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The Daughters of Ironbridge
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Perfect for fans of Maggie Hope and Katie Flynn - the first in a heartwarming new series set against...
Erika (17789 KP) rated At the Table of Wolves (Dark Talents #1) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I've had this book on my nook e-reader since it was released, but I just never had the itch to read it.
I'm glad I finally did. This is the first of a trilogy that's an alt-history in the 1930s. After the Great War, there's an event called 'the bloom' and individuals begin to have 'talents' or powers manifest. It's definitely a riff off of the X-Men, but it really worked for me in this novel. The lead character, Kim, is a 30-something who has the talent of 'spill', which is essentially compelling people to spill various secrets, though she can't exactly control it. I liked Kim because she was completely relatable and made mistakes.
I wish that the book had been longer, but now I'm anxiously awaiting for the 2nd book from the library. Luckily, the final book in the trilogy is coming out in March, so I won't have long to wait for book 3.
I'm glad I finally did. This is the first of a trilogy that's an alt-history in the 1930s. After the Great War, there's an event called 'the bloom' and individuals begin to have 'talents' or powers manifest. It's definitely a riff off of the X-Men, but it really worked for me in this novel. The lead character, Kim, is a 30-something who has the talent of 'spill', which is essentially compelling people to spill various secrets, though she can't exactly control it. I liked Kim because she was completely relatable and made mistakes.
I wish that the book had been longer, but now I'm anxiously awaiting for the 2nd book from the library. Luckily, the final book in the trilogy is coming out in March, so I won't have long to wait for book 3.
Sarah (126 KP) rated Seaforth Prison (The Haunted #3) in Books
Feb 18, 2019
A disappointing continuation of the series
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, which I've been reading as part of my Kindle Unlimited subscription, even if certain elements felt a little predictable.
The second book didn't have quite the same level of excitement and tension as the first, but was still enough to hook a reader and kept with "The Haunted" theme of the series.
With this third book, any "haunting" element has really been pushed into the background and I don't feel that the story is quite as compelling in this latest installment. I also read some reviews of the second book after I finished it, and one in particular mentioned the lack of variety in the swearing - and now that I'm aware of it, it REALLY started to bother me.
I know I'm going to go ahead and read the next book in the series, at least. Hopefully this will be return to the more exiting themes of the earlier books
The second book didn't have quite the same level of excitement and tension as the first, but was still enough to hook a reader and kept with "The Haunted" theme of the series.
With this third book, any "haunting" element has really been pushed into the background and I don't feel that the story is quite as compelling in this latest installment. I also read some reviews of the second book after I finished it, and one in particular mentioned the lack of variety in the swearing - and now that I'm aware of it, it REALLY started to bother me.
I know I'm going to go ahead and read the next book in the series, at least. Hopefully this will be return to the more exiting themes of the earlier books
Asiza Tait (139 KP) rated Ready Player One in Books
Apr 12, 2019
Writing is excellent (2 more)
Full of well developed characters
Very believable
If I had been a teenager in the 80s I’m sure I would be absolutely loved the constant references to familiar games, but the 90s was my decade so a great deal went straight over my head. That said the future envisioned by the author is compelling and if I may say, utterly frightening. To not have any future in the real world and to only live in a virtual reality is my worst nightmare come to life. I enjoy playing games but having it BE my life is a step too far. The level of despair I could feel in the book was fascinating. The characters and plot were well developed, believable and realistic. By the time I put this book down, though satisfied with the ending I was relieved to get back to the real world.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2488 KP) rated Tangled Up in Brew (Brewing Trouble, #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Maxine “Max” O’Hara and Jake Lambert are entering a local brews and burgers festival. However, the festival takes a turn for the worse when notoriously nasty food critic Reginald Mobley signs on as a replacement judge. However, no one expects him to be murdered. Worse yet, he collapses right after eating Jake’s entry in the burger competition. Can Max figure out what is happening.
I enjoyed the first book in this series, but I loved this one even more. The characters we met in the first book are all back, and they are still fantastic. The mystery is compelling with lots of secrets to be revealed before we reach a suspenseful and logical climax. I’m already looking forward to the next in the series.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/10/book-review-tangled-up-in-brew-by-joyce.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I enjoyed the first book in this series, but I loved this one even more. The characters we met in the first book are all back, and they are still fantastic. The mystery is compelling with lots of secrets to be revealed before we reach a suspenseful and logical climax. I’m already looking forward to the next in the series.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/10/book-review-tangled-up-in-brew-by-joyce.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Dana (24 KP) rated Lost Girls: An Unsolved American Mystery in Books
Mar 23, 2018
This was a very sad and true tale about the disappearances of women in the North Eastern coast of America. If you know me, you will know I love true crime stories. I don't know why, I just find them so interesting and compelling. That being said, this one was incredibly sad. These women who were abducted, killed, and buried without any feeling for their lives or their families lives is heinous and callous. The fact that these women's killer still has yet to be found is just as horrifying. I am definitely planning on looking into these murders more, not really to see if I can help, because I don't think I can. But I would like to see if there is more information that can be gathered on it.
To the friends and families involved, I hope you are able to find peace in knowing your childrens' stories are getting out into the world. Thank you for sharing their stories.
To the friends and families involved, I hope you are able to find peace in knowing your childrens' stories are getting out into the world. Thank you for sharing their stories.
Cynthia Armistead (17 KP) rated Hunted (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #6) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow. That was SO good! Now when can I have more?
Seriously, I need to learn that every time I get my hands in a new book from Hearne, I should just clear my calendar and explain to all and sundry that I am unavailable for the following day or so. I am wholly incapable of reading them in anything but one delicious session, rubbing sleepy eyes, skipping meals, and ignoring the phone. When I do come to the last page, I flip on, desperately hoping that there might be a little more left. Afterwards, I have to immediately visit the author's web site, seeking news of the next release.
There are very few winters whose work is so compelling to me. Jim Butcher is the other who comes to mind immediately.
If you haven't read the Iron Druid series, I strongly encourage you to do so. If you've read earlier volumes but not thus one, what are you waiting for?
Seriously, I need to learn that every time I get my hands in a new book from Hearne, I should just clear my calendar and explain to all and sundry that I am unavailable for the following day or so. I am wholly incapable of reading them in anything but one delicious session, rubbing sleepy eyes, skipping meals, and ignoring the phone. When I do come to the last page, I flip on, desperately hoping that there might be a little more left. Afterwards, I have to immediately visit the author's web site, seeking news of the next release.
There are very few winters whose work is so compelling to me. Jim Butcher is the other who comes to mind immediately.
If you haven't read the Iron Druid series, I strongly encourage you to do so. If you've read earlier volumes but not thus one, what are you waiting for?
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2488 KP) rated E is for Evidence (Kinsey Millhone, #5) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
A couple of days before Christmas, Kinsey is asked to investigate a fire for the insurance company she sometimes works for. Everything looks routine until she is called in to defend her findings and sees pages that were not part of her original file. Afraid she might find herself accused of insurance fraud, she starts investigating the situation. But is she the target or an innocent bystander?
I truly enjoyed this book since it starts out with a great mystery that doesn’t involved a murder. Of course, when murder does enter the picture, it only gets more compelling from there. What few supporting characters there are in the series are mostly missing thanks to the Christmas time frame, but I found it a great way to develop Kinsey more, and the new characters were fabulous, doing their job as suspects perfectly.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/11/book-review-e-is-for-evidence-by-sue.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I truly enjoyed this book since it starts out with a great mystery that doesn’t involved a murder. Of course, when murder does enter the picture, it only gets more compelling from there. What few supporting characters there are in the series are mostly missing thanks to the Christmas time frame, but I found it a great way to develop Kinsey more, and the new characters were fabulous, doing their job as suspects perfectly.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/11/book-review-e-is-for-evidence-by-sue.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
ClareR (6086 KP) rated Melmoth: A Novel in Books
Nov 2, 2018
A gothic, spellbinding novel.
A dark, gothic story, of a woman living an austere life in Prague, set in winter - which makes it all the more foreboding!
Melmoth is omnipresent throughout the novel. Helen, the main character, seems to have something in her past that she is punishing herself for. She makes sure that she has no enjoyment in her life: from food to clothes, to friendships. She does have some friends, though: Thea and Karel.
Karel finds some documents about Melmoth the Wanderer, and so an obsession begins.
For a dark, depressing novel, there is a lot of hope in it too. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It got to the stage where I was sure I could see a dark shadow in my peripheral vision - could it be Melmoth looking for company in her lonely wanderings?
This is a compelling read - once started, I really didn't want to stop. I enjoyed the historical detail in Karel's documents too.
Another great story from Sarah Perry.
Melmoth is omnipresent throughout the novel. Helen, the main character, seems to have something in her past that she is punishing herself for. She makes sure that she has no enjoyment in her life: from food to clothes, to friendships. She does have some friends, though: Thea and Karel.
Karel finds some documents about Melmoth the Wanderer, and so an obsession begins.
For a dark, depressing novel, there is a lot of hope in it too. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It got to the stage where I was sure I could see a dark shadow in my peripheral vision - could it be Melmoth looking for company in her lonely wanderings?
This is a compelling read - once started, I really didn't want to stop. I enjoyed the historical detail in Karel's documents too.
Another great story from Sarah Perry.
Elli H Burton (1288 KP) rated The Button Box in Books
Jun 17, 2019
Gripping story (2 more)
Twists and turns, unpredictable
Easy read
Couldn't put it down
Just closed the covers and really hope someone will read my review and read this. If historical Romances are your thing I think this one will be one for you!
It's such an easy book to get into. I read about 100 pages in one go and finished it quicker than most books I read.
I just found the story compelling, gripping and inspiring. It's not your typical romance, as the romance side is more on the back burner (I'd still put it in the Historical Romance category) and it's more about independence, hard work, determination, women's struggles in that era, friendship and family values. It's not often I find a book I don't see one fault with so I'd definitely recommend it to anyone. It's not a 10 as I save my ten for my utmost favourites, although this is blummin' close.
It's such an easy book to get into. I read about 100 pages in one go and finished it quicker than most books I read.
I just found the story compelling, gripping and inspiring. It's not your typical romance, as the romance side is more on the back burner (I'd still put it in the Historical Romance category) and it's more about independence, hard work, determination, women's struggles in that era, friendship and family values. It's not often I find a book I don't see one fault with so I'd definitely recommend it to anyone. It's not a 10 as I save my ten for my utmost favourites, although this is blummin' close.