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Circle of Fire (Damask Circle #1)
Circle of Fire (Damask Circle #1)
Keri Arthur | 2001 | Paranormal, Romance
8
7.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
120 of 250
Book
Circle of Fire ( Damask Circle book 1)
By Keri Arthur

Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments

Sixteen teenagers taken from their homes. Eleven bodies recovered, each completely drained of blood. Some believe vampires are responsible, but Jon Barnett knows it's something far worse. To stop the killers in Taurin Bay, he becomes enmeshed in a web of black magic and realizes he needs help. But fate gives him only one choice in the form of recluse Madeline Smith.

Madeline Smith has retreated to an isolated farmhouse, afraid of the psychic abilities she can't control-abilities that have killed. But when "ghost" Jon Barnett brings a warning of danger and her nephew disappears, Maddie has to leave her haven. She also has to learn to control the abilities she fears and place her trust in Jon Barnett, a man who is neither human nor ghost.

But as the search for the teenagers becomes a race against time, and the noose of sorcery threatens to kill Maddie and Jon, the greatest danger to them both could be the feelings they have for each other-feelings that they refuse to acknowledge.



This is one of those books where you realise after 2 chapters you have actually read it! Didn’t stop me flying through it again and actually enjoyed more the second time round. Keri Arthur is one of those authors that just drags you into her worlds! She is a very good writer. This will go into my collection I’m determined to own all her books!
  
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BookInspector (124 KP) rated 44 Tiny Secrets in Books

Sep 24, 2020 (Updated Jan 26, 2021)  
44 Tiny Secrets
44 Tiny Secrets
Sylvia Bishop | 2020 | Children, Fiction & Poetry
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The protagonist in this book is Betsy, and this book is told from a single perspective. Betsy’s parents are very well known pianists, hoping that Betsy inherited their talent but no matter how much she tries, she can not play the piano well. I feel very sorry for Betsy, she is so eager to please her parents, and she stresses out so much when she fails. 😦 I really didn’t like Betsy’s mother, she seems heartless and blind, seeking a trophy child rather than a real child with its fears and flaws.

The narrative feels pretty slow, to be honest. I think the whole idea was not fully utilised. The book concentrated more on pleasing and inner thoughts, missing what children really like, funny situations, the more of them, the better. 😀 That is why this book has a little depressing atmosphere.

The writing style was enjoyable, and I liked the way the book was designed. It is quite spaced out, and the colourful illustrations are superb. The chapters were too long for my liking and I did feel a little bored. The ending rounded the story nicely, but I hope in the next part of series there will be more surprises and adventures.

So, to conclude, it is a story about a wish to please and impress. Some of the characters annoyed me with their high expectations, but sometimes that is what adults do to children not even realising it. I liked what this story has to offer, but I was expecting more… But it is only my humble opinion, please do give this book a go, and I hope you will like it more.
  
Holiday - Single by Dana Williams
Holiday - Single by Dana Williams
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Dana Williams is a singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles, California. Not too long ago, she released a lovely music video for her “Holiday” single.

“My, how time, how it flies away. ‘Cause I used to dream of you, but now I wish you’d go away. It’s only a holiday when you’re away. It’s only a holiday when you’re not here. ‘Cause that’s when I have my space when you’re away. It’s only a holiday when you’re gone. And now the only difference is that I’ve come too far to care. But now the only difference is that you’re not there.” – lyrics

‘Holiday’ tells a bittersweet tale of a young woman who needs a break from her significant other and their problematic relationship.

Oftentimes, she thinks about leaving when he’s away but is too afraid to do so because she fears the loneliness of being single.
Even though they fuss and fight, she admits that she finds comfort in his companionship and that’s why she keeps him around.

‘Holiday’ contains a relatable storyline and ear-welcoming vocals. Also, the likable tune possesses hard-hitting instrumentation embedded with thudding drums and dreamy strings.

“‘Holiday’ is an expression of self-love and realizing that it is better to be alone than in the company of a turbulent relationship.” – Dana Williams

Dana Williams was raised on legendary singers such as Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday.

Not too long ago, her “Honey” single landed on Spotify’s Fresh Finds playlist. So far, the likable tune has amassed over 3M streams online.

Also, Alex Da Kid, a multi-Grammy Award-winner producer (Skylar Grey, Rihanna), will be producing Williams’ upcoming project featuring her “Holiday” single.
  
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Becs (244 KP) rated Bird Box in Books

Oct 2, 2019  
Bird Box
Bird Box
Josh Malerman | 2014 | Fiction & Poetry
6
8.3 (23 Ratings)
Book Rating
Bird Box by Josh Malerman was a very interesting read and concept. It was also surprisingly fast-paced! I couldn’t put it down even though it took me days to finish. I originally rated this as a 4-star read but going back through all my notes I realized that this is actually only a 3-star read.

The switching back and forth between past and present worked yet it didn’t at the same time. I felt like it was missing something but you do grow used to the switching of past and present. I also noticed what seemed to be like a few plot holes. With that, there were parts that I absolutely loved and parts that I absolutely hated enough to fall asleep too.

One thing that didn’t happen throughout the novel was a full description of the creatures. It would have been nice to know what they fully looked like, but I guess that adds to the whole “if you look, you die” aspect. There was surprisingly quite a bit of character and background development which was really nice to see. Overall, Bird Box was a great read. But the lack of descriptiveness was a bit off-putting.

Reasons why I rated it 3 stars:
1. Everything was vaguely described and it lacked depth.
2. There were plot holes.
3. The creatures were never really fully described as anything but an entity that takes your fears and uses it against you.
4. The switching from past and present only kind of worked.
5. The story was really good.
6. It was fast-paced.
7. The ending was shit.

“Your baby is smarter than you think.”