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Merissa (11731 KP) rated Shatter Me in Books
Dec 17, 2018 (Updated Apr 11, 2023)
I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review.
There is a trigger warning at the start of this book and with good reason. The images that Alex Grayson conjures within your mind are horrific and heartbreaking. They will make your heart pound faster as the adrenaline pumps through your veins, your breath hitching as you read faster and faster, praying that the main female is going to be okay, even though you 'see' most of it through flashbacks so that you know she is... sort of.
This is also a story about trust, hope and friendship and the love that can follow if someone is prepared to be patient and help someone who is suffering from trauma instead of riding roughshod over them. There is darkness, there is beauty. There is horror and humour.
Shatter Me will make you sob, not just cry. There will be big, fat, ugly tears rolling down your face but you won't want to stop reading. I read this in one sitting as there was no way I was going to bed halfway through.
This is an exceedingly well-written and well-paced story that will blow your socks off. When I found out that this was a debut novel, I was astounded! I honestly can't wait for the next but at the same time am dreading it (if that makes any sense).
If you can read 'dark' subjects then I highly recommend this. However, please heed the trigger warning!
December 18, 2018
There is a trigger warning at the start of this book and with good reason. The images that Alex Grayson conjures within your mind are horrific and heartbreaking. They will make your heart pound faster as the adrenaline pumps through your veins, your breath hitching as you read faster and faster, praying that the main female is going to be okay, even though you 'see' most of it through flashbacks so that you know she is... sort of.
This is also a story about trust, hope and friendship and the love that can follow if someone is prepared to be patient and help someone who is suffering from trauma instead of riding roughshod over them. There is darkness, there is beauty. There is horror and humour.
Shatter Me will make you sob, not just cry. There will be big, fat, ugly tears rolling down your face but you won't want to stop reading. I read this in one sitting as there was no way I was going to bed halfway through.
This is an exceedingly well-written and well-paced story that will blow your socks off. When I found out that this was a debut novel, I was astounded! I honestly can't wait for the next but at the same time am dreading it (if that makes any sense).
If you can read 'dark' subjects then I highly recommend this. However, please heed the trigger warning!
December 18, 2018
Founding Friendships: Friendships Between Men and Women in the Early American Republic
Book
"When Harry Met Sally" is only the most iconic of popular American movies, books, and articles that...
Tayla (27 KP) rated A Court of Mist and Fury in Books
Jun 21, 2018
Characters (3 more)
Storyline
Action packed
Umm Everything?
Seriously. Amazing.
I put off starting A Court of Thorns and Roses because of vanity reasons (the cover just didn't do it for me, ok?!), but I fell in love with it immediately. I didn't even wait a second before starting A Court of Mist and Fury. Seriously. This series has become one my all time favorites. A Court of Mist and Fury is the continued story of Feyre. After being under the mountain she has found herself with a strange new body and a constant battle with the demons wrecking havoc in her mind. This book spends a good deal of time letting Feyre find herself and realize the good and toxic things in her life. As a threat looms ever closer, she learns to trust in herself and her abilities to become the curse breaker the all need.
The story is remarkable. I am always a little wary about the second books in series but this one far surpassed the first book. Sarah J Mass took an abusive relationship that we see all too often in books and turned it upside down. The sad part was I didn't even realize that it was an abusive relationship until I started into this book. I began to look back and pick out unhealthy parts to Feyre and Tamlin's relationship. I found myself giddy with delight as Feyre finds healthy relationships. I kept looking around as I was reading to see if anyone would notice the pure delight on my face (awkward..). The best part? The entire book moved so quickly I felt like I was sprinting to complete it. My emotions were on a rollercoaster the entire time. The author did a great job including scenes that provide a break from the chaos to let us catch our breath before diving right back in.
The characters really make this book. All the main women in this book are badasses. It is a breath of fresh air to see these women be more than a pretty face and hold their own. I also can't get over their friendship. It's clearly a true, bone deep friendship where the love is hard to miss. The night court men in this book are also refreshing. They will protect their friends family, but they are also aware that everyone is capable of taking care of themselves and each of them have their own strengths. I love the friendship and love between these characters.
The relationships had such tension in them it was impossible not to feel them. Apparently, fae do not do a good job of hiding how they feel about those they care about, and I am not complaining! I loved the relationship between Feyre and Rhys. Even from A Court of Thorns and Roses I wanted more interaction between the both of them. Although I couldn't tell what exactly was between them, I could feel the pull, the need to hear more of their story. Authors are amazing for being able to capture things like that! I do feel the need to note that there are some pretty heavy sex scenes in this book, significantly more than the first one. Maybe don't read out in public ;).
I loved a Court of Mist and Fury! I am a yelling at myself for not jumping on the bandwagon sooner. I highly recommend this book to everyone who likes magical fantasy books, books with strong female leads, books with a bit (ok a lot) of romance but in a healthy way, and an effortless read.
The story is remarkable. I am always a little wary about the second books in series but this one far surpassed the first book. Sarah J Mass took an abusive relationship that we see all too often in books and turned it upside down. The sad part was I didn't even realize that it was an abusive relationship until I started into this book. I began to look back and pick out unhealthy parts to Feyre and Tamlin's relationship. I found myself giddy with delight as Feyre finds healthy relationships. I kept looking around as I was reading to see if anyone would notice the pure delight on my face (awkward..). The best part? The entire book moved so quickly I felt like I was sprinting to complete it. My emotions were on a rollercoaster the entire time. The author did a great job including scenes that provide a break from the chaos to let us catch our breath before diving right back in.
The characters really make this book. All the main women in this book are badasses. It is a breath of fresh air to see these women be more than a pretty face and hold their own. I also can't get over their friendship. It's clearly a true, bone deep friendship where the love is hard to miss. The night court men in this book are also refreshing. They will protect their friends family, but they are also aware that everyone is capable of taking care of themselves and each of them have their own strengths. I love the friendship and love between these characters.
The relationships had such tension in them it was impossible not to feel them. Apparently, fae do not do a good job of hiding how they feel about those they care about, and I am not complaining! I loved the relationship between Feyre and Rhys. Even from A Court of Thorns and Roses I wanted more interaction between the both of them. Although I couldn't tell what exactly was between them, I could feel the pull, the need to hear more of their story. Authors are amazing for being able to capture things like that! I do feel the need to note that there are some pretty heavy sex scenes in this book, significantly more than the first one. Maybe don't read out in public ;).
I loved a Court of Mist and Fury! I am a yelling at myself for not jumping on the bandwagon sooner. I highly recommend this book to everyone who likes magical fantasy books, books with strong female leads, books with a bit (ok a lot) of romance but in a healthy way, and an effortless read.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Silver Girl in Books
May 10, 2018
Meredith DeLin has just found out that her husband has stolen billions from their friends and his business associates. Now she and her son are being investigated by the Federal Government as well, although Meredith has told them, she didn't know anything. With no where else to turn, she calls her friend Connie and asks to stay with her. Connie is on her way from Maryland to Nantucket for the summer and feels even though her relationship with Meredith hasn't been the best in the past few years, she could use the company. A series of strange events directed at Meredith, draws the two closer together as the deal with the past and make plans for their futures.
I listened to this book, so if names are spelled wrong that is why. I really enjoyed this story and could feel for the characters. I know how it feels to be friends with someone your whole life and then as adults, with marriage and kids and life, that friendship drifts apart. The fact that Connie was there for Meredith, despite their distance, physically & emotionally, speaks volumes to her character. And Meredith was there for Connie as well. Even though Connie may not have been going through a scandal like Meredith was, she still had her own demons she was facing and despite her reservations about getting involved with Meredith, she was grateful to have to her by her side for this difficult summer.
Both women learned a lot about themselves and each other during the summer they spent together. Elin Hilderbrand writes a wonderful novel about female relationships and I can't wait to read or listen to more of her books.
I listened to this book, so if names are spelled wrong that is why. I really enjoyed this story and could feel for the characters. I know how it feels to be friends with someone your whole life and then as adults, with marriage and kids and life, that friendship drifts apart. The fact that Connie was there for Meredith, despite their distance, physically & emotionally, speaks volumes to her character. And Meredith was there for Connie as well. Even though Connie may not have been going through a scandal like Meredith was, she still had her own demons she was facing and despite her reservations about getting involved with Meredith, she was grateful to have to her by her side for this difficult summer.
Both women learned a lot about themselves and each other during the summer they spent together. Elin Hilderbrand writes a wonderful novel about female relationships and I can't wait to read or listen to more of her books.
Kyera (8 KP) rated This Adventure Ends in Books
Feb 1, 2018
This Adventure Ends started off by speaking to my little sarcastic, witty heart and introducing us to a funny, female character. Its crazy, but yes girls can be funny. The humorous person in your novel does not have to be a guy. It is your classic high school story where a new girl moves to town and makes friends but of course, the friends all have drama and secrets.
Sloane is also a singer and loves to read, so basically, this is starting to sound like my life. I joke, sort of, but she is a relatively normal, relatable high school girl. It really made me miss taking voice lessons even though theyre not expressly featured in the book. A lot of the events are more just telling the reader that it happened, than showing them what happened.
Im sure most readers can relate to this line in the book:
He looks at me for a moment and then says, Maybe Ill just watch the movie.
Those are fighting words, I say.
It just speaks to how relatable the author makes the book, from fanfics and fandom to high school sports and friends. This book gives you feels and might even cause a tear of joy. All of the effort that Sloane goes through, the love that Vera and Gabe have for their mother, just comes together in one poignant moment and its beautiful.
The friendships are authentic, from their ups and downs to the simple fun they have together. The characters are likable and relatable and although theres some typical, adorable teen romantic cuteness, it fits in the story and I approve.
Recommended to teen/young adult readers who enjoy cheery contemporary novels about family, friendship and high school.
Sloane is also a singer and loves to read, so basically, this is starting to sound like my life. I joke, sort of, but she is a relatively normal, relatable high school girl. It really made me miss taking voice lessons even though theyre not expressly featured in the book. A lot of the events are more just telling the reader that it happened, than showing them what happened.
Im sure most readers can relate to this line in the book:
He looks at me for a moment and then says, Maybe Ill just watch the movie.
Those are fighting words, I say.
It just speaks to how relatable the author makes the book, from fanfics and fandom to high school sports and friends. This book gives you feels and might even cause a tear of joy. All of the effort that Sloane goes through, the love that Vera and Gabe have for their mother, just comes together in one poignant moment and its beautiful.
The friendships are authentic, from their ups and downs to the simple fun they have together. The characters are likable and relatable and although theres some typical, adorable teen romantic cuteness, it fits in the story and I approve.
Recommended to teen/young adult readers who enjoy cheery contemporary novels about family, friendship and high school.
Louise (64 KP) rated Worst. Person. Ever. in Books
Jul 2, 2018
Raymond Gunt is the Worst. Person. Ever! Raymond is a foul-mouthed man that speaks his mind without any regards to be peoples feelings. Ray who is behind on his rent decides to see his ex wife (Fiona) for a job as a B cameraman, luckily for him she gives him the opportunity to turn his life around and hires him, only the job is in Kiribati for a show called Survival(Pretty much I'm a celebrity get me out of here!)
A homeless guy, Neal, in which Ray started a fight with in the street is employed as his assistant and a friendship is born. Unfortunatley for Ray, life goes from worse to worse and Neal's just keeps getting better.
Things start going downhill from London airport where he gets caught up in all sorts of dramas such dropping an atomic bomb on the Pacific trash vortex!
I am really not sure about this book and how really to rate it, Coupland did a really good job in making me hate the vile-mouthed, sexist, homophobe that is Gunt. I also enjoyed how his life started going down hill but only because of what a horrible human being he is. The other characters in the book such as Fiona (Fi)is just the female version of Raymond and very unlikeable. My favourite character was Neal as he seemed the most genuine out of them all. I found the plot of this book, disasters and characters rather far-fetched.
Every couple of chapters there are subtexts with factual information with regards to the scenario's at the time.
This is Douglas Couplands fourteenth novel, and have to say that I am a bit apprehensive about reading any of his other works.
A homeless guy, Neal, in which Ray started a fight with in the street is employed as his assistant and a friendship is born. Unfortunatley for Ray, life goes from worse to worse and Neal's just keeps getting better.
Things start going downhill from London airport where he gets caught up in all sorts of dramas such dropping an atomic bomb on the Pacific trash vortex!
I am really not sure about this book and how really to rate it, Coupland did a really good job in making me hate the vile-mouthed, sexist, homophobe that is Gunt. I also enjoyed how his life started going down hill but only because of what a horrible human being he is. The other characters in the book such as Fiona (Fi)is just the female version of Raymond and very unlikeable. My favourite character was Neal as he seemed the most genuine out of them all. I found the plot of this book, disasters and characters rather far-fetched.
Every couple of chapters there are subtexts with factual information with regards to the scenario's at the time.
This is Douglas Couplands fourteenth novel, and have to say that I am a bit apprehensive about reading any of his other works.
Becs (244 KP) rated Warrior Protect in Books
Sep 24, 2018
Cade. (5 more)
Aurora.
Karas.
The story as a whole.
The cover.
The plot
A fun and thrilling read that will leave you wanting more.
I received a read and review copy of Warrior Protect by Brie Farmer from the author herself for my full honest opinion.
This is the second novel I have read by Brie Farmer and when I say you need to check her out, I mean you need to drop everything and check her out now. She is a great writer and I absolutely loved her debut novel. Now, I can add another great book to my loved list. So let's talk about everything I loved.
Warrior Protect was a thrilling and very engaging read that had me going through all of my emotions. Guys, I cried... I actually cried and I haven't cried over a book in a very long time. I'm not emotional, you are! That's how you know a book is good. If you cry, if you get angry, if you get overwhelmed with emotions, the books is good and worth a million rereads. I'm not kidding. Everybody needs to read this.
I loved how relatable the female MC was and man, the male MC sounds very attractive. Who needs a husband when you can have all the book boyfriends. ;) The love that was felt, the anger that caused blood to spill, the happiness that resulted in friendship. It was all amazing to read and Brie Farmer did a wonderful job portraying it in a way that brought the reader into the story. There were a few grammatical and editing errors, but this was still a four-star read!
This is the second novel I have read by Brie Farmer and when I say you need to check her out, I mean you need to drop everything and check her out now. She is a great writer and I absolutely loved her debut novel. Now, I can add another great book to my loved list. So let's talk about everything I loved.
Warrior Protect was a thrilling and very engaging read that had me going through all of my emotions. Guys, I cried... I actually cried and I haven't cried over a book in a very long time. I'm not emotional, you are! That's how you know a book is good. If you cry, if you get angry, if you get overwhelmed with emotions, the books is good and worth a million rereads. I'm not kidding. Everybody needs to read this.
I loved how relatable the female MC was and man, the male MC sounds very attractive. Who needs a husband when you can have all the book boyfriends. ;) The love that was felt, the anger that caused blood to spill, the happiness that resulted in friendship. It was all amazing to read and Brie Farmer did a wonderful job portraying it in a way that brought the reader into the story. There were a few grammatical and editing errors, but this was still a four-star read!
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