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Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Storyteller of Auschwitz in Books
Jul 16, 2023
Oh my word, I am an emotional wreck after reading this book!
Let's be honest, books about the Holocaust are always difficult to read and although this is a work of fiction, the story is inspired by a mix of real authors from that time and real events that actually happened which are taken from the witness statements from the people who were there and survived that horrendous period. It has been said before many times but we can never let something like this happen again ... we just can't!
I fell in love with all the main characters in this book but admit to Solly and Danielle being my favourites apart from Etty of course and became totally immersed in their stories and I am not ashamed to say that I cried on more than one occasion and had to actually put the book down and stop reading as I couldn't read the words for the tears in my eyes but there were also parts that made me smile.
The Storyteller of Auschwitz is a powerful story of hope and friendship, bravery and survival and how powerful stories can be.
Many, many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this fantastic book that is a must-read.
Let's be honest, books about the Holocaust are always difficult to read and although this is a work of fiction, the story is inspired by a mix of real authors from that time and real events that actually happened which are taken from the witness statements from the people who were there and survived that horrendous period. It has been said before many times but we can never let something like this happen again ... we just can't!
I fell in love with all the main characters in this book but admit to Solly and Danielle being my favourites apart from Etty of course and became totally immersed in their stories and I am not ashamed to say that I cried on more than one occasion and had to actually put the book down and stop reading as I couldn't read the words for the tears in my eyes but there were also parts that made me smile.
The Storyteller of Auschwitz is a powerful story of hope and friendship, bravery and survival and how powerful stories can be.
Many, many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this fantastic book that is a must-read.
Merissa (13398 KP) rated She's the One Who Gets in Fights (War Stories of the Seven Troublesome Sisters #3) in Books
Jun 7, 2021 (Updated Jul 18, 2023)
SHE'S THE ONE WHO GETS IN FIGHTS is the third book in the War Stories of the Seven Troublesome Sisters series and this time, it's Sulphur's story.
Sulphur is the one who wanted to join the Svadlu and, thanks to Coral, made it. On her own merits, she rose in the ranks and became one of the Mozdol. This put her in the uncomfortable position of various groups asking her to give them information on the other groups she was associated with. What follows is an intricate and intriguing story as Sulphur finds her own path.
I love seeing how the different sisters see and act in various situations. Seeing the same thing through different eyes gives the reader a more-rounded view of the situation and Ms. Cronin does this perfectly.
The pacing of the story was just right, the world-building was as good as ever, and the character development was spot-on. A fantastic addition to the series that I absolutely recommend. I can't wait to see who comes next!
* 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!
Jun 7, 2021
Sulphur is the one who wanted to join the Svadlu and, thanks to Coral, made it. On her own merits, she rose in the ranks and became one of the Mozdol. This put her in the uncomfortable position of various groups asking her to give them information on the other groups she was associated with. What follows is an intricate and intriguing story as Sulphur finds her own path.
I love seeing how the different sisters see and act in various situations. Seeing the same thing through different eyes gives the reader a more-rounded view of the situation and Ms. Cronin does this perfectly.
The pacing of the story was just right, the world-building was as good as ever, and the character development was spot-on. A fantastic addition to the series that I absolutely recommend. I can't wait to see who comes next!
* 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!
Jun 7, 2021
Merissa (13398 KP) rated He Sees You When You're Sleeping in Books
Dec 10, 2020 (Updated Aug 8, 2023)
HE SEES YOU WHEN YOU'RE SLEEPING is a short, standalone, seasonal novel that is DARK! Kris is not all jolly and ho, ho, ho, but more menacing and deadly. He helps Jack as a child and sees him as time moves on. Jack grows up and still tries to do the right thing, although for him, life is also dangerous. Kris 'tries' to do the right thing, but will he learn his lesson in time?
What a brilliant short-story! I loved the lights and the Ghost of Christmas Future. Although short, this is powerful and reflects upon how life can be if circumstances are against you. It has the feel of a psychological thriller to it, and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep your attention.
This was a fantastic seasonal read, so different from the warm and fuzzy stories you normally get. I thought the ending was unexpected and perfect, and so I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this amazing story.
* 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!
Dec 10, 2020
What a brilliant short-story! I loved the lights and the Ghost of Christmas Future. Although short, this is powerful and reflects upon how life can be if circumstances are against you. It has the feel of a psychological thriller to it, and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep your attention.
This was a fantastic seasonal read, so different from the warm and fuzzy stories you normally get. I thought the ending was unexpected and perfect, and so I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this amazing story.
* 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!
Dec 10, 2020
Merissa (13398 KP) rated Prophecy (Demon Guard #1) in Books
Nov 24, 2020 (Updated Aug 14, 2023)
Cheree Alsop has long been a favourite author of mine and I was delighted to find out she had started another series, Demon Guard. PROPHECY is the first book and we are introduced to a twenty-two-year-old man, Raith, who is older than he should be due to his experiences. He nearly loses his life trying to rescue someone who didn't need rescuing. His life is saved and new abilities are awakened.
This was a brilliant way to start a new series. Both Raith and Nox are instantly relatable and you understand why they both have rescuer complexes. The supporting characters are a fantastic addition but, for me, it is the relationship between Raith and Nox where the book shines.
It isn't often I give book one in a series 5-stars but there is just no other option for this book. With action, sorrow, hope, and NOX!!!! how could I not? This is a world to sink into and I really can't wait to read more. 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!
Nov 24, 2020
This was a brilliant way to start a new series. Both Raith and Nox are instantly relatable and you understand why they both have rescuer complexes. The supporting characters are a fantastic addition but, for me, it is the relationship between Raith and Nox where the book shines.
It isn't often I give book one in a series 5-stars but there is just no other option for this book. With action, sorrow, hope, and NOX!!!! how could I not? This is a world to sink into and I really can't wait to read more. 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!
Nov 24, 2020
Kevin Phillipson (10072 KP) rated Girls Nite Out (1983) in Movies
May 18, 2022
Watched last night first time never heard of the movie until few months back when it was announced coming out on blu ray in the UK so I thought let's see if its any good. This movie was made during the 80s fad for slasher movies trying to make there own version of Halloween or Friday the 13th its not perfect by any means you've got usual type of characters who are mainly there to die at the hands of the killer one of them was in the second Friday the 13th movie. And there's the costume the killer wears the collage mascot with claws not very frightening when u see it overall decent horror movie but not perfect. I give the film a 7 but overall I give the blu ray version a nine among things arrow films have done fantastic job of restoring the movie there are some scenes in the film that couldn't be restored but overall good job and then there's the extras firstctheres a Commentary by two film critics and then there's the best part is the interviews with the ladies who play the the would be victims or final girls as they share there memories of the film overall good package highly recommend 👍
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Nope (2022) in Movies
Oct 12, 2022
Jordan Peele has consistently delivered fresh, uncomfortable, and exciting material during his short time branching out into horror, and Nope may very well be his best work so far.
Everything from start to finish just works wonderfully. The narrative unravels at a perfect pace, giving us mystery, terror, and a hugely memorable finale. The general tone is one of unease and tension, and Nope plays it's cards close to it's chest fot the most part, keeping the audience in the unknown, even when they think they have it figured out.
There a plenty of chilling moments on display. There's one particular extended scene around the mid point (no spoilers here, but the one that happens at night time) that is pure sci-fi horror perfection.
It's all executed in a visually striking manner as well, from the inspired cinematography, to the stunning California valley vistas, to it's pleasing colour pallet.
Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer are both fantastic, as they tend to be, and both bounce off eachother in a wonderfully natural way. The two of them elevate Nope to even higher levels.
Nope is just further proof of how important Peele is in the future of the genre, and I once again find myself excited for what he does next.
Everything from start to finish just works wonderfully. The narrative unravels at a perfect pace, giving us mystery, terror, and a hugely memorable finale. The general tone is one of unease and tension, and Nope plays it's cards close to it's chest fot the most part, keeping the audience in the unknown, even when they think they have it figured out.
There a plenty of chilling moments on display. There's one particular extended scene around the mid point (no spoilers here, but the one that happens at night time) that is pure sci-fi horror perfection.
It's all executed in a visually striking manner as well, from the inspired cinematography, to the stunning California valley vistas, to it's pleasing colour pallet.
Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer are both fantastic, as they tend to be, and both bounce off eachother in a wonderfully natural way. The two of them elevate Nope to even higher levels.
Nope is just further proof of how important Peele is in the future of the genre, and I once again find myself excited for what he does next.
Merissa (13398 KP) rated The Huntress (Tales of Pern Coen: Bloodlines #2) in Books
Mar 14, 2023
THE HUNTRESS is the second book in the Tales of Pern Coen (Bloodlines) series and continues on from The Hunter.
A blast from Conor's past makes herself known but the war has changed both of them. Rhian is just coming into her own strength so will she fight for Conor if needed?
I thoroughly enjoyed book one and commented on the mix of Celtic names and fantasy places. This one is even better, with more details given about the Spirits of the land and what they represent.
This series definitely gives me a Roman Empire vs. the Druids of Mona feeling, with a better outcome for the druids, hopefully!
The ending was absolutely wonderful. The only thing I wanted was a bit more into the ending of a certain sorceress. It just felt as though it was over a bit too quickly, as in, blink and you miss it. Not enough for me to knock a star off though.
A fantastic partner to The Hunter and HIGHLY recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
A blast from Conor's past makes herself known but the war has changed both of them. Rhian is just coming into her own strength so will she fight for Conor if needed?
I thoroughly enjoyed book one and commented on the mix of Celtic names and fantasy places. This one is even better, with more details given about the Spirits of the land and what they represent.
This series definitely gives me a Roman Empire vs. the Druids of Mona feeling, with a better outcome for the druids, hopefully!
The ending was absolutely wonderful. The only thing I wanted was a bit more into the ending of a certain sorceress. It just felt as though it was over a bit too quickly, as in, blink and you miss it. Not enough for me to knock a star off though.
A fantastic partner to The Hunter and HIGHLY recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Merissa (13398 KP) rated Vampire Hunter (Knights of Black Swan #8) in Books
May 17, 2023
This story is mainly told from Ram's point of view, so I hope you can read 'Irish' because that is how the majority is written. You do get extra povs from Liam, Lan, Storm and Kay which was an additional bonus to the story. In my opinion, you do need to have read My Familiar Stranger for you to make the most of this story. I am glad to see that my favourite scene is still in there - toothpick, anyone?
Well-written, and packed full of emotions, events, humour and sadness, this is a fantastic addition to the Black Swan series. This story gives you an extra insight into Ram, who he is and why he acts and says the things he does. I go against the grain in that Ram isn't my favourite Knight - I know, so shoot me! - but this story does make him more likeable to me. I am really glad that I read this book, as I have thoroughly loved the whole series so far, and this just nicely rounds out the book that started it all for me. Definitely recommended.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 18, 2016
Well-written, and packed full of emotions, events, humour and sadness, this is a fantastic addition to the Black Swan series. This story gives you an extra insight into Ram, who he is and why he acts and says the things he does. I go against the grain in that Ram isn't my favourite Knight - I know, so shoot me! - but this story does make him more likeable to me. I am really glad that I read this book, as I have thoroughly loved the whole series so far, and this just nicely rounds out the book that started it all for me. Definitely recommended.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 18, 2016
Merissa (13398 KP) rated Divergent in Books
May 29, 2023
I will admit to being late to this party - not only are all three books out (and have been for a while) but the films are also out too. Not only that, but I have seen the first film, so I was unsure of what I would be reading. Would the book have more information than the book? Would it be vastly different? Would I enjoy it as much?
First off, this is a fantastic debut book! Full of action, suspense, loyalty, terror, and love, it had everything I could have wanted. Well written, with a smooth pace and excellent build-up, this flowed from page to page, keeping me gripped and wanting to know more. The characters are charismatic and you either love or hate them. The Factions seem real, both the good sides and the bad.
For anyone even later to the party than I was, I can highly recommend this book, and I am left wanting to read the next in the series immediately!
* 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!
Mar 13, 2016
First off, this is a fantastic debut book! Full of action, suspense, loyalty, terror, and love, it had everything I could have wanted. Well written, with a smooth pace and excellent build-up, this flowed from page to page, keeping me gripped and wanting to know more. The characters are charismatic and you either love or hate them. The Factions seem real, both the good sides and the bad.
For anyone even later to the party than I was, I can highly recommend this book, and I am left wanting to read the next in the series immediately!
* 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!
Mar 13, 2016
ClareR (5996 KP) rated The Valkyrie in Books
May 30, 2023
What a fantastic book! Myth, strong women, magic - what’s not to like?!
I’ll own up now. This was a NetGalley book, and it kind of got left behind. So I listened to the audiobook on Xigxag audiobooks. And I’m SO glad that I did.it came to life for me, and where some reviews have said that they were sometimes a little confused as to whose chapter it was, either Brynhild the fallen Valkyrie or Gudrun, Princess of Burgundia, I had no such issue. The narrators, Eleanor Jackson and India Shaw-Smith WERE Brynhild and Gudrun. And they were both self-assured, strong leaders who would take no nonsense.
What did surprise me was how forgiving Brynhild was of Sigurd lies. If you already know the myth, then you’ll know! Otherwise, my lips are sealed, because you really have to read this for yourself!
Oh, and the Germanic history was the icing on the cake for me. And there’s loads of extra information about both the Norse mythology and the German history, both in relation to the book, on Kate Heartsfields website - chapter by chapter! I’ve had the BEST time on there!
So, yes, this is very much a recommended book!
I’ll own up now. This was a NetGalley book, and it kind of got left behind. So I listened to the audiobook on Xigxag audiobooks. And I’m SO glad that I did.it came to life for me, and where some reviews have said that they were sometimes a little confused as to whose chapter it was, either Brynhild the fallen Valkyrie or Gudrun, Princess of Burgundia, I had no such issue. The narrators, Eleanor Jackson and India Shaw-Smith WERE Brynhild and Gudrun. And they were both self-assured, strong leaders who would take no nonsense.
What did surprise me was how forgiving Brynhild was of Sigurd lies. If you already know the myth, then you’ll know! Otherwise, my lips are sealed, because you really have to read this for yourself!
Oh, and the Germanic history was the icing on the cake for me. And there’s loads of extra information about both the Norse mythology and the German history, both in relation to the book, on Kate Heartsfields website - chapter by chapter! I’ve had the BEST time on there!
So, yes, this is very much a recommended book!