Search
Search results
BookInspector (124 KP) rated Here and Gone in Books
Sep 24, 2020
All my reviews can be found on https://bbookinspector.wordpress.com/
I was enjoying it from the first pages of the book. The description above describes this book quite well. It started with Audra in the car with her children. That got my attention. Why? Where are they going? And little by little the main character Audra, unfolded it. I am not big fan of the books about children and their parents, because all you read is how much parents love their kids. But this book somehow gripped me. The main character suffered a lot in her life, so the way she was trying to fight for her kids and not to give up, really made me respect her. I think, that author of this novel, done a great job by letting all the main characters to speak in this book, even the evil ones. Another great point of this book, that author was finishing every chapter with a cliff hanger, and then just starting the next chapter with different characters story. It was so addictive, and all I wanted was to figure out, how the previous story finished. I enjoyed reading the story from children’s perspective as well. The little boy, Sean, was a real sweetheart; incredibly smart, caring and a little hero. (Reminder, I do not like children). The ability to read the story from different perspectives and told by different characters made it very enjoyable, and allowed to understand the characters way better.
The whole plot was happening in one area and was really concentrated on a small, dying town of Silver Water. I really liked the whole story; I found it really original and very interesting. The more I read this book, the catchier it got. I really liked how this story unfolded, with Audra’s difficult past, husband’s abuse, and her fight for her children at present. I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this book. When I thought that is no one there to help Audra, author nicely twisted in a help for her. I liked the topics this novel was discussing: different ways of emotional abuse against women; hard life and decisions when you don’t have money; corrupt authorities and how they can ruin people’s lives.
The writing style of this book is not difficult and language used makes this book a pleasant and easy read. As I mentioned in my previous reviews, I’m a big fan of short chapters, and this book is another winner in that category for me. On the other hand, there are some violent details in this book, so if you have weak nerves, be prepared. The ending of the book was well thought through and didn’t leave me disappointed. It was well deserved after everything. So to conclude, it is twisted, fast paced and addictive thriller filled with mother’s fight and love for her children, and surprisingly I really enjoyed it.
Was given this book by publisher and NetGalley for honest review.
I was enjoying it from the first pages of the book. The description above describes this book quite well. It started with Audra in the car with her children. That got my attention. Why? Where are they going? And little by little the main character Audra, unfolded it. I am not big fan of the books about children and their parents, because all you read is how much parents love their kids. But this book somehow gripped me. The main character suffered a lot in her life, so the way she was trying to fight for her kids and not to give up, really made me respect her. I think, that author of this novel, done a great job by letting all the main characters to speak in this book, even the evil ones. Another great point of this book, that author was finishing every chapter with a cliff hanger, and then just starting the next chapter with different characters story. It was so addictive, and all I wanted was to figure out, how the previous story finished. I enjoyed reading the story from children’s perspective as well. The little boy, Sean, was a real sweetheart; incredibly smart, caring and a little hero. (Reminder, I do not like children). The ability to read the story from different perspectives and told by different characters made it very enjoyable, and allowed to understand the characters way better.
The whole plot was happening in one area and was really concentrated on a small, dying town of Silver Water. I really liked the whole story; I found it really original and very interesting. The more I read this book, the catchier it got. I really liked how this story unfolded, with Audra’s difficult past, husband’s abuse, and her fight for her children at present. I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this book. When I thought that is no one there to help Audra, author nicely twisted in a help for her. I liked the topics this novel was discussing: different ways of emotional abuse against women; hard life and decisions when you don’t have money; corrupt authorities and how they can ruin people’s lives.
The writing style of this book is not difficult and language used makes this book a pleasant and easy read. As I mentioned in my previous reviews, I’m a big fan of short chapters, and this book is another winner in that category for me. On the other hand, there are some violent details in this book, so if you have weak nerves, be prepared. The ending of the book was well thought through and didn’t leave me disappointed. It was well deserved after everything. So to conclude, it is twisted, fast paced and addictive thriller filled with mother’s fight and love for her children, and surprisingly I really enjoyed it.
Was given this book by publisher and NetGalley for honest review.
BookInspector (124 KP) rated The House Swap in Books
Sep 24, 2020
I had such high hopes for this book, it had so much praise from famous authors, but I was left quite disappointed.
The whole story was told from multiple perspectives, but Caroline is the main lead. It is mainly her story, and her life events, which are discussed. Even though I would not praise Caroline’s actions in this book, I could not blame her for them either. She had to endure quite a lot in her marriage, and I am really surprised that they decided to make it work because it should be a really hard job to do. I really enjoyed Francis’s story in this book as well, had a good insight into addict’s mind.
The narrative of this novel was interesting and quite original, outlining domestic problems and emotions that these events create, but I would not be able to call this book a thriller, because it did not give me any thrills whatsoever. I did like the twists and turns in this book, they did wake my curiosity of what these events are all about. I missed the suspense and more action. I found the topics, such as cheating on your spouse, drug addiction, really amusing to read about. I enjoyed the insight into these problems and the effect it has on different people.
The book is set in London, and narrative travels between present and past, slowly revealing more with every chapter. So, even though the story built up my curiosity pretty well, the climax left me incredibly disappointed. I was expecting some juicy bits to fulfill my expectations, but all I got was “Meh” :/ I did like the length of the chapters and the way R. Fleet ended every chapter with a cliffhanger. (Very smart, very smart indeed…) The writing style and language used were pleasant and easy to read. I would like to throw in a DISCLAIMER, there is plenty of detailed sex scenes in this book followed by substance addiction. So, to conclude, it is an absorbing family drama, filled with mystery, plenty of emotions, and if you are a mystery fan, who is looking for something lighter and less intense, this would be a good choice, I think. Enjoy 🙂
The whole story was told from multiple perspectives, but Caroline is the main lead. It is mainly her story, and her life events, which are discussed. Even though I would not praise Caroline’s actions in this book, I could not blame her for them either. She had to endure quite a lot in her marriage, and I am really surprised that they decided to make it work because it should be a really hard job to do. I really enjoyed Francis’s story in this book as well, had a good insight into addict’s mind.
The narrative of this novel was interesting and quite original, outlining domestic problems and emotions that these events create, but I would not be able to call this book a thriller, because it did not give me any thrills whatsoever. I did like the twists and turns in this book, they did wake my curiosity of what these events are all about. I missed the suspense and more action. I found the topics, such as cheating on your spouse, drug addiction, really amusing to read about. I enjoyed the insight into these problems and the effect it has on different people.
The book is set in London, and narrative travels between present and past, slowly revealing more with every chapter. So, even though the story built up my curiosity pretty well, the climax left me incredibly disappointed. I was expecting some juicy bits to fulfill my expectations, but all I got was “Meh” :/ I did like the length of the chapters and the way R. Fleet ended every chapter with a cliffhanger. (Very smart, very smart indeed…) The writing style and language used were pleasant and easy to read. I would like to throw in a DISCLAIMER, there is plenty of detailed sex scenes in this book followed by substance addiction. So, to conclude, it is an absorbing family drama, filled with mystery, plenty of emotions, and if you are a mystery fan, who is looking for something lighter and less intense, this would be a good choice, I think. Enjoy 🙂
Tammy (5 KP) rated The Husband's Secret in Books
Aug 16, 2018 (Updated Aug 16, 2018)
Gritty, gripping with a perfect plot
I've read big little lies and knew how Liane Moriarty liked to base the plot around a number of strong female characters that captivate and draw you fully into the story. 'My husband's secret' was no different! This book kept me hooked from start to finish, I literally couldn't put it down at times and spent a couple of nights without much sleep as I kept saying 'one more chapter'. It took me three days to read this spell bounding novel. When I had to function in the real world, I found that I was thinking about what could possibly happen next in the book. I'm not going to give anything Away with 'spoilers' but let's just say that if you like a dark and gritty book full of twists and turns, strong relatable characters with passionate backgrounds, then this is the book for you. I've just started 'truly, madly, guilty' written by Liane Moriarty and I'm hoping it's going to be just as good. I have found a new great author!
Game Audio Programming: Principles and Practices
Book
Welcome to Game Audio Programming: Principles and Practices! This book is the first of its kind: an...
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Kiss and ’Telle? in Books
Feb 23, 2021
This book has so many uplifting and funny moments!
I enjoyed this short story about Chantelle and Dennis, the characters were described quickly but enough that you felt engaged with the characters. I enjoyed their banter back and forth with each other, and I liked what Chantelle said:
“I figure, if folks could spend less time just waiting for love and more time finding ways to give love, it would help”- Chapter 3.
That is one of the underlying themes in this book that I think needs to be broadcasted far and wide. Others include the younger generation needing to step up and show the world what they do and leaning on God for our ups, and downs in life. Chantelle and Dennis have so much laughter together and they learn about each other over time the way good friends and life-long partners do.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the creativity in creating a great story in a short story, for the inspirational quotes throughout this book (I had a hard time choosing just one to include!), and for the message of speaking up and not being afraid.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
I enjoyed this short story about Chantelle and Dennis, the characters were described quickly but enough that you felt engaged with the characters. I enjoyed their banter back and forth with each other, and I liked what Chantelle said:
“I figure, if folks could spend less time just waiting for love and more time finding ways to give love, it would help”- Chapter 3.
That is one of the underlying themes in this book that I think needs to be broadcasted far and wide. Others include the younger generation needing to step up and show the world what they do and leaning on God for our ups, and downs in life. Chantelle and Dennis have so much laughter together and they learn about each other over time the way good friends and life-long partners do.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the creativity in creating a great story in a short story, for the inspirational quotes throughout this book (I had a hard time choosing just one to include!), and for the message of speaking up and not being afraid.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated The Dark Cry of Aristid in Books
Jan 26, 2023
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
The village of Elta is under the rule of the White Citadel. The villagers must do what they're told or face the serious consequences of their actions, including who they worship. They are forbidden to use magic unless they have permission from the overseer, there are however certain people in the village that are gifted with magic and still believe in the old ways.
I found I liked this book from the start the opening chapter 1 is supposed to ease you in and let you get settled, but I found that straight away it was pulling me in and I wanted to find out more about the characters and the village itself. There are so many avenues this book could go! The way it's finished could leave it open for a series, it's one I would continue to read if the author were to go down that route.
I like the support that the villagers give each other in the hard times they suffer.
It's a book I recommend
** 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. *
The village of Elta is under the rule of the White Citadel. The villagers must do what they're told or face the serious consequences of their actions, including who they worship. They are forbidden to use magic unless they have permission from the overseer, there are however certain people in the village that are gifted with magic and still believe in the old ways.
I found I liked this book from the start the opening chapter 1 is supposed to ease you in and let you get settled, but I found that straight away it was pulling me in and I wanted to find out more about the characters and the village itself. There are so many avenues this book could go! The way it's finished could leave it open for a series, it's one I would continue to read if the author were to go down that route.
I like the support that the villagers give each other in the hard times they suffer.
It's a book I recommend
** 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. *
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2460 KP) rated Hurricane Heist in Books
Oct 1, 2025 (Updated Oct 1, 2025)
Hurricane Uncovers a Heist from History
This book finds the Sherlock Society about to head back to school after a fantastic summer. But their return to school gets delayed by a few days when a hurricane hits the city. In the aftermath, a body is found at a nearby hotel. When it is identified as a man who disappeared in another hurricane 60 years before, Alex and Zoe’s grandpa is intrigued. He knew the man back then, and he never bought the story from the time that the man was involved in a jewelry heist. Can the Sherlock Society figure out what happened all those years ago?
After an exciting opening chapter from the climax, this book flashes back, a technique I don’t like. In this case, it was worse since the book took longer than it should have to set up the main mystery. Once it did, I was hooked on the story. The ending was a bit rushed, but that was a minor complaint. I loved the characters and the character moments felt like they grew out of what we learned about them in the first book. Plus, we met some new characters I hope pop up again. Despite the slow start, I enjoyed this book overall.
After an exciting opening chapter from the climax, this book flashes back, a technique I don’t like. In this case, it was worse since the book took longer than it should have to set up the main mystery. Once it did, I was hooked on the story. The ending was a bit rushed, but that was a minor complaint. I loved the characters and the character moments felt like they grew out of what we learned about them in the first book. Plus, we met some new characters I hope pop up again. Despite the slow start, I enjoyed this book overall.
Higher-Order Growth Curves and Mixture Modeling with Mplus: A Practical Guide
Kandauda A. S. Wickrama, Tae Kyoung Lee, Catherine O'Neal and Frederick O. Lorenz
Book
This practical introduction to second-order and growth mixture models using Mplus introduces simple...
CG
Complete Guide to Open Source Big Data Stack
Book
This book describes the creation of an actual generic open source big data stack, which is an...
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated The Revenge of Praying Mantis (Hattori Hachi, #1) in Books
Jun 7, 2018
(As featured on my blog <a href="http://themisadventuresofatwentysomething.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/review-of-revenge-of-praying-mantis.html">The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl</a> )
I've never read a book about ninjas or anything ninja related before. It never really interested me. However, I am glad I came across Revenge of Praying Mantis by Jane Prowse. I found it to be extremely interesting, and not once did my attention waver!
Revenge of the Praying Mantis is the first book in the series of Hattori Hachi, a fifteen year old girl whose mother goes missing under suspicious circumstances. Hattie must learn ninjutsu if she wishes to find out what happened to her mother. She also must learn who to trust.
I loved loved loved the characters in Revenge. I felt they were all very well developed especially those of Hattie, Mad Dog, and Yazuki. I loved the fact that finally a mixed race person was the main character of a book as you don't often see that. I also loved the fact that Hattie could hold her own. She didn't act like a damsel in distress either. She was a kick butt girl!! I found Mad Dog to be a perfect gentlemen. He didn't try to overshadow Hattie at all, and he was always willing to do his own thing. I also loved the fact that he was always willing to risk his life for Hattie. Yazuki was definitely my favourite character. I found her to be a very strong character throughout the book. She says and does some very funny things, but she is very wise. Yazuki becomes Hattie's mentor and friend. I'm really hoping Yazuki will be featured in all of the books because she feels like part of my family for some reason.
Throughout the book, I felt like I was being taught ninjutsu as well. It is very obvious throughout the book that Ms Prowse has definitely done her research in ninjutsu. I loved how each chapter started out with a saying about ninjutsu.
I found the pacing to be absolutely perfect. It wasn't too fast that I didn't understand what was going on, nor was it too slow where I got bored. Every chapter held my interest, and I was desperate to know what would happen in the next chapter.
The dialogue is very easy to understand especially as this is a YA book. It's not condescending either. I felt it used the right dialogue that would appeal to pre-teens, teens and adults alike.
Okay, I have to mention the cover now. I love it, and I find it very appealing! The cover definitely matches the story of the book especially with the shadow on the front. I like the fact that the cover is very simple yet beautiful. It's not cluttered like a lot of covers sometimes are.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I believe it appeals to both boys and girls, young and old. I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone and everyone even if martial arts aren't your thing as there's so much more going on in this book!!
The Revenge of Praying Mantis (Hattori Hachi #1) by Jane Prowse gets a 5 out of 5 from me.
I've never read a book about ninjas or anything ninja related before. It never really interested me. However, I am glad I came across Revenge of Praying Mantis by Jane Prowse. I found it to be extremely interesting, and not once did my attention waver!
Revenge of the Praying Mantis is the first book in the series of Hattori Hachi, a fifteen year old girl whose mother goes missing under suspicious circumstances. Hattie must learn ninjutsu if she wishes to find out what happened to her mother. She also must learn who to trust.
I loved loved loved the characters in Revenge. I felt they were all very well developed especially those of Hattie, Mad Dog, and Yazuki. I loved the fact that finally a mixed race person was the main character of a book as you don't often see that. I also loved the fact that Hattie could hold her own. She didn't act like a damsel in distress either. She was a kick butt girl!! I found Mad Dog to be a perfect gentlemen. He didn't try to overshadow Hattie at all, and he was always willing to do his own thing. I also loved the fact that he was always willing to risk his life for Hattie. Yazuki was definitely my favourite character. I found her to be a very strong character throughout the book. She says and does some very funny things, but she is very wise. Yazuki becomes Hattie's mentor and friend. I'm really hoping Yazuki will be featured in all of the books because she feels like part of my family for some reason.
Throughout the book, I felt like I was being taught ninjutsu as well. It is very obvious throughout the book that Ms Prowse has definitely done her research in ninjutsu. I loved how each chapter started out with a saying about ninjutsu.
I found the pacing to be absolutely perfect. It wasn't too fast that I didn't understand what was going on, nor was it too slow where I got bored. Every chapter held my interest, and I was desperate to know what would happen in the next chapter.
The dialogue is very easy to understand especially as this is a YA book. It's not condescending either. I felt it used the right dialogue that would appeal to pre-teens, teens and adults alike.
Okay, I have to mention the cover now. I love it, and I find it very appealing! The cover definitely matches the story of the book especially with the shadow on the front. I like the fact that the cover is very simple yet beautiful. It's not cluttered like a lot of covers sometimes are.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I believe it appeals to both boys and girls, young and old. I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone and everyone even if martial arts aren't your thing as there's so much more going on in this book!!
The Revenge of Praying Mantis (Hattori Hachi #1) by Jane Prowse gets a 5 out of 5 from me.