Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Curator in Books
May 31, 2020
Why have I not read any of this series before? Where have I been living to have missed them? I must have been walking around with my eyes closed given this is the 3rd instalment!! I have probably missed the development of the main characters and their backstories but it certainly didn't take anything away from my enjoyment of this book so can safely say it can be read as a standalone.
I won't go into the plot as it's all in the blurb but what I will say is that despite it being complex, the writing is such that it isn't a hard read and although it's a dark and gritty story, the sarcasm and wit lightens it somewhat especially as it feels natural and not forced. The pace is perfect and the setting is spot on ... not that I'm biased or anything given that I live in Cumbria.
The characters are believable and just brilliant. Washington is a breath of fresh air, he is a bit grumpy but likeable nonetheless and someone you definitely want to be on your side. I absolutely adore Tilly - I need her in my life and would love her to spend just one day in my office - oh the carnage! I will never eat a bar nut again!!
Well you've probably already guessed that I enjoyed this book but just in case I haven't been clear ... it is absolutely brilliant and is one of those books that you tell people to read because it's that good.
My thanks must go to Little, Brown Book Group and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review. I am so grateful I was one of the chosen ones and I await the next instalment with impatience.
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ClareR (6225 KP) rated A Spell of Good Things in Books
Mar 31, 2023
Eniola is a boy who looks like a man. His schoolteacher father loses his job due to a shakeup in the education system, and falls into a deep depression. This leaves Eniola working as an errand boy for the local tailor, collecting newspapers and begging (much against his will). He wants so much more for his life, though…
Wuraola is from a wealthy family. Her parents are proud of her succeeding in her aim to be a doctor - and now they expect her to marry. And Kunle is the son of friends that they favour. But he’s volatile in private (to say the least).
We follow the stories of Eniola and Wuraola and the differences in their lives are stark. Eniola goes to school hungry, he’s beaten by the teachers because his parents pay their school fees late (if at all). And finally, he thinks he has found a way out of his poverty - when in fact it’s something far worse.
Wuraola’s life is difficult in a different way: she has a well-paid, well-respected job, but the Nigerian health system is overstretched, underfunded and doesn’t have enough doctors. But she believes in doing her duty, so she works hard, and says yes when Kunle proposes.
Wuraola’s and Eniola’s lives are on a collision course though.
I inhaled this book. It’s gritty and doesn’t hold back in any way. It’s an insight into lives I’ve never experienced and so powerfully told. The themes of domestic abuse, poverty, access to education and political corruption make for a heartbreaking read.
Recommended.
Merissa (14003 KP) rated The Mayfair Moon (The Darkwoods Trilogy #1) in Books
Mar 31, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
I will start by saying that it is the Paranormal genre, which as most of you know, is a favourite of mine. It has been compared to the Twilight Saga and admittedly, if you have read the books - not just seen the films - there are similarities and not just for the fact that there are werewolves. But there are also striking differences which make this book stand alone and not just in the shadow of Twilight.
This is a gritty, fast-paced book with well-rounded characters that you can get your teeth into (pardon the pun). There are twists and turns, revelations and mysteries, good guys who are not saccharine sweet and evil guys that you really do dislike. The relationships between the characters are believable and I know I had a best friend like Harry and still do.
There is violence and blood in this book but it does not take over the story and becomes unnecessary. This actually makes a nice change from the loveable, cuddly werewolves that you normally get who are so soft they can't fight out of a wet paper bag.
Recommended for anyone who was Team Jacob, who like Paranormal with a hint of romance and for all who like reading about werewolves.
* Verified Purchase ~ August 2012 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 27, 2016