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Kristin (149 KP) rated The Book of Paul in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Book of Paul is a story told my multiple viewpoints, sometimes in first person, sometimes in third, between the characters of Paul, Martin, and William (the narrator), with a little bit of Rose's story thrown in occasionally. From the very beginning, I was definitely intrigued, as it's just a different kind of book from what I normally read, but in a good way. Once some of the paranormal aspects came in, along with the lineage back to certain historical characters, it definitely kept my attention. However, it is a very long book (which is no problem for me), so there were times where I had to just set it down for a little bit and get a grip on what I'd just finished.
Honestly, I liked this book. I found it a little weird at times, a little hard to wrap my head around, but for the most part, I enjoyed reading it. I would recommend it to those who like a little history, a little religion, and a lot of paranormal and action. For me, it's not a book I could've read in one sitting, but I definitely would've read a lot faster if I hadn't had to work. It's definitely an interesting story, and I want to continue the 7-volume series when I have a little more time. =)
4 stars
The Book of Paul is a story told my multiple viewpoints, sometimes in first person, sometimes in third, between the characters of Paul, Martin, and William (the narrator), with a little bit of Rose's story thrown in occasionally. From the very beginning, I was definitely intrigued, as it's just a different kind of book from what I normally read, but in a good way. Once some of the paranormal aspects came in, along with the lineage back to certain historical characters, it definitely kept my attention. However, it is a very long book (which is no problem for me), so there were times where I had to just set it down for a little bit and get a grip on what I'd just finished.
Honestly, I liked this book. I found it a little weird at times, a little hard to wrap my head around, but for the most part, I enjoyed reading it. I would recommend it to those who like a little history, a little religion, and a lot of paranormal and action. For me, it's not a book I could've read in one sitting, but I definitely would've read a lot faster if I hadn't had to work. It's definitely an interesting story, and I want to continue the 7-volume series when I have a little more time. =)
4 stars
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Fortitude - Season 1 in TV
Dec 9, 2018
A genre-spanning atmospheric thriller
I watched Fortitude when it first aired a few years ago, and have decided to give it another watch now to refresh my memory now the final series has aired.
Fortitude is set in a beautiful location in the arctic, and the show really makes the most of showing off this location as often as possible. The plot itself is intriguing and bonkers, but yet doesn't quite go too far. It spans a verify of genres, from murder mystery and crime to drama and gory horror, and it does this really well. Some of the gory horror parts are actually quite disturbing (in an good). This is also a very character driven story, and most of the characters in this are well rounded and developed. It has a fantastic cast including some very well known faces like Stanley Tucci and Michael Gambon. However for me it's Richard Dormer that truly shines in this. He gives Dan a lot of depth and despite his errant and sometime psychotic ways, you do still feel sorry for him. I find it difficult to accept that this is the same person who plays Beric Dondarrion in GoT, he's that good an actor.
If you're looking for something that's well acted, doesn't stick to a specific genre and is honestly a little bizarre and unusual, then this is definitely worth a watch.
Fortitude is set in a beautiful location in the arctic, and the show really makes the most of showing off this location as often as possible. The plot itself is intriguing and bonkers, but yet doesn't quite go too far. It spans a verify of genres, from murder mystery and crime to drama and gory horror, and it does this really well. Some of the gory horror parts are actually quite disturbing (in an good). This is also a very character driven story, and most of the characters in this are well rounded and developed. It has a fantastic cast including some very well known faces like Stanley Tucci and Michael Gambon. However for me it's Richard Dormer that truly shines in this. He gives Dan a lot of depth and despite his errant and sometime psychotic ways, you do still feel sorry for him. I find it difficult to accept that this is the same person who plays Beric Dondarrion in GoT, he's that good an actor.
If you're looking for something that's well acted, doesn't stick to a specific genre and is honestly a little bizarre and unusual, then this is definitely worth a watch.
FilmIntuition (33 KP) rated Lies You Never Told Me in Books
Jul 20, 2018
A tale of two narratives, in Lies You Never Told Me, debut novelist Jennifer Donaldson deftly flips back and forth between the first person points-of-view of high school students Gabe (in Austin) and Elyse (in Portland).
An addicting work of romantic suspense, although it opens with an air of mystery followed by the bang of a hit-and-run, the book slows down enough to carefully build the characters and effectively develop their alternating storylines to the point that – to the author's credit – there's no easily mistaking one for the other.
Nicely balancing the intrigue of a Gabe chapter with the drama of an Elyse (and vice versa), the book's pace quickens with each chapter to the point that I found myself nearly unable to put it down.
And despite the fact that I was able to piece together precisely how and why the two characters were connected roughly a quarter of the way into the novel, thanks to certain context clues, the book is so well written that I wasn't disappointed in the slightest. Of course, that being said, the less you know going in the better.
Reminiscent of a great character driven '80s thriller from the Hollywood heyday of Fatal Attraction, in spite of a slightly contrived climax, Lies You Never Told Me is a terrific stay up all night summer read you'll definitely want to recommend to a friend.
An addicting work of romantic suspense, although it opens with an air of mystery followed by the bang of a hit-and-run, the book slows down enough to carefully build the characters and effectively develop their alternating storylines to the point that – to the author's credit – there's no easily mistaking one for the other.
Nicely balancing the intrigue of a Gabe chapter with the drama of an Elyse (and vice versa), the book's pace quickens with each chapter to the point that I found myself nearly unable to put it down.
And despite the fact that I was able to piece together precisely how and why the two characters were connected roughly a quarter of the way into the novel, thanks to certain context clues, the book is so well written that I wasn't disappointed in the slightest. Of course, that being said, the less you know going in the better.
Reminiscent of a great character driven '80s thriller from the Hollywood heyday of Fatal Attraction, in spite of a slightly contrived climax, Lies You Never Told Me is a terrific stay up all night summer read you'll definitely want to recommend to a friend.
Leah (: (569 KP) rated Stalk me (Keatyn Chronicles book 1) in Books
Jul 8, 2018
Could not stop reading and have even read a second time.
The first book in the Keatyn Chronicles is excellent.
To be honest it took me a little while to get into the book as at the beginning Keatyn came across as shallow and superficial, flitting from one guy to the next and only caring about being popular. However Jillian Dodd made sure to balance this with other scenes so that we were able to get to know Keatyn and realise she is just like and teen girl, trying to fit and and find her identity. And I was hooked!!
Although predominantly a romance Stalk Me also has action and suspense. As Keatyn is stalked by someone and we wait to find out who and what they will do next.
The characters are all very relatable as each person has their own clear personality and flaws. This makes it easy to get to know them, however you will go from loving to hating a character in a few pages as they do something stupid.
The book is written as a diary. This works really well as it gives an unfiltered view into Keatyn’s thoughts and life. I became very invested in the story and could not stop reading.
I would absolutely recommend this book if you enjoy teen/ young adult books. It is one of the very few books/ series that I have ever re read.
To be honest it took me a little while to get into the book as at the beginning Keatyn came across as shallow and superficial, flitting from one guy to the next and only caring about being popular. However Jillian Dodd made sure to balance this with other scenes so that we were able to get to know Keatyn and realise she is just like and teen girl, trying to fit and and find her identity. And I was hooked!!
Although predominantly a romance Stalk Me also has action and suspense. As Keatyn is stalked by someone and we wait to find out who and what they will do next.
The characters are all very relatable as each person has their own clear personality and flaws. This makes it easy to get to know them, however you will go from loving to hating a character in a few pages as they do something stupid.
The book is written as a diary. This works really well as it gives an unfiltered view into Keatyn’s thoughts and life. I became very invested in the story and could not stop reading.
I would absolutely recommend this book if you enjoy teen/ young adult books. It is one of the very few books/ series that I have ever re read.
Lindsay (1717 KP) rated Horse Camp in Books
Aug 30, 2018
This book is read though the eyes of Percy and Penny. The twins take turns tell you about their lives and about their family and trouble though their eyes. They are staying with their Uncle Stretch for the summer, for their mother is sent to jail.
They are trying adjust to all the changes that are happening to their family. Percy and Penny and their little brother Pauly are sent to live with their uncle until their mom and dad try to work things out. Percy and Penny are living with an uncle they do not know.
Penny writes in her diary and to her mom and dad though out the book. She also writing to someone in Africa that she is sponsoring. Percy tell his story though first person and describes it as a book read it. It make sent though this point a view. As for Penny is always writing in diary or writing a letter to family member. You can see the the twins moods and see the changes though the book.
I really can not tell that plot of this story is? All I could get out the story is that the twins were trying to adjust a new life and new family members or people. I only could get is that it was being read though the twins perceptive or though there eyes. You can make your own decision.
They are trying adjust to all the changes that are happening to their family. Percy and Penny and their little brother Pauly are sent to live with their uncle until their mom and dad try to work things out. Percy and Penny are living with an uncle they do not know.
Penny writes in her diary and to her mom and dad though out the book. She also writing to someone in Africa that she is sponsoring. Percy tell his story though first person and describes it as a book read it. It make sent though this point a view. As for Penny is always writing in diary or writing a letter to family member. You can see the the twins moods and see the changes though the book.
I really can not tell that plot of this story is? All I could get out the story is that the twins were trying to adjust a new life and new family members or people. I only could get is that it was being read though the twins perceptive or though there eyes. You can make your own decision.
LilyLovesIndie (123 KP) rated By the Rivers of Water: A Nineteenth-Century Atlantic Odyssey in Books
Nov 5, 2018
I was highly intrigued by this book when I first read about it as I have a minor obsession with everything and anything to do with the American Civil War. Admittedly, this is pre-war and gives an insight into the efforts of missionary do-gooders in trying to relocate the African American population back to their 'native' home.
I was expecting a more fictional style of writing, and was pleasantly surprised to see that it is written in more of a recount style of the lives of the main family, namely Leighton Wilson. The detail and attention paid to the research shone through in every page and was highly informative to read. However, at times this book did have a tendency to drag, and I suspect it is due to the overwhelming attention to small detail. Fabulous if you're using the book as a research project, not so if you're reading out of curiosity into this era of history. In addition, it also occasionally lacked the fine balance between informative on the religious aspect of the missions and preaching through the pages. As a not so religious person, this did become annoying at times, but I could understand why Clarke had this tone in the book.
Overall, an enjoyable, if not very long, book that was incredibly informative and rather enjoyable. The addition of the photographs and personal snippets from letters added a very personal and enjoyable aspect to the tale of the Wilson's.
I was expecting a more fictional style of writing, and was pleasantly surprised to see that it is written in more of a recount style of the lives of the main family, namely Leighton Wilson. The detail and attention paid to the research shone through in every page and was highly informative to read. However, at times this book did have a tendency to drag, and I suspect it is due to the overwhelming attention to small detail. Fabulous if you're using the book as a research project, not so if you're reading out of curiosity into this era of history. In addition, it also occasionally lacked the fine balance between informative on the religious aspect of the missions and preaching through the pages. As a not so religious person, this did become annoying at times, but I could understand why Clarke had this tone in the book.
Overall, an enjoyable, if not very long, book that was incredibly informative and rather enjoyable. The addition of the photographs and personal snippets from letters added a very personal and enjoyable aspect to the tale of the Wilson's.
ClareR (5686 KP) rated Never Have I Ever in Books
Aug 8, 2019
Prepare for a pretty wild ride!
Never Have I Ever is a psychological thriller which had me completely hooked from the first chapter. Amy is a housewife who teaches diving and is currently on maternity leave. She helps her friend Char to run a book club, which the other mums in her neighbourhood also come to (I think more drinking than reading goes on, to be honest!). At one of these meetings, a new person arrives. Roux is renting a local house for a short period of time, and gatecrashes the club, taking over entirely. She starts a game of ‘Never Have I Ever’, uncovers some of the other mums secrets, and lets Amy know in no uncertain terms that she knows her deepest, darkest secret. And Roux wants to be paid to keep that secret. But Amy isn’t going to just hand over the money.
I loved this - Roux is a great villain, and Amy is an intriguing character. I loved how the lines between good and bad were blurred where Amy was concerned, but she always remains a good mum and Stepmother throughout.
My heart was in my mouth pretty much the whole time - I warn you, there is no let up at all in this book at all!
I will most definitely be looking for more books by Joshilyn Jackson!
Many thanks to NetGalley for my copy of this fabulous book, and to The Pigeonhole for giving me the incentive to read it!
I loved this - Roux is a great villain, and Amy is an intriguing character. I loved how the lines between good and bad were blurred where Amy was concerned, but she always remains a good mum and Stepmother throughout.
My heart was in my mouth pretty much the whole time - I warn you, there is no let up at all in this book at all!
I will most definitely be looking for more books by Joshilyn Jackson!
Many thanks to NetGalley for my copy of this fabulous book, and to The Pigeonhole for giving me the incentive to read it!
Merissa (11958 KP) rated Special Teams (Underground #1) in Books
Dec 21, 2018
Special Teams (Underground #1) by Sean Michael
Special Teams is the first book in the Underground series. In this, we meet Hunt and Keif, a Dom and sub respectively. Hunt turns up to a private party where he is actually checking out whether the subs are being kept there against their will (they're not). Who he finds in the number one sniper on the SWAT team.
The is a book with plenty of hot sex, there's no doubt about that. It also tells the story of how Hunt needs someone to be his boy, but to be his equal in other areas. Keif is permanently on guard, and doesn't know how to relax. He needs to place his trust in someone. These two really are a perfect match.
With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was especially nice to read about the care Hunt gave Keif, before, during, and after scenes. Hunt also didn't need to do a scene to care for Keif. I would have liked a bit more information about Keif's background, as it seemed to have a big impact on how he was as a person.
All in all, a hot and sexy book with sweet times too. Definitely 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!
The is a book with plenty of hot sex, there's no doubt about that. It also tells the story of how Hunt needs someone to be his boy, but to be his equal in other areas. Keif is permanently on guard, and doesn't know how to relax. He needs to place his trust in someone. These two really are a perfect match.
With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was especially nice to read about the care Hunt gave Keif, before, during, and after scenes. Hunt also didn't need to do a scene to care for Keif. I would have liked a bit more information about Keif's background, as it seemed to have a big impact on how he was as a person.
All in all, a hot and sexy book with sweet times too. Definitely 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!
Debbiereadsbook (1171 KP) rated Never Date a Doctor: A Life Lessons Novel in Books
Mar 2, 2020
I didn't like Sasha!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
*insert sigh*
*insert another sigh*
I wanted to love, to even LIKE this book but I struggled, to be honest.
Mostly, because of two things.
Only Sasha has a say, and she grated on me, she really did. I can't say WHY, and I'm more annoyed that I cannot voice WHY she got my back up and got on my nerves, but she did. And because Caleb isn't given a voice, I very nearly dumped it, because she drove me nuts at points!
AND
First person/present tense. Even if caleb had been given a voice, with the book written this way, I would have enjoyed it a bit more, I think.
You could see the "situation" developing at the hospital, with the other nurse, coming at ay like a train wreck, and you can't stop, but it is nice for everything to be laid out for you once in a while. There were SOME surprises though, so i enjoyed that.
I'm sorry, a short review, but I really am struggling to make sense.
I finished it, though, and I promised myself that I would give a book 3 stars if I finished it, even if I didn't really like so.
Will I read other books in the series? Probably not, no. By this author? I'll give Ms Smith another try, certainly.
3 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
*insert sigh*
*insert another sigh*
I wanted to love, to even LIKE this book but I struggled, to be honest.
Mostly, because of two things.
Only Sasha has a say, and she grated on me, she really did. I can't say WHY, and I'm more annoyed that I cannot voice WHY she got my back up and got on my nerves, but she did. And because Caleb isn't given a voice, I very nearly dumped it, because she drove me nuts at points!
AND
First person/present tense. Even if caleb had been given a voice, with the book written this way, I would have enjoyed it a bit more, I think.
You could see the "situation" developing at the hospital, with the other nurse, coming at ay like a train wreck, and you can't stop, but it is nice for everything to be laid out for you once in a while. There were SOME surprises though, so i enjoyed that.
I'm sorry, a short review, but I really am struggling to make sense.
I finished it, though, and I promised myself that I would give a book 3 stars if I finished it, even if I didn't really like so.
Will I read other books in the series? Probably not, no. By this author? I'll give Ms Smith another try, certainly.
3 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
