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Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated Eat the Night in Books
May 16, 2018
If you’re looking for a good ol’, classic horror tale in the flavor of <i>Evil Dead</i> or <i>Army of Darkness</i>, Tim Waggoner’s <i>Eat the Night</i> is a must-read. It’s fast paced and filled with the sort of material horror fans like me grew up with. Death cult? Check. Mass suicide? Check. Possession? Check. Vivid, gore-filled scenes? Hideous monsters from another dimension? Reincarnation? Check, check, and check. I can’t even begin to describe how hungrily I devoured this book, and though it has its ridiculous moments, I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author!
Thirty years ago, retired rockstar Mark Maegarr and his devout followers, in true Jonestown fashion, committed suicide in tropic Suriname. It was Maegarr’s belief that this ritual would hasten the approach of Entropy, or the total dissolution of the world as we know it. Unfortunately for Maegarr, something went wrong and he spends the next several decades reaching from beyond the grave to finish what he started.
Joan Lantz and her husband, Jon, are first time home-owners. Burdened with a troubled past, Joan is glad to finally have a home of her own. After waking from a horrific nightmare detailing the grisly end that befell Mark Maegarr and his cult, she discovers a hidden basement in her home, which had not been on the house’s plans and was previously unknown to the home’s last owners, who were friends of hers.
Kevin Benecke works for Maintenance, a secretive company that is reminiscent of Men in Black. Aware that they cannot save the world from its fate, their goal is to slow the coming of the end down from the sidelines. He’s an unfortunate sort of fellow and things don’t happen to go the way they ought to in his line of work, but he has his own boyish charm.
Together, these three characters weave a story that is brimming with horrific scenes and action. The plot is fairly solid as well, and Waggoner doesn’t hold back when it comes to the laws of the world he has created to coexist alongside the one we know so well. Maegarr’s cult is expertly crafted, with a belief so plausible it could be defined as chilling.
<i>Eat the Night</i> is easily one of my favorite reads so far this year and is perfect for those looking for a good Halloween read. I would like to extend a special thanks to NetGalley, DarkFuse, and Tim Waggoner for providing me with an advanced copy for the purpose of an honest, unbiased review.
Thirty years ago, retired rockstar Mark Maegarr and his devout followers, in true Jonestown fashion, committed suicide in tropic Suriname. It was Maegarr’s belief that this ritual would hasten the approach of Entropy, or the total dissolution of the world as we know it. Unfortunately for Maegarr, something went wrong and he spends the next several decades reaching from beyond the grave to finish what he started.
Joan Lantz and her husband, Jon, are first time home-owners. Burdened with a troubled past, Joan is glad to finally have a home of her own. After waking from a horrific nightmare detailing the grisly end that befell Mark Maegarr and his cult, she discovers a hidden basement in her home, which had not been on the house’s plans and was previously unknown to the home’s last owners, who were friends of hers.
Kevin Benecke works for Maintenance, a secretive company that is reminiscent of Men in Black. Aware that they cannot save the world from its fate, their goal is to slow the coming of the end down from the sidelines. He’s an unfortunate sort of fellow and things don’t happen to go the way they ought to in his line of work, but he has his own boyish charm.
Together, these three characters weave a story that is brimming with horrific scenes and action. The plot is fairly solid as well, and Waggoner doesn’t hold back when it comes to the laws of the world he has created to coexist alongside the one we know so well. Maegarr’s cult is expertly crafted, with a belief so plausible it could be defined as chilling.
<i>Eat the Night</i> is easily one of my favorite reads so far this year and is perfect for those looking for a good Halloween read. I would like to extend a special thanks to NetGalley, DarkFuse, and Tim Waggoner for providing me with an advanced copy for the purpose of an honest, unbiased review.
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Walking Dead (Walker Papers, #4) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
Normally I don't care for zombies in my fantasy literature - the ick factor is just too high for me. (I don't do horror movies, either.) This book is probably the first exception as Joanne disliked them as much as I do. I love that she now as a better sense of what she is doing with her shamanic abilities, and she has even studied a few things related to this so that she is better prepared for future needs. It seems to me that as Joanne better understands the mechanics of what she is doing, the better I, as the reader, can understand them, too.
At the beginning of the book Joanne is dating the mechanic she has nicknamed Thor. I really like the guy and how genuine and honest he is with her, but I feel sorry for him because I know that it is not him that Joanne really wants. She takes him for granted and does not give the relationship any real chance at surviving.
The mess with the cauldron is an interesting bit of folklore that ironically ties back to Ireland, where Joanne's mother comes from. I like also that it introduces some new characters, such as the medium Sonata, and brings back Suzanne Quinley from the first book. Suzanne has got some serious magic of her own, and the courage to use it wisely. This makes me wonder if the author couldn't give her a series of her own in the YA genre. My favorite part of the book is when Suzanne uses her future-seeing abilities and Joanne tunes in. Joanne gets to see all of her possible past, present, and future selves based on alternate choices she could have made throughout her life. This was absolutely fascinating for me because I am always wondering about the "what ifs" with the main characters of the books I read. How I wish more of the books I read would find a way to employ this tactic, heck I would not mind it in real life!
As for loose ends, there are two that really bug me. The first is the outcome of the annoying insurance adjuster, since he just seemed to fall of the radar at the end. The second is Captain Morrison and his ever-evolving relationship with Joanne. He plays a major part at the climax, but the reader does not get to see any sort of personal reaction on Morrison's behalf or his reaction to Joanne's new relationship status. I will just have to wait to see what happens in the next book, Demon Hunts (Walker Papers, Book 5).
At the beginning of the book Joanne is dating the mechanic she has nicknamed Thor. I really like the guy and how genuine and honest he is with her, but I feel sorry for him because I know that it is not him that Joanne really wants. She takes him for granted and does not give the relationship any real chance at surviving.
The mess with the cauldron is an interesting bit of folklore that ironically ties back to Ireland, where Joanne's mother comes from. I like also that it introduces some new characters, such as the medium Sonata, and brings back Suzanne Quinley from the first book. Suzanne has got some serious magic of her own, and the courage to use it wisely. This makes me wonder if the author couldn't give her a series of her own in the YA genre. My favorite part of the book is when Suzanne uses her future-seeing abilities and Joanne tunes in. Joanne gets to see all of her possible past, present, and future selves based on alternate choices she could have made throughout her life. This was absolutely fascinating for me because I am always wondering about the "what ifs" with the main characters of the books I read. How I wish more of the books I read would find a way to employ this tactic, heck I would not mind it in real life!
As for loose ends, there are two that really bug me. The first is the outcome of the annoying insurance adjuster, since he just seemed to fall of the radar at the end. The second is Captain Morrison and his ever-evolving relationship with Joanne. He plays a major part at the climax, but the reader does not get to see any sort of personal reaction on Morrison's behalf or his reaction to Joanne's new relationship status. I will just have to wait to see what happens in the next book, Demon Hunts (Walker Papers, Book 5).
The Devotionals (1 more)
The Research
I don’t often review non-fiction books. It’s just not something I like to do. I’m a fiction gal. I love reading a book where I can lost and escape reality for a few hours a day. But, when I have a favorite author, such as Jill Eileen Smith, I will give even a non-fiction book a try. And, I was actually rather excited to read this one, because let me tell you. My life, definitely does not match my dreams. Sure, I have a wonderful husband and two amazing children and a loving father and two gorgeous sisters. But, my health is not great, and my dreams? I dream so much more than this. I fell like I’ll be like this forever and never accomplish anything.
Smith has done a wonderful job with this book. It brings us the stories of 12 women of the Bible and how they dreamed for so much more, but it didn’t match up to what God had in store for them. You see, He is the creator of us all and He is the one that can see our future, know our plans, know what our lives will be like. And, through the tender words that Smith uses, along with the 12 women and phenomenal research she incorporated into the book, we see how life can be when we are disappointed that our dreams are following into line with our life.
Through this devotional, I was able to better understand my own life. I know what I want, I know what I wish I had, I know that I’m going to be disappointed because I’m not fully relying on God to help me with that. If I trust in Him, if I seek out his love and guidance, I won’t be so disappointed when a hope or dream falls short. Smith has once again used her incredible talent to hook me on a book. Her research is exquisite and her writing is filled with emotion and raw feelings.
This is a 5 star devotional book I would recommend to all the women out there. Get lost among the pages, see how these 12 women made mistakes, made choices that effect them and their families and see what God had in store for them. You may find the same hope and encouragement I did. Definitely a book for the keeper shelf and one I’ll share with my family and friends!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Smith has done a wonderful job with this book. It brings us the stories of 12 women of the Bible and how they dreamed for so much more, but it didn’t match up to what God had in store for them. You see, He is the creator of us all and He is the one that can see our future, know our plans, know what our lives will be like. And, through the tender words that Smith uses, along with the 12 women and phenomenal research she incorporated into the book, we see how life can be when we are disappointed that our dreams are following into line with our life.
Through this devotional, I was able to better understand my own life. I know what I want, I know what I wish I had, I know that I’m going to be disappointed because I’m not fully relying on God to help me with that. If I trust in Him, if I seek out his love and guidance, I won’t be so disappointed when a hope or dream falls short. Smith has once again used her incredible talent to hook me on a book. Her research is exquisite and her writing is filled with emotion and raw feelings.
This is a 5 star devotional book I would recommend to all the women out there. Get lost among the pages, see how these 12 women made mistakes, made choices that effect them and their families and see what God had in store for them. You may find the same hope and encouragement I did. Definitely a book for the keeper shelf and one I’ll share with my family and friends!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Amanda (96 KP) rated Soul Suites in Books
Mar 14, 2019
I received a physical copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. So thank you to the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book!
***There will be a SLIGHT Spoiler***
I wasn't entirely sure about it. The story starts off with the author stating that he is recounting what he has done and feels the story should be told. So at first, you're thinking, wait? Is this a true story?
The more I read about Reaching Dreams and Charles Pearson's disappearance, the more I really started to wonder if this was truly a real story. About halfway through the book, I finally decided to just google the story and the company. Surprise, surprise...yeah, not real.
Basically, Charles Pearson (CEO of Reaching Dreams) goes undercover as a homeless man in one of their districts in the streets of Chicago to see how this company was thriving while others were not. One night, while he was sleeping in his sleeping bag, he was picked up and taken to an unknown location, along with quite a few others that have gone missing.
The establishment is run by Dr. Raymond, whom is such a fickle kind of character. I inflicts torture on these people and actually KILLS them to prove that there is indeed an afterlife, but he misses having a relationship with patients and wants to connect with them. It really rubbed me the wrong way how the guards and other technicians are just OKAY with the procedures because they get paid well and benefits. Money makes the world go round, unfortunately.
Reading through this story, it makes me sad to think about some people who do live on the streets and are just trying to get by. There are some, however, that choose to live on the streets because they are essentially free.
The story was difficult to read, but it wasn't a bad story either. It's told by an unreliable narrator for the most part, which are not my favorite kind of books. I will say, Morse had me going. The story was pretty steady paced. Some chapters were long detail that were a bit drawn out, but it's necessary to understand each individuals backgrounds.
Charles' story is heartbreaking that it was a struggle to read through some of it.
Even though the story is fiction, you can't rule out the possibility that something like this could very well be hidden and we have no idea about it. Something to think about.
It is dark and has some detailed stories on some people and torture.
***There will be a SLIGHT Spoiler***
I wasn't entirely sure about it. The story starts off with the author stating that he is recounting what he has done and feels the story should be told. So at first, you're thinking, wait? Is this a true story?
The more I read about Reaching Dreams and Charles Pearson's disappearance, the more I really started to wonder if this was truly a real story. About halfway through the book, I finally decided to just google the story and the company. Surprise, surprise...yeah, not real.
Basically, Charles Pearson (CEO of Reaching Dreams) goes undercover as a homeless man in one of their districts in the streets of Chicago to see how this company was thriving while others were not. One night, while he was sleeping in his sleeping bag, he was picked up and taken to an unknown location, along with quite a few others that have gone missing.
The establishment is run by Dr. Raymond, whom is such a fickle kind of character. I inflicts torture on these people and actually KILLS them to prove that there is indeed an afterlife, but he misses having a relationship with patients and wants to connect with them. It really rubbed me the wrong way how the guards and other technicians are just OKAY with the procedures because they get paid well and benefits. Money makes the world go round, unfortunately.
Reading through this story, it makes me sad to think about some people who do live on the streets and are just trying to get by. There are some, however, that choose to live on the streets because they are essentially free.
The story was difficult to read, but it wasn't a bad story either. It's told by an unreliable narrator for the most part, which are not my favorite kind of books. I will say, Morse had me going. The story was pretty steady paced. Some chapters were long detail that were a bit drawn out, but it's necessary to understand each individuals backgrounds.
Charles' story is heartbreaking that it was a struggle to read through some of it.
Even though the story is fiction, you can't rule out the possibility that something like this could very well be hidden and we have no idea about it. Something to think about.
It is dark and has some detailed stories on some people and torture.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated An Elegant Façade (Hawthorne House, #2) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
How much is Lady Georgina willing to risk to protect her secret? Will she be able to keep up her façade long enough to land a titled husband who will protect her at all costs? First things first...I have NEVER read a book quite like this. And I LOVE it!!! The storyline overlaps A Noble Masquerade from both Lady Georgina's and Colin McCrae's perspective. Giving us a whole new level to the story. Simply brilliant. (Kristi, I am happy you were able to retain a bit of sanity while writing it, the result is beautiful!!!) We revisit several scenes and now I want to go back and reread the original scenes in A Noble Masquerade. Kristi weaves the story together so beautifully. Both intriguing and refreshing, there is not a dull moment between the covers of this book. Lady Georgina's character definitely lives up to the expectations presented to us in both the novella and the first book of the series. I fully expected her to be self-centered and snobbish and that is how she begins. However, her secret (and no, I'm not telling you what it is) adds a new dimension to her character that produced compassion in me, for her (yes I am shocked myself). Her journey and growth is astonishing to behold. And I can say that I am truly proud of the person that she becomes. And can I just say, "Lord bless Colin McCrae." Annie over on Just Commonly has already called dibs on Colin, which is fine with me. But he is one of the most charming and by far a favorite hero of mine. His growing admiration of Georgina was thrilling to see unfold before my eyes, and closely mirrored my own feelings about her. Faith and self acceptance play a big role in this book. Not only being ok with who you are and how God created you, but thriving in that knowledge that God accepts us for who we are. It is truly important to realise how valued we are, not just by God, but our friends and family as well. And above all, there is nothing too great to keep the Father's love from us. I am even more excited now for Trent's story in An Uncommon Courtship scheduled to come out in January 2017.
I received a free copy of An Elegant Façade from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a free copy of An Elegant Façade from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated The Wife Who Knew Too Much in Books
Mar 10, 2020
From the moment I finished It's Always the Husband, Michele Campbell quickly became one of those authors whose books are added to my TBR pile immediately. The two titles that followed, She Was the Quiet One and A Stranger on the Beach, were similarly excellent. Now, with The Wife Who Knew Too Much, Michele Campbell has solidified her position among my favorite authors.
Rich boy meets middle-class girl at his country club and embarks upon a summer fling that becomes a little more. Rich boy can't bear the thought of giving up his money for the love of the middle-class girl, and so their summer fling is unceremoniously concluded. Some years later, middle-class girl is waitressing when rich boy (now married, still rich, but with his wife's money instead of his grandmother's) pops back up in her life (is this orchestrated somehow, or fate?), and the ride truly begins.
"I'm writing this to raise an alarm in the event of my untimely death. This is hard to admit, even to myself. For obvious reasons. He's in love with someone else. And he wants my money."
Connor's wife, Nina, is a rich widow whose diary entries we are privy to, detailing what she believes to be the plot between her husband and his mistress to kill her and inherit her millions, and this is what immediately sucked me in to the story, because of course I wanted to know if he/they killed her! The author almost manages to make Nina a sympathetic character, but never quite gets there; she's quite unpleasant, but she probably didn't deserve to die.
Tabitha (middle-class girl) can be a semi-annoying character. She makes questionable decisions and justifies them to herself all for her love of Connor (rich boy). Half the time you can almost see the hearts in her eyes. I understand being in love, but being so completely besotted that you disregard some major red flags? That's something else entirely.
And Connor? Well, Connor's kind of a dick, while also being clueless in many ways. As a teen, he "loves" Tabby but gives her up for his grandmother's money. As an adult, he "loves" Tabby but can't quite leave his rich wife just yet. Come ON.
I do have to say that I saw the big reveal coming, so it was a bit predictable in that way, but everything builds to a satisfying conclusion. See for yourself June 9th!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the digital ARE!
Rich boy meets middle-class girl at his country club and embarks upon a summer fling that becomes a little more. Rich boy can't bear the thought of giving up his money for the love of the middle-class girl, and so their summer fling is unceremoniously concluded. Some years later, middle-class girl is waitressing when rich boy (now married, still rich, but with his wife's money instead of his grandmother's) pops back up in her life (is this orchestrated somehow, or fate?), and the ride truly begins.
"I'm writing this to raise an alarm in the event of my untimely death. This is hard to admit, even to myself. For obvious reasons. He's in love with someone else. And he wants my money."
Connor's wife, Nina, is a rich widow whose diary entries we are privy to, detailing what she believes to be the plot between her husband and his mistress to kill her and inherit her millions, and this is what immediately sucked me in to the story, because of course I wanted to know if he/they killed her! The author almost manages to make Nina a sympathetic character, but never quite gets there; she's quite unpleasant, but she probably didn't deserve to die.
Tabitha (middle-class girl) can be a semi-annoying character. She makes questionable decisions and justifies them to herself all for her love of Connor (rich boy). Half the time you can almost see the hearts in her eyes. I understand being in love, but being so completely besotted that you disregard some major red flags? That's something else entirely.
And Connor? Well, Connor's kind of a dick, while also being clueless in many ways. As a teen, he "loves" Tabby but gives her up for his grandmother's money. As an adult, he "loves" Tabby but can't quite leave his rich wife just yet. Come ON.
I do have to say that I saw the big reveal coming, so it was a bit predictable in that way, but everything builds to a satisfying conclusion. See for yourself June 9th!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the digital ARE!
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TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated What Momma Left Behind in Books
Feb 24, 2021
<a href="https://travelingwife4life.wordpress.com/2020/06/24/what-momma-left-behind-lone-star-lit">Travelers Wife 4 Life</a>
A new to me author Cindy K. Sproles created a vivid view of life on the Appalachian Mountains. Her descriptions of the scenery, the mountains, and the geographical location of the characters were very engaging and interesting to read. I enjoyed Cindy K. Sproles's way of engaging my imagination with the world she created for her characters, it reminded me of Pepper D. Basham and Joanne Bischof’s style of writing. I truly loved the environment she created and was sorry to see the story come to an end.
The plot was very unexpected for me. Whether due to the synopsis not doing the story justice, or my preconceptions going into the book. Either way, it was a surprising storyline that turned out to be a sweet and encouraging read on how to find your place in this world, and where you should place your trust.
Favorite Quote:
“The mountain air brings newness, seeps down deep, and cleans out the things that weigh heavy on a body’s soul. Despite how hard things are, it’s like the mountain is forgivin’. It demands a man’s hard work to survive, but then it wraps its soul and spirit around you, claimin’ you as its own child.”
The characters in this story were interesting and relatable. I enjoyed getting to read about Worie Dressar and loved seeing her growth progress throughout the story, I thought she was a unique character and I enjoyed her journey. Throughout the story, she overcomes much sorrow and pain, mixed in with some truly joyful moments. Worie learns who God wants her to be and the plans that He has for her and her family. The other secondary characters added some much-needed layers to this story, they were interesting, and I would love to read more about their personal stories as well (Hint, hint). Worie Dressar has some very thought-provoking thoughts in this book, and I have written down many of them as reminders for when I need God’s guidance in something. A good book overall.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the deep thought-provoking lessons, the vivid descriptions of mountain hardships, and the moral of trusting God through it all. The only thing I would have like to see more of would have been a better developed secondary character for Worie Dressar.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
A new to me author Cindy K. Sproles created a vivid view of life on the Appalachian Mountains. Her descriptions of the scenery, the mountains, and the geographical location of the characters were very engaging and interesting to read. I enjoyed Cindy K. Sproles's way of engaging my imagination with the world she created for her characters, it reminded me of Pepper D. Basham and Joanne Bischof’s style of writing. I truly loved the environment she created and was sorry to see the story come to an end.
The plot was very unexpected for me. Whether due to the synopsis not doing the story justice, or my preconceptions going into the book. Either way, it was a surprising storyline that turned out to be a sweet and encouraging read on how to find your place in this world, and where you should place your trust.
Favorite Quote:
“The mountain air brings newness, seeps down deep, and cleans out the things that weigh heavy on a body’s soul. Despite how hard things are, it’s like the mountain is forgivin’. It demands a man’s hard work to survive, but then it wraps its soul and spirit around you, claimin’ you as its own child.”
The characters in this story were interesting and relatable. I enjoyed getting to read about Worie Dressar and loved seeing her growth progress throughout the story, I thought she was a unique character and I enjoyed her journey. Throughout the story, she overcomes much sorrow and pain, mixed in with some truly joyful moments. Worie learns who God wants her to be and the plans that He has for her and her family. The other secondary characters added some much-needed layers to this story, they were interesting, and I would love to read more about their personal stories as well (Hint, hint). Worie Dressar has some very thought-provoking thoughts in this book, and I have written down many of them as reminders for when I need God’s guidance in something. A good book overall.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the deep thought-provoking lessons, the vivid descriptions of mountain hardships, and the moral of trusting God through it all. The only thing I would have like to see more of would have been a better developed secondary character for Worie Dressar.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Style: Formal, serious.
Point of View: Third person – each chapter is either Nick Dunne or Amy Dunne, never both.
Difficulty Reading: I struggled with the first half of the book. Don’t get me wrong, I was excited to read it because the movie was bomb as f*ck. The movie had me sitting on my toes the entire time, but this book was such a drag. Once you get about halfway through, that’s when it gets good.
Promise: The book promises a thrilling crime mystery and it does deliver it. But it delivers it in a way that makes the book almost seem repetitive as he said, she said.
Quality: It was a well-written book, I’ll give the author that. But there was a lot of swearing – and I cuss like a sailor. That kind of took the appeal of the book down quite a few notches.
Insights: If I could change anything about the book: take some of the cuss words out – it’s way too much, make the first half of the book more gripping – you lose readers because it’s boring.
Ah-Ha Moment: When Nick Dunne realized that Amy Dunne was just f*cking with him, he knew it but couldn’t tell anyone because then it would seem like he was the one who set the whole thing up.
Another moment was when Amy Dunne killed her old friend. I was like ‘what are you doing woman’ the entire time I read it.
Favorite Quote: “A lot of people lacked that gift: knowing when to fuck off.” – I feel this is the best representation of who I am as a person and of people nowadays.
“Sleep is like a cat: It only comes to you if you ignore it.” – Any quote that talks about cats are always great.
What will you gain: An interesting but hard read. If you don’t have the time or patience, put this book down.
Aesthetics: The copy I bought had the cover poster for the movie and it was nice to imagine Nick Dunne as the man on the cover. The first page of the book was what drew me in, the whole staring at the back of Amy’s head and thinking of breaking it open to mush your hands with her brain just appeals to me in a way that’s hard to describe. (I promise I’m not a serial killer. Yet…) Then as I read more, I struggled until I hit the point of the plot doing a massive U-turn and actually becoming interesting.
“There’s a difference between really loving someone and loving the idea of her.”
Point of View: Third person – each chapter is either Nick Dunne or Amy Dunne, never both.
Difficulty Reading: I struggled with the first half of the book. Don’t get me wrong, I was excited to read it because the movie was bomb as f*ck. The movie had me sitting on my toes the entire time, but this book was such a drag. Once you get about halfway through, that’s when it gets good.
Promise: The book promises a thrilling crime mystery and it does deliver it. But it delivers it in a way that makes the book almost seem repetitive as he said, she said.
Quality: It was a well-written book, I’ll give the author that. But there was a lot of swearing – and I cuss like a sailor. That kind of took the appeal of the book down quite a few notches.
Insights: If I could change anything about the book: take some of the cuss words out – it’s way too much, make the first half of the book more gripping – you lose readers because it’s boring.
Ah-Ha Moment: When Nick Dunne realized that Amy Dunne was just f*cking with him, he knew it but couldn’t tell anyone because then it would seem like he was the one who set the whole thing up.
Another moment was when Amy Dunne killed her old friend. I was like ‘what are you doing woman’ the entire time I read it.
Favorite Quote: “A lot of people lacked that gift: knowing when to fuck off.” – I feel this is the best representation of who I am as a person and of people nowadays.
“Sleep is like a cat: It only comes to you if you ignore it.” – Any quote that talks about cats are always great.
What will you gain: An interesting but hard read. If you don’t have the time or patience, put this book down.
Aesthetics: The copy I bought had the cover poster for the movie and it was nice to imagine Nick Dunne as the man on the cover. The first page of the book was what drew me in, the whole staring at the back of Amy’s head and thinking of breaking it open to mush your hands with her brain just appeals to me in a way that’s hard to describe. (I promise I’m not a serial killer. Yet…) Then as I read more, I struggled until I hit the point of the plot doing a massive U-turn and actually becoming interesting.
“There’s a difference between really loving someone and loving the idea of her.”
Kourtney Becraft (1 KP) rated Princess of souls in Books
Dec 8, 2022
Book: Princess of Souls
Author: Alexandra Christo
Genre: Fantasy
Number of Pages: 352
Published: October 11th 2022
Main Characters: Selestra and Nox
I loved the fantasy novel Princess of Souls by Alexandra Christo. It was a great read. I decided to read it because it sounded intresting. I also chose to read this novel because I love retellings. I really love the cover too it's what caught my attention and pulled me in. The book starts off slow but slowly starts to get intresting a couple chapters in. Three important characters in this book are the heir Selestra Somniatis, Seryth king of the Six Isles, sand Officer Nox Laederic of Thánatos regiment. Officer Nox Laederic is the king's favorite. Also King Serth had been trying to conquer Southerisle Polemistes is the only one left not bowing down to king after he killed their king. When Officer Nox goes to make the bargain with the king his prediction shows his and Selestra Somniatis death. I hope you enjoy reading this book I sure did.
Now here's some important quotes from the start of the book so I don't spoil the rest of the book for y'all:
1. "I can tell someone when they're going to die. All I need is a lock of hair and their soul."..."That's the job of a Somiatis Witch."
Thoughts on the quote: This job seems interesting but must be hard
2. "At sixteen, I'm still just an heir to my true power, waiting for the day I inherit my family's magic."
Thoughts on this quote: It must be really hard to wait for your true self to kick in.
3. "Somniatis witches are like siphons. We draw in energy and let it pass through us. Energy like death that we call into our veins and let wet our lips. It's what gives us our visions and allows us to take the soulsof the doomed and pour them into the king.
It's cursed magic but it's the only magic left in the six Isles.
My family saw to that."
This quote is important.
4. "Heirs to magic are useless until they reach their eighteenth birthday and are bound to the king by the blood oath, ready to be taught the true essence of magic and trained to take over once the old witch dies. Until then I am Irrelevant."
Thoughts: It must be hard.
5. "Each year only two hundred are allowed to enter into the bargain and risk their souls."
Author: Alexandra Christo
Genre: Fantasy
Number of Pages: 352
Published: October 11th 2022
Main Characters: Selestra and Nox
I loved the fantasy novel Princess of Souls by Alexandra Christo. It was a great read. I decided to read it because it sounded intresting. I also chose to read this novel because I love retellings. I really love the cover too it's what caught my attention and pulled me in. The book starts off slow but slowly starts to get intresting a couple chapters in. Three important characters in this book are the heir Selestra Somniatis, Seryth king of the Six Isles, sand Officer Nox Laederic of Thánatos regiment. Officer Nox Laederic is the king's favorite. Also King Serth had been trying to conquer Southerisle Polemistes is the only one left not bowing down to king after he killed their king. When Officer Nox goes to make the bargain with the king his prediction shows his and Selestra Somniatis death. I hope you enjoy reading this book I sure did.
Now here's some important quotes from the start of the book so I don't spoil the rest of the book for y'all:
1. "I can tell someone when they're going to die. All I need is a lock of hair and their soul."..."That's the job of a Somiatis Witch."
Thoughts on the quote: This job seems interesting but must be hard
2. "At sixteen, I'm still just an heir to my true power, waiting for the day I inherit my family's magic."
Thoughts on this quote: It must be really hard to wait for your true self to kick in.
3. "Somniatis witches are like siphons. We draw in energy and let it pass through us. Energy like death that we call into our veins and let wet our lips. It's what gives us our visions and allows us to take the soulsof the doomed and pour them into the king.
It's cursed magic but it's the only magic left in the six Isles.
My family saw to that."
This quote is important.
4. "Heirs to magic are useless until they reach their eighteenth birthday and are bound to the king by the blood oath, ready to be taught the true essence of magic and trained to take over once the old witch dies. Until then I am Irrelevant."
Thoughts: It must be hard.
5. "Each year only two hundred are allowed to enter into the bargain and risk their souls."