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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Truly Devious (Truly Devious #1) in Books
Feb 6, 2018
Feisty heroine (2 more)
Great mystery plots
Keeps you guessing
Fun, suspenseful page-turner
Stephanie "Stevie" Bell is very excited when she is accepted to Ellingham Academy, an elite private school in Vermont for free-thinking junior and senior high school students. Ellingham was founded by wealthy Albert Ellingham as a place where students can learn in their own ways, and where puzzle and riddles take center stage. The school became especially infamous when Albert's wife, Iris, and young daughter, Alice, were kidnapped not long after it opened. Shortly before the kidnapping, Albert received a mocking riddle threatening of murder in all sorts of forms via the mail. Now that Stevie is at Ellingham, her goal is to solve Iris and Alice's cold case. A true crime junkie, she knows everything about it and believes that being on the scene is the missing piece she needs to put everything together. But first she needs to get used to being away from home, befriend her eclectic group of housemates, and then deal with a shocking new crime that rocks Ellingham to its core.
I really love Maureen Johnson's Shades of London series, so I was really excited to see she had a new mystery series coming out. It didn't disappoint. This was a really fun, fascinating book featuring a great, feisty heroine in Stevie Bell. I fell for Stevie immediately, with her awkward demeanor and allegiance to old-school detective novels. Johnson has done a great job in creating a well-rounded character in Stevie, who really shines in this novel.
The intersecting mysteries will suck you in immediately. I basically wanted to ignore work and responsibilities and keep reading this one. The novel tells the book mainly from Steve's point of view, but we also get bits and pieces from the past--various narrators, case notes, etc. It's quite effective, and you'll find yourself intrigued by the Alice/Iris kidnapping, as well as the current tragedy that befalls Ellingham.
Steve's housemates at Ellingham are diverse and a bit crazy--they are a lot to sort through, but interesting nonetheless. This book will definitely keep you guessing, that's for sure. The cliffhanger ending is crazy--be prepared that this is a trilogy and that everything isn't wrapped up tidily!
Nonetheless, I really enjoyed this one, and I cannot wait to read the next book! I love Stevie--I felt such a pull to this plucky detective, who owns no jewelry, wears a lot of black, and can't dance. The book also treats mental illness in a great, matter-of-fact way, with its honest portrayal of Stevie's anxiety and panic attacks. Everything combines into a fun, interesting, suspenseful, page-turner that will leave you wanting more.
I really love Maureen Johnson's Shades of London series, so I was really excited to see she had a new mystery series coming out. It didn't disappoint. This was a really fun, fascinating book featuring a great, feisty heroine in Stevie Bell. I fell for Stevie immediately, with her awkward demeanor and allegiance to old-school detective novels. Johnson has done a great job in creating a well-rounded character in Stevie, who really shines in this novel.
The intersecting mysteries will suck you in immediately. I basically wanted to ignore work and responsibilities and keep reading this one. The novel tells the book mainly from Steve's point of view, but we also get bits and pieces from the past--various narrators, case notes, etc. It's quite effective, and you'll find yourself intrigued by the Alice/Iris kidnapping, as well as the current tragedy that befalls Ellingham.
Steve's housemates at Ellingham are diverse and a bit crazy--they are a lot to sort through, but interesting nonetheless. This book will definitely keep you guessing, that's for sure. The cliffhanger ending is crazy--be prepared that this is a trilogy and that everything isn't wrapped up tidily!
Nonetheless, I really enjoyed this one, and I cannot wait to read the next book! I love Stevie--I felt such a pull to this plucky detective, who owns no jewelry, wears a lot of black, and can't dance. The book also treats mental illness in a great, matter-of-fact way, with its honest portrayal of Stevie's anxiety and panic attacks. Everything combines into a fun, interesting, suspenseful, page-turner that will leave you wanting more.
Lottie disney bookworm (1056 KP) rated Of Thorns and Beauty in Books
Dec 29, 2020
Never has a retelling been so close but so unimaginabley far away from the original fairytale. Of Thorns and Beauty is a New Adult masterpiece which will reel you in from its first pages and not let you go until its cruel cliffhanger.
A quick note that this is definitely a New Adult novel. Although not written about in detail this take includes the subjects of abuse, murder and rape as well as a bucket load of sexual tension.
This retelling of Beauty and the Beast is written solely from the perspective of our protagonist-the beauty Zaina. Forced into an arranged marriage with the renowned beast King Einar and denied any companions to accompany her, Zaina enters the "Beast's" castle entirely on her guard and unaware as to what sort of a life lays before her.
It quickly becomes apparent that Zaina's beauty has only ever caused pain and hardship for her in the past. As a result of this, she is a far cry from the bookish village girl seeking an adventure in the great wide somewhere. Zaina is fiery, sarcastic, dangerous and her prickly, defensive demeanour makes her few friends in her new home.
The use of a first person perspective with a protagonist such as Zaina really brings this novel to life. Zaina is such a damaged character and the reader is drip fed memories so partially and so slowly that we still don't know the extent of her suffering once the book has ended.
The style of writing also allows us to share Zaina's frustration at attempting to read her husband Einar's emotions: quite ironic for someone so closed off herself. The reader does not always feel empathy though: Zaina's defences are so high that she shuns any attempt at friendship; sometimes you just want to shake her!
Elements of the original beauty and the beast tale remain: there is indeed a curse, a rose and a forbidden west wing. However, these are so cleverly twisted that the reader will finish this book with an entirely different concept of who the Beast really is.
The fact that the authors themselves apologise for the cliffhanger, explaining that the characters and storyline just required more pages and more time, shows the sheer commitment to world building and character development.
Madison and Mahle introduce us to a whole new world of scenery and creatures; they pull us into the painful past of both main characters; place slimy villains in the shadows and raise our hopes of romance before throwing them off a cliff. This book is impossible to put down and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
Thank you to Booksirens for the opportunity to read a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A quick note that this is definitely a New Adult novel. Although not written about in detail this take includes the subjects of abuse, murder and rape as well as a bucket load of sexual tension.
This retelling of Beauty and the Beast is written solely from the perspective of our protagonist-the beauty Zaina. Forced into an arranged marriage with the renowned beast King Einar and denied any companions to accompany her, Zaina enters the "Beast's" castle entirely on her guard and unaware as to what sort of a life lays before her.
It quickly becomes apparent that Zaina's beauty has only ever caused pain and hardship for her in the past. As a result of this, she is a far cry from the bookish village girl seeking an adventure in the great wide somewhere. Zaina is fiery, sarcastic, dangerous and her prickly, defensive demeanour makes her few friends in her new home.
The use of a first person perspective with a protagonist such as Zaina really brings this novel to life. Zaina is such a damaged character and the reader is drip fed memories so partially and so slowly that we still don't know the extent of her suffering once the book has ended.
The style of writing also allows us to share Zaina's frustration at attempting to read her husband Einar's emotions: quite ironic for someone so closed off herself. The reader does not always feel empathy though: Zaina's defences are so high that she shuns any attempt at friendship; sometimes you just want to shake her!
Elements of the original beauty and the beast tale remain: there is indeed a curse, a rose and a forbidden west wing. However, these are so cleverly twisted that the reader will finish this book with an entirely different concept of who the Beast really is.
The fact that the authors themselves apologise for the cliffhanger, explaining that the characters and storyline just required more pages and more time, shows the sheer commitment to world building and character development.
Madison and Mahle introduce us to a whole new world of scenery and creatures; they pull us into the painful past of both main characters; place slimy villains in the shadows and raise our hopes of romance before throwing them off a cliff. This book is impossible to put down and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
Thank you to Booksirens for the opportunity to read a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated The Mark of Athena in Books
Jan 15, 2018
Book Three in the Heroes of Olympus series did not disappoint! I have to admit that out of all Rick Riordan's series this has been my least favorite, but I really enjoyed this installment. It is literally a cliffhanger...if that cliff is hanging over Tartarus & is under a parking lot in Rome that is!
All the characters have matured nicely and I have to say that was a pleasant surprise. Percy & Annabeth's relationship has followed the same line. But despite all the characters in the book, I have to say my favorite is Leo Valdez; the brainiac of the demigods. He was very funny in this book & easy to like. His personality was developed a lot more throughout this story so the reader gets to know him on another level.
As for the plot, a war breaks out between the Greek & Roman camps thanks to some nasty spirits taking over Leo. Despite this, the 7 demigods & Coach Hedge, the satyr, must embark on a mission to unite the 2 camps & prevent Gaea & her giants from destroying the world. Needless to say, it isn't easy & they run amok of quite a few gods & monsters on the way.
I am really looking forward to seeing how Riordan wraps up this series!! I have a sinking feeling that it may be the end of Percy Jackson though...
All the characters have matured nicely and I have to say that was a pleasant surprise. Percy & Annabeth's relationship has followed the same line. But despite all the characters in the book, I have to say my favorite is Leo Valdez; the brainiac of the demigods. He was very funny in this book & easy to like. His personality was developed a lot more throughout this story so the reader gets to know him on another level.
As for the plot, a war breaks out between the Greek & Roman camps thanks to some nasty spirits taking over Leo. Despite this, the 7 demigods & Coach Hedge, the satyr, must embark on a mission to unite the 2 camps & prevent Gaea & her giants from destroying the world. Needless to say, it isn't easy & they run amok of quite a few gods & monsters on the way.
I am really looking forward to seeing how Riordan wraps up this series!! I have a sinking feeling that it may be the end of Percy Jackson though...
Merissa (12051 KP) rated Dalysian Struggle (Dalysia #2) in Books
Sep 13, 2017
Dalysian Struggle (Dalysia #2) by Jamie Summer
Dalysian Struggle continues with Sophie as the champion for the Dalysians, even though there are many who doubt her capabilities - including herself! She made it through the test, and now she has to face the Trials, including the Cetoan's and their champion.
This book is a doozy, and it does end on a cliffhanger from hell, so consider this fair warning! The story is intricate, and yet flows easily. The characters are all completely believable, whether you like them or not. The pacing is consistent, and yet you find yourself tensing up as you near the end.
I love where Jamie Summer has taken this story, although she did have me worried there for a while (#TeamRen all the way!). However, being kept constantly on my toes, not knowing where the story was taking me, certainly kept my interest, and I was completely taken with Sophie's story, and what would happen next.
What will happen next? Well, I sit waiting so impatiently for the next book. I need to know what happens next. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
This book is a doozy, and it does end on a cliffhanger from hell, so consider this fair warning! The story is intricate, and yet flows easily. The characters are all completely believable, whether you like them or not. The pacing is consistent, and yet you find yourself tensing up as you near the end.
I love where Jamie Summer has taken this story, although she did have me worried there for a while (#TeamRen all the way!). However, being kept constantly on my toes, not knowing where the story was taking me, certainly kept my interest, and I was completely taken with Sophie's story, and what would happen next.
What will happen next? Well, I sit waiting so impatiently for the next book. I need to know what happens next. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
QuietlyBookish (65 KP) rated Red Queen in Books
Jul 7, 2017
Plot (1 more)
Characters
So Many Plot Twists!
THE PLOT TWISTS IN THIS BOOK GAVE ME WHIPLASH!
My poor, poor heart has been put through the ringer with this book! I was apprehensive about this book, I had heard mixed reviews and it honestly took me a while to get into it but I am so glad I stuck with it because it got so much better! There was one plot twist that took me by surprise and then there was another one! AND THEN THERE WAS A THIRD PLOT TWIST AS WELL! It also ended on a cliffhanger because, of course it did!
Fans of The Hunger Games will definitely enjoy this! It is similar, but I found that there were enough differences that it didn't feel like an exact copy.
I will say that you should be prepared to find it a bit slow at times, but honestly the second half of this book is so action packed and fast paced it makes it so worth it!
I need to read the sequel immediately! I hope it's just as good!
As an added bonus, the physical hardcover is beautiful, the end papers are pretty and the dust jacket is shimmery! Plus in all the editions there is a map which I always like in books!
My poor, poor heart has been put through the ringer with this book! I was apprehensive about this book, I had heard mixed reviews and it honestly took me a while to get into it but I am so glad I stuck with it because it got so much better! There was one plot twist that took me by surprise and then there was another one! AND THEN THERE WAS A THIRD PLOT TWIST AS WELL! It also ended on a cliffhanger because, of course it did!
Fans of The Hunger Games will definitely enjoy this! It is similar, but I found that there were enough differences that it didn't feel like an exact copy.
I will say that you should be prepared to find it a bit slow at times, but honestly the second half of this book is so action packed and fast paced it makes it so worth it!
I need to read the sequel immediately! I hope it's just as good!
As an added bonus, the physical hardcover is beautiful, the end papers are pretty and the dust jacket is shimmery! Plus in all the editions there is a map which I always like in books!
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Who Could That Be at This Hour? (All the Wrong Questions, #1) in Books
Apr 27, 2018
I had never read Lemony Snicket before, and honestly, I probably won't again. This audio book wasn't a bad experience per se… it was odd. I guess with a name like Lemony Snicket, you have to be odd.
First, he used his own name as the name of the main character. I'm not sure if he did this to allow for getting into the characters head, or if he just couldn't think of anything else at the time and then forgot to change it later, but it was strange and somewhat distracting.
Second, Although it was exciting and interesting, it certainly didn't have me sitting on the edge of my seat, anxiously awaiting the next word. I was too busy thinking and trying to figure out what the hell was going on.
Third, the writing wasn't bad, but again, it was odd. I really don't know how else to describe it. Maybe it's an acquired taste… if you can acquire tastes for writing voices.
I liked the characters, the plot was good, and it worked itself out well in the end with just enough of a cliffhanger to make me curious about the next book, but honestly, I probably won't be waiting outside Books-a-Million at midnight waiting for the release.
Content/Recommendation: Clean, ages 14-adult
First, he used his own name as the name of the main character. I'm not sure if he did this to allow for getting into the characters head, or if he just couldn't think of anything else at the time and then forgot to change it later, but it was strange and somewhat distracting.
Second, Although it was exciting and interesting, it certainly didn't have me sitting on the edge of my seat, anxiously awaiting the next word. I was too busy thinking and trying to figure out what the hell was going on.
Third, the writing wasn't bad, but again, it was odd. I really don't know how else to describe it. Maybe it's an acquired taste… if you can acquire tastes for writing voices.
I liked the characters, the plot was good, and it worked itself out well in the end with just enough of a cliffhanger to make me curious about the next book, but honestly, I probably won't be waiting outside Books-a-Million at midnight waiting for the release.
Content/Recommendation: Clean, ages 14-adult
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated The Housewife in Books
Mar 15, 2019
Book Insight: Diane is a wife and doting mother that has been through a lot, and after a recent breakdown her memory seems to have blocked quite a bit out. So much so that it starts interfering with her day to day life. She starts forgetting simple tasks and finds sleep doesn't come easily anymore. Is something dark going on right under her nose? Or is she losing her mind and headed for another breakdown?
WOW!!!! An EXCELLENT story with a great plot and well developed characters!
I found this to be an absolute gem of a novel. The plot gives a slow-building, creeping sense that something isn't quite right.
The author has taken a situation, a day in the life of a housewife and turned it inside-out and upside-down. I found myself reminded of the old 1944 Ingrid Bergman film Gaslight. The difference in the two though is the constant twists and turns of the plot with the characters. You think you have it all figured out but you really don't.
I honestly did not know which way things were going to swing for Diane until the very end and the ending was just a real cliffhanger for me.
I will definitely be following this author as her books are just amazing!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this wonderful ARC.
WOW!!!! An EXCELLENT story with a great plot and well developed characters!
I found this to be an absolute gem of a novel. The plot gives a slow-building, creeping sense that something isn't quite right.
The author has taken a situation, a day in the life of a housewife and turned it inside-out and upside-down. I found myself reminded of the old 1944 Ingrid Bergman film Gaslight. The difference in the two though is the constant twists and turns of the plot with the characters. You think you have it all figured out but you really don't.
I honestly did not know which way things were going to swing for Diane until the very end and the ending was just a real cliffhanger for me.
I will definitely be following this author as her books are just amazing!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this wonderful ARC.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2200 KP) rated A Dark and Twisting Path in Books
Aug 15, 2018
Lena’s Path Continues to be Enjoyably Twisty
Lena London and Camilla Graham have just returned from their first joint book tour when Lena gets a call from her friend Allison. Allison has found a dead body on the edge of her property. Lena goes over to be with Allison only to recognize the letter opener sticking out of the victim as one she gave her boyfriend Sam. Who is trying to frame him for murder now?
After the second book in the series, I was anxious to see what would happen to these characters next and how the cliffhanger would be resolved. I’m thrilled to say I was very satisfied with how things developed here, and I am confident that fans of the series will be as well. If you aren’t familiar with the series, it borrows heavily from Gothic stories, so this isn’t a typical cozy plot, but that doesn’t make for a bad story in the slightest. The pages turned all too quickly. I was annoyed by some timeline issues early on, but those were minor overall. Lena is a strong heroine, and the rest of the cast are charming and eccentric. If you haven’t started this series yet, I recommend it; I just don’t recommend you start here. You really need the previous two books to fully appreciate what happens here.
After the second book in the series, I was anxious to see what would happen to these characters next and how the cliffhanger would be resolved. I’m thrilled to say I was very satisfied with how things developed here, and I am confident that fans of the series will be as well. If you aren’t familiar with the series, it borrows heavily from Gothic stories, so this isn’t a typical cozy plot, but that doesn’t make for a bad story in the slightest. The pages turned all too quickly. I was annoyed by some timeline issues early on, but those were minor overall. Lena is a strong heroine, and the rest of the cast are charming and eccentric. If you haven’t started this series yet, I recommend it; I just don’t recommend you start here. You really need the previous two books to fully appreciate what happens here.
David McK (3425 KP) rated Shattered (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #7) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The most recent (as of the time of writing this review) of [a: Kevin Hearne|4414255|Kevin Hearne|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1289238438p2/4414255.jpg]'s 'Iron Druid series, which deals in a large part with 'daddy issues', and with the consequences Atticus faces for choosing to become the Iron Druid (iron, remember, is anathema to the faery races).
Since the start of the series, the number of Druids walking the earth has now trebled: no longer is there Atticus alone, but we now also have his apprentice Granuaile (sp?), as well as his old mentor who now goes by the name Owen Kennedy after being pulled off a time island at the start of this, after Atticus discovered him there at the end of the previous novel ([b: Hunted|17571837|Hunted|Karen Robards|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386557434s/17571837.jpg|24510885]).
As before, this is told in the first person narrative, largely taking it turns split between the (now three) main characters. Comic relief, as always, is provided by Atticus and Granuaile's trusty canine companions Oberon and Orlaith respectively, who the three main characters are able to communicate telepathically with. Also, as before, this ends on a decided cliffhanger to set up the next novel: one that I will, without a doubt, be picking up when it comes out.
Since the start of the series, the number of Druids walking the earth has now trebled: no longer is there Atticus alone, but we now also have his apprentice Granuaile (sp?), as well as his old mentor who now goes by the name Owen Kennedy after being pulled off a time island at the start of this, after Atticus discovered him there at the end of the previous novel ([b: Hunted|17571837|Hunted|Karen Robards|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386557434s/17571837.jpg|24510885]).
As before, this is told in the first person narrative, largely taking it turns split between the (now three) main characters. Comic relief, as always, is provided by Atticus and Granuaile's trusty canine companions Oberon and Orlaith respectively, who the three main characters are able to communicate telepathically with. Also, as before, this ends on a decided cliffhanger to set up the next novel: one that I will, without a doubt, be picking up when it comes out.
Merissa (12051 KP) rated Speak of the Devil (Broken Halos #2) in Books
Jun 27, 2019
Speak of the Devil (Broken Halos #2) by Maya Daniels
Speak of the Devil is the second book in the Broken Halos series, and we reunite with Hel and Eric. Hel is being held prisoner by Michael, as Eric desperately searches for her. Help comes from an unexpected source, and Hel is freed. Of course, it doesn't stop there, because then it would be a very short book. Instead, Hel starts gaining new powers, Eric has to tune down his monster-mash rage, they have sexy times, oh, and try to find Hector before he loses any further body parts.
Hel's attitude is as sassy as ever, and I love how she goes toe to toe with Eric. Maddison is a blast, although I know there is more to her than meets the eye. Raphael has a story he doesn't want to share, which just makes me want it all the more. All in all, this is a non-stop read, full of action and chaos.
Ending on a cliffhanger (just like book one), this will definitely leave you wanting more. A great second book, and definitely recommended by me.
* 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!
Hel's attitude is as sassy as ever, and I love how she goes toe to toe with Eric. Maddison is a blast, although I know there is more to her than meets the eye. Raphael has a story he doesn't want to share, which just makes me want it all the more. All in all, this is a non-stop read, full of action and chaos.
Ending on a cliffhanger (just like book one), this will definitely leave you wanting more. A great second book, and definitely recommended by me.
* 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!