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Merissa (12325 KP) rated A 3rd Time to Die in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Do you believe in past lives? After reading this book you might be convinced! This is a book full of connections between the main characters and other connections that you find out about as you read through. The concept of connected souls is an old one but this story gives it a whole new twist and it was a pleasure to read. It is suspenseful, not giving away secrets until exactly the right time, and also with the right mix of romance, 'normal' life and paranormal activity.
The characters in the book, whether they are main ones or supporting characters, all have immense depth to them. Mr Bernstein has managed to give each character their own personal traits and flaws whilst also drawing parallels not only with each other but with past lives too. This is an incredible feat of writing that will draw you in and not let go until you have finished the story.
The climax to the story is everything that it should be. It fills in any holes that have been left as the story unfolded while giving you a dramatic and satisfying conclusion.
Highly Recommended for all readers of the Paranormal and Suspense genres.
http://archaeolibrarianologist.blogspot.de/2014/03/a-3rd-time-to-die-by-george-bernstein.html
Do you believe in past lives? After reading this book you might be convinced! This is a book full of connections between the main characters and other connections that you find out about as you read through. The concept of connected souls is an old one but this story gives it a whole new twist and it was a pleasure to read. It is suspenseful, not giving away secrets until exactly the right time, and also with the right mix of romance, 'normal' life and paranormal activity.
The characters in the book, whether they are main ones or supporting characters, all have immense depth to them. Mr Bernstein has managed to give each character their own personal traits and flaws whilst also drawing parallels not only with each other but with past lives too. This is an incredible feat of writing that will draw you in and not let go until you have finished the story.
The climax to the story is everything that it should be. It fills in any holes that have been left as the story unfolded while giving you a dramatic and satisfying conclusion.
Highly Recommended for all readers of the Paranormal and Suspense genres.
http://archaeolibrarianologist.blogspot.de/2014/03/a-3rd-time-to-die-by-george-bernstein.html
Deborah (162 KP) rated The River of No Return in Books
Dec 21, 2018
At nearly 600 pages, this isn't a short read (although the font is quite large.....) and although, after a slowish start, I did really get into the book, the ending left me feeling disappointed - not enough to give 4 starts this time. The right ingredients are all there, it's just that this is a pretty long book and at the end of it we got very little explanation or resolution of story threads. It was more like Part One of a larger novel than book one of a series because so little is resolved at the end of this, so it doesn't really work as a standalone novel.
My more usual reading matter tends towards historical fiction/mystery/romance, do maybe this was why I was happier once we were back in the Georgian period than in the modern, or maybe it just took a while to get going. We are nearly a third into the book before the big jump back in time takes place, so maybe it wasn't just a feeling. A lot of the stuff beforehand is trying to explain and set up the plot rather than just let it happen.
My more usual reading matter tends towards historical fiction/mystery/romance, do maybe this was why I was happier once we were back in the Georgian period than in the modern, or maybe it just took a while to get going. We are nearly a third into the book before the big jump back in time takes place, so maybe it wasn't just a feeling. A lot of the stuff beforehand is trying to explain and set up the plot rather than just let it happen.
Chasing Daffodils
Book
Jade Everly is a twenty-four-year-old native New Yorker, pursuing an acting career while working as...
romance contemporary romance bookbuzz
Merissa (12325 KP) rated Imminence (Connected #2) in Books
Nov 9, 2017
Imminence (Connected #2) by Kat Stiles
Imminence is the second book in the Connected series, and being as I loved book one, I couldn't wait to read this one. As it had been a while since I read book one, I took the opportunity to re-read that one, and can I just say that even knowing how it ended this time, I still fell in love with the characters and situations just as much! HOWEVER, this review is about the second book, not the first.
Imminence starts where Connected finished. Basically, Em puts the phone down on her dad - the one she had thought was dead for years - and tries to understand just what is going on. Also, whilst dealing with the adrenaline drop from the attack. Not easy for anyone, let alone a sixteen-year-old! The gorgeous Tommy is on hand though, to help her cope. And yes, this is one of those times that I felt like a complete cougar, lusting after a (much) younger man!! I blame Kat Stiles though - if she hadn't made him so scrummy, I wouldn't be needing counselling right now! ;)
Suffice it to say, this story is packed full of action and melting moments, plus you get to see Em's dad and why he did what he did. I loved that part, when it all became clear. If an author can make you relate to the 'big bad' then she is definitely doing it right. Lauren was a star in this book, and the repartee she has going on with Demetri had me laughing out loud.
Excellently written, with a fantastic storyline, and amazing characters, Imminence is a wonderful addition to the Connected series. Fair warning though, it does end on a cliffhanger that had me shouting out! Absolutely loved it, and 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!
Imminence starts where Connected finished. Basically, Em puts the phone down on her dad - the one she had thought was dead for years - and tries to understand just what is going on. Also, whilst dealing with the adrenaline drop from the attack. Not easy for anyone, let alone a sixteen-year-old! The gorgeous Tommy is on hand though, to help her cope. And yes, this is one of those times that I felt like a complete cougar, lusting after a (much) younger man!! I blame Kat Stiles though - if she hadn't made him so scrummy, I wouldn't be needing counselling right now! ;)
Suffice it to say, this story is packed full of action and melting moments, plus you get to see Em's dad and why he did what he did. I loved that part, when it all became clear. If an author can make you relate to the 'big bad' then she is definitely doing it right. Lauren was a star in this book, and the repartee she has going on with Demetri had me laughing out loud.
Excellently written, with a fantastic storyline, and amazing characters, Imminence is a wonderful addition to the Connected series. Fair warning though, it does end on a cliffhanger that had me shouting out! Absolutely loved it, and 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!
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated One of us is Lying in Books
Sep 6, 2018
The Pacings (2 more)
The Plot
The Characters
A Great Read!
I forgot how I came across One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus, but I'm really glad I did. This story pulled me in right from the start and never let go!
The pacing for One of Us Is Lying is fantastic. I was fully immersed in the story as soon as I read the first sentence. Never did the pacing falter. It was quick and enjoyable. This was one of those books where I wished real life could have left me alone so I could have finished it in one sitting.
I found the plot for One of Us Is Lying to be very interesting. I enjoyed how it kind of felt like The Breakfast Club movie, but it was much much more interesting. It was good to see a group of kids from different backgrounds coming together instead of blaming each other for once. Usually in young adult novels, there's so much bickering. That wasn't the case in One of Us Is Lying. There are a few plot twists. I did figure out who the murderer was very early in the book. I felt like it was kind of obvious. However, there was one major plot twist I didn't predict. I feel like this book does tie up all loose ends.
The world building was done very well. I thought the author, Karen M. McManus, did a great job in writing about a high school setting as well as a criminal setting. Everything felt very real. I felt like I was one of the teens being accused of murder. Everything felt personal to me which is definitely a good thing. I've never been interrogated by the police, but McManus made me feel like I was in the interrogation room each time was of the teens was questioned. I can't fault the world building one bit. It is solid.
I loved the characters in One of Us is Lying. I also loved how diverse a lot of the characters were. I think my favorite character, overall, was Cooper. Maybe it's because we're both southern, but I just loved him. He seemed so caring and sweet. I also enjoyed the other characters of Nate, Bronwyn, and Addy as well. It was nice to see the homecoming princess as not just a one dimensional person. All of the characters were thoroughly fleshed out. Character development was spot on.
Trigger warnings include death, drugs, some violence, and swearing.
All in all, One of Us Is Lying was such a fantastic read. I enjoyed it more than I thought I was going to. It's got a great cast of characters, an interesting plot, and the world building is fantastic. I would definitely recommend One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus to everyone aged 14+.
The pacing for One of Us Is Lying is fantastic. I was fully immersed in the story as soon as I read the first sentence. Never did the pacing falter. It was quick and enjoyable. This was one of those books where I wished real life could have left me alone so I could have finished it in one sitting.
I found the plot for One of Us Is Lying to be very interesting. I enjoyed how it kind of felt like The Breakfast Club movie, but it was much much more interesting. It was good to see a group of kids from different backgrounds coming together instead of blaming each other for once. Usually in young adult novels, there's so much bickering. That wasn't the case in One of Us Is Lying. There are a few plot twists. I did figure out who the murderer was very early in the book. I felt like it was kind of obvious. However, there was one major plot twist I didn't predict. I feel like this book does tie up all loose ends.
The world building was done very well. I thought the author, Karen M. McManus, did a great job in writing about a high school setting as well as a criminal setting. Everything felt very real. I felt like I was one of the teens being accused of murder. Everything felt personal to me which is definitely a good thing. I've never been interrogated by the police, but McManus made me feel like I was in the interrogation room each time was of the teens was questioned. I can't fault the world building one bit. It is solid.
I loved the characters in One of Us is Lying. I also loved how diverse a lot of the characters were. I think my favorite character, overall, was Cooper. Maybe it's because we're both southern, but I just loved him. He seemed so caring and sweet. I also enjoyed the other characters of Nate, Bronwyn, and Addy as well. It was nice to see the homecoming princess as not just a one dimensional person. All of the characters were thoroughly fleshed out. Character development was spot on.
Trigger warnings include death, drugs, some violence, and swearing.
All in all, One of Us Is Lying was such a fantastic read. I enjoyed it more than I thought I was going to. It's got a great cast of characters, an interesting plot, and the world building is fantastic. I would definitely recommend One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus to everyone aged 14+.
Guinness World Records: 2017
Chris Hadfield and Buzz Aldrin
Book
The ultimate annual book of records is back and crammed with more than ever before! Guinness World...
The Mix-Up
Book
Paige might bake wedding cakes for a living but that doesn't mean she's dreaming about her own...
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated A Stranger in the House in Books
May 10, 2018
Karen and Tom Krupp have been married for two years and they are very much in love. When Tom comes home from work one night, he finds his front door unlocked and dinner half way done in the kitchen, but his wife and her car are no where to be found. After calling her best friend and neighbor Brigid and having no luck with where Karen, might be, Tom calls the police to report her missing. Shortly after, the police arrive at his door to let him know that Karen has been in a terrible accident and is in the hospital. Tom is instantly worried because none of these actions sound like his wife. But does Tom now Karen as well as he thinks? Is she keeping secrets from him?
Let me just say that female thriller writers are hitting it out of the park this year. I don't think I've read one bad one yet. <u>A Stranger in the House</u> was incredible. From the very beginning it grips you and pulls you into the story. It was so hard to put down.
Karen Krupp is your typical housewife with a part-time job. Dinner is on the table at the same time each night. But lately, things haven't been quite right. Things are moved in the house that neither she or Tom have moved. After her accident she has amnesia and can't remember what happened that night and with her mind still foggy from the concussion she's not sure if she's going crazy or if things really are being moved. She is living in constant fear of her past and the police since a body was found near the scene of her accident. Will she be able to lean on Tom for the support she needs during this difficult time? Will she be able to count on her friend Brigid to be a shoulder to cry on?
There was only one thing I saw coming in this book the rest took me by surprise. There were twists and turns around each corner. I wasn't sure which way I wanted the story to go, but I was eager to figure out who did what to who and how and why. This is by far one of the best books I have read this year and I highly recommend it.
Let me just say that female thriller writers are hitting it out of the park this year. I don't think I've read one bad one yet. <u>A Stranger in the House</u> was incredible. From the very beginning it grips you and pulls you into the story. It was so hard to put down.
Karen Krupp is your typical housewife with a part-time job. Dinner is on the table at the same time each night. But lately, things haven't been quite right. Things are moved in the house that neither she or Tom have moved. After her accident she has amnesia and can't remember what happened that night and with her mind still foggy from the concussion she's not sure if she's going crazy or if things really are being moved. She is living in constant fear of her past and the police since a body was found near the scene of her accident. Will she be able to lean on Tom for the support she needs during this difficult time? Will she be able to count on her friend Brigid to be a shoulder to cry on?
There was only one thing I saw coming in this book the rest took me by surprise. There were twists and turns around each corner. I wasn't sure which way I wanted the story to go, but I was eager to figure out who did what to who and how and why. This is by far one of the best books I have read this year and I highly recommend it.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Titanium (Bionics, #2) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Here we have the next installment following "Bionics," and it picks up right where the first left off: from Dax's point of view. I can't tell you how much I wanted to hear his thoughts and feelings after reading that epilogue!! He, Blythe, and Gage, along with the rest of the leading players, are gearing up to rescue the other Resistance members who were taken over by the MP's in the first installment. They plan a dual attack, one team heading to the prison where members are being kept in D.C., the others heading toward the Resistance stronghold in Tennessee. Blythe and Dax head to TN, and we see everything from Dax's perspective, from taking over as a leader to his feelings for Blythe and issues with Gage. This was such an awesome continuation of the series, and it leaves off with our characters in a very interesting situation..... =)
My favorite quote: "Loving her is like holding the stem of a rose tightly in your fist. The thorns might prick and tear my skin, but I can't let go because the beauty of the bud has me entranced."
Next up: Gage's POV, I can't wait!!!
5 stars
Here we have the next installment following "Bionics," and it picks up right where the first left off: from Dax's point of view. I can't tell you how much I wanted to hear his thoughts and feelings after reading that epilogue!! He, Blythe, and Gage, along with the rest of the leading players, are gearing up to rescue the other Resistance members who were taken over by the MP's in the first installment. They plan a dual attack, one team heading to the prison where members are being kept in D.C., the others heading toward the Resistance stronghold in Tennessee. Blythe and Dax head to TN, and we see everything from Dax's perspective, from taking over as a leader to his feelings for Blythe and issues with Gage. This was such an awesome continuation of the series, and it leaves off with our characters in a very interesting situation..... =)
My favorite quote: "Loving her is like holding the stem of a rose tightly in your fist. The thorns might prick and tear my skin, but I can't let go because the beauty of the bud has me entranced."
Next up: Gage's POV, I can't wait!!!
5 stars