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Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Ruby in Books
Apr 3, 2019
Ruby Bell lives in the town of Liberty in East Texas. She was one of the most beautiful women in the town. Liberty is the town she grew up in and ran away from in search of her mother in New York City. When news of the death of her best friend reaches her, she decides to return to Liberty, but the things that await her there are very dark and menacing.
Ephram Jennings lost both his mother and father at a young age and was raised by his sister Celia. Celia takes great care of Ephram and together they attend church every Sunday and are a pillar in the community.
Ephram has known Ruby Bell since they were small children, although his interaction with her has been very limited. When she returns to Liberty Ephram would like to change that. But Ruby Bell is no longer the same woman who returned to Liberty. Frequently she can be found huggin the chinaberry tree on the edge of the woods near her home(Bell Land), she is often naked, or barely dressed and once even urinated in the middle of the street. Everyone in Liberty knows that Ruby Bell is a harlot and a Jezebel. Ephram refuses to believe that this is true and makes it his mission to prove this to the entire town.
Religion plays a big part in this book which really spoke to me. We as Christians are taught to love one another and treat each other the way Jesus treated the world, with kindness and compassion. It always gets to me how tolerance and love become an issue when trying to help those who are different. Ruby is plagued by demons in this book and the town shuns and rapes her for this. They call her crazy and when Ephram goes to her to help her be the woman HE knows she can be, he is looked down upon by the entire town and especially by his sister Celia. Ephram wants to understand the demons in Ruby and he never judges her for her "crazy" ways, but tries to comprehend what she is going through.
This story really touched my heart. We all need to do what we can for each other especially in the African American community. We tend to shun away from each other instead of embracing one another. I loved the way that Ephram went to Ruby despite what the rest of the town thought. How he stood by her side no matter what. This book could teach us all a lesson.
Ephram Jennings lost both his mother and father at a young age and was raised by his sister Celia. Celia takes great care of Ephram and together they attend church every Sunday and are a pillar in the community.
Ephram has known Ruby Bell since they were small children, although his interaction with her has been very limited. When she returns to Liberty Ephram would like to change that. But Ruby Bell is no longer the same woman who returned to Liberty. Frequently she can be found huggin the chinaberry tree on the edge of the woods near her home(Bell Land), she is often naked, or barely dressed and once even urinated in the middle of the street. Everyone in Liberty knows that Ruby Bell is a harlot and a Jezebel. Ephram refuses to believe that this is true and makes it his mission to prove this to the entire town.
Religion plays a big part in this book which really spoke to me. We as Christians are taught to love one another and treat each other the way Jesus treated the world, with kindness and compassion. It always gets to me how tolerance and love become an issue when trying to help those who are different. Ruby is plagued by demons in this book and the town shuns and rapes her for this. They call her crazy and when Ephram goes to her to help her be the woman HE knows she can be, he is looked down upon by the entire town and especially by his sister Celia. Ephram wants to understand the demons in Ruby and he never judges her for her "crazy" ways, but tries to comprehend what she is going through.
This story really touched my heart. We all need to do what we can for each other especially in the African American community. We tend to shun away from each other instead of embracing one another. I loved the way that Ephram went to Ruby despite what the rest of the town thought. How he stood by her side no matter what. This book could teach us all a lesson.
Debbiereadsbook (1413 KP) rated Zed (Rough Ink, #1) in Books
Jul 3, 2019
really rather good!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
When Xavier comes into his tattoo shop, demanding Zed stamp his father on his ass, Zed knew this was NOT going to be a good day. When said teenager then throws up all over him, Zed loses his temper and calls the last nmber in the teenager's phone to come get him. When Octavia turns up for Xavier, Zed knows his life will never be the same again. But Zed has demons, ones he cannot ever forgive himself for. Why should he be happy, after what he has done?
I liked this, I liked the A LOT! Not quite enough to stretch to 5 stars, but still, a rather excellent read.
It's not immediately clear what Zed did, to hate himself so much, and when all is revealed, you see WHY does. It also takes time for the FULL story to come out. Makes you understand why he does what he does when he comes face to face with his brother after all this time.
Octavia is feisty, I liked her! She knows what she wants, even if she isn't getting it yet. She knows Zed has demons, and the lawyer in her grills him, but he's not giving up. She uses her own resources to find that out. Not really fair to Zed though, I thought!
The chemistry between them burns hot from the very beginning but it takes time for them to get to the main event. The fact that Zed ruins it, is besides the point! He knows Octavia is for him, but he can't be happy, not at all, it's not fair that he be happy.
Xavier, the spoilt, entitled teenager? He's the one who brings them together. His letter to Zed towrds the end made me cry! And then I find out what Octavia's letter says! More tears, for a one liner!
Book one in the series, and the first of Ellis' books I've read. More, I really need more! I'm assuming the guys and gals who work in the ink shop will get a story, since it's billed as the Rough Ink series. I hope that's so, cos some interesting characters here! Maybe, just maybe, even Xavier will get his happy ever after, cos Lord knows the boy really does need it!
A thoroughly enjoyable way to spend the afternoon.
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
When Xavier comes into his tattoo shop, demanding Zed stamp his father on his ass, Zed knew this was NOT going to be a good day. When said teenager then throws up all over him, Zed loses his temper and calls the last nmber in the teenager's phone to come get him. When Octavia turns up for Xavier, Zed knows his life will never be the same again. But Zed has demons, ones he cannot ever forgive himself for. Why should he be happy, after what he has done?
I liked this, I liked the A LOT! Not quite enough to stretch to 5 stars, but still, a rather excellent read.
It's not immediately clear what Zed did, to hate himself so much, and when all is revealed, you see WHY does. It also takes time for the FULL story to come out. Makes you understand why he does what he does when he comes face to face with his brother after all this time.
Octavia is feisty, I liked her! She knows what she wants, even if she isn't getting it yet. She knows Zed has demons, and the lawyer in her grills him, but he's not giving up. She uses her own resources to find that out. Not really fair to Zed though, I thought!
The chemistry between them burns hot from the very beginning but it takes time for them to get to the main event. The fact that Zed ruins it, is besides the point! He knows Octavia is for him, but he can't be happy, not at all, it's not fair that he be happy.
Xavier, the spoilt, entitled teenager? He's the one who brings them together. His letter to Zed towrds the end made me cry! And then I find out what Octavia's letter says! More tears, for a one liner!
Book one in the series, and the first of Ellis' books I've read. More, I really need more! I'm assuming the guys and gals who work in the ink shop will get a story, since it's billed as the Rough Ink series. I hope that's so, cos some interesting characters here! Maybe, just maybe, even Xavier will get his happy ever after, cos Lord knows the boy really does need it!
A thoroughly enjoyable way to spend the afternoon.
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Darkness Watching (Darkworld, #1) in Books
Jan 23, 2020
THIS IS AN ADVANCE REVIEW. Date to be posted on <a title="Darkness Watching by Emma L. Adams" href="http://bookwyrming-thoughts.blogspot.com/2013/12/review-darkness-watching-by-emma-l-adams.html">Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>: October 10, 2014
Note: Formatting and pictures are lost due to copy and paste.
<i><b>Disclaimer:</b> Review copy provided by Curiosity Quills Press via Netgalley for review Thanks!</i>
Okay, wow. I'm so behind with writing reviews, I kind of slacked off a little... along with other factors (the not so controllable factors).
On the bright side, I actually did catch up with my reading schedule during Thanksgiving Break. Like I said, best thing ever invented. The inventor deserves a hug.
Back to talking about Darkness Watching. It's a very interesting and unique concept with demons and sorcerers/magic-users (it could be witches. Most common name used throughout the book are those two, so feel free to correct me) in a school setting well, particularly a college setting. It's making me a bit curious about how the British school system works. Well, I'm a tad bit confused on that... the dictionary wasn't and isn't entirely friendly. I might understand the book better then.
*brushes off and doesn't even count since it's a random, erudite-ish thought of mine...*
Speaking of the book's setting, it seems that most of the time, the characters are in a club. And getting drunk. Not that the main character, Ashlyn (aka Ash), is.... but speaking of Ash, she seems to be the type that easily succumbs to peer pressure. She is still, however, a strong heroine.
Random thought, but Leo apparently reminds me of Rick Riordan's Leo Valdez from The Heroes of Olympus series. Their humor and personality and their namesake! (now I just need to find out if this particular Leo is Spanish...) are almost the same, they could probably pass as twins.
Imagine that. A demigod and a sorcerer.... O_o It's not a bad thing; I kind of enjoy Leo as a character (from both series now). :3
In terms of grammar, it's virtually spotless, aside from a few tiny mistakes here and there. Nothing distracting though (I'm assuming it's not an ARC since it was on Netgalley after the publication date...). :)
In the overall view though, I enjoyed reading Darkness Watching; it's a fresh take with the combinations of demons and sorcerers/magic-users!
<blockquote>Not everyone runs screaming out of their interview.</blockquote>
Note: Formatting and pictures are lost due to copy and paste.
<i><b>Disclaimer:</b> Review copy provided by Curiosity Quills Press via Netgalley for review Thanks!</i>
Okay, wow. I'm so behind with writing reviews, I kind of slacked off a little... along with other factors (the not so controllable factors).
On the bright side, I actually did catch up with my reading schedule during Thanksgiving Break. Like I said, best thing ever invented. The inventor deserves a hug.
Back to talking about Darkness Watching. It's a very interesting and unique concept with demons and sorcerers/magic-users (it could be witches. Most common name used throughout the book are those two, so feel free to correct me) in a school setting well, particularly a college setting. It's making me a bit curious about how the British school system works. Well, I'm a tad bit confused on that... the dictionary wasn't and isn't entirely friendly. I might understand the book better then.
*brushes off and doesn't even count since it's a random, erudite-ish thought of mine...*
Speaking of the book's setting, it seems that most of the time, the characters are in a club. And getting drunk. Not that the main character, Ashlyn (aka Ash), is.... but speaking of Ash, she seems to be the type that easily succumbs to peer pressure. She is still, however, a strong heroine.
Random thought, but Leo apparently reminds me of Rick Riordan's Leo Valdez from The Heroes of Olympus series. Their humor and personality and their namesake! (now I just need to find out if this particular Leo is Spanish...) are almost the same, they could probably pass as twins.
Imagine that. A demigod and a sorcerer.... O_o It's not a bad thing; I kind of enjoy Leo as a character (from both series now). :3
In terms of grammar, it's virtually spotless, aside from a few tiny mistakes here and there. Nothing distracting though (I'm assuming it's not an ARC since it was on Netgalley after the publication date...). :)
In the overall view though, I enjoyed reading Darkness Watching; it's a fresh take with the combinations of demons and sorcerers/magic-users!
<blockquote>Not everyone runs screaming out of their interview.</blockquote>
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Fjord Blue in Books
Dec 12, 2017
I received an eARC via NetGalley and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own.
I've never read anything written by this author so I picked this book based on the description. I'm happy that I was able to read it as I found it to be a beautifully written story.
Benjamin is sent to Norway to work on his grandparents farm after some reckless behavior gets him into trouble. He's a young man dealing with his sexuality as no one knows that he is gay. Once he gets settled in and begins working side by side with Even who is employed by Benjamin's grandfather he starts falling into a routine while secretly fantasizing about this gorgeous eye candy. Unbeknownst to Benjamin, Even has his own secrets and demons. The characters are strong and believable. The use of Spanish and Norwegian words in this story line were excellent and it was a well-rounded read.
I found myself laughing and at times crying but most of all I loved the emphasizes on family and even though they aren't always perfect or always accepting, they are truly an important part of our lives. My only gripe is that the cover should be more appealing.
I've never read anything written by this author so I picked this book based on the description. I'm happy that I was able to read it as I found it to be a beautifully written story.
Benjamin is sent to Norway to work on his grandparents farm after some reckless behavior gets him into trouble. He's a young man dealing with his sexuality as no one knows that he is gay. Once he gets settled in and begins working side by side with Even who is employed by Benjamin's grandfather he starts falling into a routine while secretly fantasizing about this gorgeous eye candy. Unbeknownst to Benjamin, Even has his own secrets and demons. The characters are strong and believable. The use of Spanish and Norwegian words in this story line were excellent and it was a well-rounded read.
I found myself laughing and at times crying but most of all I loved the emphasizes on family and even though they aren't always perfect or always accepting, they are truly an important part of our lives. My only gripe is that the cover should be more appealing.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated Red Equinox in Books
Jan 12, 2018
[Red Equinox] by [Douglas Wynne] was about how humans can become pawns of the gods even unwittingly. Also that not all gods are good. Part adventure and part mystery this book has a lot to offer various audiences.
Becca is a photographer and urban explorer. She was raised by her slightly eccentric grandmother who studied the occult. Some of this knowledge was unwittingly passed to Becca as the book starts with her grandmother's funeral.
Brooks is a detective for an unknown government agency that investigates the weird (think X-Files). He and Becca are bound to cross paths as a madman from a cult plans to unleash destruction on Boston, the Hub.
These are the two main driving protagonists in the book. The were developed well but I found I wanted to know more about them. Deeper personalities because they both were hiding things and fighting their own demons.
The plot got a little wordy at times but the descriptions gave me that visual I enjoy in a good book. Any book that makes me "see" what is going on is a good one. I hope the next one will flow just a little better but other than that nothing should change.
Becca is a photographer and urban explorer. She was raised by her slightly eccentric grandmother who studied the occult. Some of this knowledge was unwittingly passed to Becca as the book starts with her grandmother's funeral.
Brooks is a detective for an unknown government agency that investigates the weird (think X-Files). He and Becca are bound to cross paths as a madman from a cult plans to unleash destruction on Boston, the Hub.
These are the two main driving protagonists in the book. The were developed well but I found I wanted to know more about them. Deeper personalities because they both were hiding things and fighting their own demons.
The plot got a little wordy at times but the descriptions gave me that visual I enjoy in a good book. Any book that makes me "see" what is going on is a good one. I hope the next one will flow just a little better but other than that nothing should change.
Merissa (12698 KP) rated The Witch's Dream (Knights of Black Swan #2) in Books
Aug 11, 2017
The Witch's Dream (Knights of Black Swan #2) by Victoria Danann
My word this is a dream of a book! It continues straight after My Familiar Stranger and takes you straight back into the lives of B Company. The whole book is a joy to read and I am so glad that Elora now has company in the "women with spirit" category. Litha and Song look like they are going to keep the baton going :o)
If you are expecting a vampire romance, you can forget it. They don't even really get a mention in this book, apart from ex-vampire Baka (who's story I can't wait to read!) but what you do get is demons, a look at Kay's berserker side, and magic of the practical kind.
I love the way these books are written and often find myself laughing out loud as I read. The characters continue to grow and as an added little extra you get an interview with Ram at the end of this book.
5 out of 5, 10 out of 10 - whichever way you want to look at it, these books are fantastic.
* Verified Purchase ~ February 2013
Reviewed on Goodreads ~ February 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
If you are expecting a vampire romance, you can forget it. They don't even really get a mention in this book, apart from ex-vampire Baka (who's story I can't wait to read!) but what you do get is demons, a look at Kay's berserker side, and magic of the practical kind.
I love the way these books are written and often find myself laughing out loud as I read. The characters continue to grow and as an added little extra you get an interview with Ram at the end of this book.
5 out of 5, 10 out of 10 - whichever way you want to look at it, these books are fantastic.
* Verified Purchase ~ February 2013
Reviewed on Goodreads ~ February 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated The Family Lie in Books
May 22, 2019
You whispered goodnight to your daughter. You didnt know that would be your last goodbye.
You wake up in the middle of the night.
Your five-year-old daughter is gone.
Your husband is nowhere to be seen.
Your family think he took her.
The police believe hes guilty.
But he wouldnt do that, would he?
Hes a loving father. A loving husband. Isnt he?
This book is about a mother, Anna, who will do anything to get her five year old daughter back. I really liked how the author portrayed Anna. All this mother wanted was to get her daughter back and would stop at nothing to do this. In the end she had to be brave and face her demons of the past to do this.
I also liked that there were so many twists and turns throughout the whole book. You never knew what surprise was coming next. This book had me guessing up til the end.
I thought I had it figured out but boy was I wrong, and I'm glad I was. Great book!
Recommend Reading!
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
You wake up in the middle of the night.
Your five-year-old daughter is gone.
Your husband is nowhere to be seen.
Your family think he took her.
The police believe hes guilty.
But he wouldnt do that, would he?
Hes a loving father. A loving husband. Isnt he?
This book is about a mother, Anna, who will do anything to get her five year old daughter back. I really liked how the author portrayed Anna. All this mother wanted was to get her daughter back and would stop at nothing to do this. In the end she had to be brave and face her demons of the past to do this.
I also liked that there were so many twists and turns throughout the whole book. You never knew what surprise was coming next. This book had me guessing up til the end.
I thought I had it figured out but boy was I wrong, and I'm glad I was. Great book!
Recommend Reading!
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
Karica Truebenbach (156 KP) rated The Exorcist (1973) in Movies
Sep 27, 2018
A classic for a reason
This movie has everything a horror fan could want. Demons, possession, the never-not-scary backward walking down the staircase, and of course, head spinning. This story of a girl possessed and slowly being devoured by a demon is my favorite kind of horror because it doesn't make you scared for a second. It makes you scared for years. The kind of story where you feel like it could really happen so you go home and check your closets, under the beds, and your kids' foreheads for triple sixes.
Compared to what we have now, the visual aspect of the movie is not the cleanest, but that doesn't detract from the awesome makeup and other effects. Reagan's slow descent into hell is reflected in her appearance as her teeth blacken and her skin rots with lesions. She does something in the movie that still makes my skin crawl (crucifix scene, ugh) but that's how I can tell that the movie hit its mark, if I can think on it years later and still get the creeps. This is definitely something to add to your Halloween collection if you haven't already.
Compared to what we have now, the visual aspect of the movie is not the cleanest, but that doesn't detract from the awesome makeup and other effects. Reagan's slow descent into hell is reflected in her appearance as her teeth blacken and her skin rots with lesions. She does something in the movie that still makes my skin crawl (crucifix scene, ugh) but that's how I can tell that the movie hit its mark, if I can think on it years later and still get the creeps. This is definitely something to add to your Halloween collection if you haven't already.
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