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Becs (244 KP) rated The Raven Boys in Books
Sep 22, 2019
Ronan Lynch, Adam Parrish, and Noah Czerny made this novel (1 more)
The rollercoaster of emotions you feel
The villain didn't offer as much as I'd like but it was too big of a letdown (1 more)
The MC wasn't my favorite but she had good complexities that made her unique
Deserves all the hype!
You can also find this review on my blog: bookingwayreads.wordpress.com
TRIGGER WARNINGS: suicidal ideation, (past) suicide attempt, violence, guns, death
REVIEW: Y’all, I think I found a new favorite series. This series… the characters… the world-building… the character development… UGH I absolutely adore everything about it. Ronan Lynch has my heart and Noah Czerny is such a babie and I want to protect him forever and ever. The Raven Boys gave me so much more than what I was expecting.
The Raven Boys follows Blue Sargent. But unlike her family of physics, seers, and clairvoyants, Blue has no magical abilities. She has been warned all her life that the first person she kisses, will die. One night, she sees a boy on the Corpse Road and this is a sign. The only way that a non seer sees a ghost is if that ghost is either a true love or the non-seer killed them. This is where the Raven Boys come into play.
The Raven Boys is basically the name of four boys that attend Aglionby – Gansey Richard III, Adam Parrish, Ronan Lynch, and Noah Czerny. Gansey is the so-called leader of the group and he’s on a mission to find the final resting place of Glendower, a Welsh King who passed away in Henrietta. There is a legend that says if he’s awoken, he grants the person who woke him a “favor”. Gansey wants to be the person to wake Glendower but he isn’t the only one looking for him.
I didn’t know too much about this series other than the writing style wasn’t the greatest. I didn’t really see a problem with this as I listened to them on audiobook. The narrator was not my favorite and some of the voices he used I didn’t feel worked with the characters. But all in all, I was really invested in the plot and paranormal aspect of Blue and the Raven Boys.
Speaking of Blue and the Raven Boys, they were so well-written! Each character within this novel was complex and had their own unique peculiarities that made them extremely interesting to read about. They were also really relatable. Even the situations that they each experienced, felt real and not at all cliche’d. Plus, all the sarcastic remarks had me howling with laughter, especially Ronan and Gansey’s friendship. It was *chefs kiss*
“We have to be back in three hours,” Ronan said. “I just fed Chainsaw but she’ll need it again.”
“This,” Gansey replied “is precisely why I didn’t want to have a baby with you.”
The characters that I found the most interesting, were honestly Ronan, Noah, and Adam. Blue was a great protagonist and had her complexities, but I didn’t feel anything special for her. Gansey was also an interesting character but I felt that the book revolved a bit too much about him and his mission. I wanted more scenes with Noah, Adam, and Ronan.
Ronan gave me all the bad boy vibes and has my heart while Noah is such a babie that I must protect. But if we’re talking great backstories and the main character in my book, I would say Adam takes that role. Adam’s story is honestly the best of them all. It was tragic, and made my heart hurt in more places than I expected that he had to go through what he did. I was taken on the biggest roller coaster ride I’ve ever been on and man, this book hit home – hard.
I was unable to put this down and I just wanted to keep listening to it. I was emotional because of the relationship with the OT5, driven due to the quest of finding Glendower and wanting to discover the truth. This is also the first book that I felt nothing for the “villain”. I mean if you know me, I’m always falling for the villain and here, I’m just like meh about him. He didn’t offer a ton to the story but he did offer just enough that without him, this story wouldn’t have made sense one bit.
Also, can we talk about all the foreshadowing within this novel? Cause holy guacamole! There was a ton. For example:
“Ronan said, “I’m always straight.”
Adam replied “Oh, man, that’s the biggest lie you’ve ever told.”
Like.. WHAT!? DO I SMELL A BUDDING ROMANCE? FRIENDS TO LOVERS MAYBE? Please let these two be a couple in the end, cause I need me a Ronan and Adam couple scene. DON’T LET ME DOWN MAGGIE!
The writing was beautiful, and I felt it flowed wonderfully. I got swept into the world of Cabeswater and I loved how you could actually feel like you were there alongside Blue and the Raven Boys.
Okay, before I make this any longer and bore y’all to death with my love for Ronan Lynch and Noah Czerny – just please… I beg of you to pick this up and give The Raven Boys a chance.
“The way Gansey saw it was this: if you had a special knack for finding things, it meant you owed the world to look.”
TRIGGER WARNINGS: suicidal ideation, (past) suicide attempt, violence, guns, death
REVIEW: Y’all, I think I found a new favorite series. This series… the characters… the world-building… the character development… UGH I absolutely adore everything about it. Ronan Lynch has my heart and Noah Czerny is such a babie and I want to protect him forever and ever. The Raven Boys gave me so much more than what I was expecting.
The Raven Boys follows Blue Sargent. But unlike her family of physics, seers, and clairvoyants, Blue has no magical abilities. She has been warned all her life that the first person she kisses, will die. One night, she sees a boy on the Corpse Road and this is a sign. The only way that a non seer sees a ghost is if that ghost is either a true love or the non-seer killed them. This is where the Raven Boys come into play.
The Raven Boys is basically the name of four boys that attend Aglionby – Gansey Richard III, Adam Parrish, Ronan Lynch, and Noah Czerny. Gansey is the so-called leader of the group and he’s on a mission to find the final resting place of Glendower, a Welsh King who passed away in Henrietta. There is a legend that says if he’s awoken, he grants the person who woke him a “favor”. Gansey wants to be the person to wake Glendower but he isn’t the only one looking for him.
I didn’t know too much about this series other than the writing style wasn’t the greatest. I didn’t really see a problem with this as I listened to them on audiobook. The narrator was not my favorite and some of the voices he used I didn’t feel worked with the characters. But all in all, I was really invested in the plot and paranormal aspect of Blue and the Raven Boys.
Speaking of Blue and the Raven Boys, they were so well-written! Each character within this novel was complex and had their own unique peculiarities that made them extremely interesting to read about. They were also really relatable. Even the situations that they each experienced, felt real and not at all cliche’d. Plus, all the sarcastic remarks had me howling with laughter, especially Ronan and Gansey’s friendship. It was *chefs kiss*
“We have to be back in three hours,” Ronan said. “I just fed Chainsaw but she’ll need it again.”
“This,” Gansey replied “is precisely why I didn’t want to have a baby with you.”
The characters that I found the most interesting, were honestly Ronan, Noah, and Adam. Blue was a great protagonist and had her complexities, but I didn’t feel anything special for her. Gansey was also an interesting character but I felt that the book revolved a bit too much about him and his mission. I wanted more scenes with Noah, Adam, and Ronan.
Ronan gave me all the bad boy vibes and has my heart while Noah is such a babie that I must protect. But if we’re talking great backstories and the main character in my book, I would say Adam takes that role. Adam’s story is honestly the best of them all. It was tragic, and made my heart hurt in more places than I expected that he had to go through what he did. I was taken on the biggest roller coaster ride I’ve ever been on and man, this book hit home – hard.
I was unable to put this down and I just wanted to keep listening to it. I was emotional because of the relationship with the OT5, driven due to the quest of finding Glendower and wanting to discover the truth. This is also the first book that I felt nothing for the “villain”. I mean if you know me, I’m always falling for the villain and here, I’m just like meh about him. He didn’t offer a ton to the story but he did offer just enough that without him, this story wouldn’t have made sense one bit.
Also, can we talk about all the foreshadowing within this novel? Cause holy guacamole! There was a ton. For example:
“Ronan said, “I’m always straight.”
Adam replied “Oh, man, that’s the biggest lie you’ve ever told.”
Like.. WHAT!? DO I SMELL A BUDDING ROMANCE? FRIENDS TO LOVERS MAYBE? Please let these two be a couple in the end, cause I need me a Ronan and Adam couple scene. DON’T LET ME DOWN MAGGIE!
The writing was beautiful, and I felt it flowed wonderfully. I got swept into the world of Cabeswater and I loved how you could actually feel like you were there alongside Blue and the Raven Boys.
Okay, before I make this any longer and bore y’all to death with my love for Ronan Lynch and Noah Czerny – just please… I beg of you to pick this up and give The Raven Boys a chance.
“The way Gansey saw it was this: if you had a special knack for finding things, it meant you owed the world to look.”
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Stolen Children (DCI Matilda Darke #6) in Books
Sep 26, 2020
Oh my goodness ... that was riveting!
This is the 6th in this excellent series and although, ideally, it would be good to read them in order, this is not absolutely essential as this works as a standalone but you do miss the development of the characters and some back story relating to previous cases. However, please do not let this put you off starting the series with this one because you will so kick yourself for missing out on this excellent book and then you can go back and enjoy the rest!
This book has a strong and compelling story line BUT it's also dark and upsetting so be warned that there are some sections that are very difficult to read. The pace is perfect and I found myself racing through the chapters desperate to find out what was going to happen next. The characters are excellent and believable with DCI Darke being one of my favourite fictional characters - she is strong, sensitive, likeable, loyal but with flaws that make her sensitive and not above making mistakes; this makes her believable and plausible.
I have read some good books this year but this has got be amongst the top so far without a shadow of a doubt and I have to give a massive thank you to HarperCollinsUK / One More Chapter and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I cannot wait for the next one especially if that ending is anything to by!!
This is the 6th in this excellent series and although, ideally, it would be good to read them in order, this is not absolutely essential as this works as a standalone but you do miss the development of the characters and some back story relating to previous cases. However, please do not let this put you off starting the series with this one because you will so kick yourself for missing out on this excellent book and then you can go back and enjoy the rest!
This book has a strong and compelling story line BUT it's also dark and upsetting so be warned that there are some sections that are very difficult to read. The pace is perfect and I found myself racing through the chapters desperate to find out what was going to happen next. The characters are excellent and believable with DCI Darke being one of my favourite fictional characters - she is strong, sensitive, likeable, loyal but with flaws that make her sensitive and not above making mistakes; this makes her believable and plausible.
I have read some good books this year but this has got be amongst the top so far without a shadow of a doubt and I have to give a massive thank you to HarperCollinsUK / One More Chapter and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I cannot wait for the next one especially if that ending is anything to by!!
Merissa (14082 KP) rated Cosmic Cabaret in Books
Dec 12, 2017
Cosmic Cabaret: Science Fiction Romance Anthology
Cosmic Cabaret is an anthology of science fiction romance stories that all take place upon the LS Quantum. Each story is individual, with separate characters and situations.
This is an AMAZING anthology. You could even say it was out of this world! (Sorry, it had to be done!) Some of the stories involve insta-love, some of them have loved from afar for years. Some are people on the run, some are princes and princesses, some are both prince/princess AND on the run. What I'm trying to say is that there is something here for everyone.
Each story is very well written, with characters and situations that are completely relate-able, so long as you keep the sci-fi theme fresh in your mind. From doctors to spies to male dancers to Burlesque dancers, this anthology has it all. I didn't feel like a single story let it down, although I do obviously have my favourites. I have found some new (to me) authors that I will be reading more of, which is always a good thing. Absolutely recommended by me, and I'm hoping for more to come!
* 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 is an AMAZING anthology. You could even say it was out of this world! (Sorry, it had to be done!) Some of the stories involve insta-love, some of them have loved from afar for years. Some are people on the run, some are princes and princesses, some are both prince/princess AND on the run. What I'm trying to say is that there is something here for everyone.
Each story is very well written, with characters and situations that are completely relate-able, so long as you keep the sci-fi theme fresh in your mind. From doctors to spies to male dancers to Burlesque dancers, this anthology has it all. I didn't feel like a single story let it down, although I do obviously have my favourites. I have found some new (to me) authors that I will be reading more of, which is always a good thing. Absolutely recommended by me, and I'm hoping for more to come!
* 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!
ClareR (6253 KP) rated Mary I: Queen of Sorrows in Books
Oct 22, 2024
I always feel that Mary I gets a lot of bad press. She’s remembered for her bloodthirsty streak (aka Bloody Mary), for being a strict Catholic and for marrying a foreigner - and a Spaniard at that! Oh, and she was a woman at a time when women weren’t believed to be capable of ruling a country in their own right.
Alison Weir is writing a work of historical fiction, but she has done her research. Of course, a lot of Mary’s story could be open to interpretation, and we’ll never know her exact inner thoughts, but she wrote letters and people wrote things down about her at the time. And personally, I really like Weirs interpretation. She makes Mary a human being, with thoughts, loves, hates and responsibilities. The period in history is described so well, that the reader can understand why Mary had such an extreme reaction to those who wouldn’t convert to Catholicism. And, well, Elizabeth I killed a lot more people than Mary ever did, so 🤷🏼♀️
I found the chapters on Mary’s childhood really interesting and very sad. What a traumatic childhood she had.
So, if you enjoy historical fiction and want to find out more about Mary I, then this may well be the book for you too. A totally absorbing read!
Alison Weir is writing a work of historical fiction, but she has done her research. Of course, a lot of Mary’s story could be open to interpretation, and we’ll never know her exact inner thoughts, but she wrote letters and people wrote things down about her at the time. And personally, I really like Weirs interpretation. She makes Mary a human being, with thoughts, loves, hates and responsibilities. The period in history is described so well, that the reader can understand why Mary had such an extreme reaction to those who wouldn’t convert to Catholicism. And, well, Elizabeth I killed a lot more people than Mary ever did, so 🤷🏼♀️
I found the chapters on Mary’s childhood really interesting and very sad. What a traumatic childhood she had.
So, if you enjoy historical fiction and want to find out more about Mary I, then this may well be the book for you too. A totally absorbing read!
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Book Divas (227 KP) rated If You Leave This Farm: The Dream Is Destroyed in Books
Dec 12, 2017
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review when I signed up to host the book tour.
Four and a half Stars
This story, which is based on actual events in the life of the author took me completely by surprise, especially since this genre is not a usual read for me. In this book, Amanda Farmer allows us to bear witness to the joy and struggles she faced growing up as a Mennonite living and working on the family's farm and she also shed light on the beliefs of the Mennonite community.
I am in awe of her because she truly went through so much and was still able to maintain her faith and achieve her dreams while dealing with a domineering father, chores, and studies. It takes a resilient and strong person to overcome the things she faced. The story as it is told flowed smoothly and I often found myself crying. This is a book that everyone should read as I believe it inspires you to truly follow your dreams.
Four and a half Stars
This story, which is based on actual events in the life of the author took me completely by surprise, especially since this genre is not a usual read for me. In this book, Amanda Farmer allows us to bear witness to the joy and struggles she faced growing up as a Mennonite living and working on the family's farm and she also shed light on the beliefs of the Mennonite community.
I am in awe of her because she truly went through so much and was still able to maintain her faith and achieve her dreams while dealing with a domineering father, chores, and studies. It takes a resilient and strong person to overcome the things she faced. The story as it is told flowed smoothly and I often found myself crying. This is a book that everyone should read as I believe it inspires you to truly follow your dreams.
Elizabeth (1521 KP) rated Truly, Madly, Deadly in Books
Apr 24, 2019
The story had a good plot. Maybe I've become jaded or numb over the years, but I didn't find it to be a nail biting, edge of your seat murder mystery like so many other readers that commented throughout the story on wattpad.
While I am by no means a grammar nazi, there were enough errors and repetition of phrases to pull me out of the story from time to time. There are only so many times a character can bite, lick, worry or do anything else to their lips, before the reader starts to wonder what's wrong with them. The main character also tended to "fist her hands" quite often, a term I found a bit odd for the balling of one's fists.
I wouldn't go as far as so many of the readers in saying that this is the best book I've ever read. Even if the things I mentioned above were corrected, it would still just be a decent book that keeps you guessing; a light, entertaining read.
While I am by no means a grammar nazi, there were enough errors and repetition of phrases to pull me out of the story from time to time. There are only so many times a character can bite, lick, worry or do anything else to their lips, before the reader starts to wonder what's wrong with them. The main character also tended to "fist her hands" quite often, a term I found a bit odd for the balling of one's fists.
I wouldn't go as far as so many of the readers in saying that this is the best book I've ever read. Even if the things I mentioned above were corrected, it would still just be a decent book that keeps you guessing; a light, entertaining read.
Kyera (8 KP) rated Rise of the Isle of the Lost (Descendants #3) in Books
Feb 1, 2018
Rise of the Isle of the Lost is the third book in the Descendants series, a collection of books about the kids of the most infamous Disney villains. It is based on the Disney Channel Original Movie by the same name and Rise occurs just before the events of the second movie. It follows the villain kids Mal, Evie, Jay and Carlos in Auradon, as well as Uma and her pirate crew on the Isle of the Lost.
The book is a middle school reading level, so it is very simply written. I wasn't particularly impressed with the story or the writing, although the book was enjoyable enough. I chose to read it because I am a fan of Disney and found the premise to be intriguing. The execution was underwhelming, but I feel that younger readers would really enjoy this book. It is perfect for those in grades five to seven. I would recommend it to those that are fans of the movie and suggest that you read it before seeing the second movie, as that is where it falls chronologically.
The book is a middle school reading level, so it is very simply written. I wasn't particularly impressed with the story or the writing, although the book was enjoyable enough. I chose to read it because I am a fan of Disney and found the premise to be intriguing. The execution was underwhelming, but I feel that younger readers would really enjoy this book. It is perfect for those in grades five to seven. I would recommend it to those that are fans of the movie and suggest that you read it before seeing the second movie, as that is where it falls chronologically.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2607 KP) rated Void Moon in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Six years ago, Cassie Black’s life went wrong when a casino hotel robbery went very wrong. She’s served time in prison and is now ten months into serving parole when she finds herself needing cash, so she takes on one last job, which takes her back to the casino where the job went wrong six years before. Is this job the windfall it appears to be or will it go wrong as well?
I’m being rather vague in my teaser because, like most Michael Connelly books, this is one you need to experience for yourself. I did find the beginning a little slow and technical, but when it took off, it grabbed me and I was along for the ride. This was despite the fact that I didn’t love any of the major characters. I can’t find myself rooting for a criminal, so it wasn’t until we met some characters even worse than Cassie that I found myself rooting for her.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/12/book-review-void-moon-by-michael.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I’m being rather vague in my teaser because, like most Michael Connelly books, this is one you need to experience for yourself. I did find the beginning a little slow and technical, but when it took off, it grabbed me and I was along for the ride. This was despite the fact that I didn’t love any of the major characters. I can’t find myself rooting for a criminal, so it wasn’t until we met some characters even worse than Cassie that I found myself rooting for her.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/12/book-review-void-moon-by-michael.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Merissa (14082 KP) rated The Mating (Law of the Lycans #2) in Books
Mar 26, 2018
The Mating (Law of the Lycans #2) by Nicky Charles
In The Mating we meet Kane and Elise. Kane we have heard mentioned in Bonded, but Elise is a new character. They get together for political reasons, although Elise had a boyfriend. However, once she spends time with Kane, she finds she is thinking less of Bryan than she thought she would. Mix into the story a woman who wants what Elisa has, an oil company who wants to drill, a half-brother with murder on his mind, and you get a great story.
I found The Mating to be very well-written, with plenty of characters to like and dislike. Although at times, I really REALLY wanted the other characters to catch onto what was going on, it still played a part of the story, and I just had to wait until they caught up. With a steady pace, and some steamy times too, this book was thoroughly enjoyable, and I have no hesitation in recommending it.
* Verified Purchase ~ April 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I found The Mating to be very well-written, with plenty of characters to like and dislike. Although at times, I really REALLY wanted the other characters to catch onto what was going on, it still played a part of the story, and I just had to wait until they caught up. With a steady pace, and some steamy times too, this book was thoroughly enjoyable, and I have no hesitation in recommending it.
* Verified Purchase ~ April 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!