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The Last Namsara (Iskari, #1)
The Last Namsara (Iskari, #1)
Kristen Ciccarelli | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Last Namsara is Kristen Ciccarelli's debut novel and I am in love. The world building was brilliantly done and laid a strong foundation for her story to grow and develop.

Asha is a dragon hunter and a feared Iksari who is strong and dedicated to her role in the kingdom. Despite the fact that her actions as a child called the dragons who burned her city, she fights every day to redeem herself from her past mistakes and make her father, the King, proud. It was nice to see the main character learns to value herself, even though she has grown up shamed and feared by the people. She overcomes her prejudices and the damage instilled upon her over the course of the novel.

Her transformative journey begins when a slave, Torwin is introduced to her life. He treats her like a normal person, just as she learns to treat him as one. He opens her eyes to the truth of the world and thaws her damaged heart, leading her to learn so much about the people in her kingdom and a better way to live.

There was also a well-written antagonist who was so controlling and cruel that you couldn't help but hate him. It was a nice juxtaposition to Torwin's character and helped push the plot along. For me, the romance was a secondary plot point and sometimes only slowed down the pacing. It wasn't the most important element of the story.

The world building, mythology and the dragons are what shone for me. I cannot wait to see more of this world. I listened to this via audiobook and the narrator, Pearl Mackie did a fantastic job. I loved the authenticity she brought to Asha's character and would highly recommend this audiobook.
  
The Watcher
The Watcher
Ross Armstrong | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
My author Q&A is now live on my blog! Go check it out: http://bookbum.weebly.com/author-qas/qa-with-ross-armstrong-author-of-the-watcher

<i><b>...some lies, even errors and guesses, do turn out to be true.</i></b>

Stay clear of <b>most</b> the reviews on this book so far because I accidentally skimmed over them and got some stuff ruined! Ugh! I <i>promise</i> I won’t spoil anything in my review!

I really like Armstrong’s style of writing, this is <i>a fantastic debut.</i> It’s fast paced, witty and thrilling!

The plot was so intriguing and entertaining, which is why I don’t get why people found this so average on Goodreads! Yeah, maybe the plot has been done before, but that made this no less interesting or fun to read. There were certain aspects of the story that were easily predictable, but reading them unfold made up for the fact you could guess them beforehand.

Lily was a great character! She was really sweet but also incredibly funny! I found myself chuckling at the situations she got herself into and the little anecdotes she’d often share. It was really nice to have this down-to-earth character, who was pretty barmy, troubled and weird, but also happy and friendly to the reader and fictitious neighbours.

This was a really fun book to get carried away with, totally unputdownable! I’m certainly going to keep my eyes peeled for more of Armstrong’s writing in the future.

Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin UK for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

<i>p.s. I have an interview with Armstrong coming out on the 29th (the same day this is published), so please check that out on my blog! I'll link it when it's up :-)
  
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Alice (12 KP) rated Holding in Books

Jul 3, 2018  
Holding
Holding
Graham Norton | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
Well well well. What a pleasant surprise. Holding is a wonderfully written debut novel by Graham Norton, yes that Graham Norton, and his trademark sense of humour and wit was found throughout the novel.

Holding is set in Duneen in Ireland and focuses on three main characters – Sergeant PJ Collins, Evelyn Ross and Brid Riordan – and the way the mystery affects them as people.

The mystery itself – a buried skeleton found at a building site – was surprisingly on the back burner when you consider this was a mystery novel, however, it was well written and kept me interested in the story.

For me what made the story was the characters. PJ Collins is a Garda and is basically an overweight, middle aged, lonely shoddy copper.

Evelyn Ross is a middle aged woman who fell in love with the wrong man.

Brid Riordan is a middle aged woman who also fell in love with the wrong man – the same man – and is stuck in a loveless marriage drinking her sorrows away.

The book was more about how the finding of those bones affect PJ, Evelyn, Brid and even Mrs Meany and it was written in such a way that you felt for the characters – I personally felt more for Mrs Meany than I did the other characters but the next one would be Brid.

The dynamic between the three main characters was brilliant and the consistency towards the end was good. I think the only thing that put me off was the lack of distinguishing factors between point of view for example, one paragraph would be PJ and the next would be Brid and there would be no line break but other than that it was a very good book!

Definitely recommended.
  
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Becs (244 KP) rated Warrior Protect in Books

Sep 24, 2018  
Warrior Protect
Warrior Protect
Brie Farmer | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
9
9.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Cade. (5 more)
Aurora.
Karas.
The story as a whole.
The cover.
The plot
There were a few grammatical and editing errors. (0 more)
A fun and thrilling read that will leave you wanting more.
I received a read and review copy of Warrior Protect by Brie Farmer from the author herself for my full honest opinion.

This is the second novel I have read by Brie Farmer and when I say you need to check her out, I mean you need to drop everything and check her out now. She is a great writer and I absolutely loved her debut novel. Now, I can add another great book to my loved list. So let's talk about everything I loved.

Warrior Protect was a thrilling and very engaging read that had me going through all of my emotions. Guys, I cried... I actually cried and I haven't cried over a book in a very long time. I'm not emotional, you are! That's how you know a book is good. If you cry, if you get angry, if you get overwhelmed with emotions, the books is good and worth a million rereads. I'm not kidding. Everybody needs to read this.

I loved how relatable the female MC was and man, the male MC sounds very attractive. Who needs a husband when you can have all the book boyfriends. ;) The love that was felt, the anger that caused blood to spill, the happiness that resulted in friendship. It was all amazing to read and Brie Farmer did a wonderful job portraying it in a way that brought the reader into the story. There were a few grammatical and editing errors, but this was still a four-star read!
  
Caution - Single by Celeste Arrazolo
Caution - Single by Celeste Arrazolo
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Celeste Arrazolo is a singer-songwriter from Houston, Texas. Not too long ago, she released a lyric video for her debut single, entitled, “Caution”.

“I’m not going. I’m not leaving this bar or this place. I came here for answers. Made so many mistakes. I’ve been down, I’ve been low, I’ve been high every chance that I get. It’s been such a lonely road ain’t got no relief yet.” – lyrics

‘Caution’ tells a bittersweet tale of a girl with sad eyes who doesn’t want to leave a bar because she’s searching for answers to her problems.

The bartender is sympathetic to her cause and offers her one last drink before the bar closes.

Lost in the moment, the girl reveals that religion has deserted her, and God has forgotten her name.

Later, she admits that no smart person should want any part of her because she’s a mess. Also, she’ll bring them down and hurt them with lies to survive. Therefore, they should proceed with caution when dealing with her.

‘Caution’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and melodic instrumentation flavored with emo-soul and R&B elements.

“‘Caution’ is a climax in an internal struggle. It’s about losing your way. I want listeners to be able to meet me in that moment.” – Celeste Arrazolo

Celeste Arrazolo flew to Los Angeles as soon as she had her diploma in hand. Shortly afterward, she encountered hard times, and her life spiraled out of control.

She turned to music for solace and eventually discovered a path to redemption and freedom. Through endless hours of studying powerhouse singers and songwriters, Arrazolo learned to translate her experience into her music.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/celeste-arrazolo-caution/
  
Blood in the Water - Single by Empara Mi
Blood in the Water - Single by Empara Mi
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Empara Mi is a London-based singer-songwriter from Guernsey. Not too long ago, she released a music video for her “Blood in the Water” single.

“I feel like everyone acts out the end of a relationship in their heads before it happens. Maybe as a coping mechanism; to prepare ourselves for the worst and to see how we will take it. This video was meant to capture that mental snapshot, the beginning of the end and all the fighting and anxieties that come with it.” – Empara Mi

The music video tells an interesting tale of a pre-breakup mental state which symbolizes phases of love, argument, and fighting amid vibrant allegory.

Apparently, the woman who shares this dying relationship with her significant other senses that they might be too far gone to resuscitate the love that they once had for each other.

Later, she admits that because they were lying in a bed filled with roses and thorns, that’s why they are torn apart now.

‘Blood in the Water’ contains a dramatic storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with a commercial pop aroma. Also, it’s the follow-up single to “Crying”, which is an intoxicating introduction to the vision of Empara Mi.

“The video is the journey of the breakup. It begins in a dreamlike state where everything feels safe, but suddenly you can’t control the involuntary warnings flooding your brain. Slowly the walls begin to crack and the other person’s colors start to show.” – Empara Mi

Empara Mi emerged in 2016 with her critically acclaimed debut single, entitled, “Wanderlust”. Since then, her music has amassed almost 3M streams online via Spotify.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/empara-mi-blood-in-the-water/
  
It&#039;s Different Now by Dax
It's Different Now by Dax
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Dax is a 24-year-old Los Angeles-based hip-hop artist from Ottawa, Canada. Not too long ago, he released a music video for his “Did It First” single.

“Where I’m from they never did it, I did it first. Rap game wasn’t sh*t, I gave it birth. I told them ni^^as I would make ‘cause I wasn’t stopping. They was laughing now I’m laughing ‘cause I know they watching.” – lyrics

‘Did It First’ tells an introspective tale which is told from Dax’s point of view.

Apparently, he used to tell an unbeliever (a fake local rapper) and other haters that he would fulfill his rap dreams. But they laughed at him because they couldn’t visualize his vision, which expanded way beyond Kansas.

Now Dax is a successful rap artist, and the same people who didn’t believe in his dreams are saying that he got lucky, a guppy who hit the lottery.

Also, Dax admitted that he is a prophet because he told his haters that he would make it big in the rap game and he did.

“When I left home, I left with the mindset that I’m not coming back until I bring something back. You know sometimes you gotta give the people something to believe in. Go get it. I didn’t expect nobody to believe in my dream because it wasn’t theirs in the first place. That’s what I did.” – Dax

‘Did It First’ is featured on Dax’s debut EP, entitled, “It’s Different Now”.

The likable tune contains a relatable storyline and spirited rap vocals. Also, the song possesses lush instrumentation flavored with hip-hop and trap elements.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/dax-did-it-first/
  
Good Things - Single by Kelaa
Good Things - Single by Kelaa
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Kelaa is an up-and-coming singer-songwriter and producer from Sweden. Not too long ago, she released a lovely debut single, entitled, “Good Things”.

“Good things come to those who don’t wait around. I can’t let you slow me down. F**k you and your lies. Chase me when I rise. Get blinded by my light. Good things come to those who don’t wait around.” – lyrics

‘Good Things’ is the first single from Kelaa’s upcoming EP.

The likable tune contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and vibey instrumentation flavored with an electro-pop aroma.

“‘Good Things’ is about not waiting for chances to come but instead create the conditions you desire around yourself, no matter what the obstacles are. ‘Cause, in the end, good things come to those who have the courage to follow their intuition.” – Kelaa

Kelaa grew up in a musical family with traditional folk music from the Kurdish regions of eastern Turkey.

Her musical journey with the project KELAA began after she participated in the program, Who can become a producer?

The message she wants to give is that everything is going to be alright even at times when you are standing at the edge.

The name Kelaa means fortress and is the name of a holy mountain in Kurdish regions Turkey.

The name was chosen by the artist to honor her roots, as an attempt to at least spiritually, preserve a piece of her background as the thought of losing her identity became a daunting experience at times when physical borders hindered her from connecting with her roots.

Creating songs under this name reflects the blended identity, which has formed her growing up in Sweden.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/kelaa-good-things/
  
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Hazel (1853 KP) rated Captive in Books

Dec 14, 2018  
C
Captive
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
<i>This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review</i>

<i>Captive</i> is the debut young adult thriller by British author A. J. Grainger. Set in contemporary Britain, sixteen-year-old Robyn, the daughter of the Prime Minister, is kidnapped and held hostage by three animal rights activists. Until the government agrees to release the person accused of the attempted assassination of the PM four month previously, they refuse to free Robyn from captivity. It soon becomes clear that a lot of lies and cover-ups have been occurring and it is difficult to know whom to trust.

The novel gets off to a great start with a lot of action as Robyn and her family is ambushed on their way to visit grandparents. The first half of the book is really exciting as the reader slowly gets to grips with what is going on.

Grainger writes really well with great use of descriptive words and phrases. To keep the reader engaged and to lengthen the story she includes other interesting details that are educational in a way – for example, knowledge about birds.

Unfortunately the second half of the book is not as exciting as the first. A relationship starts developing between Robyn and one of the captors, which is rather unoriginal and predictable.

One thing that I particularly liked about this novel was Robyn’s character. Naturally people may expect daughters of prime ministers to be snobbish and spoilt but Robyn was the complete opposite. She did not care about where her clothes came from or whether or not she went to parties. Robyn was the representation of the average teenage girl preparing for her GCSEs.

Despite the clichéd captor/hostage situation <i>Captive</i> is a very enjoyable novel with a few exhilarating twists in the plot.
  
The Wolves of Savin Hill (2014)
The Wolves of Savin Hill (2014)
2014 | Drama
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Movie Rating
The indie movie, The Wolves of Savin Hill is a very fine directorial debut for John Beaton Hill. He also wrote this story where sentimentalities and brutality clash between two best friends who have lost touch over the years. In their youth, they made a promise youth that now haunts them as they are adults. In what results is a trial of what’s left of their friendship. In how this film treats the subject matter is like that of silent lucidity.

 

In what they have become, Tom (David Cooley) stayed in Boston only to grow up to be an alcoholic troublemaker and Sean (Brian Scannell) relocated to Los Angeles with Tom’s sister Emily to eventually work the beat as a cop with an axe to grind. Anyone who tries to mess with him often got the end of the stick. But when Emily is found dead and news reaches home, Tom goes to LA to confront Sean. The web of deceit he finds himself in is more than he can handle.

 

Cooley and Scannel deliver strong performances. The plot only gets stranger at every succeeding moment, and the draw this film creates gets viewers invested into wanting to understand the psyche of each of these leading men. Hill crafted a nicely enticing film that wraps two time periods together to reveal the darkest nature of what friends are willing to do for each other. The flashbacks are far more interesting than the now.

 

To reveal anymore information will only spoil the causality of how these two have to contend with each other. When this film hits more festivals, viewers can discover for themselves in what human nature means according to this filmmaker. The hills have eyes and what he sees may not be necessarily good.