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Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated The Language of Secrets in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Justin Fisher was just an ordinary guy—he was a manager of a hotel, married with a son, and a great future ahead of him. But he decides that he must go back to his home, because he hasn’t spoken with his family in years.
When he arrives, his parents are dead—and his gravestone is beside theirs.
Justin embarks on an amazing terrifying journey of mystery, self discovery, and secrets to try to fix his broken past—or at least figure out who he is.
The Language of Secrets was powerful, ironic, and profound. I was instantly swept away by Dixon’s prose and illustrations. My jaw literally dropped as I read the opening paragraphs, the writing was so fluid and descriptive. It was all written in third person, but switched perspectives every few chapters.
Near the middle I felt like I was in the middle of two separate stories, and I wasn’t sure how they connected, but I knew they did because they were about the same characters. Watching the story unfold in almost a mystery-novel way was incredible: it was a complex series of events woven together expertly so that you can’t even find the seams.
I loved the ending. The Language of Secrets finishes up the story, concludes it, leaves you satisfied, and then throws something at you in the very last paragraph of the very last chapter that you didn’t expect. It sent my eyebrows to the ceiling and my jaw to the floor. I think my eyeballs are still rolling around on the ground somewhere.
The Language of Secrets was amazing—it’s staying on my shelf for a definite re-read.
Content: medium language, some violence, mention of sex but no details, mention of rape but no details.
Recommendation: Ages 16+
When he arrives, his parents are dead—and his gravestone is beside theirs.
Justin embarks on an amazing terrifying journey of mystery, self discovery, and secrets to try to fix his broken past—or at least figure out who he is.
The Language of Secrets was powerful, ironic, and profound. I was instantly swept away by Dixon’s prose and illustrations. My jaw literally dropped as I read the opening paragraphs, the writing was so fluid and descriptive. It was all written in third person, but switched perspectives every few chapters.
Near the middle I felt like I was in the middle of two separate stories, and I wasn’t sure how they connected, but I knew they did because they were about the same characters. Watching the story unfold in almost a mystery-novel way was incredible: it was a complex series of events woven together expertly so that you can’t even find the seams.
I loved the ending. The Language of Secrets finishes up the story, concludes it, leaves you satisfied, and then throws something at you in the very last paragraph of the very last chapter that you didn’t expect. It sent my eyebrows to the ceiling and my jaw to the floor. I think my eyeballs are still rolling around on the ground somewhere.
The Language of Secrets was amazing—it’s staying on my shelf for a definite re-read.
Content: medium language, some violence, mention of sex but no details, mention of rape but no details.
Recommendation: Ages 16+
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The Demeter Code in Books
May 10, 2018
3.5 stars
**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.**
Ridley Fox and Dr. Nita Parris are two of the CIAs best operatives. They travel the world eliminating the bad guys. When they are given an assignment that doesn't turn out as planned, their whole world is turned inside out and upside down. Then the mission gets changed and Fox and Parris are sent in different directions. This book has enough twists and turns to give you whiplash.
After reading the description of this book, I was very excited to read it. I love a good thriller and this one did not disappoint. The Demeter Code captured me from page one. The first scene is set in Washington DC and when books are set close to home, I always am intrigued. The book had a really great start and lots of action to keep my attention. A little over half way through it started to slow down a bit for me. It got more technical and I found myself reading the words without actually absorbing what it was I was reading. That happened a couple of times which made me drop my rating from 4 to 3.5 stars. This is the third book in the series, the first two being [b:Pandora's Succession|11435761|Pandora's Succession|Russell Brooks|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347515371s/11435761.jpg|14368142] and [b:Unsavory Delicacies|10997415|Unsavory Delicacies|Russell Brooks|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1396737765s/10997415.jpg|40898431]. I will be going back to read these books as well as his standalone [b:Chill Run|13152361|Chill Run |Russell Brooks|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328327623s/13152361.jpg|40898429] and I look forward to whatever he has coming in the future.
**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.**
Ridley Fox and Dr. Nita Parris are two of the CIAs best operatives. They travel the world eliminating the bad guys. When they are given an assignment that doesn't turn out as planned, their whole world is turned inside out and upside down. Then the mission gets changed and Fox and Parris are sent in different directions. This book has enough twists and turns to give you whiplash.
After reading the description of this book, I was very excited to read it. I love a good thriller and this one did not disappoint. The Demeter Code captured me from page one. The first scene is set in Washington DC and when books are set close to home, I always am intrigued. The book had a really great start and lots of action to keep my attention. A little over half way through it started to slow down a bit for me. It got more technical and I found myself reading the words without actually absorbing what it was I was reading. That happened a couple of times which made me drop my rating from 4 to 3.5 stars. This is the third book in the series, the first two being [b:Pandora's Succession|11435761|Pandora's Succession|Russell Brooks|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347515371s/11435761.jpg|14368142] and [b:Unsavory Delicacies|10997415|Unsavory Delicacies|Russell Brooks|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1396737765s/10997415.jpg|40898431]. I will be going back to read these books as well as his standalone [b:Chill Run|13152361|Chill Run |Russell Brooks|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328327623s/13152361.jpg|40898429] and I look forward to whatever he has coming in the future.
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Outliers (The Outliers #1) in Books
Apr 6, 2018
Outliers (The Outliers #1) by Kate L. Mary
Outliers is the first in a new dystopian series, where society is split into three separate groups with self-explanatory names. Indra works in the city, for one of the Sovereigns. She is quiet and does her work, trying to blend in as much as possible. To get home, she needs to walk the gauntlet through the Fortis village, before eventually reaching her own Outliers village. There is a love interest in her village called Bodhi, and a Fortis guard who you are not sure of, called Asa. These three, plus other characters, drive the book towards the unknown, the horrible, the shameful, and the hopeful.
This world is so well built and structured, everything fits perfectly. Outliers definitely have the shortest straw, and yet I want to learn more about the Fortis too. Asa is such a good representative of them, although there are some bad ones too! I was a bit worried this may turn into a love triangle, but instead, it was eloquently written in such a way that I never felt any of the usual exasperation where triangles are concerned. With a rich and in-depth storyline, this world did not want to let go, and I am highly anticipating the next release. I could talk about the story some more, but I know I wouldn't do it any justice.
An excellent dystopian story, full of detail, and wonderful characters. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This world is so well built and structured, everything fits perfectly. Outliers definitely have the shortest straw, and yet I want to learn more about the Fortis too. Asa is such a good representative of them, although there are some bad ones too! I was a bit worried this may turn into a love triangle, but instead, it was eloquently written in such a way that I never felt any of the usual exasperation where triangles are concerned. With a rich and in-depth storyline, this world did not want to let go, and I am highly anticipating the next release. I could talk about the story some more, but I know I wouldn't do it any justice.
An excellent dystopian story, full of detail, and wonderful characters. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated The Cottage at Firefly Lake (Firefly Lake, #1) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
Jen Gilroy is a highly talented author! I really enjoyed getting to know her characters through this fun summer time read. It was captivating, moving, and the characters made a home in my heart for good!
This first book in Ms. Gilroy's Firefly Lake series is a wonderful one. This story is one of hope, longing, forgiveness and second chance at love. The emotions of Charlie and Sean can be felt as if they are the reader's own. I love when a book can do that! Each character brought something new to the story, each page turn, capturing me just a little more!
If you love a book filled with amazing characters and a plot that will sweep you away, then this is the book for you. However, I can't give this a full on 4 or 5 star review like I wish to. There is some language(not through the entire book but more than once or twice) and a few scenes that you don't find in a clean read, but the over all story itself, with the wonderfully portrayed characters and the messages of hope and forgiveness can pull the reader in despite the issues, leaving me with recommending this as a 3.5 star read.
Book 2, Summer On Firefly Lake, releases in July and I love the cover just as much!! Despite the lower rating that book 1 had, I may give book 2 a try to see where the next story goes. Overall, Ms. Gilroy is definitely a talented author. <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/tlc-blog-tour-review-the-cottage-at-firefly-lake-by-jen-gilfoy/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
This first book in Ms. Gilroy's Firefly Lake series is a wonderful one. This story is one of hope, longing, forgiveness and second chance at love. The emotions of Charlie and Sean can be felt as if they are the reader's own. I love when a book can do that! Each character brought something new to the story, each page turn, capturing me just a little more!
If you love a book filled with amazing characters and a plot that will sweep you away, then this is the book for you. However, I can't give this a full on 4 or 5 star review like I wish to. There is some language(not through the entire book but more than once or twice) and a few scenes that you don't find in a clean read, but the over all story itself, with the wonderfully portrayed characters and the messages of hope and forgiveness can pull the reader in despite the issues, leaving me with recommending this as a 3.5 star read.
Book 2, Summer On Firefly Lake, releases in July and I love the cover just as much!! Despite the lower rating that book 1 had, I may give book 2 a try to see where the next story goes. Overall, Ms. Gilroy is definitely a talented author. <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/tlc-blog-tour-review-the-cottage-at-firefly-lake-by-jen-gilfoy/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Ghostal Living (Hamptons Home & Garden Mysteries #3) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
Ms. Bridge is a new to me author and I can tell you that I loved her unique, quirky style. I'm now a fan for life! I love a good cozy mystery full of twists, turns, and who dun its and Ms. Bridge's third installment to the Hampton Home and Garden Mysteries did not disappoint! It had the perfect blend of all that and more.
I love that this book is centered around a bed and breakfast called Bibliophile Bed&Breakfast! It seems perfect for us book lovers! A rare manuscript,a killer on the loose and lots of decorating to do, Meg finds her hands full in this book filled with witty characters and happenings that is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat while you help Meg uncover the clues and solve the mystery. Following Meg on her race to find the who's and why's behind it all was so fun! I read this book in one sitting, turning the pages long into the night.
I definitely sing this book's praises. The theme, the characters, the mystery behind it all, make the perfect cozy read and will capture you from the start. It's worthy of 4 stars and two thumbs up. And while this is the 3rd installment in this series, it could easily be read as a stand alone. So, what are you waiting for? Grab that cup of coffee, this amazing book, and settle in for the roller coaster ride of your life! Ms. Bridge will capture you wholly with her characters, charm and who dun it mysteries! And, as a bonus, Ms. Bridge throws in recipes and decorating tips! <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/review-ghostal-living-by-kathleen-bridge/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
I love that this book is centered around a bed and breakfast called Bibliophile Bed&Breakfast! It seems perfect for us book lovers! A rare manuscript,a killer on the loose and lots of decorating to do, Meg finds her hands full in this book filled with witty characters and happenings that is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat while you help Meg uncover the clues and solve the mystery. Following Meg on her race to find the who's and why's behind it all was so fun! I read this book in one sitting, turning the pages long into the night.
I definitely sing this book's praises. The theme, the characters, the mystery behind it all, make the perfect cozy read and will capture you from the start. It's worthy of 4 stars and two thumbs up. And while this is the 3rd installment in this series, it could easily be read as a stand alone. So, what are you waiting for? Grab that cup of coffee, this amazing book, and settle in for the roller coaster ride of your life! Ms. Bridge will capture you wholly with her characters, charm and who dun it mysteries! And, as a bonus, Ms. Bridge throws in recipes and decorating tips! <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/review-ghostal-living-by-kathleen-bridge/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Wrench in the Engine (Galaxia Pirates #3) in Books
Feb 12, 2018
Wrench in the Engine (Galaxia Pirates #3) by A.M. Halford
Wrench in the Engine is the third book in the Galaxia Pirates series, and we continue where we left off. The Galaxia is in danger from her engine exploding (or something else equally as bad!) and the only one who can help is someone called Chris, who just happened to build the thing in the first place. Stephen is the head mechanic who loves his engines, and wants nothing more but to go back to them. Unfortunately, although he hates human interaction/touch, he has to be involved if he wants his engine fixed.
This book was heading towards a 5-star as I loved the interaction between Chris and Stephen. The matching up of Stephen loving metal and Chris having it was perfect. Both of them loved engines and had plenty in common. The thing that stopped it from being 5-stars for me was Stephen's reaction to being around water and going back to his home planet. For such a severe reaction, not much was actually said about it. And what was said wasn't enough to garner the reaction that Stephen gave. I would have loved to heard more about his past, and why he reacted that way.
On the whole though, this book is written very smoothly, in A.M. Halford's style. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the pacing was perfect for the story. Like I said, for me, just that one niggle. That was it. You may find it different, so why not give it a go for yourself? Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This book was heading towards a 5-star as I loved the interaction between Chris and Stephen. The matching up of Stephen loving metal and Chris having it was perfect. Both of them loved engines and had plenty in common. The thing that stopped it from being 5-stars for me was Stephen's reaction to being around water and going back to his home planet. For such a severe reaction, not much was actually said about it. And what was said wasn't enough to garner the reaction that Stephen gave. I would have loved to heard more about his past, and why he reacted that way.
On the whole though, this book is written very smoothly, in A.M. Halford's style. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the pacing was perfect for the story. Like I said, for me, just that one niggle. That was it. You may find it different, so why not give it a go for yourself? Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated the Xbox One version of Resident Evil 7 biohazard in Video Games
Oct 25, 2019 (Updated Oct 25, 2019)
Back To Horror
Contains spoilers, click to show
This game is so scary, its terrorfying, horrorfying, spooky, creepy and so much more. Plus its back to the old resident evil games. Unlike 5 and 6 which toke the action rote. So it was so good to see it back home where it belongs. Its twisted, psychological, nightmareful and so much more. Lets talk about the plot/story.
The Plot/Story: player controls Ethan Winters as he searches for his wife in a derelict plantation occupied by a cannibal family, solving puzzles and fighting enemies. It is the first main series game to use a first-person view.
Ethan must choose to cure either Mia or Zoe. Choosing Zoe leaves Mia heartbroken, despite Ethan's promise to send help. As he and Zoe flee on a boat, Zoe reveals that the Bakers were infected after Mia arrived with a young girl named Eveline when the wreck of a tanker ship washed ashore. Eveline stops their escape by calcifying Zoe, killing her, and Ethan is knocked from the boat by a creature. If Ethan chooses Mia, Zoe gives a bitter farewell to him and Mia.
I like thie because you have to choose to decide on who gets the cure and who doesnt.
If Ethan cured Mia, she resists Eveline's control long enough to seal Ethan out of the ship; if he cured Zoe, Mia succumbs to Eveline's control and attacks Ethan, forcing him to kill her.
Chris Redfield does apper in the game, at the end through. The helicopter that Chris comes in on is branded with the Umbrella Corporation logo.
Their is alot of extra contant/DLC for this game.
If you haven't played this game, than i would highly reccordmend playing this game.
The Plot/Story: player controls Ethan Winters as he searches for his wife in a derelict plantation occupied by a cannibal family, solving puzzles and fighting enemies. It is the first main series game to use a first-person view.
Ethan must choose to cure either Mia or Zoe. Choosing Zoe leaves Mia heartbroken, despite Ethan's promise to send help. As he and Zoe flee on a boat, Zoe reveals that the Bakers were infected after Mia arrived with a young girl named Eveline when the wreck of a tanker ship washed ashore. Eveline stops their escape by calcifying Zoe, killing her, and Ethan is knocked from the boat by a creature. If Ethan chooses Mia, Zoe gives a bitter farewell to him and Mia.
I like thie because you have to choose to decide on who gets the cure and who doesnt.
If Ethan cured Mia, she resists Eveline's control long enough to seal Ethan out of the ship; if he cured Zoe, Mia succumbs to Eveline's control and attacks Ethan, forcing him to kill her.
Chris Redfield does apper in the game, at the end through. The helicopter that Chris comes in on is branded with the Umbrella Corporation logo.
Their is alot of extra contant/DLC for this game.
If you haven't played this game, than i would highly reccordmend playing this game.
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated A Certain Threat (Merriman Chronicles #1) in Books
Nov 11, 2019
Set at the end of the 18th Century just before the Napoleonic Wars, this follows the exploits of Lietenant Merriman. Injured in a battle with Barbary pirates he is given leave and returns to his family's home near Chester. He learns of a gang of smuggers who have taken a Customs ship. Before long he is summoned back to London and given command of his own ship to investigate this theft and also rumours of Irish and French involvement.
What follows is a cracking story that combines Naval adventure in the age of sail with investigation into the mystery around the loss of the Custom ship. Merriman is a strong lead character, a capable officer who looks after his men as best he can at a time when the navy was hard and brutal work, with many seamen ending up dead or injured on even the most routine missions. He is also relentless and imaginative, using the information and resources at his disposal to maximum effect to uncover the true purpose of the smugglers.
Burnage shows tremendous ability in his writing. The tone and dialogue feel very authentic, the characters well drawn and memorable. Every scene drives the plot forward or builds Merriman's character and there is a real sense of momentum and drama in the story. The descriptions of the naval encounters are a real highlight, exciting but clearly showing the danger that existed at the time, as well as the skill required by every member of the crew to ensure victory in any engagement.
Overall this was a terrific book and I would recommend it to readers of any age as a thrilling story. An easy 5 stars and an introduction to what promises to be a thrilling series.
What follows is a cracking story that combines Naval adventure in the age of sail with investigation into the mystery around the loss of the Custom ship. Merriman is a strong lead character, a capable officer who looks after his men as best he can at a time when the navy was hard and brutal work, with many seamen ending up dead or injured on even the most routine missions. He is also relentless and imaginative, using the information and resources at his disposal to maximum effect to uncover the true purpose of the smugglers.
Burnage shows tremendous ability in his writing. The tone and dialogue feel very authentic, the characters well drawn and memorable. Every scene drives the plot forward or builds Merriman's character and there is a real sense of momentum and drama in the story. The descriptions of the naval encounters are a real highlight, exciting but clearly showing the danger that existed at the time, as well as the skill required by every member of the crew to ensure victory in any engagement.
Overall this was a terrific book and I would recommend it to readers of any age as a thrilling story. An easy 5 stars and an introduction to what promises to be a thrilling series.
ClareR (5726 KP) rated A Thousand Moons in Books
Apr 10, 2020
A Thousand Moons is set after the American Civil War in 1870’s Tennessee. This book follows on from Days Without End, and whilst I haven’t read it (yet! It’s on my bookshelf!), it didn’t affect my enjoyment at all.
Winona is a Lakota orphan who has been adopted by former soldiers Thomas McNulty and John Cole. She lives on their farm with them and Lige Magan, and two ex-slaves, Rosalee and Tennyson. Racism is still rife: Native Americans are seen as little more than animals, and black people are still hanged in the streets without trial for minor infractions.
Despite this, Winona has an admirer who wants to marry her: a white man. He’s persistent, and she doesn’t seem sure as to whether she really wants to marry him. And then something terrible happens. Winona is brought home: she is battered, raped and she doesn’t remember what happened or who did it.
This is such an emotional book. Winona’s reaction after her attack, coupled with the fact that she will never have any protection under the law, is heartbreaking.
Things that happen to other characters just seems to show starkly the injustices in the USA at this time. But it is all told in the most beautiful way. The writing really is exquisite: the descriptions of Winona’s inner thoughts, the descriptions of the landscape, and the way that life is shown, all really drew me in to this story. I loved reading it every day on The Pigeonhole. I will certainly be getting the first book in this series down off the shelf to read.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this book, and to Sebastian Barry for joining in.
Winona is a Lakota orphan who has been adopted by former soldiers Thomas McNulty and John Cole. She lives on their farm with them and Lige Magan, and two ex-slaves, Rosalee and Tennyson. Racism is still rife: Native Americans are seen as little more than animals, and black people are still hanged in the streets without trial for minor infractions.
Despite this, Winona has an admirer who wants to marry her: a white man. He’s persistent, and she doesn’t seem sure as to whether she really wants to marry him. And then something terrible happens. Winona is brought home: she is battered, raped and she doesn’t remember what happened or who did it.
This is such an emotional book. Winona’s reaction after her attack, coupled with the fact that she will never have any protection under the law, is heartbreaking.
Things that happen to other characters just seems to show starkly the injustices in the USA at this time. But it is all told in the most beautiful way. The writing really is exquisite: the descriptions of Winona’s inner thoughts, the descriptions of the landscape, and the way that life is shown, all really drew me in to this story. I loved reading it every day on The Pigeonhole. I will certainly be getting the first book in this series down off the shelf to read.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this book, and to Sebastian Barry for joining in.
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