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BobbiesDustyPages (1259 KP) rated The Mortal Instruments 1: City of Bones in Books
Jul 22, 2017
I hated almost every minute I wasted reading this.
Read in May 2013
The more I thought about this book after finishing it the lower my rating got. While reading the characters and plot were okay nothing all that special or really memorable about half way through I was just reading so I could finish and see if some of my guess were right...and yeah they were. The writing style was okay also nothing all that special or memorable about it just came off as childish.
First and foremost the reason why I hated this book so much was Clary and Jace they are both two of the most unlikable characters I have ever read. Clary is your typical female protagonist that complains about her looks,get jealous through out the whole book and is all around just so unlikable I wanted to jump in and strangle her.
Jace is also your typical leading brooding teen male that is so popular right now, I really couldn't find a single thing I like about him or really even remember.
The only character and really the only reason I even bothered to rate the book was Magnus he was interesting flamboyant and I think I kept reading just hoping he would pop up again.
The more I thought about this book after finishing it the lower my rating got. While reading the characters and plot were okay nothing all that special or really memorable about half way through I was just reading so I could finish and see if some of my guess were right...and yeah they were. The writing style was okay also nothing all that special or memorable about it just came off as childish.
First and foremost the reason why I hated this book so much was Clary and Jace they are both two of the most unlikable characters I have ever read. Clary is your typical female protagonist that complains about her looks,get jealous through out the whole book and is all around just so unlikable I wanted to jump in and strangle her.
Jace is also your typical leading brooding teen male that is so popular right now, I really couldn't find a single thing I like about him or really even remember.
The only character and really the only reason I even bothered to rate the book was Magnus he was interesting flamboyant and I think I kept reading just hoping he would pop up again.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated The Insider in Books
Jan 15, 2018
This was a aurprisingly great read! I love reading books by authors that I've not read previously. I got into the book with the hope of finding a new favorite author or at least someone whose books I want to continue to watch for. On the downside, that has also lead to reading books that just don't even some close to fulfilling that place.
This one is not one of those books though, I'm thrilled to say! I am a HUGE fan of Steve Berry & David Baldacci & Reese Hirsch has come as close to anyone else in mathcing their writing style, plot twists, & wonderful character development. For an author I'd never heard of until picking up this book, I'd say that is pretty high praise.
This books tells the story of Will Connelly. A newly minted partner in a large corporate law firm in California. He decides to go out to celebrate his newfound partnership & unbeknownst to him, finds himself in the cosshairs of some ladder climber Russian mafia wannabes. This leads to investigations targeting Will by the SFPD, SEC, & DOJ among other law enforcement agencies. The characters are well developed & believeable. The plot twists & turns without becoming to weighed down by all the legal jargon or government agencies.
I look forward to more by this author!
This one is not one of those books though, I'm thrilled to say! I am a HUGE fan of Steve Berry & David Baldacci & Reese Hirsch has come as close to anyone else in mathcing their writing style, plot twists, & wonderful character development. For an author I'd never heard of until picking up this book, I'd say that is pretty high praise.
This books tells the story of Will Connelly. A newly minted partner in a large corporate law firm in California. He decides to go out to celebrate his newfound partnership & unbeknownst to him, finds himself in the cosshairs of some ladder climber Russian mafia wannabes. This leads to investigations targeting Will by the SFPD, SEC, & DOJ among other law enforcement agencies. The characters are well developed & believeable. The plot twists & turns without becoming to weighed down by all the legal jargon or government agencies.
I look forward to more by this author!
tapestry100 (306 KP) rated Angel Catbird, Volume 1 in Books
Aug 2, 2017
This is an unfortunate disappointment for me. I haven't read much of Atwood, but I'm familiar with her and her significance as an author so I was more than intrigued by the idea of a graphic novel written by her. Well, imagine my disappointment in what she gave us: from her rather self-serving foreword, where in the first paragraph she reminds us that she is “an award-winning nice literary old lady” and then goes on to great lengths about her lifelong interest in comics, to the flat story that is nothing but one overused superhero trope and bad pun after another, to the lackluster art (sorry, but Johnnie Christmas' art just didn't save this enough for me), to the interjected facts about the number of cat and bird deaths in Canada, the US, and the UK that occur each year, I was shocked that this got published. I would assume that had anyone other that Margaret Atwood presented this project, it would have been shot down. This is nothing to me but a vanity project and one that I just can't see myself continuing. The only reason I can't give it 1 star is because it is Margaret Atwood, after all, and it seems sacrilegious to do so.
tapestry100 (306 KP) rated Star Wars: Han Solo in Books
Aug 2, 2017
I believe this volume takes place shortly after Episode IV: A New Hope.
After deciding to take a break from the Rebellion and go back to being a smuggler, Han Solo is abruptly pulled back into the Rebellion by Leia with a proposal he finds hard to turn down: a chance to race the Dragon Void run, a prestigious racing competition. Of course, Leia has ulterior motives for needing Han, but all he sees is a chance at the prestige of winning this race. The race itself made me feel a little like this was a galactic version of the Hunger Games, as the race's organizers set up specific obstacles for the racers to avoid (not that this is a race to the death, but I just got the impression of that idea). There was also a little more science fiction than I'm used to with Star Wars, with the inclusion of wormholes and other dimensions, but it worked really well here. Marjorie Liu really had a grasp of the characters and handled them quite well; I had no problem hearing Han's and Leia's voices in my head. Mark Brooks' art is fantastic here and I'm hoping that Marvel utilizes him more frequently on the Star Wars titles. Overall, this is a solid addition to the Marvel portion of the Star Wars universe.
After deciding to take a break from the Rebellion and go back to being a smuggler, Han Solo is abruptly pulled back into the Rebellion by Leia with a proposal he finds hard to turn down: a chance to race the Dragon Void run, a prestigious racing competition. Of course, Leia has ulterior motives for needing Han, but all he sees is a chance at the prestige of winning this race. The race itself made me feel a little like this was a galactic version of the Hunger Games, as the race's organizers set up specific obstacles for the racers to avoid (not that this is a race to the death, but I just got the impression of that idea). There was also a little more science fiction than I'm used to with Star Wars, with the inclusion of wormholes and other dimensions, but it worked really well here. Marjorie Liu really had a grasp of the characters and handled them quite well; I had no problem hearing Han's and Leia's voices in my head. Mark Brooks' art is fantastic here and I'm hoping that Marvel utilizes him more frequently on the Star Wars titles. Overall, this is a solid addition to the Marvel portion of the Star Wars universe.
QuietlyBookish (65 KP) rated Red Queen in Books
Jul 7, 2017
Plot (1 more)
Characters
So Many Plot Twists!
THE PLOT TWISTS IN THIS BOOK GAVE ME WHIPLASH!
My poor, poor heart has been put through the ringer with this book! I was apprehensive about this book, I had heard mixed reviews and it honestly took me a while to get into it but I am so glad I stuck with it because it got so much better! There was one plot twist that took me by surprise and then there was another one! AND THEN THERE WAS A THIRD PLOT TWIST AS WELL! It also ended on a cliffhanger because, of course it did!
Fans of The Hunger Games will definitely enjoy this! It is similar, but I found that there were enough differences that it didn't feel like an exact copy.
I will say that you should be prepared to find it a bit slow at times, but honestly the second half of this book is so action packed and fast paced it makes it so worth it!
I need to read the sequel immediately! I hope it's just as good!
As an added bonus, the physical hardcover is beautiful, the end papers are pretty and the dust jacket is shimmery! Plus in all the editions there is a map which I always like in books!
My poor, poor heart has been put through the ringer with this book! I was apprehensive about this book, I had heard mixed reviews and it honestly took me a while to get into it but I am so glad I stuck with it because it got so much better! There was one plot twist that took me by surprise and then there was another one! AND THEN THERE WAS A THIRD PLOT TWIST AS WELL! It also ended on a cliffhanger because, of course it did!
Fans of The Hunger Games will definitely enjoy this! It is similar, but I found that there were enough differences that it didn't feel like an exact copy.
I will say that you should be prepared to find it a bit slow at times, but honestly the second half of this book is so action packed and fast paced it makes it so worth it!
I need to read the sequel immediately! I hope it's just as good!
As an added bonus, the physical hardcover is beautiful, the end papers are pretty and the dust jacket is shimmery! Plus in all the editions there is a map which I always like in books!
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Better Than I Know Myself in Books
May 10, 2018
Did you ever have a friend who was more like family? For Regina Foster, Jewel Prescott, and Carmen Webb this is exactly true. Better Than I Know Myself starts in the late 70's when the girls are seniors in high school and making the decision on where to go to college. Three different girls from three very different backgrounds. Jewel, a former child star. Regina, the daughter of two college educated parents and little sister to older brothers who had all attended and graduated from college. And Carmen whose parents had left her at a young age.
The story progresses through their meeting in New York at Barnard and continues through their graduation. Regina and Jewel were already roommates when they met Carmen at the university library. They all got stuck in an elevator together and as they say, "The rest is history." They lived together through the early 80's as they grew into women and started to become independent.
The book covers twenty years of friendship and sisterhood and all the trials and tribulations that entails.
This book made me laugh out loud and brought a tear or two to my eyes. It also made me want to get together with my closest girlfriends. This is a book that you have to read until the end.
The story progresses through their meeting in New York at Barnard and continues through their graduation. Regina and Jewel were already roommates when they met Carmen at the university library. They all got stuck in an elevator together and as they say, "The rest is history." They lived together through the early 80's as they grew into women and started to become independent.
The book covers twenty years of friendship and sisterhood and all the trials and tribulations that entails.
This book made me laugh out loud and brought a tear or two to my eyes. It also made me want to get together with my closest girlfriends. This is a book that you have to read until the end.
I was really excited when I saw this book. I love romantic comedies and I had high hopes for this book. I was a bit disappointed.
Jason is a batchelor and has been for a while. He is a duty manager at the local hotel and is currently living with his two closest friends, Sean and Jim. When Jason receives a wedding invitation in the mail from his ex-girlfriend, Lila Holmes, his world goes into a tailspin thinking about the one that got away. His friends are on a quest to find him a plus one, while Jason is wallowing in the sorrow of knowing he would not be the one to marry Lila.
This book did not have very much romance in it and to me it wasn't really that funny. I didn't find myself laughing out loud or really connecting with the characters at all. On the positive side though, I didn't stop reading the book. I did want to know what was going to happen next and how Jason was going to actually face his ex when the time came. There were a ton of movie references in this book which really didn't add to the story. I will read another book by this author, though.
**I was given a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.**
Jason is a batchelor and has been for a while. He is a duty manager at the local hotel and is currently living with his two closest friends, Sean and Jim. When Jason receives a wedding invitation in the mail from his ex-girlfriend, Lila Holmes, his world goes into a tailspin thinking about the one that got away. His friends are on a quest to find him a plus one, while Jason is wallowing in the sorrow of knowing he would not be the one to marry Lila.
This book did not have very much romance in it and to me it wasn't really that funny. I didn't find myself laughing out loud or really connecting with the characters at all. On the positive side though, I didn't stop reading the book. I did want to know what was going to happen next and how Jason was going to actually face his ex when the time came. There were a ton of movie references in this book which really didn't add to the story. I will read another book by this author, though.
**I was given a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.**
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated Craven Manor in Books
May 15, 2018
Craven Manor by Darcy Coates ended up as the first pick for the #spookyfriendsbookclub, a buddy read group I started initially on Litsy – a social media app for readers. When we selected it, I only knew that we’d be reading a haunted house story and of course, I was excited. Haunted houses are, after all, my first love when it comes to horror. In that regard, Coates doesn’t disappoint.
Craven Manor tells the story of a long-forgotten house and a similarly forgotten town hidden away in the woods. With an elaborate backstory woven into its history, she pens an intricate plot that, once you think you’ve got it figured out, she quickly tells you otherwise. When young Daniel Kane ends up employed at the Manor to clean it up, the mystery quickly unravels and what has been forgotten is soon remembered.
The characters are just as unique, with none of the cast fitting into any one stereotype – which is a much welcomed change from many of the books I’ve read lately. Although, I can say that I thoroughly disliked Daniel’s cousin, Kyle. He an asshole, and I think anyone who has read this book will agree with me on that.
Coates clearly masters the creepy in her work and I certainly look forward to reading more of her work. If you haven’t checked her out, I highly recommend it.
Craven Manor tells the story of a long-forgotten house and a similarly forgotten town hidden away in the woods. With an elaborate backstory woven into its history, she pens an intricate plot that, once you think you’ve got it figured out, she quickly tells you otherwise. When young Daniel Kane ends up employed at the Manor to clean it up, the mystery quickly unravels and what has been forgotten is soon remembered.
The characters are just as unique, with none of the cast fitting into any one stereotype – which is a much welcomed change from many of the books I’ve read lately. Although, I can say that I thoroughly disliked Daniel’s cousin, Kyle. He an asshole, and I think anyone who has read this book will agree with me on that.
Coates clearly masters the creepy in her work and I certainly look forward to reading more of her work. If you haven’t checked her out, I highly recommend it.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Reflected in You (Crossfire, #2) in Books
May 10, 2018
The story of Eva and Gideon continues. Now, this book didn't make me think of 50 Shades at all, thank goodness. Eva and Gideon are now going to therapy together and trying to work on their issues and the crazy relationship that they have.
Gideon is trying to understand why it is so hard for Eva to trust him and Eva just wants Gideon to let her in.
In this book, their relationship is such a roller coaster ride, I got motion sickness. So many things happen in this book, that just astounded me.
<spoiler>Eva meets up with an old flame, who still has a little sizzle left, he actually wrote a song about her. Cary, the roommate is attacked, but why, no one knows. Nathan, the evil step-brother that molested and raped her as a child is found dead, and Eva didn't even know he was keeping tabs on her. Gideon stops communicating with her after an amazing weekend away. Her parents come face to face with each other for the first time in years. Gideon finally tells Eva, what she wants to hear, in more ways than one.</spoiler>
I'm interested to know what is going to happen next for these too.
One great thing about this book compared to Bared To You, she doesn't use the C-word nearly as much!!!
Gideon is trying to understand why it is so hard for Eva to trust him and Eva just wants Gideon to let her in.
In this book, their relationship is such a roller coaster ride, I got motion sickness. So many things happen in this book, that just astounded me.
<spoiler>Eva meets up with an old flame, who still has a little sizzle left, he actually wrote a song about her. Cary, the roommate is attacked, but why, no one knows. Nathan, the evil step-brother that molested and raped her as a child is found dead, and Eva didn't even know he was keeping tabs on her. Gideon stops communicating with her after an amazing weekend away. Her parents come face to face with each other for the first time in years. Gideon finally tells Eva, what she wants to hear, in more ways than one.</spoiler>
I'm interested to know what is going to happen next for these too.
One great thing about this book compared to Bared To You, she doesn't use the C-word nearly as much!!!
The Marinated Meeple (1853 KP) rated Survive: Escape from Atlantis! in Tabletop Games
Apr 10, 2018
Sea Monsters (5 more)
Whales that sink boats
Sharks that eat swimmers
Sending monster to do your bidding
getting your people to safety
A newer version was published so everyone has access to it.
The Island is sinking and the ocean is filled with terrors, what a fun time.
I adored this game as a kid, nothing better than sending a shark to eat your sister and making the sounds from the movie JAWS, or sending a whale to sink her boat and maybe yelling "Moby Dick gets his revenge" before you actually know what you are talking about, because you know of the book but haven't read it yet....
This is a great game, the only way to improve it would be to make it 6 players, and add more versions of the creatures, which I've heard the new version does add squids, dolphins and more players. Or as I would call them, Flipper and The Kraken.
I own the old version. which was missing pieces and I got another copy that was missing pieces and created a frankenstein of parts to make the whole. I've seen people playing it online and it hits me in my nostalgic place. I'd love to break this out again and play.
Oh the pictures I would paint in my head as a kid.
The heroic triumph of getting my people to safety.
This is a great game, the only way to improve it would be to make it 6 players, and add more versions of the creatures, which I've heard the new version does add squids, dolphins and more players. Or as I would call them, Flipper and The Kraken.
I own the old version. which was missing pieces and I got another copy that was missing pieces and created a frankenstein of parts to make the whole. I've seen people playing it online and it hits me in my nostalgic place. I'd love to break this out again and play.
Oh the pictures I would paint in my head as a kid.
The heroic triumph of getting my people to safety.
