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David McK (3623 KP) rated Changes (The Dresden Files, #12) in Books
Nov 14, 2021
<2021 update>
Still good!
<original 2011 review>
I'd read the first 11 or so Dresden Files in a (relatively) short space of time, before taking a break and reading some other novelists, interspersed with his Codex Alera series.
Right from the first sentence of this novel, however, it's obvious that this one has been particulary aptly named, and why I found this particular series to be better than his other. It's all happening here: this novel hits the ground running (a weakness I found with the Codex Alera, in that they took a lot longer to get up to speed) and barely pauses for breath right throughout it's 500+ pages! By the end, it's obvious that nothing will be the same again ...
I remember reading somewhere that Jim Butcher had the series planned out to be 20 books: if that's so, we're just slightly over the 1/2 way mark by now, and you can see some of the plot threads introduced in earlier novels begining to move towards their denouement, with one (in particular) tied up in this novel. For that reeason, I probably wouldn't recommend this to be a first read - while technically possible to read them out of sequence, I feel that you would be doing yourself a great dis-service in doing so, especially with the recurring characters, references and themes that continually pop up.
Still good!
<original 2011 review>
I'd read the first 11 or so Dresden Files in a (relatively) short space of time, before taking a break and reading some other novelists, interspersed with his Codex Alera series.
Right from the first sentence of this novel, however, it's obvious that this one has been particulary aptly named, and why I found this particular series to be better than his other. It's all happening here: this novel hits the ground running (a weakness I found with the Codex Alera, in that they took a lot longer to get up to speed) and barely pauses for breath right throughout it's 500+ pages! By the end, it's obvious that nothing will be the same again ...
I remember reading somewhere that Jim Butcher had the series planned out to be 20 books: if that's so, we're just slightly over the 1/2 way mark by now, and you can see some of the plot threads introduced in earlier novels begining to move towards their denouement, with one (in particular) tied up in this novel. For that reeason, I probably wouldn't recommend this to be a first read - while technically possible to read them out of sequence, I feel that you would be doing yourself a great dis-service in doing so, especially with the recurring characters, references and themes that continually pop up.
Sam (74 KP) rated On the Other Side in Books
Mar 27, 2019
I’ll begin by saying something quite controversial here that I know a lot of people won’t like:
If it wasn’t for Carrie Hope Fletcher’s YouTube fame, this wouldn’t have been taken on by a publisher. While reading it, I felt that it was more like a self-published title in quality and plot. It’s become a thing for YouTubers to bring out books and I feel like most of these will almost always lack quality. Publishers just take them on to have a bestseller because of the name on the cover.
I did like the plot, don’t get me wrong. It was interesting enough and kept me hooked all the way through. I quite liked Evie’s character and found her quite genuine. I feel that the plot and the characters could have all done well if it wasn’t for the wishy-washy writing style. The style made it seem more like Disney fan-fiction rather than a contemporary novel.
I did enjoy reading this, which is why it still has three stars from me. I binged it and found it quite a fun read. But I just couldn’t get over the bad writing style. The writing style would be more suitable for a YA audience than adult.
There’s no reason you wouldn’t enjoy it. If you’re a big fan of Disney or Carrie, you’d love this and it’s definitely worth seeing what it’s all about.
If it wasn’t for Carrie Hope Fletcher’s YouTube fame, this wouldn’t have been taken on by a publisher. While reading it, I felt that it was more like a self-published title in quality and plot. It’s become a thing for YouTubers to bring out books and I feel like most of these will almost always lack quality. Publishers just take them on to have a bestseller because of the name on the cover.
I did like the plot, don’t get me wrong. It was interesting enough and kept me hooked all the way through. I quite liked Evie’s character and found her quite genuine. I feel that the plot and the characters could have all done well if it wasn’t for the wishy-washy writing style. The style made it seem more like Disney fan-fiction rather than a contemporary novel.
I did enjoy reading this, which is why it still has three stars from me. I binged it and found it quite a fun read. But I just couldn’t get over the bad writing style. The writing style would be more suitable for a YA audience than adult.
There’s no reason you wouldn’t enjoy it. If you’re a big fan of Disney or Carrie, you’d love this and it’s definitely worth seeing what it’s all about.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Piercing the Fold (Piercing the Fold, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I was given an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
This storyline is far from the ordinary of what I normally read, but I found myself nodding along with the different theories given, saying, "You know, that makes a little sense." I even found myself sharing a few of them with my husband, who is really into astronomy and the exploration of the cosmos. I liked how everything played out over the course of the plot, and how there were different twists that jumped out for certain characters that I was definitely not expecting. Just the general idea behind what's going on with Earth and what might possibly happen was very intriguing, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
The reason I dropped my review from 5 stars was because of all the grammatical errors. I don't recall ever seeing "you're" used correctly; instead, no matter the context, it was always "your," and that got really aggravating. The same goes for "their/there/they're" and "here/hear," and possibly some others that I'm forgetting. I'm not the type of person to read through a book with a red pen, but there were just so many instances that it was really hard to ignore. However, the story was very good, it definitely pulled me in, and I'll be waiting for the next one (and hoping the editing is better).
This storyline is far from the ordinary of what I normally read, but I found myself nodding along with the different theories given, saying, "You know, that makes a little sense." I even found myself sharing a few of them with my husband, who is really into astronomy and the exploration of the cosmos. I liked how everything played out over the course of the plot, and how there were different twists that jumped out for certain characters that I was definitely not expecting. Just the general idea behind what's going on with Earth and what might possibly happen was very intriguing, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
The reason I dropped my review from 5 stars was because of all the grammatical errors. I don't recall ever seeing "you're" used correctly; instead, no matter the context, it was always "your," and that got really aggravating. The same goes for "their/there/they're" and "here/hear," and possibly some others that I'm forgetting. I'm not the type of person to read through a book with a red pen, but there were just so many instances that it was really hard to ignore. However, the story was very good, it definitely pulled me in, and I'll be waiting for the next one (and hoping the editing is better).
Merissa (13358 KP) rated Hunt the Dragon Within (The Journals of Ravier #2) in Books
Apr 10, 2020
HUNT THE DRAGON WITHIN is the second book in The Journals of Muraine series and we continue where book one left off. Soren is causing chaos, Talok is stuck with a bracelet he doesn't want, and Tyler is just trying to make sense of it all AND cope with the powers he appears to have now.
Now, if you've read my review for book one, you will know I found the constant use of numbers confusing. (Numbers are a foreign language, after all!) I'm pleased to say this isn't such an issue here as the author concentrates more on things that are happening. I do love the 'Thirteen, Done' part of it though!
There is a love-triangle forming which I hope is sorted out soon! I know they are popular with a lot of people but I just find them irritating. 😁 This only takes up a small part of the story though. Mainly it is about what is going on around them and what they need to do to stop Talok turning into a monster.
I have to say - this is one heckuva ride! There are more twists and turns than you would find at a theme park and I loved every part of it. It certainly kept my interest from beginning to end. Because of this I would say you need to set aside a good amount of time to be able to read it. I don't think just spot-reading here and there would do you any favours.
Book one was very good, this one is great. I can't wait to read book three and see if the trend continues. I have high hopes! 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 the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Now, if you've read my review for book one, you will know I found the constant use of numbers confusing. (Numbers are a foreign language, after all!) I'm pleased to say this isn't such an issue here as the author concentrates more on things that are happening. I do love the 'Thirteen, Done' part of it though!
There is a love-triangle forming which I hope is sorted out soon! I know they are popular with a lot of people but I just find them irritating. 😁 This only takes up a small part of the story though. Mainly it is about what is going on around them and what they need to do to stop Talok turning into a monster.
I have to say - this is one heckuva ride! There are more twists and turns than you would find at a theme park and I loved every part of it. It certainly kept my interest from beginning to end. Because of this I would say you need to set aside a good amount of time to be able to read it. I don't think just spot-reading here and there would do you any favours.
Book one was very good, this one is great. I can't wait to read book three and see if the trend continues. I have high hopes! 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 the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Lindsay (1779 KP) rated Murder on Safari in Books
Aug 30, 2018 (Updated Apr 9, 2019)
Pero is sent to film some wildlife. When they get there and settle for the first night. They plan for a photo shoot in the morning. Things start to get interesting once a truck appears and Pero and Mbuno. They start to run.
A terrorist cell intercepts them. When they find that Simon as landed and is already dead. They start to wonder who killed him. Why are they after Pero and his film crew?
I really like this book by Peter Riva has I feel I was part of the story and he captured my interest as to what will happen to Pero and his crew. I have become fond of Pero and Mbuno and Heep. He does a wonderful job and you just want to keep reading. His book is a page turner.
It got to twist and turns and surprises on the every page. You may think you know you found the person, but it gets weirder and stranger. The adventure gets more interesting and excited. Can they save Jimmy Threte and Mary and the thousand of Kenyans? Will they stop the terrorist attack?
A terrorist cell intercepts them. When they find that Simon as landed and is already dead. They start to wonder who killed him. Why are they after Pero and his film crew?
I really like this book by Peter Riva has I feel I was part of the story and he captured my interest as to what will happen to Pero and his crew. I have become fond of Pero and Mbuno and Heep. He does a wonderful job and you just want to keep reading. His book is a page turner.
It got to twist and turns and surprises on the every page. You may think you know you found the person, but it gets weirder and stranger. The adventure gets more interesting and excited. Can they save Jimmy Threte and Mary and the thousand of Kenyans? Will they stop the terrorist attack?
Merissa (13358 KP) rated Saving Jasmine (Satan's Bears #1) in Books
Oct 15, 2018
Saving Jasmine (Satan's Bears #1) by Rose Nickol
Saving Jasmine is the first book in the Satan's Bears series, and we are quickly thrown into the story. Maisy is twenty-four years old, responsible for her younger sister, Jasmine. Maisy is the one on the straight and narrow, Jasmine, the wild child. However, Maisy will work in a biker bar to get information on where her sister is. Stud in the leader of the bikers, and quickly claims Maisy for his own.
This was a very rough and ready story, almost raw in its execution. Although you get some information about the various groups, you don't get a lot, and that did leave me feeling like I had missed out. I found the characters to be rather weak and one dimensional, especially Stud. However, Maisy seemed happy with him, so I guess that's something.
This was a fast-paced story, so be prepared. If you are looking for a 'down and dirty' read, then this book may be just what you are looking for.
* 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!
This was a very rough and ready story, almost raw in its execution. Although you get some information about the various groups, you don't get a lot, and that did leave me feeling like I had missed out. I found the characters to be rather weak and one dimensional, especially Stud. However, Maisy seemed happy with him, so I guess that's something.
This was a fast-paced story, so be prepared. If you are looking for a 'down and dirty' read, then this book may be just what you are looking for.
* 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!
Merissa (13358 KP) rated Saving Jasmine (Satan's Bears #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Saving Jasmine is the first book in the Satan's Bears series, and we are quickly thrown into the story. Maisy is twenty-four years old, responsible for her younger sister, Jasmine. Maisy is the one on the straight and narrow, Jasmine, the wild child. However, Maisy will work in a biker bar to get information on where her sister is. Stud in the leader of the bikers, and quickly claims Maisy for his own.
This was a very rough and ready story, almost raw in its execution. Although you get some information about the various groups, you don't get a lot, and that did leave me feeling like I had missed out. I found the characters to be rather weak and one dimensional, especially Stud. However, Maisy seemed happy with him, so I guess that's something.
This was a fast-paced story, so be prepared. If you are looking for a 'down and dirty' read, then this book may be just what you are looking for.
* 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!
This was a very rough and ready story, almost raw in its execution. Although you get some information about the various groups, you don't get a lot, and that did leave me feeling like I had missed out. I found the characters to be rather weak and one dimensional, especially Stud. However, Maisy seemed happy with him, so I guess that's something.
This was a fast-paced story, so be prepared. If you are looking for a 'down and dirty' read, then this book may be just what you are looking for.
* 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!
Lewis Capaldi recommended track Keep Lying by Donna Missal in This Time by Donna Missal in Music (curated)
Rodney Barnes (472 KP) rated Cloverfield (2008) in Movies
Jul 13, 2019
Lost Footage Gold
Contains spoilers, click to show
As a lover of monster movies I have to say that this movie was good. I loved the fact the this is a home grown US monster. I had never heard of any of the actors and actresses except Lizzie Caplan. I have to say that they did a good job. A found footage monster with a story that affected so many people at once. A mysterious creature attacks New York City for some unknown reason. The movie follows a group of friends that are affected by the attack of "Clover". The attack leads to a residual affect of events that cause catastrophic problems for the group. The movie tells a nice story that is actually believable. The camera shots at times are a little shaky; so if you are prone to motion sickness then this movie may not be for you. If you don't like movies without happy endings then this also isn't the movie for you. A soundtrack makes a movie for me but with this movie....there is no soundtrack and it worked. A perilous journey with a monster. As Siskel and Ebert would say...I give this movie two thumbs up
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Bloom in Books
Sep 5, 2019
2.25 stars, I think.
I found this story rather boring. It was all inwards, if you know what I mean. She was doing an awful lot of thinking. Mainly that she wasn't good enough for her perfect boyfriend, which got annoying after a while. Then there's her friend Katie, who I actually sympathised with a lot while Lauren just seemed a bit oblivious to her friends issues at times.
Then came Evan and I thought: This is going to get interesting...but nope. Still with her perfect boyfriend, thinking she isn't good enough for him while having secret fantasies about Evan, the boy from her past. It was on such a slow simmer.
I found Lauren a little selfish when she was carrying on with Evan while still going out with Dave, who was safe and perfect, but who she'd rather avoid so she could be with Evan. Why didn't she just tell him it was over?!
It was only with about 20 pages left that she finally gets around to doing just that and by then, I'd just had enough and didn't particularly care what happened in the end.
Not one of my favourite stories and not a paperback I'm likely to keep.
I found this story rather boring. It was all inwards, if you know what I mean. She was doing an awful lot of thinking. Mainly that she wasn't good enough for her perfect boyfriend, which got annoying after a while. Then there's her friend Katie, who I actually sympathised with a lot while Lauren just seemed a bit oblivious to her friends issues at times.
Then came Evan and I thought: This is going to get interesting...but nope. Still with her perfect boyfriend, thinking she isn't good enough for him while having secret fantasies about Evan, the boy from her past. It was on such a slow simmer.
I found Lauren a little selfish when she was carrying on with Evan while still going out with Dave, who was safe and perfect, but who she'd rather avoid so she could be with Evan. Why didn't she just tell him it was over?!
It was only with about 20 pages left that she finally gets around to doing just that and by then, I'd just had enough and didn't particularly care what happened in the end.
Not one of my favourite stories and not a paperback I'm likely to keep.