time! There are twists that you can see coming and there are others that hit you right in the face!
Overall, a very entertaining and captivating read that I would highly recommend and my thanks go to the publisher, Avon Books UK, via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and genuine review.
Stalker is not what you would expect from the title. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, in the UK a stalker is "a person who illegally follows and watches someone, especially a woman, over a period of time" and although this book certainly covers this definition, it does so slightly differently to what you would imagine it would. For one, it isn't primarily about physically following someone around and for another, it's not primarily about a man stalking a woman.
It starts of a little slow but certainly builds to a very satisfying conclusion. The main character, Flint, is a bit weird but, strangely, he grew on me as the story developed and I found myself feeling sorry for him despite the creepy way in which he lives his life watching over other people living theirs.
Once the book got going proper (that's good English!), it never stopped it became a very riveting read that I found difficult to stop ... you know the feeling ... just one more chapter and before you know it, it's way past your bed time! There are twists that you can see coming and there are others that hit you right in the face!
Overall, a very entertaining and captivating read that I would highly recommend and my thanks go to the publisher, Avon Books UK, via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and genuine review.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Murder House (DCI Matilda Darke #5) in Books
Jan 27, 2020
This is the fifth in this series starring DCI Matilda Darke but only the second I have read having previous been lucky enough to read the first in the series "For Reasons Unknown" which introduced DCI Darke to the world. Having missed the books in-between and although I have likely missed out on a lot of back story, I didn't feel it detracted from my enjoyment of this book and I felt it worked well as a standalone.
This book starts with the gruesome and brutal murder of 3 family members on the night they were celebrating a family wedding. This is a seemingly motiveless crime against a perfect family ... but can there be such a thing? What follows is the complex investigation by DCI Darke and her Homicide and Major Investigation Team.
The characters are interesting, likeable (mostly) and believable and I quickly became invested in them and their lives. The plot is complex with multiple layers and lines of enquiry and with twists and turns and red herrings aplenty; it certainly kept me on my toes from start to finish and didn't disappoint.
The Murder House is a dark, gripping, thrilling and well paced story which I have no hesitation in recommending to lovers of crime novels like myself and thank you to One More Chapter (an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers) and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
This book starts with the gruesome and brutal murder of 3 family members on the night they were celebrating a family wedding. This is a seemingly motiveless crime against a perfect family ... but can there be such a thing? What follows is the complex investigation by DCI Darke and her Homicide and Major Investigation Team.
The characters are interesting, likeable (mostly) and believable and I quickly became invested in them and their lives. The plot is complex with multiple layers and lines of enquiry and with twists and turns and red herrings aplenty; it certainly kept me on my toes from start to finish and didn't disappoint.
The Murder House is a dark, gripping, thrilling and well paced story which I have no hesitation in recommending to lovers of crime novels like myself and thank you to One More Chapter (an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers) and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.