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Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Ahriman: The Spirit of Destruction in Books
May 22, 2019
Espionage. Assassins.Middle East.
Homeland meets Syriana in the near future.
When the CIA intercepts intelligence on a terrorist attack in Kuwait, Petra Shirazi, a former field agent, comes face to face with the Ahriman, one of Iran's deadliest assassins.
The story is led by a strong female protagonist who is pitted against her nemesis. To stop him, Petra must confront her past and the traumatic experience that took her out of the field.
This was a well thought out, well written intricate international thriller. The main character, Petra, is an intelligent and independent woman who is forced to overcome her fears and PTSD from a failed field op in order to prevent a massive terrorist attack.
Ms. Guha does a great job weaving the political landscape of the today’s Middle East with a future (2021) that she’s created. It’s a refreshing change from the majority of spy thrillers in that the author stays away from all the typical clichés that can slow a fast paced thriller down. A great first novel.
Very good strong characters and loved the plot.
Really enjoyed this and highly recommend!
This book was provided to me for free for an honest and unbiased review
Homeland meets Syriana in the near future.
When the CIA intercepts intelligence on a terrorist attack in Kuwait, Petra Shirazi, a former field agent, comes face to face with the Ahriman, one of Iran's deadliest assassins.
The story is led by a strong female protagonist who is pitted against her nemesis. To stop him, Petra must confront her past and the traumatic experience that took her out of the field.
This was a well thought out, well written intricate international thriller. The main character, Petra, is an intelligent and independent woman who is forced to overcome her fears and PTSD from a failed field op in order to prevent a massive terrorist attack.
Ms. Guha does a great job weaving the political landscape of the today’s Middle East with a future (2021) that she’s created. It’s a refreshing change from the majority of spy thrillers in that the author stays away from all the typical clichés that can slow a fast paced thriller down. A great first novel.
Very good strong characters and loved the plot.
Really enjoyed this and highly recommend!
This book was provided to me for free for an honest and unbiased review
Mike Carlson (115 KP) rated Battle Royale II (2002) in Movies
Mar 21, 2018
Subpar sequel.
This movie showed a little promise towards the beginning, but steadily rolled downhill. Not only did some of the themes (winning vs. losing, children vs. adults) feel underdeveloped, it also seemed to contain more ambition than it was capable of satisfying. Given better thought (possibly different writers and director), this film might have been amazing. Instead we have something that feels like it was churned out rather than naturally progressing from the original film.
There were a few really dumb moments. Something that got on my nerves was the kids' tendency to run to their dead friends (and congregate around them) while in the enemy's line of sight. They were also paired with bombs that went off if one partner died or if they were too far apart...the latter witnessed in a nonsensical scene about a third of the way into the film. In this scene, one of the kids makes an irrational action that is in complete contradiction to her fears.
As I reached the third act, I found myself less interested in what was onscreen than I was in it finally being over.
There were a few really dumb moments. Something that got on my nerves was the kids' tendency to run to their dead friends (and congregate around them) while in the enemy's line of sight. They were also paired with bombs that went off if one partner died or if they were too far apart...the latter witnessed in a nonsensical scene about a third of the way into the film. In this scene, one of the kids makes an irrational action that is in complete contradiction to her fears.
As I reached the third act, I found myself less interested in what was onscreen than I was in it finally being over.
ErinSJ (112 KP) rated The Bone Queen (The Books of Pellinor #0.5) in Books
Jun 20, 2018
When I found out The Bone Queen was coming out it was a pleasant surprise. I read the original Pellinor series years ago and have always remembered it as one of my favorite fantasy series. I was originally a bit worried that all these years later this book wouldn't live up to the rest of the series, but I'm happy to report that my fears were unjustified.
The Bone Queen is beautifully written, and something about the writing or perhaps the general world building evokes a feeling very similar to that of The Lord of the Rings, with an emphasis on the ultimate powers of good over evil, even when evil manages to take a terrible toll on the world. Though there is certainly action and plenty of adventure to be had, this book focuses on very human themes of forgiveness and guilt. Cadvan struggles to forgive himself for the irreparable damage one foolish mistake caused, and those around him struggle to do the same.
For those looking for a thoughtful bit of epic fantasy that still manages to have some fun, this is a must read.
The Bone Queen is beautifully written, and something about the writing or perhaps the general world building evokes a feeling very similar to that of The Lord of the Rings, with an emphasis on the ultimate powers of good over evil, even when evil manages to take a terrible toll on the world. Though there is certainly action and plenty of adventure to be had, this book focuses on very human themes of forgiveness and guilt. Cadvan struggles to forgive himself for the irreparable damage one foolish mistake caused, and those around him struggle to do the same.
For those looking for a thoughtful bit of epic fantasy that still manages to have some fun, this is a must read.
Sue (5 KP) rated The Art of Keeping Secrets in Books
Aug 13, 2018
The Art of Keeping Secrets is an intertwining story of 3 women (Emma, Flick, and Neve) who share a friendship and close bond. You soon find out that they each is hiding a different secret, one which they are struggling to come to terms with. A mother who never shared with her child the truth about his father. Another who fears losing her children to her ex & his new wife, while hiding a health issue. While the third lives in a picture-perfect marriage, all the while hiding the fact that her husband is not who everyone thinks he is.
Each chapter is from the point of view from one of the characters and you get a peek at their inner turmoil as they must face their secrets and the destruction it could cause to their families, friendships, and the lives that they are living.
If you want a book that is hard to put down and makes you go through every emotion (I laughed, cried, yelled, and more than once was in shock), then this is definitely a book you want to read.
Each chapter is from the point of view from one of the characters and you get a peek at their inner turmoil as they must face their secrets and the destruction it could cause to their families, friendships, and the lives that they are living.
If you want a book that is hard to put down and makes you go through every emotion (I laughed, cried, yelled, and more than once was in shock), then this is definitely a book you want to read.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2393 KP) rated Murder on Marble Row in Books
Sep 26, 2018
Frank and Sarah have an Explosive New Case
When a bomb goes off in the office of millionaire Gregory Van Dyke, everyone assumes it is anarchists. Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy is assigned to the case at the specific request of Felix Decker, Sarah Brandt's father. Frank fears this means he is being set up for failure. Meanwhile, Sarah worms her way into the investigation thanks to her friendship with the Van Dyke family. Are anarchists really behind it? If not, who set the bomb?
Once again, we have a wonderfully plotted mystery. I was usually only one or two pages ahead of Frank and Sarah as they pieced everything together, and I was surprised once they figured everything out. The characters are strong as always, with both the series regulars and new characters coming across as real. Sarah's mother plays a larger role in what happens here, and I really enjoyed her scenes. There was always something happening, and I had a hard time putting it down. In fact, I decided to stay up late to finish the book. I just didn't want to put the last 60 pages off until the next day.
Once again, we have a wonderfully plotted mystery. I was usually only one or two pages ahead of Frank and Sarah as they pieced everything together, and I was surprised once they figured everything out. The characters are strong as always, with both the series regulars and new characters coming across as real. Sarah's mother plays a larger role in what happens here, and I really enjoyed her scenes. There was always something happening, and I had a hard time putting it down. In fact, I decided to stay up late to finish the book. I just didn't want to put the last 60 pages off until the next day.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Red Queen in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Not gonna lie...I was a bit sceptical when I picked up this book. But I was quickly pulled into the world of Reds and Silvers and the Red Guard. I found myself listening to this book every spare minute I had. Intrigue, secrets, unknown powers, fears, lies, family, betrayal, and HOPE bleed onto the pages of this book in a neverending flow.
I still don't know who to trust, although I DO know who is evil...I think...You know, come to think of it...I have no idea...afterall...
“Anyone can betray anyone.”
― Victoria Aveyard, Red Queen
It is ridiculously hard to review a book like this...Only because I don't want to give away spoilers. So I will leave you with this...If you love YA books...and have a fascination with dystopian/sci-fi type books...You should definitely give Red Queen a try. I think you will really enjoy it! Now excuse me while I finish the series....
I borrowed Red Queen on audio from my local library. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I still don't know who to trust, although I DO know who is evil...I think...You know, come to think of it...I have no idea...afterall...
“Anyone can betray anyone.”
― Victoria Aveyard, Red Queen
It is ridiculously hard to review a book like this...Only because I don't want to give away spoilers. So I will leave you with this...If you love YA books...and have a fascination with dystopian/sci-fi type books...You should definitely give Red Queen a try. I think you will really enjoy it! Now excuse me while I finish the series....
I borrowed Red Queen on audio from my local library. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Witch's Exile (Unholy Trinity #4) in Books
Feb 25, 2020
We’re on the run and not even my mind is safe.
The nightmares won’t stop. I can’t sleep at all. My enemies have planted my worst fears in my head to exhaust me of my magic. If I don’t uncover the final element I need soon, they just might succeed.
To make matters worse, my heart is breaking. Raum hasn’t spoken to me in nearly a week. I can’t share with him the single shred of happiness that’s keeping me going through all this. If he leaves me, I’m not sure how I’ll go on.
Constantly on the move, our latest home comes with mysterious new neighbors. I can only hope they’re friendly. I can’t handle more enemies.
18+
Reverse harem
These books are not standalones and should be read in order.
Noooooooooo you can not end a book like that!!! Omg!!! I love this series so much and it gets better and better each time!! Can't believe it's ended like that. I really need the next one. I love the characters in this series you get emotionally invested with each and every one!
Highly recommended
The nightmares won’t stop. I can’t sleep at all. My enemies have planted my worst fears in my head to exhaust me of my magic. If I don’t uncover the final element I need soon, they just might succeed.
To make matters worse, my heart is breaking. Raum hasn’t spoken to me in nearly a week. I can’t share with him the single shred of happiness that’s keeping me going through all this. If he leaves me, I’m not sure how I’ll go on.
Constantly on the move, our latest home comes with mysterious new neighbors. I can only hope they’re friendly. I can’t handle more enemies.
18+
Reverse harem
These books are not standalones and should be read in order.
Noooooooooo you can not end a book like that!!! Omg!!! I love this series so much and it gets better and better each time!! Can't believe it's ended like that. I really need the next one. I love the characters in this series you get emotionally invested with each and every one!
Highly recommended
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