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Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Child of Fear & Fire in Books
Mar 30, 2022
57 of 230
Book
Child of Fear & Fire
By G.R. Thomas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fear feeds Wickedness.
It hungers for the tremor of a voice, the drop of a tear. Wickedness dines on the echo of a racing heart, delights in the falsetto of a scream.
Eliza lives darkness’s dream. A maid in a great house, owned by indifferent aristocrats, run by their three cruel daughters.
Daily beatings, tricks and cruelties by the Norlane sisters have left Eliza a mute shell, a vacant vessel besieged by fear. Yet, alone as she feels, as small and insignificant as her life seems, something is watching her.
Darkness lives in the forbidden forest beyond the neat and orderly civility of Norlane Hall. Wickedness hears Eliza’s silent tears, rises to the vibrations of her body that quivers in terror.
Wickedness awakens from its slumber and calls to her.
This was such an interesting tale. It’s was deep and so dark. We follow the life of a young housemaid that’s bullied, beaten and abused by the entitled. Three sister and a father who take liberties with this young girl until you could say the darkness of nature gives her a helping hand at getting her revenge. Totally mesmerising you didn’t know how this would end. I genuinely broke my heart for how Eliza was treated by them. What an ending though! Loved it!
Book
Child of Fear & Fire
By G.R. Thomas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fear feeds Wickedness.
It hungers for the tremor of a voice, the drop of a tear. Wickedness dines on the echo of a racing heart, delights in the falsetto of a scream.
Eliza lives darkness’s dream. A maid in a great house, owned by indifferent aristocrats, run by their three cruel daughters.
Daily beatings, tricks and cruelties by the Norlane sisters have left Eliza a mute shell, a vacant vessel besieged by fear. Yet, alone as she feels, as small and insignificant as her life seems, something is watching her.
Darkness lives in the forbidden forest beyond the neat and orderly civility of Norlane Hall. Wickedness hears Eliza’s silent tears, rises to the vibrations of her body that quivers in terror.
Wickedness awakens from its slumber and calls to her.
This was such an interesting tale. It’s was deep and so dark. We follow the life of a young housemaid that’s bullied, beaten and abused by the entitled. Three sister and a father who take liberties with this young girl until you could say the darkness of nature gives her a helping hand at getting her revenge. Totally mesmerising you didn’t know how this would end. I genuinely broke my heart for how Eliza was treated by them. What an ending though! Loved it!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated Stellarlune in Books
Dec 19, 2022 (Updated Dec 19, 2022)
Sophie’s Next Chapter is One Fans Will Love
Sophie Foster has just learned that her friend Keefe has run away to the Forbidden Cities in order to hide from the changes that are being forced on him. As much as Sophie wants to try to find him, she decides that her best course of action might be to find a way to stop the next step in the plans for Keefe. Meanwhile, her friends have a less than positive reaction to the action she just took against their enemy, the Neverseen. Will this drive a wedge in her circle of friends?
If that teaser doesn’t make sense to you, then this book isn’t for you – yet. You really need to read these books in order. Heck, I wish I’d had time to reread the last one before I dove into this one. Fans will be thrilled with what we get, however. I only felt the pacing slowed down a couple of times, which is saying something for a 700 page book. We definitely got some advancement on the overall story as well. Meanwhile, the characters continue to mature, and I loved how that lead to some natural progressions in relationships. Sophie’s world continues to be fun as well. Naturally, there’s a cliffhanger, which means I’m already anxious for the next book.
If that teaser doesn’t make sense to you, then this book isn’t for you – yet. You really need to read these books in order. Heck, I wish I’d had time to reread the last one before I dove into this one. Fans will be thrilled with what we get, however. I only felt the pacing slowed down a couple of times, which is saying something for a 700 page book. We definitely got some advancement on the overall story as well. Meanwhile, the characters continue to mature, and I loved how that lead to some natural progressions in relationships. Sophie’s world continues to be fun as well. Naturally, there’s a cliffhanger, which means I’m already anxious for the next book.
Merissa (11800 KP) rated Hydromancist (7 Forbidden Arts #4) in Books
May 20, 2023
Maya, as we know from previous books, is one tough cookie. She doesn't have many friends, but those she does have, she holds close and gives her all. So when she finds herself alone on a mission, she isn't bothered because she knows how to take care of herself, and there are very good reasons why her teammates aren't there with her. So you can imagine the shock to her system when she finds herself falling for the very guy that she's there to investigate. Tim has many layers to him (why do I always think of Shrek when I say that!) and you don't find them all out at once. I have to say, that even by the end of the book, I don't think we know all there is to know about Ambassador Fardel!
This book does not pull any punches - it is hot, heartbreaking, poignant, and tender. With intrigue and mystery aplenty, it will keep you gripped from page to page. Well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, and with a brilliant supporting cast, this makes an excellent addition to the 7 Forbidden Arts series. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Jan 30, 2016
This book does not pull any punches - it is hot, heartbreaking, poignant, and tender. With intrigue and mystery aplenty, it will keep you gripped from page to page. Well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, and with a brilliant supporting cast, this makes an excellent addition to the 7 Forbidden Arts series. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Jan 30, 2016
Night Reader Reviews (683 KP) rated Coven Deception in Books
Feb 4, 2020
Honest Review for Free Copy of Book
Coven: Deception by D. H. Davis is very similar to Twilight by Stephenie Meyer in the fact that it is largely a supernatural teen romance. Add in the threat of the coven being under attack and exposed, and it becomes an interesting read.
Brooke Lesley is in training to become the leader of her coven once she turns eighteen but it is not that easy. She must deal with an overbearing father, mastering incantations, and learning history from Elders who are hiding things from her. Being super stressed out Brooke decides to take a walk during lunch and ends up witnessing two men trying to rob an old lady. Brooke steps in to help her only to find Jessie, a boy from her school has the same idea. As it turns out he is a vampire which means that their friendship is forbidden.
Soon strange things start happening all over town and an Elder from another coven is killed. The coven Brooke is from ignores all the signs and lets their long-standing hatred for vampires cloud their investigations. Brooke and her friends notice that not only is this unnamed threat an issue but also the Elders are hiding the truth about the feud with the vampires. It will take cunning and rule-breaking on their part but is up to Brooke and her friends to find out what really is going on, and to try to stop it.
I enjoyed how Brooke found it in herself to stand up to her father and the Elders when she discovers they are hiding things from her. The fact that her mother encourages her to do what she must in order to make changes the coven desperately needs instead of following blindly behind her husband was also surprising considering the coven dynamics. Honestly how similar this book was to Twilight was a definite downside to me. The whole forbidden love with a vampire seems kind of overused and when the wolf attacked the school I was just waiting for Brooke to say it was a shapeshifter and start talking to it.
Young adults and teens will enjoy this book the most. It might even be safe for most middle school students. Fans of the Twilight series will either love this book because of how similar it is or hate it, calling it a rip-off. I give this book a 2 out of 4 rating. I found it to be a good midrange young adult book. It might not have been the best supernatural teen romance but it was certainly far from the worst. I would recommend it to fans of the genre looking for a quick read.
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Brooke Lesley is in training to become the leader of her coven once she turns eighteen but it is not that easy. She must deal with an overbearing father, mastering incantations, and learning history from Elders who are hiding things from her. Being super stressed out Brooke decides to take a walk during lunch and ends up witnessing two men trying to rob an old lady. Brooke steps in to help her only to find Jessie, a boy from her school has the same idea. As it turns out he is a vampire which means that their friendship is forbidden.
Soon strange things start happening all over town and an Elder from another coven is killed. The coven Brooke is from ignores all the signs and lets their long-standing hatred for vampires cloud their investigations. Brooke and her friends notice that not only is this unnamed threat an issue but also the Elders are hiding the truth about the feud with the vampires. It will take cunning and rule-breaking on their part but is up to Brooke and her friends to find out what really is going on, and to try to stop it.
I enjoyed how Brooke found it in herself to stand up to her father and the Elders when she discovers they are hiding things from her. The fact that her mother encourages her to do what she must in order to make changes the coven desperately needs instead of following blindly behind her husband was also surprising considering the coven dynamics. Honestly how similar this book was to Twilight was a definite downside to me. The whole forbidden love with a vampire seems kind of overused and when the wolf attacked the school I was just waiting for Brooke to say it was a shapeshifter and start talking to it.
Young adults and teens will enjoy this book the most. It might even be safe for most middle school students. Fans of the Twilight series will either love this book because of how similar it is or hate it, calling it a rip-off. I give this book a 2 out of 4 rating. I found it to be a good midrange young adult book. It might not have been the best supernatural teen romance but it was certainly far from the worst. I would recommend it to fans of the genre looking for a quick read.
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Christine A. (965 KP) rated Extinction Of All Children (Extinction Of All Children #1) in Books
Apr 10, 2019
1st book in the Extinction Of All Children trilogy
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Extinction Of All Children is the 1st book in a trilogy by L.J. Epps. I have seen it referred to as both the Extinction and the Extinction of All Children trilogy. If I really like a book I hate to wait for more in the series. Fortunately, all 3 books have been published.
At first, I am not sure why but the series reminded me of the Shadow Children 7 book series by Margaret Peterson Haddix. (If you have not read the Shadow Children you should definitely check it out.) Both were written well and involved societies in which children were not allowed to be born. That is where the similarities end.
In Extinction, the world is divided into 3 classes - the rich, the working class, and the poor - in which they live in separate territories and are not allowed to mix. The poor are forbidden to have any children. This series focuses on Emma, the last child born in Territory L. Any children born after her were taken to be killed. She is the last to turn 18. She knows this is wrong and you will need to read the book to find out what she does about it.
Review published on Philomathinphila.com on 4/10/19.
Extinction Of All Children is the 1st book in a trilogy by L.J. Epps. I have seen it referred to as both the Extinction and the Extinction of All Children trilogy. If I really like a book I hate to wait for more in the series. Fortunately, all 3 books have been published.
At first, I am not sure why but the series reminded me of the Shadow Children 7 book series by Margaret Peterson Haddix. (If you have not read the Shadow Children you should definitely check it out.) Both were written well and involved societies in which children were not allowed to be born. That is where the similarities end.
In Extinction, the world is divided into 3 classes - the rich, the working class, and the poor - in which they live in separate territories and are not allowed to mix. The poor are forbidden to have any children. This series focuses on Emma, the last child born in Territory L. Any children born after her were taken to be killed. She is the last to turn 18. She knows this is wrong and you will need to read the book to find out what she does about it.
Review published on Philomathinphila.com on 4/10/19.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Sex in the Name of God in Books
Dec 9, 2018
Covers very difficult and sometimes volatile topic (1 more)
Humorous yet repectful
Explains sex in the Bible in a humorous way
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. Sex and God are not normally two words uttered in the same discussion and rarely in the same sentence. This book, "Sex in the Name of God" by Wilfred Knight discusses both together throughout the 199 page book. The books covers very difficult and sometimes volatile topics. It starts with "Nudity and Incest: Forbidden Fruit" (chapter 1), continues with "Prositution: Whorer Stories" (chapter 7) and "Rape: What a Dick!" (Chaper 9) and ends with "Sex in Heaven" (chapter 17).
The book is not one that I was able to read in one or two sittings. I read a chapter at a time with long breaks in between as I usually read short stories.
Each topic covered is done with humor. Yet, the author is able to do so while being respectful. It is a very thin line and he walks it carefully. I would not recommend this book to anyone who is extremely religious or anyone who does not think religion should be discussed in a humorous way. For all others, this is worth checking out. My favorite idea discussed is "the only upside is the knowledge that family dysfunction is an intended norm." (page 6). Good to know. We're normal!
The book is not one that I was able to read in one or two sittings. I read a chapter at a time with long breaks in between as I usually read short stories.
Each topic covered is done with humor. Yet, the author is able to do so while being respectful. It is a very thin line and he walks it carefully. I would not recommend this book to anyone who is extremely religious or anyone who does not think religion should be discussed in a humorous way. For all others, this is worth checking out. My favorite idea discussed is "the only upside is the knowledge that family dysfunction is an intended norm." (page 6). Good to know. We're normal!
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Return of the Living Dead 3 (1993) in Movies
Feb 28, 2021
On the surface, Return of the Living Dead III may seem like another zombie crawling splatter fest from genre favourite Brian Yuzna, but underneath the copious amounts of gore, is a tragic and often melancholy story about forbidden love, and hiding ones true nature. Sort of like the principles of King Kong, masquerading as a gory zombie flick, with a dash of Romeo & Juliet.
This wouldn't work quite so well if it wasn't for an equally menacing, touching, and occasionally emotional performance from Melinda Clarke, playing a character who is wrestling with her urge to consume flesh after being bought back to life following a fatal motorbike accident. Watching her humanity slowly vanish whilst her boyfriend (J. Trevor Edmund) tries to protect the woman he loves is genuinely sad. The rest of the cast are fine, but Clarke is the glue that holds everything together, whilst giving us an incredibly memorable horror anti-hero.
The effects work done on the various creatures and the subsequent gore is great. All done practically, and when it comes to the more visceral moments, this movie doesn't fuck about. It also builds up as it goes on. The last 20 minutes are absolutely nuts in almost every way.
ROTLD3 came highly recommended to me as a horror fan, and I would pass on that recommendation wholeheartedly. A hugely bloody film, with a whole bunch of heart.
This wouldn't work quite so well if it wasn't for an equally menacing, touching, and occasionally emotional performance from Melinda Clarke, playing a character who is wrestling with her urge to consume flesh after being bought back to life following a fatal motorbike accident. Watching her humanity slowly vanish whilst her boyfriend (J. Trevor Edmund) tries to protect the woman he loves is genuinely sad. The rest of the cast are fine, but Clarke is the glue that holds everything together, whilst giving us an incredibly memorable horror anti-hero.
The effects work done on the various creatures and the subsequent gore is great. All done practically, and when it comes to the more visceral moments, this movie doesn't fuck about. It also builds up as it goes on. The last 20 minutes are absolutely nuts in almost every way.
ROTLD3 came highly recommended to me as a horror fan, and I would pass on that recommendation wholeheartedly. A hugely bloody film, with a whole bunch of heart.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Torn ( Selfish Myths book 2) in Books
Sep 14, 2022
164 of 230
Kindle
Torn ( Selfish Myths book 2)
By Natalia Jaster
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Breaking her heart is the key to my power—or my downfall.
For centuries, I've reigned as the God of Anger. Now I’m an exiled rebel. Banished from my immortal world and jilted by the love I can't forget, I prowl the human realm with a shattered soul.
That’s when I meet her.
For the life of me, I can't understand why I’m so drawn to this starry-eyed misfit called Merry. She's an outcast like me, but she’s different from anyone I’ve ever known.
And she's hiding just as many forbidden secrets as I am.
As a revolution simmers between celestial renegades and ancient rulers, I discover that Merry’s the key to my retribution. According to a dangerous legend, she alone can help me resurrect my power, reclaim my place among the magical elite—and mend my broken heart.
The price: I have to break hers in return.
This is such a unique series. I don’t think ive read anything like it before. This is following Angers story after Love becomes mortal and it’s just written in a way that’s magical reading it. I really love how these myths/gods/goddesses we know as emotions love a life of their own. The only thing that stopped it being 5 stars was in places it was possibly a bit long winded ( but only a bit).
Kindle
Torn ( Selfish Myths book 2)
By Natalia Jaster
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Breaking her heart is the key to my power—or my downfall.
For centuries, I've reigned as the God of Anger. Now I’m an exiled rebel. Banished from my immortal world and jilted by the love I can't forget, I prowl the human realm with a shattered soul.
That’s when I meet her.
For the life of me, I can't understand why I’m so drawn to this starry-eyed misfit called Merry. She's an outcast like me, but she’s different from anyone I’ve ever known.
And she's hiding just as many forbidden secrets as I am.
As a revolution simmers between celestial renegades and ancient rulers, I discover that Merry’s the key to my retribution. According to a dangerous legend, she alone can help me resurrect my power, reclaim my place among the magical elite—and mend my broken heart.
The price: I have to break hers in return.
This is such a unique series. I don’t think ive read anything like it before. This is following Angers story after Love becomes mortal and it’s just written in a way that’s magical reading it. I really love how these myths/gods/goddesses we know as emotions love a life of their own. The only thing that stopped it being 5 stars was in places it was possibly a bit long winded ( but only a bit).
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Nov 27, 2022
Merissa (11800 KP) rated Beautiful Mistakes (Second Chances #3) in Books
Aug 25, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)
BEAUTIFUL MISTAKES is the third book in the Second Chances series and we finally get all the details on the two squabbling children who have made their feelings towards each other known in the previous two stories!
We all know it's a case of forbidden attraction between Wolf and Spencer, but here, we actually find out their childhood backstories as well more recent happenings between them.
Now, Spencer hasn't been my favourite 'friend' in this series, but I was pleasantly surprised by how relatable he is in this. He and Wolf have similar backgrounds in some ways, but whereas one goes one way, the other goes another. Make sense? It will do, trust me.
This is a slow burn - after all, it's been years since they were at college together - but hold onto your hats, because when it gets on, IT GETS ON!!!
A great ending to the series with an added bonus scene (if you can get it - my Paperwhite didn't like it for some reason, so I can't comment on specifics). A fun read with lots of emotions covering a multitude of events, this is absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Aug 25, 2021
We all know it's a case of forbidden attraction between Wolf and Spencer, but here, we actually find out their childhood backstories as well more recent happenings between them.
Now, Spencer hasn't been my favourite 'friend' in this series, but I was pleasantly surprised by how relatable he is in this. He and Wolf have similar backgrounds in some ways, but whereas one goes one way, the other goes another. Make sense? It will do, trust me.
This is a slow burn - after all, it's been years since they were at college together - but hold onto your hats, because when it gets on, IT GETS ON!!!
A great ending to the series with an added bonus scene (if you can get it - my Paperwhite didn't like it for some reason, so I can't comment on specifics). A fun read with lots of emotions covering a multitude of events, this is absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Aug 25, 2021