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Emma (229 KP) rated The Snowmelt River in Books
Mar 10, 2021
I picked this book as an irish theme for my book club.
At first I struggled with it, for the first 200 pages his over excessive use of description really bugged me and I found myself skim reading parts of it.
And although I really love Irish mythology and folklore, his use of it seemed irrelevant in places. As though he was trying to show off with the amount of folklore he knew.
After a while though the story started to flow better, and it captured my attention a lot more. I connected to the characters more and enjoyed the adventure in the story. There were still parts where I didnt exactly know what was going on. It seemed sometimes that the author was only half including you in the story he was envisioning in his mind.
I also didnt feel there was much need for a love story between two of the teenage characters, I felt that those parts were slightly cringey to read and thought the atory would have evolved just aswell without it included.
In all though I enjoyed it and will read the next installment.
At first I struggled with it, for the first 200 pages his over excessive use of description really bugged me and I found myself skim reading parts of it.
And although I really love Irish mythology and folklore, his use of it seemed irrelevant in places. As though he was trying to show off with the amount of folklore he knew.
After a while though the story started to flow better, and it captured my attention a lot more. I connected to the characters more and enjoyed the adventure in the story. There were still parts where I didnt exactly know what was going on. It seemed sometimes that the author was only half including you in the story he was envisioning in his mind.
I also didnt feel there was much need for a love story between two of the teenage characters, I felt that those parts were slightly cringey to read and thought the atory would have evolved just aswell without it included.
In all though I enjoyed it and will read the next installment.
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated The Post (2017) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
A cover-up that spanned four U.S. Presidents pushed the country's first female newspaper publisher and a hard-driving editor to join an unprecedented battle between the press and the government.
A colleague asked me what I thought of this one and I honestly had to pause before answering. His reaction was "You can't have liked it then!", but actually I did. It was very hard to describe the feeling I got from the film though.
Throughout, Hanks was brilliant, just what you'd expect for this sort of character. For a significant amount of time I really didn't enjoy Streep at all... but actually, that's kind of the point. She's a woman in a man's world, and she hasn't ever really found her feet. It takes a significant amount of the movie to pass before Kay Graham finally grows a backbone and starts to throw her authority around. And that's when I realised that I really was enjoying watching it, and Streep's 180 seemed so real.
Interesting all the way through. Technically accurate? I couldn't say, but then I don't go to the cinema for a history lesson.
A colleague asked me what I thought of this one and I honestly had to pause before answering. His reaction was "You can't have liked it then!", but actually I did. It was very hard to describe the feeling I got from the film though.
Throughout, Hanks was brilliant, just what you'd expect for this sort of character. For a significant amount of time I really didn't enjoy Streep at all... but actually, that's kind of the point. She's a woman in a man's world, and she hasn't ever really found her feet. It takes a significant amount of the movie to pass before Kay Graham finally grows a backbone and starts to throw her authority around. And that's when I realised that I really was enjoying watching it, and Streep's 180 seemed so real.
Interesting all the way through. Technically accurate? I couldn't say, but then I don't go to the cinema for a history lesson.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Plague of the Manitou (Manitou #6) in Books
May 3, 2020
Disappointed
I have been a fan of Mr Masterton for many, many years and I remember reading the first Manitou novel and absolutely loving it ... alas, it appears this is the 6th outing and although I haven't read the intervening 5 books, get the feeling that it's becoming a little tired as this one wasn't the read I was hoping for.
The main two characters - Harry and Anna - are interesting and well developed, the story is ok but it just didn't do it for me. I found it tedious and didn't particularly flow. I felt things happened in the book that just weren't explained very well and maybe that's my fault for not having read all of the previous books but there wasn't really much backstory to give you even a hint.
I am really quite sad that I didn't enjoy this outing but recognise that many have so it might just be me! Despite this, I am and will remain a Graham Masterton fan and this certainly won't put me off reading more of his in the future.
Many thanks to Severn House Publishers and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
The main two characters - Harry and Anna - are interesting and well developed, the story is ok but it just didn't do it for me. I found it tedious and didn't particularly flow. I felt things happened in the book that just weren't explained very well and maybe that's my fault for not having read all of the previous books but there wasn't really much backstory to give you even a hint.
I am really quite sad that I didn't enjoy this outing but recognise that many have so it might just be me! Despite this, I am and will remain a Graham Masterton fan and this certainly won't put me off reading more of his in the future.
Many thanks to Severn House Publishers and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Deceived in Books
Aug 18, 2019
Contains spoilers, click to show
They say a soul is the immaterial essence, the animating principal, the actuating cause of an individual life.
But what if you had to share yours with the one person you hated the most?
The soul mate principal states that for every one soul there is another that will recognize its match, hence creating the perfect union.
But what if you had two soul mates, which would you choose?
What if your choices had eternal ramification?
Deceived, the debut novel in the Soul Keeper Series, is a modern day love story about the implications of having more than one soul mate, and having to choose between the two of them. The decisions of the gods has left the next generation, their heirs, torn between fate and reality, and the balance of the future hangs in anticipation of what's to come.
<strong>Brilliant</strong>
Absolutely loved this book. I love anything with stories based around Greek mythology the stories are just always so interesting. This may be a little teeny for some at first but I highly recommend sticking with it. Following Dan and Julie so closely I actually found myself crying at Julia's death, not something I do very often must have caught me at a weak point haha. Definitely recommend it you liked Fallen by Lauren Kate.
⭐⭐⭐⭐

But what if you had to share yours with the one person you hated the most?
The soul mate principal states that for every one soul there is another that will recognize its match, hence creating the perfect union.
But what if you had two soul mates, which would you choose?
What if your choices had eternal ramification?
Deceived, the debut novel in the Soul Keeper Series, is a modern day love story about the implications of having more than one soul mate, and having to choose between the two of them. The decisions of the gods has left the next generation, their heirs, torn between fate and reality, and the balance of the future hangs in anticipation of what's to come.
<strong>Brilliant</strong>
Absolutely loved this book. I love anything with stories based around Greek mythology the stories are just always so interesting. This may be a little teeny for some at first but I highly recommend sticking with it. Following Dan and Julie so closely I actually found myself crying at Julia's death, not something I do very often must have caught me at a weak point haha. Definitely recommend it you liked Fallen by Lauren Kate.
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Merissa (13319 KP) rated Possessed (Hollow City Coven #1) in Books
Apr 18, 2023
Everyone has heard of the lost city of Atlantis, but how many have heard of the last city of Tenebris? Tenebris is part of Wiccan history that has been relegated to myth and legend - which is actually hard to do when you can live for thousands of years. Gillian loves to research and thinks that she has found a clue about where Tenebris actually is. She is determined to find it, but her Coven Master doesn't want her to go alone. She is assigned a 'bodyguard' in the form of Shayne. Sparks fly between the two before they even know each other.
This is a fast-paced romantic novella, with lots of action too. Wiccans have a very real enemy in the shape of Templars. Gillian appears to be more than she actually knows, so how do the Templars know about her already? What do they want her for? You are left with all these questions, but you still feel that you have started an excellent series.
If you like Paranormal Romance, then I can definitely recommend this new series by Hazel Hunter, and I am definitely looking forward to Book 2.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 8, 2015
This is a fast-paced romantic novella, with lots of action too. Wiccans have a very real enemy in the shape of Templars. Gillian appears to be more than she actually knows, so how do the Templars know about her already? What do they want her for? You are left with all these questions, but you still feel that you have started an excellent series.
If you like Paranormal Romance, then I can definitely recommend this new series by Hazel Hunter, and I am definitely looking forward to Book 2.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 8, 2015
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Teacher (DS Imogen Grey, #1) in Books
Jun 28, 2023
85 of 235
Book
The Teacher ( DS Imogen Grey 1)
By Katerina Diamond
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You think you know who to trust? You think you know the difference between good and evil? You’re wrong …
The body of the head teacher of an exclusive Devon school is found hanging from the rafters in the assembly hall.
Hours earlier he’d received a package, and only he could understand the silent message it conveyed. It meant the end.
As Exeter suffers a rising count of gruesome deaths, troubled DS Imogen Grey and DS Adrian Miles must solve the case and make their city safe again.
But as they’re drawn into a network of corruption, lies and exploitation, every step brings them closer to grim secrets hidden at the heart of their community.
And once they learn what’s motivating this killer, will they truly want to stop him?
I couldn’t put it down! I’ve never rooted for a killer or killers in any book as much as I have with this one! I was totally glued and so glad the ending did it justice. My only issue was the start I was totally confused at first but of course it all started making sense and it’s clear as soon as you hit a certain chapter who this killer is. But still a brilliant read!
Book
The Teacher ( DS Imogen Grey 1)
By Katerina Diamond
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You think you know who to trust? You think you know the difference between good and evil? You’re wrong …
The body of the head teacher of an exclusive Devon school is found hanging from the rafters in the assembly hall.
Hours earlier he’d received a package, and only he could understand the silent message it conveyed. It meant the end.
As Exeter suffers a rising count of gruesome deaths, troubled DS Imogen Grey and DS Adrian Miles must solve the case and make their city safe again.
But as they’re drawn into a network of corruption, lies and exploitation, every step brings them closer to grim secrets hidden at the heart of their community.
And once they learn what’s motivating this killer, will they truly want to stop him?
I couldn’t put it down! I’ve never rooted for a killer or killers in any book as much as I have with this one! I was totally glued and so glad the ending did it justice. My only issue was the start I was totally confused at first but of course it all started making sense and it’s clear as soon as you hit a certain chapter who this killer is. But still a brilliant read!
Deborah (162 KP) rated Devil's Consort in Books
Dec 21, 2018
This is the third book by Anne O'Brien I have read recently, and I have found her to be a very readable author - far better that the dull Gregory, if you want my opinion! All three of the novels I have read have been written in the first person, which is a narrative technique that I don't generally care for as it often feels too contrived and limits the point of view (see Philippa Gregory!). However, O'Brien, for me, has managed to pull this off and the first person narrative works for her and gives you a real empathy with her protagonists.
This was a good read and a good piece of historical Fiction, with perhaps a bit more emphasis on the Fiction element, as a few incidents I'm not convinced actually happened, or have been embroidered in the retelling. This deals with Eleanor's earlier life, from just before she becomes Queen of France to just after she becomes Queen of England. There could be a whole other book to be written on her life after the end of this book!
O'Brien made Eleanor come alive for me as a person, even if, as I have already said, I did have some reservations on historical accuracy. I think that if an historical novelist gives you a real feel for a person and makes you want to know more, then they have certainly done their job. There are some good biographies on Eleanor out there, so hopefully readers of this novel will feel inspired to seek them out.
This was a good read and a good piece of historical Fiction, with perhaps a bit more emphasis on the Fiction element, as a few incidents I'm not convinced actually happened, or have been embroidered in the retelling. This deals with Eleanor's earlier life, from just before she becomes Queen of France to just after she becomes Queen of England. There could be a whole other book to be written on her life after the end of this book!
O'Brien made Eleanor come alive for me as a person, even if, as I have already said, I did have some reservations on historical accuracy. I think that if an historical novelist gives you a real feel for a person and makes you want to know more, then they have certainly done their job. There are some good biographies on Eleanor out there, so hopefully readers of this novel will feel inspired to seek them out.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Death by Black Hole: And Other Cosmic Quandaries in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received this book this time last year as part of an exchange. I figured it is about time I write a review for it, yet I find myself struggling to come up with the right words to describe how I feel.
First I should mention that I love space. Despite this and the fact that I am actually a fairly intelligent human being, I have found that most books written about space, and physic in general, are written at such a high reading proficiency and are jargon heavy to the point that it is more chore to read than anything.
Neil DeGrasse Tyson brings his trademark humor to this novel as well as making it genuinely enjoyable to read. For being a non-fiction book, it certainly did not read like one. Regardless of whether you are a newbie when it comes to space or a seasoned fan, Death by Black Hole is consciously written with an easy almost conservational style that draws the reader in. I personally feel that it opens a lot of doors to those who want to learn but may have difficulty with the language.
I recommend Death by Black Hole to everyone. Literally everyone.
First I should mention that I love space. Despite this and the fact that I am actually a fairly intelligent human being, I have found that most books written about space, and physic in general, are written at such a high reading proficiency and are jargon heavy to the point that it is more chore to read than anything.
Neil DeGrasse Tyson brings his trademark humor to this novel as well as making it genuinely enjoyable to read. For being a non-fiction book, it certainly did not read like one. Regardless of whether you are a newbie when it comes to space or a seasoned fan, Death by Black Hole is consciously written with an easy almost conservational style that draws the reader in. I personally feel that it opens a lot of doors to those who want to learn but may have difficulty with the language.
I recommend Death by Black Hole to everyone. Literally everyone.
Booksnthreads (19 KP) rated Americanah in Books
Jun 4, 2018
I think I’ve become too accustomed to reading plots designed for teenagers; I kept expecting this story to follow a traditional plot line, and while the evidence throughout was that Adichie was not following a typical narrative story line, I still found myself surprised at the end. I got to the end, and sort of thought, “Oh. That’s it?” Not in a negative way, like the author left me hanging (as many of these series writing author’s do, teasing me into reading the next book), but just in a sort of unexpected way.
I don’t know that I can even tell you my overall feeling about the book…it’s just too complex for that. I liked that the rhythm and pattern of the storytelling was like nothing I’ve read before. I like that it offered an unfamiliar (to me) perspective of race in America. I like that the book kind of was and was not all about race. (I know that last one is super confusing, but just read the book and then ask me what I mean if it’s still unclear.)
It’s a book that is just going to simmer a bit in my brain, and that is perhaps the very best sort of book.
I don’t know that I can even tell you my overall feeling about the book…it’s just too complex for that. I liked that the rhythm and pattern of the storytelling was like nothing I’ve read before. I like that it offered an unfamiliar (to me) perspective of race in America. I like that the book kind of was and was not all about race. (I know that last one is super confusing, but just read the book and then ask me what I mean if it’s still unclear.)
It’s a book that is just going to simmer a bit in my brain, and that is perhaps the very best sort of book.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Night Visitors in Books
Apr 4, 2019
I just love Carol Goodman's books. She has eerie, creepy, Gothic writing down perfectly, and this book was certainly no exception. I was hooked from the beginning. This novel alternates between Mattie and Alice's perspectives. Mattie is older (fifties), living alone in her decrepit home, damaged by her past.
"When I told Anita that I didn't believe in God she'd pressed the medal into my hand and told me that I should just say a prayer to whatever I did believe in. So I say my prayers to Anita Esteban, who left her drunk, no-good husband, raised three children on her own, went back to school, and earned a law degree. She's what I believe in."
I took to her immediately. You know that there's definitely more to each woman's story than meets the eye, and it's fascinating to watch their stories unfold. Alice shows up with a story about running away from an abusive relationship. Oren, she claims, is all she cares about. Is that true? How much can we trust either of the women? What I loved was that the book had me guessing the entire time. It was incredibly captivating, and both women seemed so real.
As for Oren, he was great, too, and you immediately wanted to protect him. The novel definitely has some creepy and mysterious pieces to it. It's less about suspending disbelief than just engaging with the story--becoming a part of it. I certainly found myself spooked a few times. It's a compelling tale, which will keep you engaged, intrigued by the characters, and culminates is a really great twisty (and twisted) story. This one isn't necessarily for the faint of heart; there are some brutal moments here. But what I really loved is that while this can be a very dark story, it's also weirdly sweet, too. I was very touched in places--a true sign that I'd grown to love these characters.
Overall, another enjoyable book from Goodman. She has a way of sucking you into the landscape of her books--and suddenly you are engrossed by the story and its characters. This one was eerie, captivating, mysterious, and yet oddly heartwarming at times. 4+ stars.
"When I told Anita that I didn't believe in God she'd pressed the medal into my hand and told me that I should just say a prayer to whatever I did believe in. So I say my prayers to Anita Esteban, who left her drunk, no-good husband, raised three children on her own, went back to school, and earned a law degree. She's what I believe in."
I took to her immediately. You know that there's definitely more to each woman's story than meets the eye, and it's fascinating to watch their stories unfold. Alice shows up with a story about running away from an abusive relationship. Oren, she claims, is all she cares about. Is that true? How much can we trust either of the women? What I loved was that the book had me guessing the entire time. It was incredibly captivating, and both women seemed so real.
As for Oren, he was great, too, and you immediately wanted to protect him. The novel definitely has some creepy and mysterious pieces to it. It's less about suspending disbelief than just engaging with the story--becoming a part of it. I certainly found myself spooked a few times. It's a compelling tale, which will keep you engaged, intrigued by the characters, and culminates is a really great twisty (and twisted) story. This one isn't necessarily for the faint of heart; there are some brutal moments here. But what I really loved is that while this can be a very dark story, it's also weirdly sweet, too. I was very touched in places--a true sign that I'd grown to love these characters.
Overall, another enjoyable book from Goodman. She has a way of sucking you into the landscape of her books--and suddenly you are engrossed by the story and its characters. This one was eerie, captivating, mysterious, and yet oddly heartwarming at times. 4+ stars.