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Unraveling (Unblemished, #2)
Sara Ella | 2017
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Sara Ella has truly bewitched me with Unraveling. So many twists, so many emotions, so many aspects that will leave you speechless and unable to move...More than once my husband would look over at me and say "Shhhh"...Because HE was trying to read his book and I was over here repeating myself..."NO!!!! Noooooo!!! NO!" or "WHAAAAAAAAAT?????" (you get the picture?)

With an eloquence that is rarely seen (especially in YA) Sara Ella has created "a whole new world" for us to discover! Infused with the life force of music and song, this aspect of Eliyana truly speaks to my heart. For readers who have not delved into the heart of fantasy fiction, this is a really good place to start (although I recommend starting with Unblemished first). Because Sara merges the real world and the fantasy world so seamlessly it is so much easier to follow along. Yes there are new phrases and places and words that you have never heard of, but the familiar is referenced enough throughout the story that I was able to stay grounded and my mind sane. One of my favorite parts of this book is all of the music references. From having song lyrics as the chapter titles, to the melody El hears in her head. Music is her strength, her life. And I love how we discover her TRUE nature, the fierce and bold person that rises to the surface.

The bottom line is that I LOVE this book. Be prepared for a MASSIVE book hangover. (Please resist throwing your Kindle and/or book at anyone or anything after you finish...I understand I do....but we only have to wait

Please note that this is the SECOND book of the series. You will be totally lost if you pick up Unraveling without reading Unblemished first. My review will be available this summer for Unblemished.

I received a complimentary copy of Unraveling from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
  
The God Game
The God Game
Danny Tobey | 2020 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Thriller
10
9.0 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Great Enjoyable read
I credit this book for taking me out of a reading rut. It was that good. Not only was I engrossed in the novel, but I didn’t want to leave the plane while on my flight back home. I wanted to finish it right then and there!

The plot of the book was good overall and quick to read. The pace is fast and because you’re into the novel the reading goes by quickly. It may seem like your typical high school book, but it’s got more mature elements so I wouldn’t say it’s YA. (Although it may be for the more mature YA reader if you’re being nitpicky about it) There are quite a few references to gaming and coding which may go over some readers but it’s not so much that would turn you off of the book.

You will have some favorite characters coming out of the book. Some of them you will also detest (I’m looking at you, Tim) but some you will have a soft spot for. Alex is a good example. I felt for him. He went through so much it’s no wonder he went through those types of extremes.

Vanhi and Mary would be my two favorites. I liked their personalities and determination. Could not like Charlie though. He wasn’t likable - although I get why he’s acting out I just could not sympathize with him. I didn’t care too much that he was made to look like an all around good guy when he’s done some pretty ugly things. Don’t get me wrong, he's seen as a saint compared to Peter, but I just didn’t like his outcome and his attitude towards his dad is horrendous. (Then again, you could say he’s acting out his grief)

All being said, I loved this book and glad I got a chance to read it. It’s quick and fast and the ending is open to maybe a sequel? If so I’m definitely all for it.
  
Doctor Who: Sleepy
Doctor Who: Sleepy
Kate Orman | 1996
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This was a re-read for me, as I had read SLEEPY when it first came out in the late 90s. While I remembered parts of the book, it was, more or less, like it was fresh. Most of my time was spent "gobbling" as many books as I could, allowing me to "escape" the humdrum life I was leading and my not-so-cool bachelorhood. So, yeah, a fresh start of sorts to this read.

SLEEPY is the first book that begins the overarching "Psi Powers" story line. Author Kate Orman wastes no time, throwing us right into the deep end of the pool as the book opens! The ride that begins never lets up, providing with well-fleshed out characters and minor characters, as well as providing an intriguing and thought-provoking backstory.

In both the Virgin <i>New Adventures</i> as well as the BBC's <i>Eighth Doctor Adventures</i>, Orman was always favorite of mine, as well as a number of the pre-NuWHO fans. Her characters, goodies <b>and</b> baddies, were always full of depth, giving something than us tropes. The Doctor, regardless of the Incarnation, was treated properly, offering a much better Doctor than the new series has shown us.

The book requires focus when reading. That is, it works better if you can read it in room without distractions (musical film scores playing in the background don't count as a distracting), without anyone trying to talk to you while you're trying to read, i.e. my wife (!). There's some truly heady stuff going on the pages within, and if you ride it out, you will not be disappointed!

In the 61 <i>New Adventures</i> that Virgin Books published from 1991-96, there are several that stand out as cornerstones of the WHO-niverse. SLEEPY is one of those "cornerstones". If you see this out in your travels, perusing a cool used book shop, pick this book up, as it well worth the time!
  
FP
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I'm new to Ms. Johnson's work, but I won't be for long! I truly enjoyed this beautifully written novel. It's the 3rd book in her Keys Of Promise series, but it was still highly enjoyable, despite not reading the first two books.

In this novel, Ms. Johnson weaves the perfect combination of faith, hope, and love, along with beautifully depicted historical elements. I was instantly captivated from page one and this book took me on a whirl wind ride until the end. Catherine and Tom both stole my heart for the long run, and I loved following their story!

Ms. Johnson created a story well worth 4 stars, for sure! This is a quick, beautiful read and I am already anxious for more! I can't wait to go back and read the first two books in this wonderful series, and I look forward to adding Ms. Johnson among my favorite authors list! Well done, and bring on the next! <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/?p=13719"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
  
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
2005 | Adventure, Family, Fantasy
The book comes to life
The story of 4 siblings who are sent to live outside if england during WWII. The go and live on a estate with many different rooms for playing games like hide and seek. During a game young Lucy hides in an old wardrobe and ends up in a magical land ruled by an evil ice queen. She tries and convince her other siblings Edmund,Peter and Susan that this winderful and magical land exisits but, they don't buy it. During one game Edmund the youngest brother hides with her and experiences first hand of this wonderland of sorts but, there is a prophey that 2 kings and 2 queens will come free Narnia. Evuntually they all get to experience Narnia and learn of the prohecy and go to meet the king Aslan to understand it all. Will they free Narnia and get home or will they be traped forever

One of my favorite book ever as a kid and was so happy they did it justice.
  
Black Widow: Forever Red (Black Widow, #1)
Black Widow: Forever Red (Black Widow, #1)
Margaret Stohl | 2015 | Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
I really enjoyed reading this book! I was expecting some backstory to my favorite Avenger, Black Widow, and it did not disappoint. The story moved along very quickly and was easy to follow along with. It did switch between three narrators, so make sure to look up by the chapter number to see who is going to be speaking in that chapter. Even if you don't, it's not too hard to differentiate because the characters have such different speaking voices!

There were a few issues with the copy editing that I noticed while reading which kind of threw me out of the story, but I can look over those for the most part.

If you are a huge fan of the Marvel universe like I am, you should definitely pick this up and give it a read.

I am so excited that Margaret Stohl got to pen this book because she is an amazing author! I can't wait to pick up the next one when it comes out!
  
A Deadly Éclair (A French Bistro Mystery, #1)
A Deadly Éclair (A French Bistro Mystery, #1)
Daryl Wood Gerber | 2017 | Mystery
10
8.8 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Mimi Rousseau is preparing for a celebrity wedding at her bistro and inn, but before things can really get underway, her mentor and financial supporter is found dead on the premises. With him gone, Mimi is under no obligation to repay the funds he had lent her to get her business started, so that makes her look mighty suspicious in the eyes of the law. Afraid that she’ll lose both her business and her freedom, Mimi decides to get to the bottom of things.

Daryl Wood Gerber (aka Avery Aames) is one of my favorite cozy authors, so I jumped at the chance to read the first book in her new mystery series. I was not disappointed. Good food, great friends, and plenty of intrigue keep this story moving along. It’s a well-plotted mystery with lots of delicious sounding recipes included at the end. Culinary cozy fans will not want to miss this one.

<i>NOTE: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book.</i>
  
The Night Circus
The Night Circus
Erin Morgenstern | 2015 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.1 (106 Ratings)
Book Rating
Where to start... oh where do I start?

I found myself entranced with this novel but I still struggled to finish it. If I didn't have to read it for a book club I might have put it down.

The writing style was not my favorite. I found myself frustrated with the constant use of "He, She, They, It, or the character's name" starting every single sentence.

The book was hard to understand. The constant changing of time was unique to me, and challenging at the same time. It would have been nice to have an outline of what happened and when.

I will say that the reason I gave this novel a 4 star review instead of a 3 star review is that I loved the plot line and the idea behind the novel. I loved the characters (though I would have liked to have had more depth to them) and I loved the plot line.

I did struggle with the writing but ultimately, I found the novel enjoyable.
  
Love Her Wild
Love Her Wild
Atticus | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
"She was afraid of heights
But she was
much more afraid
Of never flying."
So I went into this book with no idea of who the author is or where they started. For background, I have been on a major poetry kick this year. I have been devouring books of poetry faster than I can find new authors. This book had some amazing moments for me, and some eh moments. It was a super quick and light read. I spent less than an hour to go through the entire thing. I loved the pictures as I thought they were beautiful, but I didn't love that there were so many of them in between poems as I felt like they were almost using it as filler. About 90 % of the poems were incredibly short, averaging about one sentence in length. However, the ones I liked really stuck with me. I think it was an overall really great collection, just maybe not my cup of tea. I think I would have to say part 3 is my favorite section.
  
Dirty Love (Dirty Girl Duet, #2)
Dirty Love (Dirty Girl Duet, #2)
Meghan March | 2016 | Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
OMG this series!!! HOT as hell! One day read!
OMG this series!!! HOT as hell! One day read.. couldn't put it down!? Quickly making her way up my favorite authors list, Meghan March killed it again with Dirty Love. Sucking me in from page one, after feeling broken and shocked at the end of Dirty Girl, I had to see where Greer and Cav headed to next. After one crazy night of drinking and a drunken tweet later, Greer finds Cav back in her life again, sweeping her off her feet to their own private paradise in attempt to win her back and move beyond their past. Family, secrets and past debts constantly working against them. Without giving up any spoilers, Ill just say this book (& series) was absolutely amazing. A roller coaster of emotions, I cried happy tears, laughed my a$$ off and just didn't want it to end. Fabulous writing, interesting storyline and lovable characters. HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommended book/series/author - I'll surely be back for more!!!