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Amy Christmas (170 KP) rated Northern Lights in Books
Jan 14, 2019
A child's perspective written well (1 more)
Imaginative but believable world
Absolutely loved it!
I loved this book, I have been meaning to read it for years and have finally gotten around to embracing all those childhood favourites.
We follow Lyra a girl from Oxford who is looked after by the scholars of Jordan college. We are introduced to her deamon 'Pan' (for short because I couldn't for the life of me work out how to say his name) and the workings of this world, of this child's world. Before being thrown as Lyra is into the politics and shenanigans of adults.
Lyra's character is a complex one she is a feisty intelligent girl but at times the way she behaved and is described to talk is unrealistic for a child her age, however these small things can be overlooked.
As I had only ever seen the movie before, which pales in comparison, I was shocked by the twist at the end of the book concerning Ms Coulter and Lord Asriel, and made me feel as if my journeying with Lyra through the north, meeting Iorek and the witches and the Gyptians had all been worth it and there was another adventure ahead, as it is not over at the end of this book rather it tells you loud and clear that you've barely begun... and I love it.
We follow Lyra a girl from Oxford who is looked after by the scholars of Jordan college. We are introduced to her deamon 'Pan' (for short because I couldn't for the life of me work out how to say his name) and the workings of this world, of this child's world. Before being thrown as Lyra is into the politics and shenanigans of adults.
Lyra's character is a complex one she is a feisty intelligent girl but at times the way she behaved and is described to talk is unrealistic for a child her age, however these small things can be overlooked.
As I had only ever seen the movie before, which pales in comparison, I was shocked by the twist at the end of the book concerning Ms Coulter and Lord Asriel, and made me feel as if my journeying with Lyra through the north, meeting Iorek and the witches and the Gyptians had all been worth it and there was another adventure ahead, as it is not over at the end of this book rather it tells you loud and clear that you've barely begun... and I love it.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Girl in Red in Books
Feb 6, 2020
Retelling of LIttle Red Riding Hood in a post-apocalyptic wasteland
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
The Girl in Red by Christina Henry is a retelling of the classic story Little Red Riding Hood. In this version, Red is living in a post-apocalyptic wasteland caused by a highly contagious disease. Everyone Red knows has died but she hopes her grandmother will still be alive since her house is isolated. Most survivors have been relocated to quarantine camps but Red would rather go to her grandmother's house.
It is told using alternating timelines that reveal the beginning and the spread of the disease and Red's struggle to get to her grandmother's house in present day.
The book took some time for me to get into the story but it has a nice pace to it. You quickly realize it is not a mystery or suspenseful book. It is a believable retelling of the perennial classic Little Red Riding Hood so there will not be any twists and turns but involves a well-written and imaginative retelling.
The Girl in Red is one of the many retellings Christina Henry has written. Others involve the classic works of Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, and the Little Mermaid.
The Girl in Red was a 2019 Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Horror.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 2/6/20.
The Girl in Red by Christina Henry is a retelling of the classic story Little Red Riding Hood. In this version, Red is living in a post-apocalyptic wasteland caused by a highly contagious disease. Everyone Red knows has died but she hopes her grandmother will still be alive since her house is isolated. Most survivors have been relocated to quarantine camps but Red would rather go to her grandmother's house.
It is told using alternating timelines that reveal the beginning and the spread of the disease and Red's struggle to get to her grandmother's house in present day.
The book took some time for me to get into the story but it has a nice pace to it. You quickly realize it is not a mystery or suspenseful book. It is a believable retelling of the perennial classic Little Red Riding Hood so there will not be any twists and turns but involves a well-written and imaginative retelling.
The Girl in Red is one of the many retellings Christina Henry has written. Others involve the classic works of Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, and the Little Mermaid.
The Girl in Red was a 2019 Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Horror.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 2/6/20.
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated The Vault Between Spaces in Books
Feb 24, 2021
What a story!!
Christian fantasy is a new to me genre this year, and I am loving how each book is so completely different! This book The Vault Between Spaces takes me into a world fighting against evil, people losing faith until hope shows up unexpectedly and a unique way of describing our Creator. I loved getting a glimpse into Chawna Schroeder’s creative and imaginative mind. She used earth elements, music, and faith to tell the story of how much our Creator loves us. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters gradually throughout the whole book. They seemed to grow into themselves as the story progressed, which for me means it’s a story well written.
“You do not stop being what the Creator designed you to be because you no longer do what He created you to do”.
That quote right there is what this book is about. Finding your strengths, learning to listen, having faith, and of course fighting the good fight. Even when life takes unexpected turns, we need to remember that God created us as who we are supposed to be, and that fact will not change just because our circumstances do. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the way in which Chawna Schroeder captured my imagination, the great characters, and the overall storyline.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Christian fantasy is a new to me genre this year, and I am loving how each book is so completely different! This book The Vault Between Spaces takes me into a world fighting against evil, people losing faith until hope shows up unexpectedly and a unique way of describing our Creator. I loved getting a glimpse into Chawna Schroeder’s creative and imaginative mind. She used earth elements, music, and faith to tell the story of how much our Creator loves us. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters gradually throughout the whole book. They seemed to grow into themselves as the story progressed, which for me means it’s a story well written.
“You do not stop being what the Creator designed you to be because you no longer do what He created you to do”.
That quote right there is what this book is about. Finding your strengths, learning to listen, having faith, and of course fighting the good fight. Even when life takes unexpected turns, we need to remember that God created us as who we are supposed to be, and that fact will not change just because our circumstances do. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the way in which Chawna Schroeder captured my imagination, the great characters, and the overall storyline.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Shelle Perry (66 KP) rated The Accidental World in Books
Jul 24, 2021
The Accidental World is one of the more unique stories I have read of late
The Accidental World is one of the more unique stories I have read of late. Ethan Scott is thrust into a world of intrigue in an alternate world where the only lifelines he has are the vague instructions left to him by his grandfather before his disappearance and the board game that he has played since he was a child. There are those who help him along the way, but there are always more questions than answers and he has a role to play.
On the surface this seems like a tropey Y A novel with an unlikely hero who is thrust into the role of savior (yada yada), but it is really such a well written imaginative world that comparisons like that fall by the wayside in favor of well paced and exciting adventure. The book is packed full of interesting characters who engage the reader full throttle. In my mind it played out just like a movie, especially the gaming sequences and the action near the end.
The cliffhanger ending has me wanting to return to this world and these characters to see what happens next.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
I received an advance review copy through IRead Book Tours for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
On the surface this seems like a tropey Y A novel with an unlikely hero who is thrust into the role of savior (yada yada), but it is really such a well written imaginative world that comparisons like that fall by the wayside in favor of well paced and exciting adventure. The book is packed full of interesting characters who engage the reader full throttle. In my mind it played out just like a movie, especially the gaming sequences and the action near the end.
The cliffhanger ending has me wanting to return to this world and these characters to see what happens next.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
I received an advance review copy through IRead Book Tours for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2103 KP) rated McElligot’s Pool in Books
Sep 29, 2021
You Never Know What You’ll Find in McElligot’s Pool
The book opens with Marco, the protagonist from To Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, fishing in a pond on the McElligot’s farm. He’s warned that there’s nothing in the pond but junk that people have thrown away. Marco, however, takes a more fanciful outlook on the pool. After all, maybe it’s connected to the sea but a tunnel no one knows about. And, if that’s the case, you never know exactly what you could catch.
This early book from Dr. Seuss is imagination on display. The heart of the book is Marco’s fish stories, which go from the plausible to the outlandish and back again. It’s fun. The rhymes could be a bit better, and the book does feel a bit repetitive, but I remember enjoying this one as a kid, and it still has charm rereading it as an adult. This is early Dr. Seuss, so the illustrations are very detailed pen and ink, some in color and some not. Yes, this is one of the recently banned books. It is banned takes to one page that features Marco’s imaginative take on Eskimo fish. Yes, the drawings on that page are caricatures, but the entire book is filled with caricatures. They fit right in. While this isn’t one of Dr. Seuss’s best books, it is a shame that it won’t be around to spark the imagination of future generations.
This early book from Dr. Seuss is imagination on display. The heart of the book is Marco’s fish stories, which go from the plausible to the outlandish and back again. It’s fun. The rhymes could be a bit better, and the book does feel a bit repetitive, but I remember enjoying this one as a kid, and it still has charm rereading it as an adult. This is early Dr. Seuss, so the illustrations are very detailed pen and ink, some in color and some not. Yes, this is one of the recently banned books. It is banned takes to one page that features Marco’s imaginative take on Eskimo fish. Yes, the drawings on that page are caricatures, but the entire book is filled with caricatures. They fit right in. While this isn’t one of Dr. Seuss’s best books, it is a shame that it won’t be around to spark the imagination of future generations.
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Lay Me Down (Reveler #2) in Books
May 8, 2021 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
We met Maisie during her sister's story and to be fair, she comes across as very light-hearted, whimsical, carefree, almost to the point of being irresponsible. However, as you read through her story you realise there is a lot more to Maisie than meets the eye. She is a wonderful character to read about and you will soon by smiling at the comments she makes or actions she takes. The provoking and prodding banter between her and Steve Coll as they get to know more about each other is very witty and warm to read. It soon moves from warm to hot though as they take things to the next level.
Without giving away any of the story, I will just say that this book manages to tell Maisie and Steve's story, continues with Jordan and Michael's as well as laying the way for the next books in the series. Pretty impressive for a novella!
An excellent continuation of the series and I would definitely recommend you read book 1, Darkness Falls, first as although it's not imperative, it will help you to understand certain levels of the story easier. Looking forward to more on this imaginative and unusual series.
* 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!
Without giving away any of the story, I will just say that this book manages to tell Maisie and Steve's story, continues with Jordan and Michael's as well as laying the way for the next books in the series. Pretty impressive for a novella!
An excellent continuation of the series and I would definitely recommend you read book 1, Darkness Falls, first as although it's not imperative, it will help you to understand certain levels of the story easier. Looking forward to more on this imaginative and unusual series.
* 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!
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated The Banana Splits Movie (2019) in Movies
Jan 4, 2021
The Banana Splits Movie, a horror-fied reimagining of the late 60s/early 70s Hanna-Barbera tv show, knows exactly what it's trying to be. It's silly and tongue in cheek, but toes the line pretty well in pretty much every aspect, not going overboard in either direction, and ultimately delivers a good time for anyone who enjoys a cheesy slasher.
The premise is deliciously simple - a family attend a taping of the titular Banana Splits show, their youngest sons favourite, and end up fighting for survival alongside fellow audience members and backstage crew, when the famous child friendly animatronic stars of the show go haywire and embark on a killing spree. I'm certain it's been said before, but imagine Five Nights at Freddy's crossed over with Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, and you're pretty much there.
It's got a decent amount of gore (mostly done practically which is always a thumbs up), some imaginative kills and set pieces, and a good cast - the nice characters are likeable, the assholes are suitably unlikable (and die horribly of course) - it plays it's safe in that regard, but there's also some half decent character development in place, so I can't grumble too much.
The writing isn't great, and the pacing is a little iffy, could have done with maybe being a little shorter, but honestly, if you go into this fully on board with the premise, then you're almost guaranteed to have a fun and bloody time. Good luck getting that theme song out of your head...
The premise is deliciously simple - a family attend a taping of the titular Banana Splits show, their youngest sons favourite, and end up fighting for survival alongside fellow audience members and backstage crew, when the famous child friendly animatronic stars of the show go haywire and embark on a killing spree. I'm certain it's been said before, but imagine Five Nights at Freddy's crossed over with Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, and you're pretty much there.
It's got a decent amount of gore (mostly done practically which is always a thumbs up), some imaginative kills and set pieces, and a good cast - the nice characters are likeable, the assholes are suitably unlikable (and die horribly of course) - it plays it's safe in that regard, but there's also some half decent character development in place, so I can't grumble too much.
The writing isn't great, and the pacing is a little iffy, could have done with maybe being a little shorter, but honestly, if you go into this fully on board with the premise, then you're almost guaranteed to have a fun and bloody time. Good luck getting that theme song out of your head...
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Crossings in Books
Jul 31, 2020
Clever story that can be ready 2 different ways
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.
I loved reading "choose your own adventure" books. Everyone started reading at the same place, but you could decide how the story played out. You could spend hours rereading without taking the same path twice. In Crossings by Alex Landragin, there are two paths to choose from, the linear path or what is referred to as the Baroness sequence. I followed the Baroness sequence and was in for quite an adventure.
Crossings is the first novel I read that can be read in two ways. It can be read straight through which contains a collection of loosely connected stories. You can choose to follow the Baroness sequence and follow an alternative page sequence that cleverly reworks the stories into a single novel.
I was going to read Crossings both directions it can be read but decided to wait a few months to read the linear version. The concept of writing the novel is imaginative and creative, and I added a star because of how well it works.
The e-book links to the next section in the sequence were not always accurate. If that occurs in the final draft, go to the "note to reader" and click the links from there.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 7/30/20.
I loved reading "choose your own adventure" books. Everyone started reading at the same place, but you could decide how the story played out. You could spend hours rereading without taking the same path twice. In Crossings by Alex Landragin, there are two paths to choose from, the linear path or what is referred to as the Baroness sequence. I followed the Baroness sequence and was in for quite an adventure.
Crossings is the first novel I read that can be read in two ways. It can be read straight through which contains a collection of loosely connected stories. You can choose to follow the Baroness sequence and follow an alternative page sequence that cleverly reworks the stories into a single novel.
I was going to read Crossings both directions it can be read but decided to wait a few months to read the linear version. The concept of writing the novel is imaginative and creative, and I added a star because of how well it works.
The e-book links to the next section in the sequence were not always accurate. If that occurs in the final draft, go to the "note to reader" and click the links from there.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 7/30/20.
ClareR (5608 KP) rated The Housekeepers in Books
Aug 4, 2023
Ok, so full disclosure: this WILL be in my top reads this year. I loved every page. Every page that I would have turned much quicker if I hadn’t been reading on The Pigeonhole!!
Mrs King, the housekeeper of a Mayfair house, is sacked when she is discovered trying to access the male servants corridor at night. She recruits a group of women to exact her revenge: a woman who runs a black market business; an actress; a seamstress; and Mrs King’s predecessor. They all have more in common than you’d think, and they all have scores to settle.
I loved everything about The Housekeepers: I felt that the historical details were spot on, and I really wanted the women to come out on top. This is a really audacious plan, and I’m sure that anyone else reading it would want them to succeed as well.
And the secrets within the walls of that house!! The women want to expose this family just as much as they want to completely clear out the house.
The night of the party is a wondrous thing: even the Princess comes along (and with a warning!). There are acrobats, gentry, amazing costumes, and the most startling way of removing artwork from a house that I’ve ever heard of!
But of course there’s much more to this than meets the eye, and Mrs King has a bone to pick with the lady of the house.
Honestly, this is a wonderfully imaginative book - you should read it!!
Mrs King, the housekeeper of a Mayfair house, is sacked when she is discovered trying to access the male servants corridor at night. She recruits a group of women to exact her revenge: a woman who runs a black market business; an actress; a seamstress; and Mrs King’s predecessor. They all have more in common than you’d think, and they all have scores to settle.
I loved everything about The Housekeepers: I felt that the historical details were spot on, and I really wanted the women to come out on top. This is a really audacious plan, and I’m sure that anyone else reading it would want them to succeed as well.
And the secrets within the walls of that house!! The women want to expose this family just as much as they want to completely clear out the house.
The night of the party is a wondrous thing: even the Princess comes along (and with a warning!). There are acrobats, gentry, amazing costumes, and the most startling way of removing artwork from a house that I’ve ever heard of!
But of course there’s much more to this than meets the eye, and Mrs King has a bone to pick with the lady of the house.
Honestly, this is a wonderfully imaginative book - you should read it!!
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Blood for Blood (Wolf By Wolf #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
<i>This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review </i>
Ryan Graudin blew readers away with her alternate historical novel <i>Wolf by Wolf</i>. Now it is time to conclude the imaginative narrative with the highly anticipated sequel, <i>Blood for Blood. </i>Continuing from the precise moment Yael pulled the trigger on the Führer’s doppelgänger, the reader is thrown into a lively story of twists and turns, where danger lives around every corner.
To recap, it is 1956 and Hitler has won the war. Germany, or Germania, is ruling over Europe and many countries in Asia and Africa. Yael is a Jewish girl who a doctor experimented on whilst she was detained in a concentration camp. As a result of the brutal medical treatment, Yael is a successful result of the Doppelgänger Project – she can now change her physical appearance and anatomy at will.<i> Wolf by Wolf</i> focused on Yael and the resistance’s attempt to win a prestigious motorcycle race in order to get close to the Führer and end his life. As it turns out, Yael is not the only person with this skin shifting ability.
On the run with the entire world knowing her secret, Yael is desperate to make contact with the resistance leaders and continue with their plot to assassinate Hitler. However, unable to leave innocent people to suffer at the hands of the National Socialists, Yael ends up being accompanied and hindered by two Aryan boys, Luka and Felix. Yet with no way of knowing who can be trusted, Yael is taking a fatal risk by helping others instead of saving herself.
Despite circumstances, the blossoming romance that began to advance toward the end of the first book continues to feature in <i>Blood for Blood</i> as characters begin to rely on and trust each other. Nonetheless, constant plot developments obstruct all thoughts of a happy ending. Clever twists and gradually emerging truths prevent any opportunity for rest or safety.
<i>Wolf by Wolf </i>was an exciting, new concept for young adult readers, answering a “what if” question about the second world war. Yet the historical setting – albeit fictional – was impeded by the focus on the Axis Tour as characters raced from Germania to Tokyo. In contrast, <i>Blood for Blood</i> leaves all distractions behind, giving full attention to the life and danger under Hitler’s dictatorship. Despite Germany/Germania’s triumphant win, war is still raging throughout Europe. Anyone not meeting the Aryan description is at risk of death or deportment. Strictly speaking, the situation described must look similar, if not the same, as the true result of Nazi ruling.
Ryan Graudin is a formidable writer with the ability to make fiction seem like reality. Despite the added science fiction twist, the imaginative scenario is so well researched and planned that it becomes almost believable. Graudin comes at the story from so many directions, evidencing the effort put into creating the thrilling plot. It is one thing to be able to string words together, but to make them come alive it takes a genius.
<i>Blood for Blood</i> is by far the better of the two novels, making it the perfect conclusion to a fantastic two-part story. Beginning with explosive action and not stopping until its heart-wrenching conclusion, <i>Blood for Blood</i> will satisfy readers of all ages and genres. Those who have read <i>Wolf by Wolf</i> definitely must get their hands on this amazing sequel. You will not be disappointed.
Ryan Graudin blew readers away with her alternate historical novel <i>Wolf by Wolf</i>. Now it is time to conclude the imaginative narrative with the highly anticipated sequel, <i>Blood for Blood. </i>Continuing from the precise moment Yael pulled the trigger on the Führer’s doppelgänger, the reader is thrown into a lively story of twists and turns, where danger lives around every corner.
To recap, it is 1956 and Hitler has won the war. Germany, or Germania, is ruling over Europe and many countries in Asia and Africa. Yael is a Jewish girl who a doctor experimented on whilst she was detained in a concentration camp. As a result of the brutal medical treatment, Yael is a successful result of the Doppelgänger Project – she can now change her physical appearance and anatomy at will.<i> Wolf by Wolf</i> focused on Yael and the resistance’s attempt to win a prestigious motorcycle race in order to get close to the Führer and end his life. As it turns out, Yael is not the only person with this skin shifting ability.
On the run with the entire world knowing her secret, Yael is desperate to make contact with the resistance leaders and continue with their plot to assassinate Hitler. However, unable to leave innocent people to suffer at the hands of the National Socialists, Yael ends up being accompanied and hindered by two Aryan boys, Luka and Felix. Yet with no way of knowing who can be trusted, Yael is taking a fatal risk by helping others instead of saving herself.
Despite circumstances, the blossoming romance that began to advance toward the end of the first book continues to feature in <i>Blood for Blood</i> as characters begin to rely on and trust each other. Nonetheless, constant plot developments obstruct all thoughts of a happy ending. Clever twists and gradually emerging truths prevent any opportunity for rest or safety.
<i>Wolf by Wolf </i>was an exciting, new concept for young adult readers, answering a “what if” question about the second world war. Yet the historical setting – albeit fictional – was impeded by the focus on the Axis Tour as characters raced from Germania to Tokyo. In contrast, <i>Blood for Blood</i> leaves all distractions behind, giving full attention to the life and danger under Hitler’s dictatorship. Despite Germany/Germania’s triumphant win, war is still raging throughout Europe. Anyone not meeting the Aryan description is at risk of death or deportment. Strictly speaking, the situation described must look similar, if not the same, as the true result of Nazi ruling.
Ryan Graudin is a formidable writer with the ability to make fiction seem like reality. Despite the added science fiction twist, the imaginative scenario is so well researched and planned that it becomes almost believable. Graudin comes at the story from so many directions, evidencing the effort put into creating the thrilling plot. It is one thing to be able to string words together, but to make them come alive it takes a genius.
<i>Blood for Blood</i> is by far the better of the two novels, making it the perfect conclusion to a fantastic two-part story. Beginning with explosive action and not stopping until its heart-wrenching conclusion, <i>Blood for Blood</i> will satisfy readers of all ages and genres. Those who have read <i>Wolf by Wolf</i> definitely must get their hands on this amazing sequel. You will not be disappointed.