Steven Universe
6.7
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A young boy named Steven Universe lives with a trio of magical alien guardians known as the Crystal...
Action Science fiction Comedy-drama Beach City Connie Peridot
Jane and the Lost City (1987)
4.0
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Movie
Jane and the Colonel must journey to Africa to the lost city to retrieve the diamonds before the...
ClareR (5711 KP) rated Circus of Wonders in Books
Mar 15, 2022
Elizabeth Macneal has described what it is like to be on the margins of society - an outcast because you don’t look the same as everyone else. Nell lives in a time where you are shunned for having birthmarks such as hers. She is considered to be bad luck, a curse. Not helped by the fact that her mother had died in childbirth. Her father constantly reinforces this, and won’t even touch her. Nell’s beloved brother is her sole comfort. He cares for her, and promises to take her with him when he marries.
But Nell’s father sells her to Jasper Jupiters Circus of Wonders. Jasper is a man who is hellbent on being a success, and thinks nothing of using Nell and others like her, to achieve greatness. Jasper and his brother Toby, are both survivors of the Crimean war, and clearly carry many secrets.
Themes such as exploitation, ownership, differences, power, sibling love, secrets, love and loss are central to this book.
Nell is a constant surprise. She goes from being a scared, vulnerable girl, to becoming the centre of attention, in control of all those who come to watch her. This is the other side to the P. T. Barnum story. We’ve probably all heard of ‘The Greatest Showman’, but there’s the other exploitative side that seems to have been brushed under the carpet. This book shows that side.
I loved this book, and I wouldn’t hesitate to tell you all to go out and buy it!
Merissa (12019 KP) rated Journey (The Chosen One Trilogy #2) in Books
Apr 15, 2023
This is very well-written although the perspective changes from Hayden to Jasper without warning which I personally found a bit jarring. However, saying that, it was good to get Jasper's perspective on things so I liked it, but a title or note at the beginning of each chapter would have made it smoother in my opinion.
The plot advances swiftly and time skips over 'dead time' occasionally as the plot moves forward. the character development is good and I am looking forward to learning more about the bond between Hayden and Alex, the bond between the Queen and the cats etc. So much information is given to you in this book and yet I am still left wanting more. I need the third book in this fabulous series!
In short, this is a brilliant book that shows the depth and sacrifice entailed with deep and enduring love. I love the world-building and the characters and can't wait to reimmerse myself in Hayden's world. Highly recommended.
* 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!
Sep 9, 2015
Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated Charisma Check (Dungeons and Dating #6) in Books
May 28, 2023
Jasper runs the tabletop tavern with his close friends and has no intention of letting anybody else in he likes it that way. Matt has gone through yet another breakup and is feeling unlovable what is wrong with him why is he not good enough for any woman? Jasper helps him on his journey of healing but could there be more to it?
I have absolutely loved this series from start to finish! The warmth, emotion, turmoil, love, and everything in between is gripping. There are so many issues dealt with and they are done so in a sensitive heartwarming way. Although this can be read as a stand-alone I would advise reading all of the books as each character has a different story to tell it's easy to see why they support each other so fondly.
Jasper's story is heartbreaking but I'm so happy he has his family to help him get through it even though at times like some of us do we can get quite nasty when we're hurting or unable to process certain things.
It has been such a pleasure reading and learning about each of these characters realizing that no matter what you don't need to feel shame. Thank you Katherine you've done an amazing job.
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