Search
Search results
Written Chinese Dictionary
Education and Reference
App
All the tools you need to study Chinese, neatly packaged into one versatile app. Our top 10...
Merissa (13854 KP) rated Yes, Forever (Yes, Forever #1-5) in Books
Jun 6, 2023
This is the story of John and Benji. John suffers from a mental illness, a chemical imbalance which causes depression. Benji has just moved in with his granddad due to his previous relationship breaking down. These two have instant chemistry but have their own road bumps to sort out before things smooth out.
This is a story with many parts - you not only have John with his depression, but you also have Benji with his own issues, plus John's best friend Henry with his. You also have families thrown into the mix, the issue of having sex without protection, and a 'gay' church.
I found it difficult to find any empathy with either of the main characters. I would lean more towards John as I have also suffered from depression and can understand his feelings. Benji didn't come across quite as Bailey Bradford wanted him to I think. I'm glad these two are together, but they didn't 'grab' me like other characters of hers have.
* 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!
Apr 16, 2016
This is a story with many parts - you not only have John with his depression, but you also have Benji with his own issues, plus John's best friend Henry with his. You also have families thrown into the mix, the issue of having sex without protection, and a 'gay' church.
I found it difficult to find any empathy with either of the main characters. I would lean more towards John as I have also suffered from depression and can understand his feelings. Benji didn't come across quite as Bailey Bradford wanted him to I think. I'm glad these two are together, but they didn't 'grab' me like other characters of hers have.
* 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!
Apr 16, 2016
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated The First Mistake in Books
Apr 27, 2019
Predictable but Good
I love a good thriller, so I was very excited to read The First Mistake by Sandie Jones. The synopsis just sucked me in. I was so happy that this book didn't disappoint.
The plot sucked me in right away. I found myself immersed in the world that Sandie Jones had created for her characters. Alice is still grieving over her husband Tom who died years ago. However, she's now married to Nathan and has a daughter with him. Alice soon suspects that Nathan is having an affair. When Alice tries to find out if Nathan is cheating, that's when she begins to realize that no one is who they seem. I will say that while I did find the plot interesting enough, I also found it predictable. Early on, I had predicted the plot twists for this book including the major plot twist. That didn't me enjoy it any less. I kept reading to make sure I was correct in my predictions. What really irked me the most was the ending of The First Mistake. It just seemed really rushed. The truth came out, and then it was all over within a page. I don't want to go into too much detail due to spoilers, but I just felt as if the author couldn't be bothered to write anymore, so she took the easy way out. I would have liked to know what happened to everyone in a few months time instead of the book ending so suddenly.
I thought all of the characters were well written in The First Mistake. Alice was a likable character, and I found myself angry when it seemed like Nathan may have been cheating on her. However, I felt like she was cheating on Nathan in a sense as she was still grieving her dead husband almost 10 years later. Beth was an interesting character, and I enjoyed her backstory. However, I felt like she wasn't around enough in the actual present day story. We learn about her past, but we don't see her and Alice interact too much even though they are best friends. Although I had Nathan figured out, I felt he was fleshed out very well, and I loved how convincing and charming he was towards his wife and how great he was at calming her fears about him having an affair even when all the evidence that he was cheating was there. Olivia was my favorite character. She's Nathan's and Alice's daughter. I just thought she was the cutest little girl!
The pacing was done very well, and the only place I felt like it faltered was during Beth's backstory. I just felt there was too much information that was irrelevant when learning about Beth's past. Apart from that, I felt like the pacing stayed consistent throughout.
Trigger warnings for The First Mistake include sexual situations (though not graphic), drinking alcohol, profanity, violence, and death.
All in all, The First Mistake is an interesting read. Although I found it predictable, and I hated the ending, I still enjoyed this book very much. I would recommend The First Mistake by Sandie Jones to everyone aged 17+ who enjoy a good thriller. This one does not disappoint.
--
(A special thank you to the publisher for providing me with an ARC paperback of The First Mistake by Sandie Jones in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
The plot sucked me in right away. I found myself immersed in the world that Sandie Jones had created for her characters. Alice is still grieving over her husband Tom who died years ago. However, she's now married to Nathan and has a daughter with him. Alice soon suspects that Nathan is having an affair. When Alice tries to find out if Nathan is cheating, that's when she begins to realize that no one is who they seem. I will say that while I did find the plot interesting enough, I also found it predictable. Early on, I had predicted the plot twists for this book including the major plot twist. That didn't me enjoy it any less. I kept reading to make sure I was correct in my predictions. What really irked me the most was the ending of The First Mistake. It just seemed really rushed. The truth came out, and then it was all over within a page. I don't want to go into too much detail due to spoilers, but I just felt as if the author couldn't be bothered to write anymore, so she took the easy way out. I would have liked to know what happened to everyone in a few months time instead of the book ending so suddenly.
I thought all of the characters were well written in The First Mistake. Alice was a likable character, and I found myself angry when it seemed like Nathan may have been cheating on her. However, I felt like she was cheating on Nathan in a sense as she was still grieving her dead husband almost 10 years later. Beth was an interesting character, and I enjoyed her backstory. However, I felt like she wasn't around enough in the actual present day story. We learn about her past, but we don't see her and Alice interact too much even though they are best friends. Although I had Nathan figured out, I felt he was fleshed out very well, and I loved how convincing and charming he was towards his wife and how great he was at calming her fears about him having an affair even when all the evidence that he was cheating was there. Olivia was my favorite character. She's Nathan's and Alice's daughter. I just thought she was the cutest little girl!
The pacing was done very well, and the only place I felt like it faltered was during Beth's backstory. I just felt there was too much information that was irrelevant when learning about Beth's past. Apart from that, I felt like the pacing stayed consistent throughout.
Trigger warnings for The First Mistake include sexual situations (though not graphic), drinking alcohol, profanity, violence, and death.
All in all, The First Mistake is an interesting read. Although I found it predictable, and I hated the ending, I still enjoyed this book very much. I would recommend The First Mistake by Sandie Jones to everyone aged 17+ who enjoy a good thriller. This one does not disappoint.
--
(A special thank you to the publisher for providing me with an ARC paperback of The First Mistake by Sandie Jones in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The German Wife [Audiobook] in Books
Jan 9, 2022
![The German Wife [Audiobook]](/uploads/profile_image/8ae/029a04d2-94e9-4a45-b8f5-a8fb3b5768ae.jpg?m=1641746893)
This book is a departure from my usual but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I usually read crime/thriller books but I do have an interest in the World Wars and this sounded like something a bit different so I took a punt and I definitely wasn't disappointed.
With strong characters, a riveting story line blended between real events and fiction, this book had me hooked from the very beginning to the very end. It's a story of love and survival set amongst the horrors of World War II. It's told from the German perspective and provides an illuminating insight into what life was like for a German SS Officer sent to Dachau in order to further his medical experiments and his wife. I'm not going to lie, this is a tough read in parts as you would expect from the subject matter but it's not overly gratuitous.
This book is filled with moral dilemmas and whilst I didn't want to like or sympathise with any of the main characters, I found myself torn and asking myself the question "what would you have done in the same situation?" I absolutely do not condone in any way, shape or form, the horrors inflicted by the Nazis on their fellow human beings but this book does make you question what you would have done had you been in their shoes. I would hope to think that I would make different choices in the beginning but hindsight is a wonderful thing!
This is a story about love and hope amongst horror and fear and one that I would recommend to others who enjoy this genre.
I must give a shout out to the narrator, Tamsin Kennard, her voice absolutely drew me in completely and was perfect for this book.
Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
With strong characters, a riveting story line blended between real events and fiction, this book had me hooked from the very beginning to the very end. It's a story of love and survival set amongst the horrors of World War II. It's told from the German perspective and provides an illuminating insight into what life was like for a German SS Officer sent to Dachau in order to further his medical experiments and his wife. I'm not going to lie, this is a tough read in parts as you would expect from the subject matter but it's not overly gratuitous.
This book is filled with moral dilemmas and whilst I didn't want to like or sympathise with any of the main characters, I found myself torn and asking myself the question "what would you have done in the same situation?" I absolutely do not condone in any way, shape or form, the horrors inflicted by the Nazis on their fellow human beings but this book does make you question what you would have done had you been in their shoes. I would hope to think that I would make different choices in the beginning but hindsight is a wonderful thing!
This is a story about love and hope amongst horror and fear and one that I would recommend to others who enjoy this genre.
I must give a shout out to the narrator, Tamsin Kennard, her voice absolutely drew me in completely and was perfect for this book.
Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Gail (4 KP) rated Undeniable ( Fated #4) in Books
Jun 4, 2018
Undeniable by A.S. Roberts
Four stars
This story had me in tears and ready to throw my phone. How one person can endure so much pain and suffering. Lily is this out of touch young girl who is finally getting some freedom. She wasn’t looking for love but it found her in the form of Jack. Who is a smart guy but is truly a bad boy. I enjoyed this story because it was so raw. The emotions you feel from hearing Lily's pain and all her despair. You don’t just get a happy ever after you get a story full of ups and downs. You get to see the pain and joy that we all experience in everyday life. The author did an amazing job bringing these characters alive. They were given so much depth that this could be based on a true story. I couldn’t get enough of Jack and his bad boy ways that hide his intelligence. I felt really bad for Lily and how she was raised and how little she knew of the outside world. This is a must read the story will have you ready to beat someone for all the injustice.
Four stars
This story had me in tears and ready to throw my phone. How one person can endure so much pain and suffering. Lily is this out of touch young girl who is finally getting some freedom. She wasn’t looking for love but it found her in the form of Jack. Who is a smart guy but is truly a bad boy. I enjoyed this story because it was so raw. The emotions you feel from hearing Lily's pain and all her despair. You don’t just get a happy ever after you get a story full of ups and downs. You get to see the pain and joy that we all experience in everyday life. The author did an amazing job bringing these characters alive. They were given so much depth that this could be based on a true story. I couldn’t get enough of Jack and his bad boy ways that hide his intelligence. I felt really bad for Lily and how she was raised and how little she knew of the outside world. This is a must read the story will have you ready to beat someone for all the injustice.
Kyera (8 KP) rated The Prisoner of Cell 25 (Michael Vey, #1) in Books
Feb 1, 2018
Michael is a 14-year-old who gets bullied in school, and just so happens to have electrical powers? The tale seems familiar until the exciting addition of having these special abilities is introduced. One of my favourite superpowers or forms of magic is one that is based on the elements, so I was very curious to see how electricity would be represented here. It was fascinating to see how it could manifest itself differently and be used in a variety of situations.
The overall idea of this story was very intriguing, although I found the writing to be lacking at times. One of the biggest elements that drew me out of the story was the author's inability to choose a word other than <i>said</i> to describe when a person was speaking. It became frustrating to listen to the characters talk when the entire page just repeated, "he said... she said... then they said... he said again." By that point, I was pretty over the word said. It definitely detracted from the story, which I found enjoyable overall.
It was definitely very trope-y, but that's not necessarily a bad thing - it completely depends upon your reading preference. I personally enjoy some tropes but when they're overused you tend to connect with the characters less because they're no longer unique. The biggest one for me in this book was the characterization of our three leads and how one dimensional it made them. I don't want to spoil the story, but once you read the book you will understand my issues with the characterization. I would love to see more character development over the next few novels.
As there are six other books in the series, I expect that the character development and world building will be improved upon. It wasn't until the end of the book that I started to feel more of a connection to the characters and curiosity about the world. The author definitely writes for a younger audience; the writing style was not as developed or mature as I would expect for a young adult reader.
I would recommend it to middle-grade readers, as well as young adult/teen readers who enjoy their fantasy books in a familiar setting. Don't expect flowery writing or deep characterization, just let the story take you on a fun, easy journey.
The overall idea of this story was very intriguing, although I found the writing to be lacking at times. One of the biggest elements that drew me out of the story was the author's inability to choose a word other than <i>said</i> to describe when a person was speaking. It became frustrating to listen to the characters talk when the entire page just repeated, "he said... she said... then they said... he said again." By that point, I was pretty over the word said. It definitely detracted from the story, which I found enjoyable overall.
It was definitely very trope-y, but that's not necessarily a bad thing - it completely depends upon your reading preference. I personally enjoy some tropes but when they're overused you tend to connect with the characters less because they're no longer unique. The biggest one for me in this book was the characterization of our three leads and how one dimensional it made them. I don't want to spoil the story, but once you read the book you will understand my issues with the characterization. I would love to see more character development over the next few novels.
As there are six other books in the series, I expect that the character development and world building will be improved upon. It wasn't until the end of the book that I started to feel more of a connection to the characters and curiosity about the world. The author definitely writes for a younger audience; the writing style was not as developed or mature as I would expect for a young adult reader.
I would recommend it to middle-grade readers, as well as young adult/teen readers who enjoy their fantasy books in a familiar setting. Don't expect flowery writing or deep characterization, just let the story take you on a fun, easy journey.
[a:Dan Brown|630|Dan Brown|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1399396714p2/630.jpg]'s fifth Robert Langdon book, largely set in and around Barcelona, Spain, and which I read while on holiday to that location.
If you've read any of Brown's previous Robert Langdon - a role which, now, I assocaite firmly with Tom Hanks - books, then you'd know pretty much what to expect: a mad dash around the various locations within, a bit of science (some of which I'd already heard, other of which I hadn't relaised before) thrown in, some plot elelments that would make you roll your eyes if you stopped and thought about them, but actually, all-in-all, a pretty fun read.
In other words, a case where (like in most of his books) the sum is greater than the parts.
Even if, in this case, I found the supposed 'twist' (the identity of Kirsch's killer) to be as plain as the nose on your face.
If you've read any of Brown's previous Robert Langdon - a role which, now, I assocaite firmly with Tom Hanks - books, then you'd know pretty much what to expect: a mad dash around the various locations within, a bit of science (some of which I'd already heard, other of which I hadn't relaised before) thrown in, some plot elelments that would make you roll your eyes if you stopped and thought about them, but actually, all-in-all, a pretty fun read.
In other words, a case where (like in most of his books) the sum is greater than the parts.
Even if, in this case, I found the supposed 'twist' (the identity of Kirsch's killer) to be as plain as the nose on your face.
Debbiereadsbook (1681 KP) rated A Murder of Convenience in Books
Apr 1, 2025
I liked that we heard from everyone!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, i was gifted my copy of this book.
When Lydia is found dead in a locked room, Ellen becomes the prime suspect. Lydia is, after all, her husband's mistress. Sir Hugh is sent to investigate. He might be the only one to save her from the hangman's noose.
For the most part, I really did enjoy this. It's a step out my comfort zone, and I do like to step out from time to time. This one, though, was a tad too far. Let me tell you why.
There are hints, and clues along the way as to whodunnit. many clues. MANY MANY hints. So many, that I started to get mighty confused with it all and I could not see the bigger picture, nor who might have committed this crime. I'm still not 100% certain who actually did it, or why! It doe tell you, in the book, but I was so flummoxed by it all, I lost the plot, literally.
What I did like, though, was got to hear from all the major parties. I liked the level of drama (murder suspect notwithstanding!)
I liked the way it was written, and how the story was delivered, apart from the overwhelming amount of things to process. And that was the ony reason I gave it . .
4 solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere.
When Lydia is found dead in a locked room, Ellen becomes the prime suspect. Lydia is, after all, her husband's mistress. Sir Hugh is sent to investigate. He might be the only one to save her from the hangman's noose.
For the most part, I really did enjoy this. It's a step out my comfort zone, and I do like to step out from time to time. This one, though, was a tad too far. Let me tell you why.
There are hints, and clues along the way as to whodunnit. many clues. MANY MANY hints. So many, that I started to get mighty confused with it all and I could not see the bigger picture, nor who might have committed this crime. I'm still not 100% certain who actually did it, or why! It doe tell you, in the book, but I was so flummoxed by it all, I lost the plot, literally.
What I did like, though, was got to hear from all the major parties. I liked the level of drama (murder suspect notwithstanding!)
I liked the way it was written, and how the story was delivered, apart from the overwhelming amount of things to process. And that was the ony reason I gave it . .
4 solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere.
The Split by Sharon Bolton is a roller coaster of a ride from start to finish. I know that sounds very clichéd, but it’s true! I don’t think I managed to draw breath whilst I was reading each stave every morning for twelve days on The Pigeonhole. I had no idea what was going to happen next, and I REALLY appreciated that!
Felicity comes to see Joe, a counsellor, when she is found wandering, lost and disorientated in Cambridge, where he story is set. She doesn’t know how she got there, or how she has been injured. She wants to go to South Georgia to carry out her research on glaciers ( she’s an academic at the university), but has to have a clean bill of health. This accident puts her mental health in doubt.
I don’t want to say too much more about the plot. I will say that it was a breathtaking read. I was constantly left wondering what could possibly happen next, and I didn’t know who to be the most worried for, or who I could trust - if indeed I could trust anyone at all!
It’s a great read, and one I’d thoroughly recommend if you like suspense - I was on tenterhooks for the whole book!
Felicity comes to see Joe, a counsellor, when she is found wandering, lost and disorientated in Cambridge, where he story is set. She doesn’t know how she got there, or how she has been injured. She wants to go to South Georgia to carry out her research on glaciers ( she’s an academic at the university), but has to have a clean bill of health. This accident puts her mental health in doubt.
I don’t want to say too much more about the plot. I will say that it was a breathtaking read. I was constantly left wondering what could possibly happen next, and I didn’t know who to be the most worried for, or who I could trust - if indeed I could trust anyone at all!
It’s a great read, and one I’d thoroughly recommend if you like suspense - I was on tenterhooks for the whole book!
Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated The Undine's Tear (Rise of the Grigori #1) in Books
May 14, 2022
Calandra is a powerful merfolk healer who is related to royalty, she just doesn't know how powerful she is. Zale is an attraction at a travelling show what could the two possibly have in common?
This is the first book in the rise of the Grigori series and oh my goodness what a book. I was completely captivated by it from the first page! I found myself struggling at one stage not because it's been badly written it hasn't, but I felt like I was missing out on bits of information and it was only because I was that taken with everything going on in the story I was speed reading to find out what was happening next. I was so gripped by the book that I ended up burning my dinner at one stage. There is so much love and tenderness in this tale it's warming to have it happen between 2 of the characters.
The plot is not on I would expect but I truly and thoroughly enjoyed it and I will be reading the next one in the series. I need to know what happens and how everything is going to be resolved.
Kudos to Talena. Please read I think you will enjoy the adventure
This is the first book in the rise of the Grigori series and oh my goodness what a book. I was completely captivated by it from the first page! I found myself struggling at one stage not because it's been badly written it hasn't, but I felt like I was missing out on bits of information and it was only because I was that taken with everything going on in the story I was speed reading to find out what was happening next. I was so gripped by the book that I ended up burning my dinner at one stage. There is so much love and tenderness in this tale it's warming to have it happen between 2 of the characters.
The plot is not on I would expect but I truly and thoroughly enjoyed it and I will be reading the next one in the series. I need to know what happens and how everything is going to be resolved.
Kudos to Talena. Please read I think you will enjoy the adventure