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Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated I am Pilgrim in Books
Mar 15, 2018
This novel has been garnering high praise all summer long so I was very excited to get into it, and I was certainly not disappointed. This suspense novel simultaneously tells the story of a mysterious murder in New York City and a potential terrorist plot in the Middle East that could have unimaginably catastrophic effects for civilization as we know it. The protagonist, who has gone by many names throughout his life, is a compelling and necessarily flawed character. There are certainly things about him that one could find disagreeable, but he is still more than human enough to be worth rooting for. The other primary characters are also fleshed out enough to be equally compelling. As for the plot, it jumps around the world and across decades smoothly and at such a breakneck pace that it gets harder and harder to put this book down as it goes. While the mystery winds up being satisfyingly twisty, it is the terrorist plot that is the main point of the book, and it is easily one of the most plausibly horrifying things I have ever read. Suffice it to say that it has added something new to my list of worries, and I certainly hope that some actions are taken to ensure something like this never happens in real life. This is one of the most entertaining (and harrowing) books I have read this year, and is likely to wind up on more than a few end-of-the-year best lists.
Mystery of Haunted Hollow: Point Click Escape Game
Games and Education
App
You arrive at the footsteps of Hollow alone. Armed with only an empty suitcase, and faint...
Shopbop – Women's Fashion
Shopping and Lifestyle
App
Welcome to Shopbop! Download our app and enjoy 15% off your very first Shopbop purchase with code...
UT
Unravelling the Franklin Mystery: Inuit Testimony
Book
David Woodman's classic reconstruction of the mysterious events surrounding the tragic Franklin...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Under the Radar in Books
Apr 25, 2024 (Updated Apr 25, 2024)
Can Zoe and Pete Target the Right Killer?
When Zoe Chambers is called to the scene of a shooting, she is surprised to find the shooter is Horace Pavelka, a friend from high school. Horace has confessed to shooting Dennis Culp, a man who has bullied and abused him since they were in school together. The evidence for self-defense is compelling, so Pete Adams lets Horace go. However, Horace has only been out a couple of hours when another of his tormentors winds up dead and everyone on the case seems to go missing. Can Pete find any of his suspects? Will Zoe be able to prove her friend innocent?
This author has a way of pulling you in from the first page, and this book is no exception. The book has several strong subplots that make for even more compelling reading. There was one twist I didn’t quite feel was earned, but that’s a minor issue. Things come together for a tense and logical climax. The characters are strong as always, and I love watching Zoe and Pete’s relationship deepen. This is a little darker than my typical cozies, but as long as you know this going in, you’ll be fine. Once again, we spend equal time in Zoe and Pete’s heads, allowing the suspense to grow as they work on things from different angles. Fans who haven’t read this one yet are in for a treat, and if you’ve missed this series, be sure to start it soon.
This author has a way of pulling you in from the first page, and this book is no exception. The book has several strong subplots that make for even more compelling reading. There was one twist I didn’t quite feel was earned, but that’s a minor issue. Things come together for a tense and logical climax. The characters are strong as always, and I love watching Zoe and Pete’s relationship deepen. This is a little darker than my typical cozies, but as long as you know this going in, you’ll be fine. Once again, we spend equal time in Zoe and Pete’s heads, allowing the suspense to grow as they work on things from different angles. Fans who haven’t read this one yet are in for a treat, and if you’ve missed this series, be sure to start it soon.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Bear and the Nightingale in Books
Oct 29, 2017
A dark epic fairytale
This captivating fantasy is set in the frozen north of Russia in the 13th century, and used Russian myths and fairy tales as inspiration.
At the centre of the novel is the family of a local Lord, in particular the headstrong youngest daughter Vasya who is gifted with 'second sight'. The existence of the community is threatened when a dark power in the forests begins to wake up, just as the villagers start to turn away from the household spirits who've protected them, in favour of a charismatic new priest.
The Russian setting adds interest and mystique and the protagonist Vasya is fantastically outspoken and scrappy. The plot is easy to follow despite the odd Russian word. It truly is a compelling read.
At the centre of the novel is the family of a local Lord, in particular the headstrong youngest daughter Vasya who is gifted with 'second sight'. The existence of the community is threatened when a dark power in the forests begins to wake up, just as the villagers start to turn away from the household spirits who've protected them, in favour of a charismatic new priest.
The Russian setting adds interest and mystique and the protagonist Vasya is fantastically outspoken and scrappy. The plot is easy to follow despite the odd Russian word. It truly is a compelling read.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose in Books
Nov 20, 2017
Poignant, humanising a politician
Listening to Joe Biden's frank and open memoir dealing with his son's cancer and bereavement is heartfelt, especially as it is read by himself.
Unlike most books by politicians, "Promise Me, Dad" is committed to communicating to us the values and principles of a family man who happens to have been a senior member of government.
His most compelling narration comes in the form of him discussing his hopes, fears, dreams and nightmares through which a family succumbs while dealing with cancer. I became emotional listening to him break down while discussing the death of his son - his voice audibly trembles which is why the audiobook gives a whole new depth to the biography.
Warm, insightful and thought-provoking.
Unlike most books by politicians, "Promise Me, Dad" is committed to communicating to us the values and principles of a family man who happens to have been a senior member of government.
His most compelling narration comes in the form of him discussing his hopes, fears, dreams and nightmares through which a family succumbs while dealing with cancer. I became emotional listening to him break down while discussing the death of his son - his voice audibly trembles which is why the audiobook gives a whole new depth to the biography.
Warm, insightful and thought-provoking.
Samantha (67 KP) rated Another Day in the Death of America in Books
Jul 10, 2017
How many more days before things change?
This book is incredibly valuable. Whilst focusing on the lives of ten young individuals whose lives were tragically cut short Younge also focuses on the history of gun violence in those communities as well as research on this dilemma. Together, these elements create a compelling novel which open the eyes of the reader to the injustices that occur due to gun violence, whilst also ensuring that common assumptions and misconceptions are brought into the limelight. Due to the nature of this novel it is my belief that it should be read a chapter at a time to allow for contemplation and reflection on the disastrous events contained within its pages.
Demi (22 KP) rated Big Little Lies - Season 1 in TV
Apr 25, 2018
Amazing
When there's a book, I almost always read it first. I made an exception for Big Little Lies after I saw the trailer. The cinematography, the pacing, the acting were all so compelling in the ads alone that I held off on the book. I'm so glad I did. Everything about the series was pitch perfect. The performances were stellar. Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman were phenomenal. It was gorgeously shot. The music was atmospheric, and the setting--different from the one in the book--fit the story perfectly. The writing was very well done--the kind of mystery you congratulate yourself for figuring out except for one little piece (it's designed that way, and quite elegantly). One of the season's best shows.
Auburn (57 KP) rated Wicked Saints (Something Dark and Holy, #1) in Books
Apr 10, 2019
This book is dark, mysterious, unforgiving, and perfectly written. I cannot express just how bloody murderous these main characters are. Told from different views and different sides of very different cultures one gets to see just what is happening in each of their heads. It makes the story that much more intriguing. Enemies to lovers. Enemies to friends. Magical powers given and taken, growth, culture, belief. This book has it all while still being cohesive.
If you are looking for a happily ever after story this is not that. But if you want a compelling read that is so unforgiving in its darkness that you cannot help but fall in love with it then this is the book for you.
If you are looking for a happily ever after story this is not that. But if you want a compelling read that is so unforgiving in its darkness that you cannot help but fall in love with it then this is the book for you.