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Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Endgame (Sirantha Jax, #6) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
Endgame is the final book in the Sirantha Jax series, according to Aguirre, and it definitely shows. Everything gets wrapped up very satisfactorily. Nothing new is introduced. Jax's relationships with March and Vel are both expanded in a delightful manner, and I love the way that works out. She also gets to develop a not-quite-motherly relationship with Sasha, March's adopted son.
The entire volume takes place on Laheng, home of the Lahengrin. We've only met the race through Loras so far in the series, but their story is touching. This is Loras' story as much as anything, the story of the fight to free the Lahengrin from the Nicuans and from the need to be owned (or "protected" as it is called). The action is brutal - Aguirre doesn't hide the realities of war. She doesn't dwell on it in an obscene manner, though, so the book is readable.
Reading the ending of a wonderful series is also bittersweet, but at least Aguirre has stated that she'll revisit this universe.
The entire volume takes place on Laheng, home of the Lahengrin. We've only met the race through Loras so far in the series, but their story is touching. This is Loras' story as much as anything, the story of the fight to free the Lahengrin from the Nicuans and from the need to be owned (or "protected" as it is called). The action is brutal - Aguirre doesn't hide the realities of war. She doesn't dwell on it in an obscene manner, though, so the book is readable.
Reading the ending of a wonderful series is also bittersweet, but at least Aguirre has stated that she'll revisit this universe.
David McK (3245 KP) rated Robin Hood and the Caliph's Gold in Books
Mar 26, 2020
The 9th entry in Angus Donald's Robin Hood Outlaw series of books, although chronologically I think this is the third (set after Holy Warrior).
As such, this starts with Robin and his men trying to make their way back to England from the Holy Land, with the entire story told (as are all the others) in first person narrative, and from the point of view of Alan a Dale, the true protagonist of these stories (let's face it, Robin isn't always a very nice man...)
Shipwrecked on the way home, this sets off a series of circumstances and encounters that sees Robin and his men hatching a plan to steal the Caliph's Gold (it's all there in the title!), with many a ferocious battle and deeds of derring do throughout.
Having recently just having read one of Angus Donald's other historical works (the Blood series: last one I read was Bloods Campaign), I have to say: I think I prefer the medieval setting of these novels better, with Alan a Dale coming across as a more relatable character than Holcroft Blood.
As such, this starts with Robin and his men trying to make their way back to England from the Holy Land, with the entire story told (as are all the others) in first person narrative, and from the point of view of Alan a Dale, the true protagonist of these stories (let's face it, Robin isn't always a very nice man...)
Shipwrecked on the way home, this sets off a series of circumstances and encounters that sees Robin and his men hatching a plan to steal the Caliph's Gold (it's all there in the title!), with many a ferocious battle and deeds of derring do throughout.
Having recently just having read one of Angus Donald's other historical works (the Blood series: last one I read was Bloods Campaign), I have to say: I think I prefer the medieval setting of these novels better, with Alan a Dale coming across as a more relatable character than Holcroft Blood.
David McK (3245 KP) rated The Flame Bearer (the Last Kingdom Series, Book 10) in Books
Jan 28, 2019
The continuing story of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, who, since the first story in the series ([b:The Last Kingdom|68527|The Last Kingdom (The Saxon Stories, #1)|Bernard Cornwell|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1407107780s/68527.jpg|881821] has been dreaming of recapturing his ancestral home - a home that was originally stolen by his uncle afollowing Uhtred's capture by the Danes in that first novel, and is now owned by his cousin.
The series as a whole has dealt with the forging of what ias now knwon as England, with Alfred (the Great) palying a key role in the earlier novels, and with the later novels dealing with events following his death. Although he is a pagan and Alfred was a Christian, Uhtred has played a key role in many of the events depicted - mostly (as with nearly all of [a:Bernard Cornwell|12542|Bernard Cornwell|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1240500522p2/12542.jpg]'s novels) all based on or around real historical events.
I say mostly, as this is one of the few rare exceptions (being nearly all fiction), with the author himself admitting as much in the Afterword to this particular tale.
The series as a whole has dealt with the forging of what ias now knwon as England, with Alfred (the Great) palying a key role in the earlier novels, and with the later novels dealing with events following his death. Although he is a pagan and Alfred was a Christian, Uhtred has played a key role in many of the events depicted - mostly (as with nearly all of [a:Bernard Cornwell|12542|Bernard Cornwell|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1240500522p2/12542.jpg]'s novels) all based on or around real historical events.
I say mostly, as this is one of the few rare exceptions (being nearly all fiction), with the author himself admitting as much in the Afterword to this particular tale.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated A Literal Mess in Books
Jan 14, 2019
Strong Debut
Allie Cobb has returned home to Rushing Creek, Indiana for her father's funeral. While his death wasn't a surprise, it has still hit her hard. She's not prepared for tragedy to strike her small town a second time when the body of Thornwell Winchester is found. He was one of Allie's father's literary clients, and also the father of Allie's best friend, Sloane. When Sloane becomes the police's chief suspect, Allie steps in to find out the truth. Can she do it?
This book is more serious in tone than many of the cozies I read, but given what brings Allie home, that is completely appropriate. I never found that overwhelming, and the book doesn't dwell on it. After all, this is a mystery, and it isn't long before we are off meeting Thornwell and the potential suspects. I was intrigued by the red herrings and enjoyed the twists as we headed toward the logical climax. The suspects are strong, but I was really impressed with the series regulars. They have pasts and baggage that brought them to the page fully formed. I'm interested to see how that dynamic plays out as the series progresses.
This book is more serious in tone than many of the cozies I read, but given what brings Allie home, that is completely appropriate. I never found that overwhelming, and the book doesn't dwell on it. After all, this is a mystery, and it isn't long before we are off meeting Thornwell and the potential suspects. I was intrigued by the red herrings and enjoyed the twists as we headed toward the logical climax. The suspects are strong, but I was really impressed with the series regulars. They have pasts and baggage that brought them to the page fully formed. I'm interested to see how that dynamic plays out as the series progresses.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated Fatal First Edition in Books
Feb 15, 2024
Murder Aboard a Moving Train
This book starts out in Chicago, where Lindsey Norris and her husband, Sully, are attending the annual archivist convention. Lindsey is having a fantastic time, and that includes the train trip back home to Connecticut. Quite a few of the attendees are also on the train. However, when Lindsey wakes up the next morning, someone is dead in the compartment next to her and Sully. Does it have anything to do with the valuable first edition that Lindsey stumbled upon during the keynote address?
One thing I love about cozy mysteries are the familiar locations and characters, so I was happy to see this book found an excuse to spend a lot of time at home while continuing the plot. The series regulars gave us some great laughs. Meanwhile, the plot zigs in a different direction part way through, and I was hooked as a result. Unfortunately, it did make the climax a bit rushed, although it was still logical. Fans will be pleased with this entry in the series. If you haven’t started these books yet, you’ll be happy you changed that.
One thing I love about cozy mysteries are the familiar locations and characters, so I was happy to see this book found an excuse to spend a lot of time at home while continuing the plot. The series regulars gave us some great laughs. Meanwhile, the plot zigs in a different direction part way through, and I was hooked as a result. Unfortunately, it did make the climax a bit rushed, although it was still logical. Fans will be pleased with this entry in the series. If you haven’t started these books yet, you’ll be happy you changed that.
Lindsay (1706 KP) rated Blood of the Dragonfly (The Moccasin Hollow Mystery Series) in Books
Apr 10, 2021
Blood of the dragonfly is book five of this series. It continues the series of crime-fighting and solving murders now in the backyard of to ex seals. If you are into mysteries and murder, this series is a good one for you.
Though I would suggest that you be wary that there are death scenes and some nasty words for some readers. This book is for adults, and I recommend maybe ages 16 to 17 years old and up. However, that is up to the parents and their choice to read this book or series. This series has different ratings for content for each book.
There seem to be quite a few twists and turns throughout the book. It all starts when Craige decides to help his buddy MacGerald get home from PDK airport. It seems to start up with a mysterious shadow that he thinks he spots. Someone somehow comes alive after being dead?
You will go for a ride and hit some bumps along the way. It starts heating up when Spinner decides to come for a visit at Moccasin Hollow. Will they find out who started the fire? Who is this mystery woman that shows up out of nowhere? Who messed with MacGerarald's investigation? Who wants them all dead? What does the dragonfly have to do with it at all?
Suppose you are into thrillers and suspense and mystery. This book and series is a good one to pick up and read. I have rated this book 4.5 stars (Moons). It seems to have puzzles and clues to have you guessing until the end. What did I know more about how Corpsewood Manor was the target or a little more detail about what was going on to set fire to Corpsewood?
Though I would suggest that you be wary that there are death scenes and some nasty words for some readers. This book is for adults, and I recommend maybe ages 16 to 17 years old and up. However, that is up to the parents and their choice to read this book or series. This series has different ratings for content for each book.
There seem to be quite a few twists and turns throughout the book. It all starts when Craige decides to help his buddy MacGerald get home from PDK airport. It seems to start up with a mysterious shadow that he thinks he spots. Someone somehow comes alive after being dead?
You will go for a ride and hit some bumps along the way. It starts heating up when Spinner decides to come for a visit at Moccasin Hollow. Will they find out who started the fire? Who is this mystery woman that shows up out of nowhere? Who messed with MacGerarald's investigation? Who wants them all dead? What does the dragonfly have to do with it at all?
Suppose you are into thrillers and suspense and mystery. This book and series is a good one to pick up and read. I have rated this book 4.5 stars (Moons). It seems to have puzzles and clues to have you guessing until the end. What did I know more about how Corpsewood Manor was the target or a little more detail about what was going on to set fire to Corpsewood?
Erika (17788 KP) rated Mad Men - Season 1 in TV
Jun 3, 2018
Mad Men is one of the first and only series I binge-watched. The first episode had me sucked in, after Don Draper's work day, for him to walk into his suburban home with the family that you didn't know existed until the last few minutes. It was so good, and I was hooked. I think that this season was probably the best, and gave us the gift that is Betty Draper shooting the birds in her nightgown. The costumes were period perfect, and Peggy was definitely my favorite female character.
David McK (3245 KP) rated Courageous (The Lost Fleet, #3) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Having succesfully taken command of the Alliance fleet that has changed considerably since his time (in the first book), and having survived a near-mutiny (in the second book), the Alliance fleet continues to head for home in this, the third installment in Jack Campbell's 'The Lost Fleet' series.
Previously mentioned in the earlier books, the possibility of unknown alien intelligence becomes more pronounced in thsi one, particularly towards the end of the novel. It's becoming increasingly likely that Humans (spilt between the Syndicate Worlds and the Alliance) are not alone, after all ...
Previously mentioned in the earlier books, the possibility of unknown alien intelligence becomes more pronounced in thsi one, particularly towards the end of the novel. It's becoming increasingly likely that Humans (spilt between the Syndicate Worlds and the Alliance) are not alone, after all ...
David McK (3245 KP) rated Sharpe's Enemy (1994) in Movies
Oct 17, 2021 (Updated Oct 17, 2021)
TV movie from 1994, based on the Bernard Cornwell novel of the same name.
This is the one that has Elizabeth Hurley in it (proving she can't act), and that has the second - and last - appearance of Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill, alongside the first appearance of the French spymaster Pierre Ducos.
it's also no as polished as the previous entry in the series, with the shocking moment towards the end failing to really hit home, and with the entire thing feeling, maybe, half an hour longer than it needed to be.
This is the one that has Elizabeth Hurley in it (proving she can't act), and that has the second - and last - appearance of Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill, alongside the first appearance of the French spymaster Pierre Ducos.
it's also no as polished as the previous entry in the series, with the shocking moment towards the end failing to really hit home, and with the entire thing feeling, maybe, half an hour longer than it needed to be.
Merissa (11800 KP) rated Gift of Fire (Elemental Bloodlines #1) in Books
Feb 2, 2023
GIFT OF FIRE is the first book in the Elemental Bloodlines series. As the first in a series, it has to lay a lot of groundwork and answer a lot of questions. I think this worked easily enough and I was able to follow, understand, and enjoy the different magic of the Teuton way.
I also loved that it was set in Erlangen, about a 3-hour drive away from my home. Having a fantasy and/or romance series set in Germany puts this in the minority but, to me, also makes it stand out.
There are lots of secrets in this book and lots of hints of what might be coming. I was so pleased for Bianca but I really hope Nicole gets her comeuppance! Time flows quickly in this book and, sometimes, that made it hard to keep up.
All of the characters in this book are really well-written, and it doesn't matter if you like or loathe them. A great start to the series by a new-to-me author but one I will definitely be reading more from. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
I also loved that it was set in Erlangen, about a 3-hour drive away from my home. Having a fantasy and/or romance series set in Germany puts this in the minority but, to me, also makes it stand out.
There are lots of secrets in this book and lots of hints of what might be coming. I was so pleased for Bianca but I really hope Nicole gets her comeuppance! Time flows quickly in this book and, sometimes, that made it hard to keep up.
All of the characters in this book are really well-written, and it doesn't matter if you like or loathe them. A great start to the series by a new-to-me author but one I will definitely be reading more from. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!