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Roxanne (13 KP) rated Autofiction in Books
Nov 14, 2018
This was a very strange book that deserves a good rating as it's one that has been stuck in my mind for a while now and I always find that if a book is memorable it deserves great praise. A bizarre story about a fruit loop of a girl who is extremely possessive and a slave to dark thoughts. You are welcomed into a very disturbed mind, which I found fascinating.
Before reading this novel I had never heard of the author before and I picked it up as the cover caught my eye when browsing the shelves in my local library. After reading the blurb I thought the story sounded very interesting...a sort of twisted romance. I was not disappointed as I felt the author delivered. I found that I could not completely feel attached to the MC, however, which was the only downside for me and I wanted to slap her a few times but maybe that's how the author wished you to feel towards the MC, I am not sure.
Overall, I enjoyed this story...mostly because it was something different and bizarre...2 of my favourite things.
Before reading this novel I had never heard of the author before and I picked it up as the cover caught my eye when browsing the shelves in my local library. After reading the blurb I thought the story sounded very interesting...a sort of twisted romance. I was not disappointed as I felt the author delivered. I found that I could not completely feel attached to the MC, however, which was the only downside for me and I wanted to slap her a few times but maybe that's how the author wished you to feel towards the MC, I am not sure.
Overall, I enjoyed this story...mostly because it was something different and bizarre...2 of my favourite things.
Cori June (3033 KP) rated Black Unicorn in Books
Dec 3, 2018 (Updated Dec 4, 2018)
I read this book last, of the three unicorn books this one (for me) was the hardest to find. I actually started with the second book purchased at a school's book fair at about age 12 and found the third book somewhere in high school then after a decade found this one in a used books store. My first thought was this is a children’s book? This chaotic crazy story, that called the main character a slut when something goes bad that is put in situations that could go extremely wrong. An anger that has occasionally levity of the peeve (one of the best characters ever). This is a book for preteens? But it just shows that with age perspective changes. Because rereading it the story changed.
Tanith Lee is a great story teller and the ending of the book it worth the trouble of the beginning. How Tanaquil grows and how less self centered and selfish she becomes is subtle. I don’t know if I would recommend reading the second unicorn book first or this one. Either way, it is a journey of discovery.
Tanith Lee is a great story teller and the ending of the book it worth the trouble of the beginning. How Tanaquil grows and how less self centered and selfish she becomes is subtle. I don’t know if I would recommend reading the second unicorn book first or this one. Either way, it is a journey of discovery.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Sweet Temptation in Books
Jan 1, 2019
A very sweet read
I’d been looking for something lighthearted and easy to read, and found this stored away on my kindle and figured it was just the read I was looking for. I could not have been more right.
This is a heartwarming and absolutely lovely read about 3 women wanting to lose weight. It’s very well written and so engaging. All 3 of the main characters are well developed and down to earth, and I’d dare any woman reading this not to connect with all of them in some way or another. I spotted a bit of me in all of them which made it such a delight to read. The plot may be slightly predictable, but this is one of those books where it doesn’t matter. In fact, when I reached the end I actually wanted to carry on, it was that entertaining. It’s funny, emotional and an all round engaging read. I also found it very inspirational and based around a subject very close to home (my New Years Resolution), and despite being fictional it really has motivated me to sort out my own life.
This is a heartwarming and absolutely lovely read about 3 women wanting to lose weight. It’s very well written and so engaging. All 3 of the main characters are well developed and down to earth, and I’d dare any woman reading this not to connect with all of them in some way or another. I spotted a bit of me in all of them which made it such a delight to read. The plot may be slightly predictable, but this is one of those books where it doesn’t matter. In fact, when I reached the end I actually wanted to carry on, it was that entertaining. It’s funny, emotional and an all round engaging read. I also found it very inspirational and based around a subject very close to home (my New Years Resolution), and despite being fictional it really has motivated me to sort out my own life.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The Dancing Master in Books
Jan 2, 2019
The Dancing Master is the first book I have read by Julie Klassen. This story is not only intriguing and suspenseful, but it is also full of romance and God's love and grace. Set in Regency England, I found this to be an excellent book. If you like Jane Austen's settings, you will most definitely like Julie Klassen's books.
Written in a more modern American voice, the language flows well and is easy to understand. I really love the characters in this story. Everyone seems to have secrets they are trying to hide and the past comes back to haunt more than one person in the story. However, all will be revealed in due course. Will our characters be able to overcome their differences? Or will the past come between them and drive them apart for good?
I found Alec and Julia's story to be fun, a bit suspenseful, and romantic. While romance isn't as prevalent in this book, it is still there.
I borrowed The Dancing Master from my local library. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Written in a more modern American voice, the language flows well and is easy to understand. I really love the characters in this story. Everyone seems to have secrets they are trying to hide and the past comes back to haunt more than one person in the story. However, all will be revealed in due course. Will our characters be able to overcome their differences? Or will the past come between them and drive them apart for good?
I found Alec and Julia's story to be fun, a bit suspenseful, and romantic. While romance isn't as prevalent in this book, it is still there.
I borrowed The Dancing Master from my local library. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Shane Crick (5 KP) rated Archipelago (The Man Who Loved Too Much, #1) in Books
Dec 10, 2018
I was given a copy of this book In return for an honest review.
I was expecting something totally different when I started this book and It turned Into a completely different story. It was Interesting to see Billy's journey throughout his first 20 years of his life. It was as though you were viewing his world through his eyes with each page turn. From his dysfunctional family, his school years, and his experiences with women that come Into his life. My one big quirk with this book was that at times I felt as though this story was written specifically for Intelligent readers. Their are several big words In the book that I found myself having to look up the definition since I've never heard or seen used before. It really took away from the story for me and at times I just wanted to put the book down and not read any further. Aside from that, I carried on and found myself enjoying the book. I can't wait to start on book #2 and see how the story progresses with Billy and the other characters from this book.
I was expecting something totally different when I started this book and It turned Into a completely different story. It was Interesting to see Billy's journey throughout his first 20 years of his life. It was as though you were viewing his world through his eyes with each page turn. From his dysfunctional family, his school years, and his experiences with women that come Into his life. My one big quirk with this book was that at times I felt as though this story was written specifically for Intelligent readers. Their are several big words In the book that I found myself having to look up the definition since I've never heard or seen used before. It really took away from the story for me and at times I just wanted to put the book down and not read any further. Aside from that, I carried on and found myself enjoying the book. I can't wait to start on book #2 and see how the story progresses with Billy and the other characters from this book.
Deborah (162 KP) rated Remarkable Creatures in Books
Dec 21, 2018
I've only read one of Chevalier's previous novels and there I found her style to be extremely readable. The same is very much true of Remarkable Creatures - a title which can emcompass the fossils and the women, Mary Anning and Elizabeth Philpott, who find and are fascinated by them.
I suspect that most of us at one point or another have had some interest or curiousity about fossils. I admit that mine was ovbiously never a very indepth curiousity as I had never heard of any of the characters in the novel (with the obvious exception of the passing reference to Jane Austen of course!) but all the characters were real, historical figures as Chevalier explains at the end of the book.
Chevalier has evidently researched her fossils and her characters extensively for this novel, which I found impressive. The novel though it not at all dry! It was intriguing to see how the characters tried to reconcile the evidence of the fossils with that of conventional religious belief and how difficult it was for these two women to make any sort of recognised impact on the male-dominated scientific world.
I suspect that most of us at one point or another have had some interest or curiousity about fossils. I admit that mine was ovbiously never a very indepth curiousity as I had never heard of any of the characters in the novel (with the obvious exception of the passing reference to Jane Austen of course!) but all the characters were real, historical figures as Chevalier explains at the end of the book.
Chevalier has evidently researched her fossils and her characters extensively for this novel, which I found impressive. The novel though it not at all dry! It was intriguing to see how the characters tried to reconcile the evidence of the fossils with that of conventional religious belief and how difficult it was for these two women to make any sort of recognised impact on the male-dominated scientific world.
Sam (228 KP) rated Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) in Movies
Oct 19, 2019
Character Development (2 more)
Amazing Fight Scenes
Charming Plot
Teen Rom-Com With A Superhero Twist
Here we seem to have two separate movies mixed into one. On the one hand we have this adorable romantic comedy about two teens that go on a trip with their class overseas. On the other we have our class superhero movie with Spiderman facing off against the villian and coming into his own as a hero. Both of these not only play well but were also well combined to formulate this movie.
I enjoyed the whimsical performance of Spiderman and for once didn't feel as though the humor was overdone with his classmates. Meanwhile, on the heroics side, I adored the organized fight scenes as well as how the shots were set up. Considering this film also takes place after the heavily emotional Endgame I found the balance between the humor and seriousness to also fit well without either being overdone or feeling out of place.
As someone who isn't a huge Spiderman fan I actually found myself enjoying the film and would recommend it for any family movie night.
I enjoyed the whimsical performance of Spiderman and for once didn't feel as though the humor was overdone with his classmates. Meanwhile, on the heroics side, I adored the organized fight scenes as well as how the shots were set up. Considering this film also takes place after the heavily emotional Endgame I found the balance between the humor and seriousness to also fit well without either being overdone or feeling out of place.
As someone who isn't a huge Spiderman fan I actually found myself enjoying the film and would recommend it for any family movie night.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated A Literal Mess in Books
Jan 14, 2019
Strong Debut
Allie Cobb has returned home to Rushing Creek, Indiana for her father's funeral. While his death wasn't a surprise, it has still hit her hard. She's not prepared for tragedy to strike her small town a second time when the body of Thornwell Winchester is found. He was one of Allie's father's literary clients, and also the father of Allie's best friend, Sloane. When Sloane becomes the police's chief suspect, Allie steps in to find out the truth. Can she do it?
This book is more serious in tone than many of the cozies I read, but given what brings Allie home, that is completely appropriate. I never found that overwhelming, and the book doesn't dwell on it. After all, this is a mystery, and it isn't long before we are off meeting Thornwell and the potential suspects. I was intrigued by the red herrings and enjoyed the twists as we headed toward the logical climax. The suspects are strong, but I was really impressed with the series regulars. They have pasts and baggage that brought them to the page fully formed. I'm interested to see how that dynamic plays out as the series progresses.
This book is more serious in tone than many of the cozies I read, but given what brings Allie home, that is completely appropriate. I never found that overwhelming, and the book doesn't dwell on it. After all, this is a mystery, and it isn't long before we are off meeting Thornwell and the potential suspects. I was intrigued by the red herrings and enjoyed the twists as we headed toward the logical climax. The suspects are strong, but I was really impressed with the series regulars. They have pasts and baggage that brought them to the page fully formed. I'm interested to see how that dynamic plays out as the series progresses.
Merissa (12889 KP) rated Safeword in Books
Dec 17, 2018
In Safeword we are immediately immersed into Carter's life, such as it is. He left home and found (or was found by) Winters. Through his time with him, Carter learns the brutal side of BDSM and that a safeword is just a trick. When he is given to Crow, he thinks that his time is up. When it becomes clear that Crow is different, Carter is determined to enjoy his time as a Sub, knowing that Winters won't be happy that he hasn't been hurt and will hurt him when his time with Crow is over.
This is a short novella, and as such I had to go with the flow on some parts although I definitely wanted more information, such as how did Crow and co know about Carter? Although not insta-love, the connection between Carter and Crow happened a bit too quick for me, as well as the fact that Crow was straight.
Although short, this was well-written and fast-paced, a quick 'naughty' thrill of a read.
* I received this book from Pride Publishing in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is a short novella, and as such I had to go with the flow on some parts although I definitely wanted more information, such as how did Crow and co know about Carter? Although not insta-love, the connection between Carter and Crow happened a bit too quick for me, as well as the fact that Crow was straight.
Although short, this was well-written and fast-paced, a quick 'naughty' thrill of a read.
* I received this book from Pride Publishing in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I really thought this sounded like the kind of book that would be right up my street, but unfortunately I found it didn't meet my expectation and was, in all in all, a bit of a disappointment.
It's the story of a country house, built in the Palladian style, and the people who live in it. To be honest, I found it rather dreary and depressing and the house never really seems properly loved and seen in all its glory. Each chapter is a separate short story or vignette, often trying to link characters from one to the other to try and keep a sense of continuity, but not always working. So many of the character were just plain unpleasant and if there was someone you did want to know something more about, well you are bound to be disappointed. Life isn't all roses, but this just seemed to have too much unhappiness and misfortune in it. also, some of the architecture of the house is described in great detail, but I never felt it strong enough to be a 'character' in the book as I expected.
It's the story of a country house, built in the Palladian style, and the people who live in it. To be honest, I found it rather dreary and depressing and the house never really seems properly loved and seen in all its glory. Each chapter is a separate short story or vignette, often trying to link characters from one to the other to try and keep a sense of continuity, but not always working. So many of the character were just plain unpleasant and if there was someone you did want to know something more about, well you are bound to be disappointed. Life isn't all roses, but this just seemed to have too much unhappiness and misfortune in it. also, some of the architecture of the house is described in great detail, but I never felt it strong enough to be a 'character' in the book as I expected.