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The Silver Eyes (Five Nights at Freddy's, #1)
The Silver Eyes (Five Nights at Freddy's, #1)
Scott Cawthon | 2016 | Horror, Mystery, Young Adult (YA)
5
7.2 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
Story (0 more)
Bad writing (0 more)
It was in 2014 when the video game Five Nights at Freddy's debuted, and now it's one of the most well known horror games in the world. Homicidal animatronics, a nighttime security guard, and a children's pizza restaurant make up Scott Cawthon's world in FNAF. Fast forward to 2016: Cawthon makes the game's story into a book series. The lore surrounding the video game franchise seems to be more sought after than the game play itself. ' The Silver Eyes' is the first of three books telling the dark story from Cawthon, but from the eyes of the animatronics creator's daughter, Charlie, instead of the night guard at Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria.

We start with seventeen-year-old Charlie, who is returning to her hometown of Hurricane, Utah for a scholarship/memorial ceremony dedicated to her deceased childhood friend, Michael. She has a reunion with other childhood friends: Carlton, Jessica, John, Lamar and Marla; all of who share the same tragedy of Michael's disappearance from when they were children at Freddy Fazbear's. This disappearance seems to be the only thing the group can discuss, but more so from Charlie because her father was blamed for Michael's disappearance. This, the shared experience of being present at the time of Michael's kidnapping, and having been part of the same circle of friends, dominates this story. Charlie is our main point of view, but we are given a few glimpses from other characters which end up irrelevant.

Charlie's father, years before, had the pizzeria Freddy Fazbear's built in Hurricane, but after Michael was kidnapped while being there, it was shut down and, now, a mall is being built around it. But, with the stigma coming from Fazbear's kidnapping, no businesses will agree to have their store put inside the new building, leaving it abandoned. Right away, the reader is taken with the group of friends on a trip to the building, where they break into Fazbear's with only a lone guard on duty, but with the amount of noise the group makes and even, somehow, turning the electricity back on, it's unreasonable to the reader that the guard isn't aware of their presence. (Even the characters don't seem worried about the guard coming in and kicking them out).

Without trying to give any spoilers away to those who may not know the story- the night guard finally shows up later on in the book, but only to join the group on their third adventure through the abandoned Fazbear's. And it is as this point, the book is at it's best. Even the writing seems to change - - - as if a different person took over for the second part of the book (which is a good thing).

Cawthon and Breed-Wrisley tried their best to convey the story of Five Nights at Freddy's, but although the story is a good one, the writing is lacking in many aspects. There's not just a few inconsistencies that I found, but rather a lot, and one of these is an important one: Charlie,earlier on in the story, tells us about her twin brother, Sammy, being kidnapped from the first Pizzeria her father had built, but later on, she states that Sammy was present at the newer Fazbear's when clearly he had been kidnapped before the newer restaurant was even built.

This story isn't so much about animatronics and a child murderer, but rather a group of children that shared a trauma that permeates into their adulthood. Sadly, the symptoms of this trauma aren't clearly stated from a reality stand point, but the teen drama is held in-check, making it a much more pleasant read than most young adult books. Character development is also lacking enough that--- even the main character--- seems like a stranger to the reader, where interactions between most of the group seems forced and unreasonable.

I can only recommend this book to fans of Five Nights at Freddy's, but as just a casual reader of the horror genre, the writing is a huge disappointment. I can't and won't read this again.
  
Make Me Hunger (Isle of the Forgotten #2)
Make Me Hunger (Isle of the Forgotten #2)
Tiffany Roberts | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Make Me Hunger (Isle of the Forgotten #2) by Tiffany Roberts
Make Me Hunger is the second book in the Isle of the Forgotten series, and we start with the High Mage giving one of his Justicars a job to do on the quiet. He feels that some of the prisoners have been sent there without proper trial, and wants Amnestria to find out for sure. Along in the group though, as their commander, is the one person who Amnestria has a one night history with! The one person who wants that one night again, even though she isn't interested. The others in the team pick up on this, and try to help her any which way they can. During a fight with some of those who have lost their humanity on the island, Amnestria is separated from the rest of them, and Baltherus comes to her rescue - if you can call cuffing and kidnapping her rescue! Although they both have histories and secrets, they seem to be working things out. It isn't just them on the Island though, and real life has a way of intruding...

After meeting Baltherus in the first book, I was hopeful of him turning out to be an alright guy, but I wasn't sure. Amnestria was a strong and sassy female, whilst also having her vulnerabilities. Together, these two are strong and will fight for each other AND what is right. Their story is very well written, with plenty of feels (figuratively and literally!). The pace is smooth and yet it is full of action in all the right places. There were no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, and this book pretty much read itself as I got lost within the pages. It will be interesting to find out what comes next in The Order, and I would personally love to hear more about our happy couples and how life is treating them. Definitely recommended by me.

* 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!
  
The Krinar Experiment
The Krinar Experiment
Charmaine Pauls | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Krinar Experiment (Krinar Kindle World) by Charmaine Pauls
The Krinar Experiment is the first book in the Krinar Kindle World that I have tried, simply because I am a big fan of Charmaine Pauls. It is a complete standalone, you do not have to have any prior knowledge of the Krinar before you start reading this book.

Drako is a Krina, entering Earth's atmosphere for the first time, and his pod wasn't up to dealing with earth's atmosphere. He loses his invisibility, and then crash-lands in the middle of a sports stadium in South Africa. He is captured by the Secret Service and tortured. They call Ilse in to heal him, as they have plans that don't include him dying. The attraction between Drako and Ilse is instantaneous, but there is a big (read MASSIVE) misunderstanding between Ilse and Drako. This eventually leads him to kidnapping her... and I'll let you read the rest for yourself.

Now, I'm going to be perfectly honest here - I love Sci-Fi Romances, and I love Charmaine Pauls, but I didn't love this book. I enjoyed it, yes, but I didn't love it. Why? Well, for a start, that misunderstanding I mentioned? Yep, it's a biggie, but Drako acts like a jerk about it, and refuses to hear anything that Ilse has to say. Also, the things that he does is borderline dub-con, but is given the approval because she gets wet, and then asks for it. I've read dub-con before and never had an issue with it, but something about this just sat wrong with me.

There is an amazing amount of detail in this book, but you are never overloaded. With good characters, and bad, there is someone for everyone. There are no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and I did thoroughly enjoy this story. I would be happy to read more in this series, and definitely recommend it for those who want more from this world.

* 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!
  
Facing Fears (Kiss of Leather #7)
Facing Fears (Kiss of Leather #7)
Morticia Knight | 2017 | Erotica, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
i can't fault this series!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

Book 7 in the series, and you REALLY should read the others first, they work so much better for you, if you do!

We met Master Hunter and Tobey in the previous book, but it wasn't clear they had any scenes, of anything. In this book, Tobey has run home because of something Master Hunter said. And when Tobey decides that home is NOT Idaho, but in the company of those who live and breathe the lifestyle, he knows he has to face Master Hunter again. He just doesn't know if his heart can stand it!

What I particularly enjoyed about this one was, that Master Hunter and Tobey already had their getting together, they had their feelings grow and develop, and this is about them getting back together! And, also, *don't die of shock, here folks!* there is very little sexy time! Yes, yes I know, I KNOW I usually like my books with lots of sexy time, and this whole series has been amazing for that, but this book?? Not needed, at all. Cos what it's about is really two men, getting their act together and telling each other how they really feel! When Tobey gives Master Hunter a chance to explain his comment, well, lets just say, AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! (and pass the bucket! ? )

The whole saga around Corey's kidnapping takes another turn, and it isn't Corey in danger this time, it's Liam. And Master Neal's world comes crashing down around his ears when he realised Liam is gone.

I mentioned Cruella (working in Master Neal's tattoo studio) in my review for book 6, but thinking back on it (I had already read book 7 before writing that review) I don't think they don't appear til this book. But I stand by what I said, Cruella and Ray would make an excellent edition to this series, even if they aren't in the lifestyle in any way. Cruella is quite the character, and I do love the quirky ones.

I have book 8 to read, but I don't wanna! I don't want this series to end!

5 stars

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
  
Lovemurder
Lovemurder
Saul Black | 2018 | Mystery, Thriller
9
9.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Tension and head games galore!
This can be read as a stand alone if you come across this book although it’s highly encouraged to read the first one only because it’s just as good!

This time around, Valerie doesn’t get pummelled all over the place and you don’t cringe as much when she gets hit by something (whether it’s a bullet or a hit to the head). The plot held up to the same standards as the first; fast paced, filled with scenes of gratuitous violence and some sexual content here and there. This may not be for some readers as it does get graphic but I think without it, it would be hard to describe how heinous the crimes are.

Throughout the novel, Valerie has these tete a tetes with Katherine and they’re well written. You feel the tension between them and the mind games Katherine plays are subtle and sometimes even frustrating because she’s maddingly brilliant and manipulative. You’re running along with Valerie trying to catch this killer and you follow through the chase filled with puzzles and cryptic notes and gifts (none very nice gifts either…). The killer is brilliant and when you think he’s this one person, he ends up being someone you didn’t realize and it’s mind blowing considering who this killer ends up kidnapping.

And just when you think everything’s done there’s more extra twists happening. This is what makes this novel so quick and fast to read. You’re deeply engrossed in the plot and in the chase to find this killer but you forget he most likely has a plan B and you’re blindsided again. This is what makes this book so good!!!!!! I loved every minute of it!!!

The only concern I have is, how much more can happen in this series before this starts getting repetitive. I love the way it’s going and I hope the series can stay fresh and exciting like it’s been so far. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next, given there’s a bit of a teaser at the very last page of the book.
  
Pretty Ugly Lies
Pretty Ugly Lies
Pamela Crane | 2018 | Thriller
8
7.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
In “Pretty Ugly Lies” Pamela Crane reveals the lives of four very different women in this dramatic, intimate domestic noir, of which I could not put down, especially upon opening the book to suddenly discover how someone is killing a whole family!

As the story unravelled I found myself really keen to find out who had murdered not just the husband but the kids in such a horrific way! We hear, through the voices of four women, Jo Trubeau, Ellie Harper, Shayla Kensington and June Merrigan, how their seemingly unconnected lives and problems eventually intertwine in this cleverly written tale of domestic bliss gone wrong.

We also hear the evil thoughts of the kidnapper and for me that made this read even more entertaining, sending chills down my spine!

Overall, Pretty Ugly Lies raises some series issues, from kidnapping a child, stalking, and infidelity, to marriage breakdowns, autism, and suicidal thoughts. There’s certainly a huge amount of problems within these girl’s lives and the neighbourhood they live in. I wouldn’t want to live there, however affluent it looked on the outside.

If you love a book full of some pretty ugly lies, then the killer secrets and domestic misery within this dark thriller will have you double checking what’s lurking in the shadows as you read! Not to mention checking where your kids are. A powerful statement of how a twisted, disfigured need for love can evolve into a terrible tragedy with disastrous consequences!

Oh, and as a side-note, I loved how, at the very end of this story, Pamela’s daughter Talia (7) wrote her own version of “The Girl Who Got Kidnapped” and why! It’s such a cute, Grimm Fairy Tale like story, (totally different to the actual book) and pretty well written for such a young age. I can safely put money on Talia definitely following in her mum’s footsteps as a writer herself! I hope I get to see that day!

My thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in any way.
  
TK
The Krinar Experiment
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Krinar Experiment is the first book in the Krinar Kindle World that I have tried, simply because I am a big fan of Charmaine Pauls. It is a complete standalone, you do not have to have any prior knowledge of the Krinar before you start reading this book.

Drako is a Krina, entering Earth's atmosphere for the first time, and his pod wasn't up to dealing with earth's atmosphere. He loses his invisibility, and then crash-lands in the middle of a sports stadium in South Africa. He is captured by the Secret Service and tortured. They call Ilse in to heal him, as they have plans that don't include him dying. The attraction between Drako and Ilse is instantaneous, but there is a big (read MASSIVE) misunderstanding between Ilse and Drako. This eventually leads him to kidnapping her... and I'll let you read the rest for yourself.

Now, I'm going to be perfectly honest here - I love Sci-Fi Romances, and I love Charmaine Pauls, but I didn't love this book. I enjoyed it, yes, but I didn't love it. Why? Well, for a start, that misunderstanding I mentioned? Yep, it's a biggie, but Drako acts like a jerk about it, and refuses to hear anything that Ilse has to say. Also, the things that he does is borderline dub-con, but is given the approval because she gets wet, and then asks for it. I've read dub-con before and never had an issue with it, but something about this just sat wrong with me.

There is an amazing amount of detail in this book, but you are never overloaded. With good characters, and bad, there is someone for everyone. There are no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and I did thoroughly enjoy this story. I would be happy to read more in this series, and definitely recommend it for those who want more from this world.

* 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!
  
Shadow Of The Jaguar (A Leine Basso Thriller)
Shadow Of The Jaguar (A Leine Basso Thriller)
D.V. Berkom | 2020 | Crime, Thriller
9
9.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
I'm a bit of a broken record when it comes to this particular series but I make no apologies for that as each one is as good, if not better, than the last and once again I am struggling to find new words to describe how much I enjoyed this book and I have found myself delving into my thesaurus to come up with some new ones ...love, relish, savour, delight in ... all work but mean the same thing in that this book is one of the many containing Leine Basso that shouldn't be missed.

In this, the ninth instalment, we find Leine and her daughter April in the midst of a kidnapping case deep in the Amazon jungle ... sounds straight forward enough however, things are never as they seem and Leine and April soon have to bring to the fore all of their training and instincts to get to the bottom of what's going on and survive coming into contact with all manner of creatures - both human and animal!

D.V. Berkom literally immerses you on their journey through the Amazon and although I've never had that pleasure unfortunately, I could feel the cloying humidity, the mosquitoes biting and hear the jungle noises in my living room such was the excellent writing and vivid descriptions used throughout this book.

There is plenty of adventure, action and twists to make anyone happy but there is also an educational element thrown in for good measure ... I have learnt a thing or two about Shamans and I'm off to find out what my spirit animal is now! [it's a cat by the way 😺]. Although this is the ninth book in the series, you don't particularly have to have read all the preceding books but I would recommend reading at least a few in order to understand Leine a little better as she is a complex character.

Once again, I have not been disappointed and I want to thank D.V. Berkom for providing me with an advance copy in return for an honest and unbiased review and I can't wait for the next adventure.