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Hazel (2934 KP) rated Stay Alive (Scope #2) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
I must admit that I am a huge Simon Kernick fan. I discovered him by accident when browsing at my local library and he fast became one of my favourite authors. I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book from the publisher via www.netgalley.com in return for an honest and unbiased review.
To those who have read other novels by this author, Stay Alive sees a return of some familiar characters. For those who havent, where have you been? Stay Alive sends you on a roller-coaster ride of twists and turns, murder and mayhem from the very start and although the plot is not as complex as some of Simons other novels, it keeps you on your toes and provides you with those doh moments when you realise the clues have been drip-fed throughout the story but only come together at the end.
Some reviews I have read say that it is unbelievable - its not a non-fiction book people, it doesn't necessarily have to be believable to make it an enjoyable and engrossing read with guaranteed action delivered at breakneck speed.
http://haziegaze.blogspot.co.uk/
To those who have read other novels by this author, Stay Alive sees a return of some familiar characters. For those who havent, where have you been? Stay Alive sends you on a roller-coaster ride of twists and turns, murder and mayhem from the very start and although the plot is not as complex as some of Simons other novels, it keeps you on your toes and provides you with those doh moments when you realise the clues have been drip-fed throughout the story but only come together at the end.
Some reviews I have read say that it is unbelievable - its not a non-fiction book people, it doesn't necessarily have to be believable to make it an enjoyable and engrossing read with guaranteed action delivered at breakneck speed.
http://haziegaze.blogspot.co.uk/
Jenny Houle (24 KP) rated The Wanderers in Books
Jan 13, 2018
Initially, I had received a free copy of this book for an unbiased review, but did not read it in the allotted time. I finally borrowed it from my local library to sit down and read it.
This book is the story of three astronauts chosen to go on a simulation trip to Mars, in preparation for a real trip in the future. It is also, though, the story of the family members left behind during the simulation, and their relationships with the astronauts. Each chapter is written from a different character's view point, and while in some books this is distracting, Howrey manages to perfect the art of it. Each character is distinct, their growth and changes during the 18 months very much their own.
I am typically not a fan of books where the ending is not...a complete ending, but in this particular book it felt like it was the only way to end the book. I found myself, towards the end, fearing the moment when all the answers to questions would come...and that sort of goes against what the rest of the book depicts.
This book is the story of three astronauts chosen to go on a simulation trip to Mars, in preparation for a real trip in the future. It is also, though, the story of the family members left behind during the simulation, and their relationships with the astronauts. Each chapter is written from a different character's view point, and while in some books this is distracting, Howrey manages to perfect the art of it. Each character is distinct, their growth and changes during the 18 months very much their own.
I am typically not a fan of books where the ending is not...a complete ending, but in this particular book it felt like it was the only way to end the book. I found myself, towards the end, fearing the moment when all the answers to questions would come...and that sort of goes against what the rest of the book depicts.
Mayhawke (97 KP) rated The Last Templar in Books
Feb 7, 2018
It's an O.K. Read, But...
...but. It's not riveting. I had no problems putting it down and going to do other things. In fact I stopped for a day half-way through and read an entire other book. That said, I had no problems picking it up again.
The writing style is a bit unsophisticated. It seems to swing between slightly out-of-synch passages of 'Historical Travelogue' and 'Something That Was Written With The Movie in Mind' - screaming Hollywood-esq car chases, murderous priests etc.
In it's favour the theory it puts forward is intriguing and over-all the story is well-paced and well presented. Unfortunatly parts of the plot only stand up if you read them with one eye shut, from behind a pillow, and some of the arguments are highly dubious to say the least (e.g: people can only be good, kind and charitable if inspired to be by religion; Christianity was the first religion to preach love not hate)
All in all, it's not a bad read but if you have to budget your 'book allowance' I'd suggest getting it from a library or borrowing it from a friend.
The writing style is a bit unsophisticated. It seems to swing between slightly out-of-synch passages of 'Historical Travelogue' and 'Something That Was Written With The Movie in Mind' - screaming Hollywood-esq car chases, murderous priests etc.
In it's favour the theory it puts forward is intriguing and over-all the story is well-paced and well presented. Unfortunatly parts of the plot only stand up if you read them with one eye shut, from behind a pillow, and some of the arguments are highly dubious to say the least (e.g: people can only be good, kind and charitable if inspired to be by religion; Christianity was the first religion to preach love not hate)
All in all, it's not a bad read but if you have to budget your 'book allowance' I'd suggest getting it from a library or borrowing it from a friend.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated The Cycling Wangdoos in Books
Jun 18, 2018
The Cycling Wangdoos by Kelly Pulley is a beautifully illustrated story about the value of teamwork. The rhyming is tastefully done. I read this book to my students ages 7-12. They really liked this book.
The Wangdoos learn about the importance of teamwork the hard way. Throughout the story the Wangdoos learn that each person has to do their part to keep the bike and success going. The message of the story is evident, which causes young readers to think about the overall message.
This book teaches a great lesson, that no matter how small one contributes to the group as a whole-the group is only as strong as its weakest member. Kids will appreciate the careful, fun illustrations. When one is part of a team, one has to do one’s part no matter what. The rhyming text will surely hold the attention of children and is perfect for reading out loud. I would love to add this book to my classroom library.
I give this book 5/5 stars
Thank you to Schiffer Publishing Ltd. and Shaffer Kids via NetGalley for the opportunity to read and give an honest review of The Cycling Wangdoos.
The Wangdoos learn about the importance of teamwork the hard way. Throughout the story the Wangdoos learn that each person has to do their part to keep the bike and success going. The message of the story is evident, which causes young readers to think about the overall message.
This book teaches a great lesson, that no matter how small one contributes to the group as a whole-the group is only as strong as its weakest member. Kids will appreciate the careful, fun illustrations. When one is part of a team, one has to do one’s part no matter what. The rhyming text will surely hold the attention of children and is perfect for reading out loud. I would love to add this book to my classroom library.
I give this book 5/5 stars
Thank you to Schiffer Publishing Ltd. and Shaffer Kids via NetGalley for the opportunity to read and give an honest review of The Cycling Wangdoos.
ClareR (6256 KP) rated The Trick to Time in Books
Nov 6, 2018
A surprisingly beautiful novel.
I knew (and hoped) that this was going to be a good book, based on Kit de Waal's previous book 'My Name is Leon'. I have not been let down. I loved this. If it wasn't a library book, I would probably have turned back to the start and begun again.
This is the story of Mona: her life as a child, a young woman and an older woman (in the present day). She moves from Ireland to England to work and find more excitement than the village life she has experienced in Ireland, leaving her father behind (her mother dies when she is young). She meets a young Irish man and marries him. We skip between the present day and her past from chapter to chapter. In the present day, Mona hand makes dolls which she sells online around the world. These wooden dolls are made by 'the carpenter' and Mona makes their clothes. She meets a German 'gentleman' who always seems a little pushy to me (he made me feel uncomfortable).
It's the gradual revelations that really affected me: the hard life she had and the heartache. Such a beautifully written, emotional novel.
This is the story of Mona: her life as a child, a young woman and an older woman (in the present day). She moves from Ireland to England to work and find more excitement than the village life she has experienced in Ireland, leaving her father behind (her mother dies when she is young). She meets a young Irish man and marries him. We skip between the present day and her past from chapter to chapter. In the present day, Mona hand makes dolls which she sells online around the world. These wooden dolls are made by 'the carpenter' and Mona makes their clothes. She meets a German 'gentleman' who always seems a little pushy to me (he made me feel uncomfortable).
It's the gradual revelations that really affected me: the hard life she had and the heartache. Such a beautifully written, emotional novel.
Roxanne (13 KP) rated Autofiction in Books
Nov 14, 2018
This was a very strange book that deserves a good rating as it's one that has been stuck in my mind for a while now and I always find that if a book is memorable it deserves great praise. A bizarre story about a fruit loop of a girl who is extremely possessive and a slave to dark thoughts. You are welcomed into a very disturbed mind, which I found fascinating.
Before reading this novel I had never heard of the author before and I picked it up as the cover caught my eye when browsing the shelves in my local library. After reading the blurb I thought the story sounded very interesting...a sort of twisted romance. I was not disappointed as I felt the author delivered. I found that I could not completely feel attached to the MC, however, which was the only downside for me and I wanted to slap her a few times but maybe that's how the author wished you to feel towards the MC, I am not sure.
Overall, I enjoyed this story...mostly because it was something different and bizarre...2 of my favourite things.
Before reading this novel I had never heard of the author before and I picked it up as the cover caught my eye when browsing the shelves in my local library. After reading the blurb I thought the story sounded very interesting...a sort of twisted romance. I was not disappointed as I felt the author delivered. I found that I could not completely feel attached to the MC, however, which was the only downside for me and I wanted to slap her a few times but maybe that's how the author wished you to feel towards the MC, I am not sure.
Overall, I enjoyed this story...mostly because it was something different and bizarre...2 of my favourite things.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Red Queen in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Not gonna lie...I was a bit sceptical when I picked up this book. But I was quickly pulled into the world of Reds and Silvers and the Red Guard. I found myself listening to this book every spare minute I had. Intrigue, secrets, unknown powers, fears, lies, family, betrayal, and HOPE bleed onto the pages of this book in a neverending flow.
I still don't know who to trust, although I DO know who is evil...I think...You know, come to think of it...I have no idea...afterall...
“Anyone can betray anyone.”
― Victoria Aveyard, Red Queen
It is ridiculously hard to review a book like this...Only because I don't want to give away spoilers. So I will leave you with this...If you love YA books...and have a fascination with dystopian/sci-fi type books...You should definitely give Red Queen a try. I think you will really enjoy it! Now excuse me while I finish the series....
I borrowed Red Queen on audio from my local library. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I still don't know who to trust, although I DO know who is evil...I think...You know, come to think of it...I have no idea...afterall...
“Anyone can betray anyone.”
― Victoria Aveyard, Red Queen
It is ridiculously hard to review a book like this...Only because I don't want to give away spoilers. So I will leave you with this...If you love YA books...and have a fascination with dystopian/sci-fi type books...You should definitely give Red Queen a try. I think you will really enjoy it! Now excuse me while I finish the series....
I borrowed Red Queen on audio from my local library. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The Dancing Master in Books
Jan 2, 2019
The Dancing Master is the first book I have read by Julie Klassen. This story is not only intriguing and suspenseful, but it is also full of romance and God's love and grace. Set in Regency England, I found this to be an excellent book. If you like Jane Austen's settings, you will most definitely like Julie Klassen's books.
Written in a more modern American voice, the language flows well and is easy to understand. I really love the characters in this story. Everyone seems to have secrets they are trying to hide and the past comes back to haunt more than one person in the story. However, all will be revealed in due course. Will our characters be able to overcome their differences? Or will the past come between them and drive them apart for good?
I found Alec and Julia's story to be fun, a bit suspenseful, and romantic. While romance isn't as prevalent in this book, it is still there.
I borrowed The Dancing Master from my local library. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Written in a more modern American voice, the language flows well and is easy to understand. I really love the characters in this story. Everyone seems to have secrets they are trying to hide and the past comes back to haunt more than one person in the story. However, all will be revealed in due course. Will our characters be able to overcome their differences? Or will the past come between them and drive them apart for good?
I found Alec and Julia's story to be fun, a bit suspenseful, and romantic. While romance isn't as prevalent in this book, it is still there.
I borrowed The Dancing Master from my local library. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Leah Lopez (7 KP) rated Strictly Ola: Ola Jordan in Books
Nov 6, 2019
*****Some SPOILERS*****
I have been a SCD fan from the very first show. There have been some amazing professional dancers who have come and gone but there are some dancers you love from the beginning and continue to love despite their exit. Ola and James Jordan are a firm favourite of mine and when I spotted Ola's book in my local library I was like a child in a chocolate factory-I just had to have it. Learning about Ola's childhood and how poor her family and country were was really sad but Ola never let it interfere in her passion for dance. I too wanted to be a professional dancer but due to ill-health this has never really been an option. I was deeply shocked to learn of SCD team behind the curtain and how O+J Jordan were treated. I was appalled how Craig RH was after a few drinks and the way he talked about the celebrities and professional dancers. This book was a real eye-opener.
SCD is back on our screens with a new head-judge. I certainly miss O+J Jordan...
I have been a SCD fan from the very first show. There have been some amazing professional dancers who have come and gone but there are some dancers you love from the beginning and continue to love despite their exit. Ola and James Jordan are a firm favourite of mine and when I spotted Ola's book in my local library I was like a child in a chocolate factory-I just had to have it. Learning about Ola's childhood and how poor her family and country were was really sad but Ola never let it interfere in her passion for dance. I too wanted to be a professional dancer but due to ill-health this has never really been an option. I was deeply shocked to learn of SCD team behind the curtain and how O+J Jordan were treated. I was appalled how Craig RH was after a few drinks and the way he talked about the celebrities and professional dancers. This book was a real eye-opener.
SCD is back on our screens with a new head-judge. I certainly miss O+J Jordan...
Wonderful book. I was unsure about picking it up at first but fell in love with it within the first few pages. It ties other famous authors and locations from both history and well known fantasy worlds into a story all its own. At first I did not notice some of the references made in the beginning of the story but once I started paying attention, it was amazing just how much James A. Owen researched to provide readers with an amazing, one of a kind experience. The author writes so wonderfully that readers feel as if they were actually in the Archipelago of Dreams, a place that I am sure most anyone who loves myth and fantasy would like to visit at least once in their lives.
I am a part of a book club at my local library, and plan on recommending this book to my fellow members, most of who are teachers and would appreciate not only the literary references but the historical ones as well found in this book. I also plan on reading the rest of the series.
<b>This is a highly recommended book in my opinion.</b>
I am a part of a book club at my local library, and plan on recommending this book to my fellow members, most of who are teachers and would appreciate not only the literary references but the historical ones as well found in this book. I also plan on reading the rest of the series.
<b>This is a highly recommended book in my opinion.</b>