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Emma in the Night
Emma in the Night
Wendy Walker | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry, Mystery, Thriller
6
7.9 (8 Ratings)
Book Rating
Cassandra Tanner and her sister, Emma, disappeared on the same night three years ago. Cass was fifteen and her lovely, enigmatic older sister seventeen. Suddenly, Cass shows up on her mother's doorstep, desperately begging her family to find Emma, whom she claims is being against her will on a remote island in Maine. Immediately, the FBI is called back to the case, including forensic psychiatrist Abby Winter, who has been haunted by the investigation since Emma and Cass went missing. Abby had a lot of theories about Emma and Cass' case--and saw similarities in their mother to her own--but kept most of these thoughts to herself. But now that Cass is back, with a story that doesn't completely add up, Abby realizes she might not be so off track after all. And that there might be a lot more to Emma and Cass' disappearance then everyone thinks.

This book is a tough one for me. It started off in great fashion--completely sucking me in. It's an interesting novel, as in some ways it seems like a rather straightforward tale of two missing girls, but it's also incredibly puzzling and keeps you guessing from the start. I think my brow was probably actually furrowed as I was reading. It's hard to trust <i>anyone</i> in this novel, or know who to believe, and that has you frantically turning pages, trying to figure out what on earth is the actual truth.

The story flips between Cass' point of view and that of Abby's. I was intrigued by Cass' story, though not particularly attached to her and while I sympathized with Abby, wasn't really drawn to her as a character, either. I actually sort of wanted to rush through her sections so I could get back to Cass and what was actually happening (or had happened) to her, and by proxy, Emma.

Make no mistake--the Tanner/Martin family saga is a twisted one. This book will shock and bewilder you--this is not a nice set of characters. Emma and Cass' mother is hateful and downright despicable, as are many of the supporting characters. Even Emma--via stories--is tough to care for at times. The premise is that Ms. Martin, the mother, has narcissistic personality disorder--the same disorder that affected Abby's mother as well. At first, this works, as you're shocked by the treatment of Emma and Cass and what it's done to each girl.

But, admittedly, after a while, I grew a little weary of this plot device. The disorder and its effects are explained repeatedly. If Walker could have explained it and moved on, I would have enjoyed the novel a lot more. I found myself skimming over some of the repetitive psychological descriptions, so I could get on with the story. As the story continues, the family almost seems <i>too</i> fractured and horrible; I was shocked at the continuing tale of horror regarding her mother, stepfather, stepbrother, and sister that Cass kept weaving. Goodness--they come across as diabolical, but not real.

I actually really enjoyed Walker's previous novel, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26114146-all-is-not-forgotten">ALL IS NOT FORGOTTEN</a> - particularly because the ending lived up to the earlier parts of the novel and shocked me. Here, I am pretty sure the intent was the same, but it didn't quite pan out. By the time we reached the end, I was tired of the psychological drama and ramblings. I hadn't exactly figured out what had happened--I'll definitely give Walker that--but I knew something was up. I also felt so much of all of this could have been avoided from the start by Cass, but I won't go into that for spoilers sake.

So, alas. As I started this one, I really thought it was going to be a novel that I was going to recommend to everyone. By the end, I was a bit let down. I'll go with 3 stars overall, since it certainly did keep me flipping the pages.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley (thank you!); it is available everywhere as of 08/08/2017.

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Dark One&#039;s Mistress (Dark One&#039;s Trilogy #1)
Dark One's Mistress (Dark One's Trilogy #1)
Aldrea Alien | 2013 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
DARK ONE'S MISTRESS is the first book in the Dark One's Trilogy, and we start with Clara being in the wrong place at the wrong time. She lives in a village called Everdark and rumours abound that the Great Lord has died, and his heir now rules. If this is the case, then a new mistress will be called upon. Clara is one of those taken and she does everything she can to avoid being the one chosen, but to no avail.

This is a slow-paced book, with plenty of interaction between Lucias and Clara as he tries to prove to her that he is a man of his word, and he won't do anything before she is ready. She, of course, doesn't believe him and spends the first part of the book constantly trying to escape.

Interwoven with that is the constant threat of Lucias' mother and her barbarian bodyguard who want to kill Lucias because of who his father was. Trust me, that actually becomes acceptable the more you learn about the father.

I loved the attitudes of both Lucias and Clara and found it definitely to be a case of if you love someone, set them free. Clara is not a doormat, but is definitely set in her ways and has trouble seeing things from different perspectives.

Due to the emphasis on Lucias and Clara, I did feel that I missed out on some of the other characters. There were also questions raised to which I received no answers. However, this did not infringe upon my enjoyment of this book, and I have no hesitation in recommending it.
  
The Dragon&#039;s Rose (Grym Hollow #1)
The Dragon's Rose (Grym Hollow #1)
Tati B. Alvarez | 2023 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE DRAGON'S ROSE is the first book in the Grym Hollow series and I want all of them... now!

We start in a contemporary setting as Rose leaves the hospital where her sister has just given birth. Not long after, she is whisked away to another world and The Dragon's Keep. Not only is she there because of a bargain made, but also to marry the King - a little tidbit she doesn't know until just before the happy occasion!

Malix and Rose are a perfect pair. She is feisty and sassy. She has dealt with her own loss and so cares for others. She is also unafraid to go toe-to-toe with her husband when he's acting like a jerk! Malix is fighting to keep his kingdom safe but is intrigued by the human woman who stands up to him. He is protective and will always do his best.

This was an outstanding story that I devoured in one sitting. It is full of emotions that will draw you in and keep you turning the pages. My heart broke for Caliban, even as he found healing with Rose. It perfectly blends danger, humour, love, betrayal, romance, and steam.

The dragons' battle may be over but the war hasn't been won. We move on to the wolves next and I can't wait!!! HIGHLY recommended by me!

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 23, 2024
  
The Shifter (Legends of Pern Coen: Fated #1)
The Shifter (Legends of Pern Coen: Fated #1)
Hannah E. Carey | 2023 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE SHIFTER is the first book in the Legends of Pern Coen: Fated series and we meet with Bran and Seren. Bran is a shapeshifter, as such, he is sentenced to death by the Ri, who is Seren's father. There is a lack of loving feelings towards his daughter though. Seren helps Bran escape, along with many others, making her a traitor in her father's eyes. When she is kidnapped and ransomed, her father refuses to pay it, leaving Bran - who had found himself with that gang - to make a decision with long-ranging effects.

Oh, what a story this is! There is so much going on and so much against Bran and Seren, I honestly can't wait for their story to continue. Domhnall is a fly in the ointment and needs to get over being the fourth son! As for Aengus, I can guess his relationship, but I want to know more about how it all came to be.

This is a fantastic foray into Pern Coen, giving me just as much to enjoy as Rhiannon and Connor's story. The world-building is first class and the story is character-led. It doesn't finish on a cliffhanger, per se, but it will fill you with the need for the next book so you can continue with the story.

Absolutely fantastic and HIGHLY recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 20, 2023
  
40x40

Merissa (14050 KP) rated Keras (Guardians of Hades #7) in Books

Dec 8, 2020 (Updated Aug 8, 2023)  
Keras (Guardians of Hades #7)
Keras (Guardians of Hades #7)
Felicity Heaton | 2020 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
KERAS is the seventh book in the Guardians of Hades series and the final one of the brothers to get his story. This doesn't mean the series is at the end though, oh no. There is a missing sister, don't forget, and Thanatos is just the god to go look for her.

Keras has been the ultimate grouch in all the previous books, being especially hard on Marek whenever Enyo paid him a visit with information. He takes his title as Lord of Darkness very seriously. In his story though, you find out that he struggles on a daily basis with the very real darkness. He even takes (highly addictive) pills that he got from dear old dad to combat it.

Enyo has been a recurring character throughout the series and now we find out just what happened between Keras and her. I found her character to be slightly confusing as she is a goddess of war, but comes across as being almost wallflower-like in some regards and strong in others.

Between the two of them are a multitude of misunderstandings, some of which I didn't get myself. These get swept aside though once the action kicks in because, believe me, you don't have time to breathe once it does.

A full-on, climatic, steamy ending to the brothers. Now I can't wait for the sister! 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. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 8, 2020
  
The Quiet Tenant
The Quiet Tenant
Clémence Michallon | 2023 | Crime, Thriller
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is a pretty good debut and one which I enjoyed.

This is a different interpretation of the 'abduction and kept prisoner' stories; it's told from the perspectives of Rachel (the captive), Cecilia (the daughter) and Emily (the bartender/love interest) but also with chapters told from the victims points of view which were particularly powerful and unsettling however, there is nothing from the killer, Aidan which I found unusual and I'm still not sure if I liked it as it did leave me with quite a lot of questions as to how and why he did what he did however, maybe that was the point?

Anyway, The Quiet Tenant is a dark story of survival in the most extreme of circumstances but it's also a story about a man who is able to project an image of goodness and normality whilst hiding who he really is from those closest to him and the small community in which he lives.

It's a bit of a slow-burner, there is a little too much description at times and there are bits that are a little beyond the realms of reality however, as you read, there is a creeping sense of tension and dread that had me hooked and desperate to know how it was all going to play out and I wasn't disappointed.

Overall, a pretty good read and I commend the author for writing a book that's not in her first language and thank you to Little Brown Book Group UK, Abacus and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Quiet Tenant.
  
Detroit: Become Human
Detroit: Become Human
2018 | Action/Adventure
Best story of the year (3 more)
Incredible voice acting
So many different possibilities
Amazing replayability
There were a couple of very slow missions (0 more)
An almost perfect game let down by 1 or 2 slow parts
Wow what a game. I have to say straight away that game of the year this year shouldn't be a thing. There are so many incredible games out this year. Red dead redemption 2 and God of war are incredible games and 1 of them to me will end up being game of the year but if it was based on story alone then this would win easy.

The concept has always intrigued me. The whole idea of there being androids then they develop a consciousness and gaining free will. I can see our world going there and this showed that world perfectly. Throughout the world you can find magazines and I found myself reading these and being in awe at how accurate they are. They all felt they could each be a plot to an episode of black mirror. Everything from there being less babies born because people are having sex with androids more to music concerts not being a thing due to VR. There were a lot of political, racism, slavery and abuse messages throughout the game which felt very relevant.

The gameplay was great. It felt like an interactive movie with quick time events that actually mattered. There was genuine fear for these characters since any could die. There was a certain mission that was extremely slow paced and I got bored a little but luckily that was the only part. I fell in love with the characters and their relationships towards humans and other androids. The choices given to me felt like I was making my own personal story. Acting was incredible and it was graphically beautiful. The expressions were incredible.

The flowchart at the end of each mission a welcome addition. You are able to see all the many paths you could take without seeing what they actually were. You could see the complex mind of David cage behind this chart and it looked incredible. This got me very excited to go back in the future to try out the different paths and see what happens.

This is another incredible exclusive for ps4 and it should not be missed. A beautiful score and complex writing make this a game that leaves you thinking weeks after finishing and I look forward to another playthrough and maybe even another game in this world.
  
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Mrs. Fletcher
Mrs. Fletcher
Tom Perrotta | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
7
7.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
As a divorcee in her mid-40s, Eve Fletcher is struggling with the fact that her only son, Brendan, is heading off to college. Suddenly, Eve is truly alone for the first time. Shortly after she takes Brendan to college, Eve receives a strange text message reading, "U r my MILF!" Baffled, the message takes Eve down a strange path that includes an obsession with MILF-related porn. Suddenly, her regular life--work as the Executive Director at the local senior center, taking classes at the community college, and her various friendships--seems somewhat tinged by her porn habit. Meanwhile, Brendan isn't finding college all he thought it would be. His fellow chauvinistic/jock roommate is suddenly shunning him and his partying habits are catching up with him. Before they know it, Eve and Brendan are on a collision course for some crazy and interesting situations.

First of all, don't bother with this novel if you can't handle sexual or porn references in your reading: let's just get that out there. There are all sorts of said references in Perrotta's latest and while you could argue that they are plot driven, it certainly gets to be a bit much at times.

For me, this one was a tad odd. Parts of it I really enjoyed; others, I just found bizarre and strange (and I've read other Perrotta works, so I know somewhat what to expect with him). The early parts of the novel were almost tender and hit a bit close to home, as I'm the only child of a single (also divorced) mother. The relationship between Eve and Brendan is interesting and well-explored, and you certainly have sympathy for Eve. In fact, many of the adults in this novel are so incredibly sad and lonely--and they have some extremely realistic moments and situations.

Alas, Brendan is really just insufferable, and you can't help but like Eve a little less as the result. I rarely enjoyed any of the sections told from his point of view. As the novel progresses, it increases its perspectives--bringing in the secondary characters--and you really do get drawn into their lives. Perrotta is an engaging writer and while not all his characters in this one are likeable, nor do they always act rationally, they are dynamic. Indeed, this is often just a plain old weird and bizarre novel. Some places I found myself thinking Is this really happening?? (Oh it was.)

So, in the end this is an amusing tale--with a surprising depth--that offers a fairly accurate portrayal about society and sexuality/gender. The characters are certainly interesting, even if pieces can be ridiculous and preposterous. The ending left me feeling a little let down, which was a tad disappointing, and kept it from being higher than a 3-star review for me.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley. More at http://justacatandabookatherside.blogspot.com/.
  
Bishop Ridge (Sawyer&#039;s Ferry #2)
Bishop Ridge (Sawyer's Ferry #2)
Cate Ashwood | 2018 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
a far more engaging read than book one!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book two in the Sawyer's Ferry series. It's not really necessary to read book one, Alaska, first but I would personally say you should. Gage and Holden play a huge part here. And their story is really rather good too!

Jackson walks into Logan's clinic and sparks fly. I mean, even Logan was thinking about going against his doctor/patient rules. But Logan passes Jackson's case to Holden and all bets are off. But both men have a no-repeat rule. So just why are they going for round two, three and more?

Logan is Gage's partner at the hospital and best friend. We met him in Alaska. I'm glad he got his story!

It is again told from both men's point of view in the first person. Not my favourite, but Ms Ashwood seems to somehow negate that fact and I really am enjoying this series.

I loved the fact that this . . . Non-relationship kinda creeps up on both the guys. Its very much a slow burn in regards to the emotions involved for them both. Steam and passion? Immediate and powerful but the emotions creep up on them and it takes a while for them to see. Loved that they both fought it, hard.

Loved how Logan made Jackson admit to his feelings but not what got them to that point! Scary, I was worried!

We never did get to the story about how Jackson has a gunshot wound from 6 years ago, but it's only when typing this up that I realised that!

I gave Alaska 4 stars, but I found myself far more engaged with Logan and Jackson, than I was with Gage and Holden, so. . .

5 full and shiny stars

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**