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Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated The Good, the Bad and the Smug in Books
Apr 27, 2018
I love Tom Holt’s sense of humor and writing style. He is sarcastic, quirky, fun to read, entertaining, light-hearted, and hilarious. I fell in love with his world and his style when I read (listened to) Doughnut way back in 2013. Apparently TGTB&TS is book 4 in the series and I missed all the ones in between. But not once did I feel lost or confused. Actually I didn’t even know it was part of the series until I recognized the sound of “The Very Very Large Hadron Collider.”
That being said, I’d recommend reading book 1 before you read this, otherwise you will be so confused it would distract you from how funny the book is.
Tom Holt has managed to take something so absolutely ridiculous and impossible and make it totally real. The characters are well built and real (even if they are goblins and elves and stock brokers pretending to be rumplestiltskin). The plot had my heart racing (trying to figure out why The Dark Lord is crying over patterned curtains is a serious matter) and the conclusion, though open to interpretation and somewhat confusing, was still fulfilling. I’m very happy with this book and look forward to going back (and forwards) to enjoy the others in the series!
Content/Recommendation: some language, some mention of eating body parts. no sex. Ages 18+
That being said, I’d recommend reading book 1 before you read this, otherwise you will be so confused it would distract you from how funny the book is.
Tom Holt has managed to take something so absolutely ridiculous and impossible and make it totally real. The characters are well built and real (even if they are goblins and elves and stock brokers pretending to be rumplestiltskin). The plot had my heart racing (trying to figure out why The Dark Lord is crying over patterned curtains is a serious matter) and the conclusion, though open to interpretation and somewhat confusing, was still fulfilling. I’m very happy with this book and look forward to going back (and forwards) to enjoy the others in the series!
Content/Recommendation: some language, some mention of eating body parts. no sex. Ages 18+
Nikki Massey (8 KP) rated The Wish List in Books
Feb 7, 2019
I picked up this book after deciding I wanted to read an easy, light hearted and humorous novel. This ticked all the boxes.
It was the blurb on the rear cover that swayed it for me - Emma is approaching her thirties and realised she wanted to achieve so much more by this age. So she sets off on an experience adventure to ensure she ticks off as many of her bucket list wish items by her birthday.
I'm almost 6 months away from my thirties too and thought this book might give me the reassurance needed to approach this big birthday with a little less trepidation.
As some of the other reviews say, this book is laugh out loud funny. On one occasion I had quite a few odd stares when I burst out laughing in my work canteen during lunch. Other times I had to stifle my laughing with my hand over my mouth and even one time I had to put the book down and walk away as I felt like suffocation from laughter was imminent.
It is just the author's descriptive way with words and the hapless ways of the main character that got me giggling.
It is definitely worth a read just to brighten up a lazy day or any day for that matter.
It was the blurb on the rear cover that swayed it for me - Emma is approaching her thirties and realised she wanted to achieve so much more by this age. So she sets off on an experience adventure to ensure she ticks off as many of her bucket list wish items by her birthday.
I'm almost 6 months away from my thirties too and thought this book might give me the reassurance needed to approach this big birthday with a little less trepidation.
As some of the other reviews say, this book is laugh out loud funny. On one occasion I had quite a few odd stares when I burst out laughing in my work canteen during lunch. Other times I had to stifle my laughing with my hand over my mouth and even one time I had to put the book down and walk away as I felt like suffocation from laughter was imminent.
It is just the author's descriptive way with words and the hapless ways of the main character that got me giggling.
It is definitely worth a read just to brighten up a lazy day or any day for that matter.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated From the Dark (Bewitch the Dark #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
From the Dark has some interesting ideas, nothing original but good still the same; it's just too bad the story couldn't come together. I got to the end of page 170 and just could not go on. I hate to be so harsh but I was not going to force this torture onto myself anymore.
The main problem with the book was how hurried it was; the book had too much going on and was light on a decent plot, yet it still ended up boring. For the most part the story consisted of parts that were redundant, cheesy, weird, and/or ludicrous, which in turn made me cringe. The characters were one-dimensional, boring, and unsympathetic; I can't say I hated them and I can't say I liked them, although Ravin got on my nerves. Not to mention, what was up with the counting thing? What is Michael, Sesame Street's the Count? I mean if that was used in a children's book or a comedic PNR than fine, but in a supposedly serious paranormal romance? It's not funny, it's bloody ridiculous.
I'm sorry to say this, but this whole disaster made me think the author just half-heartedly wrote the book by filling in blanks around a few ideas. I sincerely hope Michele Hauf's other books are much better than this.
The main problem with the book was how hurried it was; the book had too much going on and was light on a decent plot, yet it still ended up boring. For the most part the story consisted of parts that were redundant, cheesy, weird, and/or ludicrous, which in turn made me cringe. The characters were one-dimensional, boring, and unsympathetic; I can't say I hated them and I can't say I liked them, although Ravin got on my nerves. Not to mention, what was up with the counting thing? What is Michael, Sesame Street's the Count? I mean if that was used in a children's book or a comedic PNR than fine, but in a supposedly serious paranormal romance? It's not funny, it's bloody ridiculous.
I'm sorry to say this, but this whole disaster made me think the author just half-heartedly wrote the book by filling in blanks around a few ideas. I sincerely hope Michele Hauf's other books are much better than this.
Autumn (430 KP) rated Dead Witch Walking (The Hollows, #1) in Books
Mar 25, 2018 (Updated Mar 25, 2018)
The story behind the world in this book. (3 more)
The history of the supernatural creatures in Harrison’s world
Some humor, ie. Humans scared of tomatoes
Inclusion of pixies
Up and down in holding my interest, can be really slow then really entertaining (1 more)
Not sure how I feel about Ivy
This is a fun read. I like the history behind the world Harrison has created. It’s entertaining, if not a little funny. Half the human popluation was wiped out by a lab created virus accidentally released into the public through tomatoes, while the supernatural was not harmed and now are the only consumers of the tomato industry. It’s a bit silly, but it works. And don’t worry, the book isn’t all about tomatoes, but they do play a part in the explanation of the world you’re reading about. I also enjoyed Harrison’s take on the supernatural creatures living in her world. The inclusion of a pixy as a central side character is different as well. I’ve read few books that pixies remain part of the story throughout the whole book. I’m not going to lie though, I did find myself losing interest after the first few chapters. However, about half way through it picked back up, but continued to be up and down in holding my interest for the rest of the book.
Eilidh G Clark (177 KP) rated (Un)arranged Marriage in Books
Jul 2, 2019
This is a funny book
Contains spoilers, click to show
This is the first book I've read for pleasure since I completed my 3rd year at university. This is the type of book I enjoy and I wasn't disappointed.
The story is written in first person from the point of view of a young English Indian boy. It begins on his wedding day and his nervousness and anger at being forced into an arranged marriage. The author then writes the book in retrospect, and takes the reader back three years. The story explores the difficulty of the protagonist who struggles to adhere to his family's traditional views and religion. He endures years of beatings from his alcoholic father and emotional blackmail from his mother. He is beaten and ridiculed by his older brothers and his intimate narration allows the reader to discover his feelings of 'otherness'amongst his family whilst he attempts to live a normal life as an ordinary English boy. The author explores racism, poverty, domestic violence, neglect and love through the use of bildungsroman which concludes with the protagonist choosing his own path in life. It is by no means a happy ending, but it demonstrates determination and an understanding of a culture that the character is unable to comprehend.
Interesting and easy novel to read.
The story is written in first person from the point of view of a young English Indian boy. It begins on his wedding day and his nervousness and anger at being forced into an arranged marriage. The author then writes the book in retrospect, and takes the reader back three years. The story explores the difficulty of the protagonist who struggles to adhere to his family's traditional views and religion. He endures years of beatings from his alcoholic father and emotional blackmail from his mother. He is beaten and ridiculed by his older brothers and his intimate narration allows the reader to discover his feelings of 'otherness'amongst his family whilst he attempts to live a normal life as an ordinary English boy. The author explores racism, poverty, domestic violence, neglect and love through the use of bildungsroman which concludes with the protagonist choosing his own path in life. It is by no means a happy ending, but it demonstrates determination and an understanding of a culture that the character is unable to comprehend.
Interesting and easy novel to read.
The Very Cranky Bear
Book and Education
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"It takes the characters that you’ve come to love and brings them to life. It even invites you...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2171 KP) rated Much Ado About Nauticaling in Books
Jul 30, 2021 (Updated Jul 30, 2021)
I Really Was Hoping to Like This Debut
Whitney “Whit” Dagner and her brother Nick have relocated to Catalina Island. They visited their grandparents out there every summer, and now they are taking over their grandparents’ glass bottom boat business. Additionally, Whit is opening a souvenir shop in the harbor. She is enjoying her new life until she finds the body of Jules Tisdale, the recently named Person of the Year on Catalina. When the police decide that Nick is the killer, Whit jumps in to prove her brother’s innocence. Can she do it?
As soon as I heard about this book, I knew I had to read it. I always love Southern California settings, although it’s been years since I visited Catalina. I certainly did enjoy the setting. Overall, the book was too frenetic, however. It was trying to be funny, but much of the humor didn’t work for me. I did laugh a few times, but overall, it was too much. This effected some of the characters, too, although I did enjoy others. Despite finding the body early on, the pace was uneven, getting better the further we got into the book. While I followed the killer and motive, the ending was rushed and left some questions about earlier twists in the book. I was hoping to love this debut, but it turned out to be average.
As soon as I heard about this book, I knew I had to read it. I always love Southern California settings, although it’s been years since I visited Catalina. I certainly did enjoy the setting. Overall, the book was too frenetic, however. It was trying to be funny, but much of the humor didn’t work for me. I did laugh a few times, but overall, it was too much. This effected some of the characters, too, although I did enjoy others. Despite finding the body early on, the pace was uneven, getting better the further we got into the book. While I followed the killer and motive, the ending was rushed and left some questions about earlier twists in the book. I was hoping to love this debut, but it turned out to be average.
Picturing Prince: An Intimate Portrait
10.0
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Featuring a mix of never-seen-before and rare photographs of Prince, alongside written vignettes...
Music photography
Merissa (11958 KP) rated The Truth about Kadenburg (The Kadenburg Shifters #1) in Books
Apr 6, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
Imagine going through 26 years of your life imagining you were human... because, honestly, why would you think anything else? But then you find out, at a time when you are at your most vulnerable, that you are something else indeed. And not only that but there are other 'things' out there that don't like you much!
This is what Presley has to contend with. She is flawed and knows it. She goes for a drink when she knows that she really shouldn't. But she is warm and likeable all the same. Lorcan isn't warm, he's totally hot! I had a soft spot for Bear Shifters before reading this and T. E. Ridener's way of storytelling just confirms that they are indeed honourable and gorgeous!
There are moments in this book that are heart-meltingly sweet and there are also funny bits too. The references to Goldilocks and the Three Bears made me smile.
One thing I will say is this book has one hell of a cliffhanger ending so consider yourself warned. It is very well written and has pace and depth throughout. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
* 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. *
August 12, 2016
This is what Presley has to contend with. She is flawed and knows it. She goes for a drink when she knows that she really shouldn't. But she is warm and likeable all the same. Lorcan isn't warm, he's totally hot! I had a soft spot for Bear Shifters before reading this and T. E. Ridener's way of storytelling just confirms that they are indeed honourable and gorgeous!
There are moments in this book that are heart-meltingly sweet and there are also funny bits too. The references to Goldilocks and the Three Bears made me smile.
One thing I will say is this book has one hell of a cliffhanger ending so consider yourself warned. It is very well written and has pace and depth throughout. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
* 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. *
August 12, 2016
Merissa (11958 KP) rated Forsaken Fate (Forsaken Destiny #2) in Books
Jan 29, 2021 (Updated Aug 7, 2023)
FORSAKEN FATE is the second book in the Forsaken Destiny series and we continue with Echo. She is getting used to the idea of having multiple mates and, so long as she can still hide from dear old dad, she's not too bothered. Until she is reminded that mate number 4 could well be telling dear old dad exactly where she is. So the 'bleep' hits the fan, big time.
Tyler is still my number one guy and I'm SO happy about what happened, for him! He doesn't belong in a stony prison, so YEY, Tyler!!! But I have to say, coming in at number 2 is Xzavier. Oh, I do so love a confused male!
The pacing of this book is fast and furious, with some exceedingly funny bits in there too. There is one scene that brought a smile to my face simply because I know the feeling all too well! Talk about making me laugh!
Anyhoo, perfect pacing, an intriguing storyline with amazing characters - it really couldn't be anything else than a Maya Daniels novel. Absolutely recommended. Bring it on, Forsaken Heart!!
* 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 28, 2021
Tyler is still my number one guy and I'm SO happy about what happened, for him! He doesn't belong in a stony prison, so YEY, Tyler!!! But I have to say, coming in at number 2 is Xzavier. Oh, I do so love a confused male!
The pacing of this book is fast and furious, with some exceedingly funny bits in there too. There is one scene that brought a smile to my face simply because I know the feeling all too well! Talk about making me laugh!
Anyhoo, perfect pacing, an intriguing storyline with amazing characters - it really couldn't be anything else than a Maya Daniels novel. Absolutely recommended. Bring it on, Forsaken Heart!!
* 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 28, 2021