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Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated Looking for Dei in Books
Jun 10, 2018 (Updated Jan 18, 2019)
I hate being the first person to give a book a low rating, but after months of trying, I was unable to finish Looking for Dei. Largely, it's simply not my style. The voice is a little too passive, the story a little too predictable. Then again, my tastes are a bit bloodier and darker than this fantasy novel, and this is yet another pure YA read--like Ghost Slayer, but fantasy rather than paranormal.
I don't feel an attachment to any of the characters, and for me that's a big problem. There's no connection, no wondering what will happen to them and that could be in part because of all the exposition. They simply bore me, for lack of a better word. I don't mean to come off harsh, but I've really been struggling to read this.
Plotwise, its much of the same. Too much of what is going on can be guessed at. The evil characters have no mystery to them. The good characters are always fortunate in what happens to them. It's simply too fantastic in that regard for me.
I'd like to thank the author for providing me with an ARC of his book for the purpose of review. I regret being unable to finish this book, but after three months of trying and putting it down, I simply cannot force-feed it to myself.
I don't feel an attachment to any of the characters, and for me that's a big problem. There's no connection, no wondering what will happen to them and that could be in part because of all the exposition. They simply bore me, for lack of a better word. I don't mean to come off harsh, but I've really been struggling to read this.
Plotwise, its much of the same. Too much of what is going on can be guessed at. The evil characters have no mystery to them. The good characters are always fortunate in what happens to them. It's simply too fantastic in that regard for me.
I'd like to thank the author for providing me with an ARC of his book for the purpose of review. I regret being unable to finish this book, but after three months of trying and putting it down, I simply cannot force-feed it to myself.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Rose of Sarajevo in Books
Jun 18, 2018
<a href="https://awindowintobooks.wordpress.com">Full Review</a>
I received, Rose of Sarajevo by Ayse Kulin, for free in exchange for a review from goodreads. I knew very little about the Balkans crisis prior to reading this book but now I feel that I understand some of what the people experienced and how families were torn apart for a crisis that is deep within the roots of the people. For the first part of the book the story appeared to creep along the pages as the author explained the reason for the war and give the backstory. Once the necessary explanation was completed the story took off and captivated me as the reader. Violence occurs. A town is destroyed. Heartbreak. Death. And finally, family members leaving to fight a war that so many see as senseless.
At the beginning Nimeta (the main characters) appears to be a woman is strong, dedicated, journalist whose a mother, a daughter, and a wife. She has done everything correct just as is expected of her until she meets Stefan who she unexpectedly fall in love with. She has to make the decision of doing what is right and doing what her heart says.
As a person who loves historical novels, this book was perfect. I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read about history, especially a part of history that is not discussed much.
I received, Rose of Sarajevo by Ayse Kulin, for free in exchange for a review from goodreads. I knew very little about the Balkans crisis prior to reading this book but now I feel that I understand some of what the people experienced and how families were torn apart for a crisis that is deep within the roots of the people. For the first part of the book the story appeared to creep along the pages as the author explained the reason for the war and give the backstory. Once the necessary explanation was completed the story took off and captivated me as the reader. Violence occurs. A town is destroyed. Heartbreak. Death. And finally, family members leaving to fight a war that so many see as senseless.
At the beginning Nimeta (the main characters) appears to be a woman is strong, dedicated, journalist whose a mother, a daughter, and a wife. She has done everything correct just as is expected of her until she meets Stefan who she unexpectedly fall in love with. She has to make the decision of doing what is right and doing what her heart says.
As a person who loves historical novels, this book was perfect. I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read about history, especially a part of history that is not discussed much.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Desert Moon: Also Includes Bonus Story of Honor Bond by Colleen L. Reece in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Desert Moon by Susan Page Davis is a wonderful historical fiction. The story takes place in Arizona. There is a sweet romance throughout the story with a little bit of danger and mystery added. The story begins fast with a stage coach robbery and then blames of the crime are made and with evidence.
The main character, Julia Newman, is a young lady that makes the difficult decisions. Julia receives double bad news in a short amount of time. First she learns of her mother's death, then she learns that her brother is accused of robbing a stagecoach and the person who informed her is the man that Julie has always love, Deputy Adam Scott.
Julie left home to go to school to become a teacher because she could not stand to be near the man she loved, Deputy Adam Scott. On her way home, Julie learns that the stagecoach she is riding in has been robbed. Deputy accused Julie's brother of the crime, which frustrates her. Julie tries to convince Deputy Adam Scott of her brother's innocence but then finds out that her brother has gone mission. During this exchange, Julie discovers that her feelings for Deputy Adam Scott has not gone away as she hoped would happen when she went away to school.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The main character, Julia Newman, is a young lady that makes the difficult decisions. Julia receives double bad news in a short amount of time. First she learns of her mother's death, then she learns that her brother is accused of robbing a stagecoach and the person who informed her is the man that Julie has always love, Deputy Adam Scott.
Julie left home to go to school to become a teacher because she could not stand to be near the man she loved, Deputy Adam Scott. On her way home, Julie learns that the stagecoach she is riding in has been robbed. Deputy accused Julie's brother of the crime, which frustrates her. Julie tries to convince Deputy Adam Scott of her brother's innocence but then finds out that her brother has gone mission. During this exchange, Julie discovers that her feelings for Deputy Adam Scott has not gone away as she hoped would happen when she went away to school.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Morgen Frances (21 KP) rated Crowned with Guilt in Books
Jul 9, 2018
Remember the Reaper (book 1)
I could never say enough about this book. Not only was it an amazing read, but it’s the authors debut novel. She takes you on a journey you don’t want to ever end. The characters have such depth, you’re sucked into a world you never knew you needed to be a part of. There’s something I find so sweet and innocent about a child’s unconditional love. Especially when it’s shared with another kid who needs it so much. The bond that forms is her lifeline in so many ways. Tessa’s story is not one of unicorns and rainbows but she finds her escape in books, a prince she doesn’t feel she deserves, and a castle built of dreams. It’s dark, gritty, and doesn’t feel anything but real. She goes through so much in her young life, it changes her. The weight of what she feels as her fault sits heavy on her shoulders. There’s not much that can hurt a person as much as their own guilt slowly eating away at them. When all you see in the mirror is the villain and you lash out at anyone who tries to get close what hope is left.
This is the first book of a series.
This is the first book of a series.
Ivana A. | Diary of Difference (1171 KP) rated Suzy Spitfire Kills Everybody in Books
Aug 21, 2018
Thank you Joe for sending me this beautiful book!
First of all - this book is AWESOME. The character of Suzy is described so perfectly well, and it fits her role and it reminds me of myself so much, that I was laughing at scenes in the book where I probably shouldn't.
The scenes are amazing. This book takes you to an incredible adventure in time and space, introducing a new world, different than the one you are used to, and it takes you all the way in - leaving you breathless until the last page.
It is a story where Suzy kills her uncle and she's not wanted on Earth. But soon she finds out that her father has been killed, and he has created something that endangers the whole universe. With a great motive behind her, she is determined to find that little something and save the world? Or is she?
With the great help of many others that she is not sure whether they're trustworthy until the very end, she goes into this adventure, ready to lose it all, just for a very strong motive of unconditional love - even if it means her death.
Definitely a must read for every single person that loves fantasy, mystery, adventure, romance, thriller. It is all well put into this incredible book.
First of all - this book is AWESOME. The character of Suzy is described so perfectly well, and it fits her role and it reminds me of myself so much, that I was laughing at scenes in the book where I probably shouldn't.
The scenes are amazing. This book takes you to an incredible adventure in time and space, introducing a new world, different than the one you are used to, and it takes you all the way in - leaving you breathless until the last page.
It is a story where Suzy kills her uncle and she's not wanted on Earth. But soon she finds out that her father has been killed, and he has created something that endangers the whole universe. With a great motive behind her, she is determined to find that little something and save the world? Or is she?
With the great help of many others that she is not sure whether they're trustworthy until the very end, she goes into this adventure, ready to lose it all, just for a very strong motive of unconditional love - even if it means her death.
Definitely a must read for every single person that loves fantasy, mystery, adventure, romance, thriller. It is all well put into this incredible book.
ClareR (5874 KP) rated The Queen Of Bloody Everything in Books
Sep 9, 2018
A challenging mother/ daughter relationship.
This starts in 1976 and really captures the feelings and experiences of someone growing up through the 1970s and 1980s in the UK. There are so many familiar cultural references: from Margaret Thatcher to Mivvi ice lollies.
I listened to this through Audible, and I think the narrator was exactly the right choice. Dido, the main character, starts off as a six year old in 1976. We follow her through a difficult childhood with her single, bohemian, hard and fast living mother, Edie, in a very conservative small town. There are times where I wondered who the adult actually was. There is no doubt that Dido loves her mother no matter how difficult she is, but it's also evident that she is largely responsible for the direction that Dido's life takes. Dido is mainly cared for by the Trevelyans, who she meets on the day she and her mother move in to the house left to Edie in her aunts will. Mrs Trevelyan is clearly disapproving of Edie (as are a lot of people in their small town). Dido attempts to become part of the Trevelyan family, and she does succeed in time.
I loved all of these characters and the way their lives played out, and I think the use of the first person narrative was really effective. A really lovely book.
I listened to this through Audible, and I think the narrator was exactly the right choice. Dido, the main character, starts off as a six year old in 1976. We follow her through a difficult childhood with her single, bohemian, hard and fast living mother, Edie, in a very conservative small town. There are times where I wondered who the adult actually was. There is no doubt that Dido loves her mother no matter how difficult she is, but it's also evident that she is largely responsible for the direction that Dido's life takes. Dido is mainly cared for by the Trevelyans, who she meets on the day she and her mother move in to the house left to Edie in her aunts will. Mrs Trevelyan is clearly disapproving of Edie (as are a lot of people in their small town). Dido attempts to become part of the Trevelyan family, and she does succeed in time.
I loved all of these characters and the way their lives played out, and I think the use of the first person narrative was really effective. A really lovely book.
David McK (3557 KP) rated Shattered (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #7) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The most recent (as of the time of writing this review) of [a: Kevin Hearne|4414255|Kevin Hearne|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1289238438p2/4414255.jpg]'s 'Iron Druid series, which deals in a large part with 'daddy issues', and with the consequences Atticus faces for choosing to become the Iron Druid (iron, remember, is anathema to the faery races).
Since the start of the series, the number of Druids walking the earth has now trebled: no longer is there Atticus alone, but we now also have his apprentice Granuaile (sp?), as well as his old mentor who now goes by the name Owen Kennedy after being pulled off a time island at the start of this, after Atticus discovered him there at the end of the previous novel ([b: Hunted|17571837|Hunted|Karen Robards|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386557434s/17571837.jpg|24510885]).
As before, this is told in the first person narrative, largely taking it turns split between the (now three) main characters. Comic relief, as always, is provided by Atticus and Granuaile's trusty canine companions Oberon and Orlaith respectively, who the three main characters are able to communicate telepathically with. Also, as before, this ends on a decided cliffhanger to set up the next novel: one that I will, without a doubt, be picking up when it comes out.
Since the start of the series, the number of Druids walking the earth has now trebled: no longer is there Atticus alone, but we now also have his apprentice Granuaile (sp?), as well as his old mentor who now goes by the name Owen Kennedy after being pulled off a time island at the start of this, after Atticus discovered him there at the end of the previous novel ([b: Hunted|17571837|Hunted|Karen Robards|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386557434s/17571837.jpg|24510885]).
As before, this is told in the first person narrative, largely taking it turns split between the (now three) main characters. Comic relief, as always, is provided by Atticus and Granuaile's trusty canine companions Oberon and Orlaith respectively, who the three main characters are able to communicate telepathically with. Also, as before, this ends on a decided cliffhanger to set up the next novel: one that I will, without a doubt, be picking up when it comes out.
Jessica - Where the Book Ends (15 KP) rated Hate List in Books
Jan 30, 2019
I tried so hard! I made it to 63%. The heroine in this book just was not working for me. She wasn't easy to relate to and all she did was wallow in self pity. She wasn't a strong character at all. She was whiny and constantly wallowing in self pity. She kept putting her boyfriend who shot up the school on a freaking pedestal.
Check out my updates...
April 19, 2017 –
63.0% "No words... just bad... someone save me."
April 18, 2017 –
50.0% "Really not digging the reporter segments of this book."
April 18, 2017 –
42.0% "Valerie is finally starting to see the light... There may be hope for her yet."
April 18, 2017 –
37.0%
April 18, 2017 –
26.0% "Valerie doesn't seem to have changed her opinion of Nick at all. Just starting Part 2. Hopefully this is going to get better."
April 18, 2017 –
26.0%
April 18, 2017 –
15.0% "SO FAR I FEEL LIKE VALERIE IS OBSESSED WITH NICK AND HE DOESN'T CARE ABOUT HER AS MUCH AS SHE DOES. SHE SEES HIM FROM THIS POINT OF VIEW THAT HE WAS A GREAT PERSON, BUT HE SHOT UP A SCHOOL. SHE HAS THE NERVE TO BE SURPRISED THAT ON HER FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL THAT PEOPLE CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY SHE LOVES HIM AND MOURNS HIM. TRYING TO KEEP AN OPEN MIND."
April 17, 2017 – Started Reading
Check out my updates...
April 19, 2017 –
63.0% "No words... just bad... someone save me."
April 18, 2017 –
50.0% "Really not digging the reporter segments of this book."
April 18, 2017 –
42.0% "Valerie is finally starting to see the light... There may be hope for her yet."
April 18, 2017 –
37.0%
April 18, 2017 –
26.0% "Valerie doesn't seem to have changed her opinion of Nick at all. Just starting Part 2. Hopefully this is going to get better."
April 18, 2017 –
26.0%
April 18, 2017 –
15.0% "SO FAR I FEEL LIKE VALERIE IS OBSESSED WITH NICK AND HE DOESN'T CARE ABOUT HER AS MUCH AS SHE DOES. SHE SEES HIM FROM THIS POINT OF VIEW THAT HE WAS A GREAT PERSON, BUT HE SHOT UP A SCHOOL. SHE HAS THE NERVE TO BE SURPRISED THAT ON HER FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL THAT PEOPLE CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY SHE LOVES HIM AND MOURNS HIM. TRYING TO KEEP AN OPEN MIND."
April 17, 2017 – Started Reading
Merissa (12854 KP) rated Broken Girl vs Fix-It Boy (Forever Love #2) in Books
Oct 21, 2019
Broken Girl vs Fix-It Boy is the second book in the Forever Love series, and is a continuation from their first book.
Written mainly from Harper and Tane's point of view, but also with some from Bianca, this book details the struggles Harper is facing, with how her grief is affecting her ways the others don't really see as they are too busy trying to sort out their own feelings. Tane and Harper's road is definitely a bumpy one but I am hoping they will work things out together. As for Bianca, I really can't wait for her story. I'm still not a big fan of Stacy, but I can see she is trying. She just needs to realise (which I think she has at the end of this book) that Bianca is a different person. I also can't wait for Stacy to open her eyes, but that's another story.
This is a touching, emotional book that is excellently written as expected, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading. An excellent addition to the series that will definitely leave you wanting more. Highly 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!
Written mainly from Harper and Tane's point of view, but also with some from Bianca, this book details the struggles Harper is facing, with how her grief is affecting her ways the others don't really see as they are too busy trying to sort out their own feelings. Tane and Harper's road is definitely a bumpy one but I am hoping they will work things out together. As for Bianca, I really can't wait for her story. I'm still not a big fan of Stacy, but I can see she is trying. She just needs to realise (which I think she has at the end of this book) that Bianca is a different person. I also can't wait for Stacy to open her eyes, but that's another story.
This is a touching, emotional book that is excellently written as expected, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading. An excellent addition to the series that will definitely leave you wanting more. Highly 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!
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of The Park in Video Games
Jul 7, 2019
Not the worst way to spend a couple of hours
In The Park, you play as a mother searching for your son inside an abandoned amusement park - a pretty straightforward plot for a horror game.
Being more of a psychological horror game, things are of course not actually that simple....
You play The Park from a first person perspective, whilst you (so very slowly) explore the park, uncovering the backstory of both your character, and the park itself , through notes and clues found littered throughout.
There is zero combat in this, so the focus is solely on the narrative, and the exploration element.
There's a subtle sense of unease throughout the games short runtime, and it does a pretty good job of creating a creepy atmosphere, and uses some pretty trippy and sometimes disturbing imagery to put you on edge.
The Park is low on actual scares (I recall jumping once throughout) and the plotline never makes it clear what is real and what is in your head - which wouldn't usually be an issue, however the ending is left open to discussion and interpretation, to the point that it ends on a rather unsatisfying note.
Overall, certainly worth a play through if you enjoy anything remotely horror related, but I'm glad I picked it up dirt cheap in a PlayStation Store sale!
Being more of a psychological horror game, things are of course not actually that simple....
You play The Park from a first person perspective, whilst you (so very slowly) explore the park, uncovering the backstory of both your character, and the park itself , through notes and clues found littered throughout.
There is zero combat in this, so the focus is solely on the narrative, and the exploration element.
There's a subtle sense of unease throughout the games short runtime, and it does a pretty good job of creating a creepy atmosphere, and uses some pretty trippy and sometimes disturbing imagery to put you on edge.
The Park is low on actual scares (I recall jumping once throughout) and the plotline never makes it clear what is real and what is in your head - which wouldn't usually be an issue, however the ending is left open to discussion and interpretation, to the point that it ends on a rather unsatisfying note.
Overall, certainly worth a play through if you enjoy anything remotely horror related, but I'm glad I picked it up dirt cheap in a PlayStation Store sale!