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BookInspector (124 KP) rated The Spectacular Vision of Oskar Dunkelblick in Books
Sep 24, 2020
The protagonist in this book is Oskar, and the whole story is told from his perspective. He is a misery artist, which I found very amusing. I had no idea it is a thing. 😀 I really liked the protagonist’s personality, until I found out, that he is not that innocent as I thought. Oskar came to the saddest place in Germany, looking for the inspiration for his next painting, but he got sucked in into local affairs very quickly. I really liked how the author picked the characters for this book. I loved the way she portrayed the complexity of the people and how their life stories unravelled.
The narrative of this novel was very interesting to follow. We have Oskar telling his story and describing his relationships with the citizens at the present time, but at the same time, he time travels to his childhood as well as sharing an unbelievable story from his recent past. Because of this constant change in the plot, the story went pretty quickly for me. There are some parts which didn’t really make sense to me, but I liked the message behind it. I really liked the topics used in this book, such as parenting, homelessness, misery, lack of socializing, alcoholism, loneliness etc.
The setting of this book was very unusual, I loved that the story was set in Germany, and the atmosphere of this book felt like everything around is grey and colourless, and Oskar is this little sparkly gem, which makes everything better and brighter. I can not exactly describe the feeling it created. 🙂 I really liked the writing style of this book, it is very creative but at the same time quite simple and understandable. The chapters are pretty short, and the pages flew by quick. The ending rounded the story nicely and left me satisfied with the outcome.
So, to conclude, I really enjoyed this amusing book, set in a very intriguing place, and filled with very unique and complex characters, whose life stories created something unforgettable.
The narrative of this novel was very interesting to follow. We have Oskar telling his story and describing his relationships with the citizens at the present time, but at the same time, he time travels to his childhood as well as sharing an unbelievable story from his recent past. Because of this constant change in the plot, the story went pretty quickly for me. There are some parts which didn’t really make sense to me, but I liked the message behind it. I really liked the topics used in this book, such as parenting, homelessness, misery, lack of socializing, alcoholism, loneliness etc.
The setting of this book was very unusual, I loved that the story was set in Germany, and the atmosphere of this book felt like everything around is grey and colourless, and Oskar is this little sparkly gem, which makes everything better and brighter. I can not exactly describe the feeling it created. 🙂 I really liked the writing style of this book, it is very creative but at the same time quite simple and understandable. The chapters are pretty short, and the pages flew by quick. The ending rounded the story nicely and left me satisfied with the outcome.
So, to conclude, I really enjoyed this amusing book, set in a very intriguing place, and filled with very unique and complex characters, whose life stories created something unforgettable.
Tristan (The Hawks, #1)
10.0
Rate It
Book
His redemption might be her downfall… Tristan has nothing left to lose. His best friend’s...
Adult Fantasy Romance
Merissa (11797 KP) rated The Lost Soul of Lord Badewyn (The Order of the MUSE #3) in Books
May 2, 2023
In the third instalment of the M.U.S.E. series, we have a number of stories come together. The main one is about Meg, the low-born former pickpocket who can Find. Overseeing her uncle and cousin breaking into a neighbour's, and realising how close they are to her, the Order (ie. Lord Camden) decide to send her to Wales, in the care of Lord Badewyn, for her own safety. Samuel is intrigued by Meg but is determined to keep his distance, considering the secret his father is hiding, and what will happen to Meg should he succumb.
I loved this story - Meg's charms continue to grow, along with her confidence, throughout the series. Finding has its own dangers but if Meg is prepared to take that risk, then she will defy anyone who says she can't, even Samuel.
The story between the two of them is both innocent and sensual. Well-written, smoothly paced and full of secrets and intrigue, this was a delight to read. I was pleased to see that Lord Camden found the answers he has been looking for, even if the hearing was hard. Thoroughly enjoyable and I'm definitely hoping for more in the series.
* 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!
Nov 23, 2015
I loved this story - Meg's charms continue to grow, along with her confidence, throughout the series. Finding has its own dangers but if Meg is prepared to take that risk, then she will defy anyone who says she can't, even Samuel.
The story between the two of them is both innocent and sensual. Well-written, smoothly paced and full of secrets and intrigue, this was a delight to read. I was pleased to see that Lord Camden found the answers he has been looking for, even if the hearing was hard. Thoroughly enjoyable and I'm definitely hoping for more in the series.
* 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!
Nov 23, 2015
Bear a Wee Grudge
7.0
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Book
In this fifth installment of Meg Macy’s warm, fuzzy, super cuddly, and shamelessly adorable, Teddy...
My Forever (Townsends of Texas #3)
10.0
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Book
Savannah I was only eighteen years old when I thought I had found my happily ever after. After...
Adult Contemporary Romance
Rachel Maria Berney (114 KP) rated The Little Shop of Found Things in Books
Dec 9, 2018
Plot (1 more)
Writing
A nice story that is a little too obvious
I was looking forward to reading this, the story sounded very interesting and something that is right up my alley. However, I was underwhelmed and dissapointed.
The Main character is like a cardboard cutout, glossy blonde ringlets, Dr Martens, beautiful singing voice, antique expert and a psychic gift, but no real depth till the end. You want to like her, her gist is interesting. You want to feel for her, looking after her sick mother, innocent and sent to jail, she has had a trying time. You want to root for her, but you can't, she's too 2 dimensional. I found Xanthe tinny and annoying, with an impulse to slap her, had she been real.
I wanted to like the story, love it, it was such a good idea. There are so many good elements, that put together right, should've made the book shine. But the whole book just hangs there, hollow. You don't feel anything much for the characters or their plight, it maybe stirs you a little in the second half of the book, but too little too late. The story plods along and doesn't build up intrigue like it should.
I was dissapointed, expecting so much more, it failed to deliver that imaginational jump. it is nothing more than words on a page, with no depth or room for your imagination. I found Blackburns writing too descriptive, she has a tendency to state the obvious to the reader when readers are not stupid, it is annoying and takes something away from the story. From the descriptions it is clear Blackburn has done her historical research and in that respect, she does bring to life the past.
One of the saving graces of the story is the telling of the relationshop between Xanthe and Samuel, it brings an emotional aspect to the book, that up until that point, was lacking.
Overall the story is predicatable, the writing ok, and the only reason you read to end is the optimistic hope that there will be some kind of twist or an unxpected resolution; you are left feeling underwhelmed and frustrated.
The Main character is like a cardboard cutout, glossy blonde ringlets, Dr Martens, beautiful singing voice, antique expert and a psychic gift, but no real depth till the end. You want to like her, her gist is interesting. You want to feel for her, looking after her sick mother, innocent and sent to jail, she has had a trying time. You want to root for her, but you can't, she's too 2 dimensional. I found Xanthe tinny and annoying, with an impulse to slap her, had she been real.
I wanted to like the story, love it, it was such a good idea. There are so many good elements, that put together right, should've made the book shine. But the whole book just hangs there, hollow. You don't feel anything much for the characters or their plight, it maybe stirs you a little in the second half of the book, but too little too late. The story plods along and doesn't build up intrigue like it should.
I was dissapointed, expecting so much more, it failed to deliver that imaginational jump. it is nothing more than words on a page, with no depth or room for your imagination. I found Blackburns writing too descriptive, she has a tendency to state the obvious to the reader when readers are not stupid, it is annoying and takes something away from the story. From the descriptions it is clear Blackburn has done her historical research and in that respect, she does bring to life the past.
One of the saving graces of the story is the telling of the relationshop between Xanthe and Samuel, it brings an emotional aspect to the book, that up until that point, was lacking.
Overall the story is predicatable, the writing ok, and the only reason you read to end is the optimistic hope that there will be some kind of twist or an unxpected resolution; you are left feeling underwhelmed and frustrated.
Anand Wilder recommended Rust Never Sleeps by Neil Young & Crazy Horse in Music (curated)
The Scourge of Soho: The Controversial Career of SAS Hero
Book
Detective Sergeant Harry Challenor is undoubtedly one of the most controversial policeman of all...
The Scourge of Soho: The Controversial Career of SAS Hero Detective Sergeant Harry Challenor MM
Book
Detective Sergeant Harry Challenor is undoubtedly one of the most controversial policeman of all...
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Cade (The Society #1) in Books
Jun 9, 2021
83 of 250
Kindle
Cade ( The Society book 1)
By Mason Sabre
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
The first heart-pounding instalment in Mason Sabre's Paranormal and Urban Fantasy, Society Series. What seems like an innocent run in the woods, might just end Cade MacDonald's life...
Cade MacDonald is a man who has always had a sense of right and wrong. He fights for justice and does not back down in the face of danger. As a member of Others, a supernatural race of powerful, fierce shifters, who do not accept or sympathise with any Humans, or any race other than their own, he now finds himself in a battle with the Other Society’s leaders as they oppose his attempt to save the life of a young half-breed.
Fighting to do the right thing, Cade is simultaneously faced with the unexpected attraction he feels for his best friend’s sister. Having grown up with Gemma, he is confused and torn at the strong pull of his wolf towards this beautiful tiger.
Willing to accept any repercussions of his rebellious actions, will he go as far as to lose the love of his life in the process?
While on the whole I did enjoy this and it was better written than most shifters books I’ve read in the past I found it lacking something. The characters felt really stiff and sometimes forced. I do think it shows promise and like I said I did enjoy it overall.
Kindle
Cade ( The Society book 1)
By Mason Sabre
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
The first heart-pounding instalment in Mason Sabre's Paranormal and Urban Fantasy, Society Series. What seems like an innocent run in the woods, might just end Cade MacDonald's life...
Cade MacDonald is a man who has always had a sense of right and wrong. He fights for justice and does not back down in the face of danger. As a member of Others, a supernatural race of powerful, fierce shifters, who do not accept or sympathise with any Humans, or any race other than their own, he now finds himself in a battle with the Other Society’s leaders as they oppose his attempt to save the life of a young half-breed.
Fighting to do the right thing, Cade is simultaneously faced with the unexpected attraction he feels for his best friend’s sister. Having grown up with Gemma, he is confused and torn at the strong pull of his wolf towards this beautiful tiger.
Willing to accept any repercussions of his rebellious actions, will he go as far as to lose the love of his life in the process?
While on the whole I did enjoy this and it was better written than most shifters books I’ve read in the past I found it lacking something. The characters felt really stiff and sometimes forced. I do think it shows promise and like I said I did enjoy it overall.