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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2206 KP) rated Commander Toad and the Space Pirates (Commander Toad) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
It’s been a long space voyage, so long that the crew of the Space Warts is bored. Unfortunately, trouble finds them in the form of Commander Salamander, the notorious space pirate who is Commander Toad’s arch nemesis. He quickly boards the ship and plans to force the crew to play his favorite game, Hop the Plank. Can they get out of this situation?
I remember liking this one as a kid, but as an adult, it just doesn’t hold up well. The puns, a favorite of mine, aren’t on full display here. The twist at the end is just a bit too abrupt for me. I’m sure kids who are fans of these books will still enjoy it, however.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/07/book-review-commander-toad-and-space.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I remember liking this one as a kid, but as an adult, it just doesn’t hold up well. The puns, a favorite of mine, aren’t on full display here. The twist at the end is just a bit too abrupt for me. I’m sure kids who are fans of these books will still enjoy it, however.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/07/book-review-commander-toad-and-space.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Trust (Between the Lions #1) in Books
Dec 12, 2017 (Updated Dec 12, 2017)
I received a free ebook copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I made no guarantee of a favorable review.
If you love reading about Egyptian deities and stories about the Alexandria library then this book is for you. If you enjoy reading about shape shifters then this book is also for you.
Anna doesn't go to school nor has any friends. The only person in her life is her mother Kali who teaches Anna about history, languages, and art among other subjects. Then Kali meets Patrick and his son Clayton but a happily ever after is not meant to be and in the blink of an eye a devastating occurrence changes everything and thrusts Anna into a world she never knew existed where she meets her grandmother, Cax and the guardians. Yes, there are grammatical errors throughout the book but it is still an amazing read. The author weaved a magical web with beautiful characters and vivid imagery and I am eagerly anticipating book two.
I will end this review with one of my favorite quotes in this book; "The day will come when their descendants will weep for what was done here."
If you love reading about Egyptian deities and stories about the Alexandria library then this book is for you. If you enjoy reading about shape shifters then this book is also for you.
Anna doesn't go to school nor has any friends. The only person in her life is her mother Kali who teaches Anna about history, languages, and art among other subjects. Then Kali meets Patrick and his son Clayton but a happily ever after is not meant to be and in the blink of an eye a devastating occurrence changes everything and thrusts Anna into a world she never knew existed where she meets her grandmother, Cax and the guardians. Yes, there are grammatical errors throughout the book but it is still an amazing read. The author weaved a magical web with beautiful characters and vivid imagery and I am eagerly anticipating book two.
I will end this review with one of my favorite quotes in this book; "The day will come when their descendants will weep for what was done here."
ALilLacey (2 KP) rated The Knights Before Christmas in Books
Mar 4, 2019
I read this book aloud to my 5 year old daughter. This is her review:
"The book was awesome and funny. My favorite part was when they saw Santa and thought he was trying to get in ( they thought he was an invader) and Santa just kept trying to get in. I also liked when the Knight said, 'Jingle bells, Invader smells, Jingle all the way.' I also liked when they took all the gifts and presents Santa threw at them and decorated the tree with them. I also love that the author made the book and that she was so thoughtful."
Mom's review: This book was really adorable. A fun play on the old Christmas poem T'was a Night Before Christmas. The story was funny and creative. The Knights all had their own personalities and funny quirks and Santa's persistence made for an enjoyable read. I liked all the little extras going on in the background of the illustrations and little sayings and singings of the Knights. Definitely a recommended book for all ages of young children. The pictures even kept my toddler entertained.
"The book was awesome and funny. My favorite part was when they saw Santa and thought he was trying to get in ( they thought he was an invader) and Santa just kept trying to get in. I also liked when the Knight said, 'Jingle bells, Invader smells, Jingle all the way.' I also liked when they took all the gifts and presents Santa threw at them and decorated the tree with them. I also love that the author made the book and that she was so thoughtful."
Mom's review: This book was really adorable. A fun play on the old Christmas poem T'was a Night Before Christmas. The story was funny and creative. The Knights all had their own personalities and funny quirks and Santa's persistence made for an enjoyable read. I liked all the little extras going on in the background of the illustrations and little sayings and singings of the Knights. Definitely a recommended book for all ages of young children. The pictures even kept my toddler entertained.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2206 KP) rated Nightfall: Keeper of the Lost Cities in Books
Mar 9, 2018
This book picks up moments after book five in the series ends as Sophie is dealing with the fact that the Neverseen have kidnapped her human parents. After getting her human sister hidden away, Sophie begins to hunt for them. The only clue is Nightfall, a clue that leads to Keefe’s mother, Lady Gisela. But can she be trusted? Or is she using Sophie and her friends for her own purpose?
I’ve been waiting a year to get the next chapter in Sophie’s story after the cliffhanger of the last book, and I wasn’t disappointed. This really is a next chapter, so if you haven’t read these books, don’t start here since you will be lost. But fans will quickly find themselves turning the 800 pages in this book. The plot really stalls only once about two thirds of the way, but it isn’t too long before we are ramping up for the climax. Meanwhile, all our favorite characters get some development and their moments to shine while we meet a fantastic new character.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-nightfall-by-shannon.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I’ve been waiting a year to get the next chapter in Sophie’s story after the cliffhanger of the last book, and I wasn’t disappointed. This really is a next chapter, so if you haven’t read these books, don’t start here since you will be lost. But fans will quickly find themselves turning the 800 pages in this book. The plot really stalls only once about two thirds of the way, but it isn’t too long before we are ramping up for the climax. Meanwhile, all our favorite characters get some development and their moments to shine while we meet a fantastic new character.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-nightfall-by-shannon.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Melja Gregory (2 KP) rated Fool Moon (The Dresden Files, #2) in Books
Jan 5, 2018
Good character building (1 more)
Good enhancement of world
Good building on a world of magic
A good second book in the series that would become my favorite. Jim is still trying a bit in this to find his voice, and the writing will develop more fully in the next couple of books, but still a solid addition to the series. Dresden is a very human and relatable hero, but with a wonderfully crafty mind and hilarious self-depreciating sense of humor.
Li Hughes (285 KP) rated The Winter Sea (Slains #1) in Books
Aug 9, 2017
The lyrical writing style: an occasional overblown misstep but overall very good (1 more)
The obvious research and detail
The intertwined story device: not my favorite (1 more)
Some weak story devices and characterization
This book draws obvious parallels with Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, so I was initially skeptical and expected to put it down almost immediately. But beyond the basic framework of the story, everything else about The Winter Sea stands very well on its own. It's not without its weak points, but overall this was a very enjoyable read.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2206 KP) rated Creature of the Mists (Accidental Detectives, #6) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
An expedition to track a mythological creature in British Columbia is fraught with peril before they've even reached their destination. But who is behind the danger? While I often praise the mysteries in this series, this is my favorite because of the great twists and turns. And the reprint allowed him to add one sentence that took care of a plot hole from the first edition.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/04/book-review-creature-of-mists-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/04/book-review-creature-of-mists-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Remy Tankel Carroll (36 KP) rated The Marriage Bureau: True Stories From 1940s London Matchmakers in Books
Dec 19, 2018
I loved this book. It's an original topic and a great story about 2 female entrepreneurs in a time when the business world was mostly dominated by men. It is well written and well researched. It's fascinating to see what people deemed important in a mate during a time of war. I think my favorite part was reading some of the actual requests that were written during the interview. It just goes to show that everyone has someone out there who's his or her perfect match.
EmersonRose (320 KP) rated Yes Please in Books
Nov 20, 2019
I decided to listen to this book after my brother got me hooked on watching the TV show Parks and Rec. I thought that Amy had a fun storytelling voice and the tales are funny and interesting. My favorite parts were definitely those that were related to Parks and Rec. Stories about the cast and some really great behind the scenes facts. I didn’t always find myself being able to relate to Amy or sharing her humor, but overall I really enjoyed the read.
