Search
Search results
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated The Giver in Books
Sep 7, 2017
A strange book.
So, I know The Giver has been out for a long time, and I know they made a movie, but somehow I’d never read or watched it. But on the recommendation of a friend, I finally have. What a strange little book! It definitely belongs in the same realm as Brave New World, Fahrenheit 451, 1984, and The Handmaid’s Tale – which are among my favorite books – but the ending was tremendously unsatisfying. It’s the first book in a quartet, though, so I’m hoping the other three, which I have requested from the library, will tie up the loose ends. It definitely feels like it’s only the first installment of a story.
The dystopian society in this book has effectively banished most feelings. But to get rid of hate and war and prejudice, they also had to banish the memories and feelings of individuality and difference. With everyone and everything the same, they’re mostly incapable of feeling true love or happiness. So they all live in peace – but it’s a complacent, uncaring peace. It’s not peace because of love, it’s peace because of the absence of passionate feelings. Whether this is good or not, well, that’s up to the reader to decide for themselves. The actions of the main character, who aims to disrupt that peace, could be seen as good or bad.
I’m not actually entirely sure how I feel about this book. After reading the next three – Gathering Blue (2000), Messenger (2004), and Son (2012), I'm still at a bit of a loss. These were just...odd.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
The dystopian society in this book has effectively banished most feelings. But to get rid of hate and war and prejudice, they also had to banish the memories and feelings of individuality and difference. With everyone and everything the same, they’re mostly incapable of feeling true love or happiness. So they all live in peace – but it’s a complacent, uncaring peace. It’s not peace because of love, it’s peace because of the absence of passionate feelings. Whether this is good or not, well, that’s up to the reader to decide for themselves. The actions of the main character, who aims to disrupt that peace, could be seen as good or bad.
I’m not actually entirely sure how I feel about this book. After reading the next three – Gathering Blue (2000), Messenger (2004), and Son (2012), I'm still at a bit of a loss. These were just...odd.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
Merissa (13942 KP) rated Finding Home in Books
Jul 5, 2017
Finding Home by Meg Harding
Finding Home starts off with Jared. He has lost his job, is living back with his mother as his husband cheated with someone else, and now he finds out that his grandma has died. His mother wants him out of the house so she sends him off to hell (Florida in May) where he finds more than he bargained for, and learns about just who he is and what he wants.
This is a sweet and steamy, low angst, story full of feel-good factors. Jared's brothers are all brilliant, and Chase is... well, Chase is Chase and I wouldn't change a thing. Jared's neuroses were a tad annoying to start with, but as his story became clear, all was forgiven as I literally couldn't see him growing up any differently given the circumstances.
One thing I loved in particular (without giving away any spoilers) is when Jared does something that others might not agree with, but he does it for himself, for his own reasons, and to find things out about himself. I LOVED THAT!!! He is aware of what jumping into something might be like, but he is prepared to work with himself to ensure that everything goes the way it should.
With no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, this was a page-turner that had humour, family, hotness, and love. Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is a sweet and steamy, low angst, story full of feel-good factors. Jared's brothers are all brilliant, and Chase is... well, Chase is Chase and I wouldn't change a thing. Jared's neuroses were a tad annoying to start with, but as his story became clear, all was forgiven as I literally couldn't see him growing up any differently given the circumstances.
One thing I loved in particular (without giving away any spoilers) is when Jared does something that others might not agree with, but he does it for himself, for his own reasons, and to find things out about himself. I LOVED THAT!!! He is aware of what jumping into something might be like, but he is prepared to work with himself to ensure that everything goes the way it should.
With no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, this was a page-turner that had humour, family, hotness, and love. Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
The claustrophobic setting (1 more)
The plot
Twists, turns, misdirection and murder
A murder mystery set on an oil rig with a skeleton staff couldn't possibly make an interesting TV series could it?
Surprisingly it works... The setting is perfect to make the tension greater, with the storm causing problems with power inside and making everything hazardous in the scenes out on the decks...
The crew distrust each other and don't get on, they have issues with the insurance assessor, the boss is about to lose control and its almost Christmas... Something has got to give....
I found it similar in feel (although obviously different) to Fortitude and is very much like a modern remake of a famous Agatha Christie novel (Which I won't mention the title of, as it could give the game away) although I'm sure it probably isn't actually based on it...
One criticism is, I think it was a little rushed in places and could probably have made a 8 or 10 episode series, and maybe explore some of the characters a little more, rather than cram it all into 6 Episodes...
I was going to rate the the ending as a good point and a bad point because I think it will divide people, for me it worked well, but I can see some people having issues with it (in my opinion) ... BUT, that is what makes a good story, something that causes debate......
I really recommend this as a series to slot in after finishing binge watching one long series and before starting another long show... 6 episodes about 45 min each, perfect for a lazy weekend...
Surprisingly it works... The setting is perfect to make the tension greater, with the storm causing problems with power inside and making everything hazardous in the scenes out on the decks...
The crew distrust each other and don't get on, they have issues with the insurance assessor, the boss is about to lose control and its almost Christmas... Something has got to give....
I found it similar in feel (although obviously different) to Fortitude and is very much like a modern remake of a famous Agatha Christie novel (Which I won't mention the title of, as it could give the game away) although I'm sure it probably isn't actually based on it...
One criticism is, I think it was a little rushed in places and could probably have made a 8 or 10 episode series, and maybe explore some of the characters a little more, rather than cram it all into 6 Episodes...
I was going to rate the the ending as a good point and a bad point because I think it will divide people, for me it worked well, but I can see some people having issues with it (in my opinion) ... BUT, that is what makes a good story, something that causes debate......
I really recommend this as a series to slot in after finishing binge watching one long series and before starting another long show... 6 episodes about 45 min each, perfect for a lazy weekend...
Elli H Burton (1288 KP) rated Miss Purdys Class in Books
Jun 16, 2019 (Updated Jun 16, 2019)
Political themes meh.
Another Historical Romance which is my all time favourite thing to read. This is no exception and it ticks every box. A lovely read, gripping story and great writing.
A few downsides is that there is a relationship between Miss. Purdy and a student that seems to be more seasoned that explained in the book. This may be due to the fact that not until much later does the writing become Students point of view and therefore you don't actually know what is felt by them as the story progresses in the beginning. If and when you read it - i hope you see what I mean.
The love story isn't your typical one which is refreshing, I do always love a bit of change and this one is definitely one, it's absolutely heartbreaking though which in a critic point of view, is very well written and a good plotline.
The story has some real life issues from around that time included which was very political. As I am not politically inclined and I do most of my reading before bed, it was rather hard to keep interested when the characters went on page long rants about it. (Perhaps trying to read those parts during the day will help my poor mind keep up!!) The politics slowly takes over, but is quite essential to the story though unfortunately again for me, i found it hard to keep up.
All in all I'd say it is worth a read, although not my favourite Annie Murray book but I did thoroughly enjoy it.
A few downsides is that there is a relationship between Miss. Purdy and a student that seems to be more seasoned that explained in the book. This may be due to the fact that not until much later does the writing become Students point of view and therefore you don't actually know what is felt by them as the story progresses in the beginning. If and when you read it - i hope you see what I mean.
The love story isn't your typical one which is refreshing, I do always love a bit of change and this one is definitely one, it's absolutely heartbreaking though which in a critic point of view, is very well written and a good plotline.
The story has some real life issues from around that time included which was very political. As I am not politically inclined and I do most of my reading before bed, it was rather hard to keep interested when the characters went on page long rants about it. (Perhaps trying to read those parts during the day will help my poor mind keep up!!) The politics slowly takes over, but is quite essential to the story though unfortunately again for me, i found it hard to keep up.
All in all I'd say it is worth a read, although not my favourite Annie Murray book but I did thoroughly enjoy it.
ChinaP (0 KP) rated The Last Hour of Gann in Books
Jan 24, 2018
World building is epic (1 more)
Addictive as all get out
Ruined me for other authors! (1 more)
Some one dimensionality to some of the other background characters
Epic in every waym
I feel I have to add a disclaimer or two everytime I write a review of this book (which is everywhere I encounter it online, because it deserves as much attention as I can give it!)
One: adult, triggering themes. There is sexual violence, violence in general and themes that will not be for everyone. This is an adult book in all senses of the word.
Two: I am biased. I freaking love this author.
Three: if you're not into long books, you're not gonna make it through. I love love love long books. This is a long book! And I still wanted more when I got the end. If 300 pages or less puts you off, then I doubt you'll manage this behemoth. (which is a crying shame, because it's awesome. I wonder if we could get an audio book of it?)
A general Internet search for this book will bring up a good few nuanced reviews, and I have left a longer one of my own on good reads. Mainly, this is a humans-crashland-on-alien-planet story, and it all goes to pieces for them. It's the story of survival, and what that can do to a person. It's a nuanced view of those with faith and those without. It's also some sexy alien romance. It can be all those and more!
Whenever I mention this book, I end up just telling people to read it. Just read it!
One: adult, triggering themes. There is sexual violence, violence in general and themes that will not be for everyone. This is an adult book in all senses of the word.
Two: I am biased. I freaking love this author.
Three: if you're not into long books, you're not gonna make it through. I love love love long books. This is a long book! And I still wanted more when I got the end. If 300 pages or less puts you off, then I doubt you'll manage this behemoth. (which is a crying shame, because it's awesome. I wonder if we could get an audio book of it?)
A general Internet search for this book will bring up a good few nuanced reviews, and I have left a longer one of my own on good reads. Mainly, this is a humans-crashland-on-alien-planet story, and it all goes to pieces for them. It's the story of survival, and what that can do to a person. It's a nuanced view of those with faith and those without. It's also some sexy alien romance. It can be all those and more!
Whenever I mention this book, I end up just telling people to read it. Just read it!
Debbiereadsbook (1721 KP) rated Unforgivable Lover (Warriors of Lemuria #5) in Books
Mar 8, 2018
sad to say goodbye!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 5 in the series, and you really SHOULD read books 1 through 4 first. The prequel short isn't really necessary though.
Gaetan is the Healer at the Keep. When Noeh's son takes himself through the portal, Gaetan sets out to find him, and ends up saving Nikki from a Gossum attack. But in doing so, sets off a chain of events that will lead to the end of this war.
I have enjoyed this series, and it's always sad to see the end come but I find myself a little disappointed and I have no idea why!
Oh, don't get me wrong, Gaetan and Nikki's story is a good one, and we get why his leg is injured and just why his sister Ginnia, is how she is. Heartbreaking, when Gaetan tells Nikki that. And the Gods on Lemuria play their final pieces, and everything becomes, mostly anyway, clear.
I just ...UGH!!! I just felt, good as it was, it all came to a head far too quickly, and without all the drama I was expecting! Please don't hate me, ya'll know I have to tell you how I FEEL about my books, and this one left me a little wanting. Of WHAT exactly, I've no bloody idea!!
BUT!!!
Besides from the fact this book brings the series to an end, I did enjoy it, and I would still highly recommend this series for those who like paranormal, or fantasy romances.
Always sad to see a series come to an end.
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book 5 in the series, and you really SHOULD read books 1 through 4 first. The prequel short isn't really necessary though.
Gaetan is the Healer at the Keep. When Noeh's son takes himself through the portal, Gaetan sets out to find him, and ends up saving Nikki from a Gossum attack. But in doing so, sets off a chain of events that will lead to the end of this war.
I have enjoyed this series, and it's always sad to see the end come but I find myself a little disappointed and I have no idea why!
Oh, don't get me wrong, Gaetan and Nikki's story is a good one, and we get why his leg is injured and just why his sister Ginnia, is how she is. Heartbreaking, when Gaetan tells Nikki that. And the Gods on Lemuria play their final pieces, and everything becomes, mostly anyway, clear.
I just ...UGH!!! I just felt, good as it was, it all came to a head far too quickly, and without all the drama I was expecting! Please don't hate me, ya'll know I have to tell you how I FEEL about my books, and this one left me a little wanting. Of WHAT exactly, I've no bloody idea!!
BUT!!!
Besides from the fact this book brings the series to an end, I did enjoy it, and I would still highly recommend this series for those who like paranormal, or fantasy romances.
Always sad to see a series come to an end.
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Merissa (13942 KP) rated Liam For Hire in Books
Oct 18, 2018
Liam for Hire by A. Zukowski
Liam For Hire can be read as a standalone, but it does feature a couple of characters from the first book - The Boy Who Fell To Earth. That was an amazing read, so I wholeheartedly recommend you do start with that one first, just so you get the full picture.
Liam is one of those characters, and we meet up with him a few months after Sasha. He has mainly got his act together, and is now an escort. He knows what he is, and what he does. He would like more, but he just can't see it. As the story progresses you see many reasons for why he would feel like this, and trust me, it will break your heart. As for Ali, there is little I can say about him apart from I LOVE HIM!! His attitude was perfect for Liam, and helped him in more ways than even Liam realised.
This is a dark read yet again, showing Liam's addiction, and recovery, and addiction. Too many good bits to mention, I was thoroughly engrossed in this book, and read it in one sitting. It was so nice to read a story from Liam's perspective. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I have no hesitation in recommeding this story, or this author. Absolutely fantastic, and I can't wait for Chris' story.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Liam is one of those characters, and we meet up with him a few months after Sasha. He has mainly got his act together, and is now an escort. He knows what he is, and what he does. He would like more, but he just can't see it. As the story progresses you see many reasons for why he would feel like this, and trust me, it will break your heart. As for Ali, there is little I can say about him apart from I LOVE HIM!! His attitude was perfect for Liam, and helped him in more ways than even Liam realised.
This is a dark read yet again, showing Liam's addiction, and recovery, and addiction. Too many good bits to mention, I was thoroughly engrossed in this book, and read it in one sitting. It was so nice to read a story from Liam's perspective. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I have no hesitation in recommeding this story, or this author. Absolutely fantastic, and I can't wait for Chris' story.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated The Last Time I Lied in Books
Nov 12, 2018
Keeps you guessing until the last pages
What I enjoyed about this one is the twists and turns happening all throughout the novel. You think it’s one thing, but it’s leading to another, yet out comes another possible solution to the mystery however it ends up being another red herring and so on. The guessing games keep the book on your toes.
The plot flows through smoothly, alternating between past and present so you get a feel for the background story on the events leading up as to why Emma is back. There were times where you had to question her sanity because her behavior was erratic and unstable. As mentioned before, the guessing games throughout the novel kept the plot going and exciting to read. Expect mean girl behavior and shenanigans, and Emma’s character overall isn’t too likable but tolerable at the most. Vivian isn’t any better but the role she takes upon herself as a ‘big sister’ is endearing and gets instant idolization from Emma.
What I loved the most about this book is I wasn’t expecting such a great ending. I was thinking it was going to be a lackluster one at the most with a simple explanation as to what was behind the girls disappearances. It’s not until literally, the last pages of the novel where you get hit with a mega surprise and it was instant mind blow. I was left shocked for a fair amount of time as it was expertly done.
I heard more good things about Sager’s other works so I’ll definitely be picking them up. Hope they’re just as good as this one!
The plot flows through smoothly, alternating between past and present so you get a feel for the background story on the events leading up as to why Emma is back. There were times where you had to question her sanity because her behavior was erratic and unstable. As mentioned before, the guessing games throughout the novel kept the plot going and exciting to read. Expect mean girl behavior and shenanigans, and Emma’s character overall isn’t too likable but tolerable at the most. Vivian isn’t any better but the role she takes upon herself as a ‘big sister’ is endearing and gets instant idolization from Emma.
What I loved the most about this book is I wasn’t expecting such a great ending. I was thinking it was going to be a lackluster one at the most with a simple explanation as to what was behind the girls disappearances. It’s not until literally, the last pages of the novel where you get hit with a mega surprise and it was instant mind blow. I was left shocked for a fair amount of time as it was expertly done.
I heard more good things about Sager’s other works so I’ll definitely be picking them up. Hope they’re just as good as this one!
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Fairest - Levana's Story in Books
Jan 2, 2019
***If you have not read the series please be aware of possible spoilers. These books are NOT stand alones and must be read in order.***
I LOVE THIS SERIES!!! While this book technically goes between Cress and Winter I only just read it (3 months after reading Winter which didn't hinder my enjoyment of Winter in the least. However, I DO recommend reading Fairest in the proper order. ). And let me tell you....The moon has been visible every day this week and I keep looking at it and thinking, "Hmmm, I wonder if Levana can see me...."
I do NOT like Levana...AT ALL...And this book did not change that. I do not have compassion for her. I do not see ANY good in her. BUT, this book was REALLY REALLY well written, and it gives us SO MUCH INSIGHT into Levana's past. Although I DO feel bad for the whole reason she wears a veil. Knowing that if that event hadn't taken place that maybe she would have turned out nicer, but it is doubtful. She is a cunning queen. She knows what she is doing, and sees the long term goals. Too bad she didn't have at least a smidgen of good in her. Although she does raise her step-daughter...But let's not get into my feelings on that...Levana is the epitome of evil. Yet the world that Marissa Meyer has created is spectacular.
I borrowed the audiobook copy of Fairest from my local library. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I LOVE THIS SERIES!!! While this book technically goes between Cress and Winter I only just read it (3 months after reading Winter which didn't hinder my enjoyment of Winter in the least. However, I DO recommend reading Fairest in the proper order. ). And let me tell you....The moon has been visible every day this week and I keep looking at it and thinking, "Hmmm, I wonder if Levana can see me...."
I do NOT like Levana...AT ALL...And this book did not change that. I do not have compassion for her. I do not see ANY good in her. BUT, this book was REALLY REALLY well written, and it gives us SO MUCH INSIGHT into Levana's past. Although I DO feel bad for the whole reason she wears a veil. Knowing that if that event hadn't taken place that maybe she would have turned out nicer, but it is doubtful. She is a cunning queen. She knows what she is doing, and sees the long term goals. Too bad she didn't have at least a smidgen of good in her. Although she does raise her step-daughter...But let's not get into my feelings on that...Levana is the epitome of evil. Yet the world that Marissa Meyer has created is spectacular.
I borrowed the audiobook copy of Fairest from my local library. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Merissa (13942 KP) rated Seer (Soulmates #2) in Books
Dec 10, 2018
Seer (Soulmates #2) by Erin M. Leaf
Seer is the second book in the Soulmates series, and oh my goodness, this was a good read. We start off with Jeff, mourning his parents and not believing the murder-suicide the police have told him. Then Nick shows up at his door, and confirms without proof that it was murder. This starts a whole chain of events that has Jeff being shot at, potentially blown up, tortured, and held hostage. Oh, and Nick and Jeff find out that not only is Jeff not human, but he is Nick's soulmate too.
Can I just say here how much I am loving this series?! Jeff has had girlfriends in the past, but was never convinced he was 'just' straight. Nick has always been gay, but what these two feel for each other is off the charts. I loved how not only were they soulmates, but they made each other stronger.
This is a fast-paced, full of action both in and out of the sheets, story, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. It was a delight to enter this world again, and I adored how Guy and Theo had their cameos. This is not a world I am ready to leave, it is that well-built. The characters are amazing, and I really can't wait to see where Erin M. Leaf goes next. Absolutely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Can I just say here how much I am loving this series?! Jeff has had girlfriends in the past, but was never convinced he was 'just' straight. Nick has always been gay, but what these two feel for each other is off the charts. I loved how not only were they soulmates, but they made each other stronger.
This is a fast-paced, full of action both in and out of the sheets, story, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. It was a delight to enter this world again, and I adored how Guy and Theo had their cameos. This is not a world I am ready to leave, it is that well-built. The characters are amazing, and I really can't wait to see where Erin M. Leaf goes next. Absolutely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!