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Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Replication: The Jason Experiment in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Replication: the Jason Experiment has many different components that make it an excellent book.
The plot is intricately woven, exciting, fast-paced, and realistic. Yes it's about clones, but Williamson does an excellent job of keeping it from feeling ridiculous and impossible. She builds her world realistically and believably. The story starts off compelling, keeps you interested the whole time, and ends with potential. I like the ending because it doesn't feel like happyland syndrome (even though it's a happy ending) because it's an open ending: Williamson doesn't write everything down, but you pretty much know what happens, and it makes you feel so happy.
The characters are very complex. Abby is a Christian, but she's not perfect by any stretch. The youth pastor is a good guy, but he's not perfect either. Abby's relationship with God is realistic, her relationship with her father (who isn't saved) is hard to watch, but she tries to stay above reproach in the way she deals with his misunderstandings of her. I would have liked to know more about how Abby came to know Christ, but not knowing didn't take away from her story or her character. And maybe that's a story for another time.
Even though all the Jason's are clones, they are all very different. There are similar things about them, like their expressions (and probably their likes and dislikes) but they all have very unique characters. This story tackles the concept that yes we are born with DNA that determines a lot about us, but the way we grow up and the lifestyle we have and the influences around us also seriously impact our thoughts and choices. It's a balancing act; Williamson exposes it.
This book is a Christian novel, but it doesn't feel preachy (I call this Fictional Preaching), nor does it feel like a girl with a perfect almost sappy relationship with God. It's realistic. Abby fails, Abby sins, but she keeps going the right direction and she doesn't give up.
Lastly, the romance between the characters starts off subtle enough that you don't think anything of it, and stays real. It's not about the physical—so many teen romances start off that way. In fact, this novel says a lot about love: it's about them as people seeing examples of the love of Christ in each other! and because they love Christ, they love each other. And that's the way love is supposed to be: We love because He first loved us. It's a beautiful picture, and an excellent execution.
This novel was exciting, fast-paced, realistic, encouraging, and inspiring. On top of it all, it was totally clean. I recommend this one to anyone. Seriously. Read it. You won't regret it.
Check out the interview with Jill Williamson and the giveaway for a copy of the novel!
The plot is intricately woven, exciting, fast-paced, and realistic. Yes it's about clones, but Williamson does an excellent job of keeping it from feeling ridiculous and impossible. She builds her world realistically and believably. The story starts off compelling, keeps you interested the whole time, and ends with potential. I like the ending because it doesn't feel like happyland syndrome (even though it's a happy ending) because it's an open ending: Williamson doesn't write everything down, but you pretty much know what happens, and it makes you feel so happy.
The characters are very complex. Abby is a Christian, but she's not perfect by any stretch. The youth pastor is a good guy, but he's not perfect either. Abby's relationship with God is realistic, her relationship with her father (who isn't saved) is hard to watch, but she tries to stay above reproach in the way she deals with his misunderstandings of her. I would have liked to know more about how Abby came to know Christ, but not knowing didn't take away from her story or her character. And maybe that's a story for another time.
Even though all the Jason's are clones, they are all very different. There are similar things about them, like their expressions (and probably their likes and dislikes) but they all have very unique characters. This story tackles the concept that yes we are born with DNA that determines a lot about us, but the way we grow up and the lifestyle we have and the influences around us also seriously impact our thoughts and choices. It's a balancing act; Williamson exposes it.
This book is a Christian novel, but it doesn't feel preachy (I call this Fictional Preaching), nor does it feel like a girl with a perfect almost sappy relationship with God. It's realistic. Abby fails, Abby sins, but she keeps going the right direction and she doesn't give up.
Lastly, the romance between the characters starts off subtle enough that you don't think anything of it, and stays real. It's not about the physical—so many teen romances start off that way. In fact, this novel says a lot about love: it's about them as people seeing examples of the love of Christ in each other! and because they love Christ, they love each other. And that's the way love is supposed to be: We love because He first loved us. It's a beautiful picture, and an excellent execution.
This novel was exciting, fast-paced, realistic, encouraging, and inspiring. On top of it all, it was totally clean. I recommend this one to anyone. Seriously. Read it. You won't regret it.
Check out the interview with Jill Williamson and the giveaway for a copy of the novel!
Lottie disney bookworm (1056 KP) rated Ashes of Glass in Books
Jan 4, 2021
Contains spoilers, click to show
Ashes of Glass is a gorgeous retelling of Cinderella, and you all know what a sucker I am for a retelling!
Arella's upbringing is one we have heard numerous times, both through print and on screen. For this reason Emma Hill presents this chapter of Arella's life almost as a misty, memory montage; preferring to focus on the upcoming tale she has to tell. I must say I greatly appreciated this originality and confindence: Hill knows she has an absolute gem of a story here and doesn't need to pad it out with the sad turn of events we all know.
Anyone who has read "So, This is Love" by Elizabeth Lim will see some similarities within the two storylines in that Ella begins working in the Palace. However, Hill's Ella is , in my opinion, a much stronger character from the outset. She has no qualms in challenging Prince Freddie's prejudices in respects to gypsies and, on the whole, does not change her behaviour towards Freddie once she discovers he is the Prince.
Ella and Freddie are only two of a whole cast of characters who are beautifully portrayed within this novel. I really loved the added details such as the King's interest in elephants, the fact that the Duke was nicer (but still quite strict) and the fact that Ella had a friend alongside her. All of these factors made the story a lot more real than the classic fairy tale. Hill made it so easy for the reader to fall in love with Ella and Freddie as a couple, especially because they were not perfect and experienced real emotions such as doubt and jealousy. If anything, our love for these two made it even easier for us to hate the villain, Lord DiFortunato.
Now, we all love to hate the sleazy, slimy villain in a story, but this guy was something else! Emma Hill's villain literally made my skin crawl and, at the point in the story where Ella's curiosity puts her in a whole heap of danger, the suspense was too much I had to skim read just to know whether she was going to be OK.
The one character I did want a bit more of was Lady Izabella: I suspect she was likely Freddie's godmother due to her friendship with the Queen and I think this could have been cleverly played on a little more. Don't get me wrong she was a charming (and necessary) background character but I would have liked to see her a little more.
EJ Hill also included a lot of nods to the original fairy tale which were really appreciated. Of course the iconic pink dress becomes ruined and the ballgown is a must but Ella's affectionate use of Prince Charming as a nickname for Freddie was just gorgeous. Oh and losing the shoe: genius!
This is not to say this story lacks originality though. There is a thrilling sub plot into the investigation into the King's death which moves alongside and intersects Arella's plotline beautifully.
I would say that the chapters do shift from Arella to Freddie quite often and this could be quite confusing at times. Also faith plays a huge part within the story. I already knew Emma Hill was a Christian so this wasn't a surprise and it didn't put me off the story at all. I do think that it was included quite heavily though.
If you want the story of Cinderella, with a swoon-worthy Prince, more action, less Stepmother/sisters and an underlying murder mystery. This is the book for you!
Arella's upbringing is one we have heard numerous times, both through print and on screen. For this reason Emma Hill presents this chapter of Arella's life almost as a misty, memory montage; preferring to focus on the upcoming tale she has to tell. I must say I greatly appreciated this originality and confindence: Hill knows she has an absolute gem of a story here and doesn't need to pad it out with the sad turn of events we all know.
Anyone who has read "So, This is Love" by Elizabeth Lim will see some similarities within the two storylines in that Ella begins working in the Palace. However, Hill's Ella is , in my opinion, a much stronger character from the outset. She has no qualms in challenging Prince Freddie's prejudices in respects to gypsies and, on the whole, does not change her behaviour towards Freddie once she discovers he is the Prince.
Ella and Freddie are only two of a whole cast of characters who are beautifully portrayed within this novel. I really loved the added details such as the King's interest in elephants, the fact that the Duke was nicer (but still quite strict) and the fact that Ella had a friend alongside her. All of these factors made the story a lot more real than the classic fairy tale. Hill made it so easy for the reader to fall in love with Ella and Freddie as a couple, especially because they were not perfect and experienced real emotions such as doubt and jealousy. If anything, our love for these two made it even easier for us to hate the villain, Lord DiFortunato.
Now, we all love to hate the sleazy, slimy villain in a story, but this guy was something else! Emma Hill's villain literally made my skin crawl and, at the point in the story where Ella's curiosity puts her in a whole heap of danger, the suspense was too much I had to skim read just to know whether she was going to be OK.
The one character I did want a bit more of was Lady Izabella: I suspect she was likely Freddie's godmother due to her friendship with the Queen and I think this could have been cleverly played on a little more. Don't get me wrong she was a charming (and necessary) background character but I would have liked to see her a little more.
EJ Hill also included a lot of nods to the original fairy tale which were really appreciated. Of course the iconic pink dress becomes ruined and the ballgown is a must but Ella's affectionate use of Prince Charming as a nickname for Freddie was just gorgeous. Oh and losing the shoe: genius!
This is not to say this story lacks originality though. There is a thrilling sub plot into the investigation into the King's death which moves alongside and intersects Arella's plotline beautifully.
I would say that the chapters do shift from Arella to Freddie quite often and this could be quite confusing at times. Also faith plays a huge part within the story. I already knew Emma Hill was a Christian so this wasn't a surprise and it didn't put me off the story at all. I do think that it was included quite heavily though.
If you want the story of Cinderella, with a swoon-worthy Prince, more action, less Stepmother/sisters and an underlying murder mystery. This is the book for you!
JBrack (17 KP) rated The Name of the Wind in Books
May 17, 2017
This book drew me into the world of fantasy!!
This book tells the tale of a mans life, of his childhood and his manhood. He comes from a land where magic exists and there is an entire university dedicated to teaching it. The hero is mischievous and in and out of trouble throughout the book but in the ways most young men are. If you love books and have never read a fantasy novel before try this one, if you love fantasy it was my husbands classic "nerd" friends who forced this book on me (I'm using "nerd" as a loving descriptive term, like you'd call the guys of Big Bang theory "nerds").
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments, #3) in Books
Jan 15, 2018
Oh my gosh! So this book took me forever to get through, but it is not at all because it wasn't that great. Honestly this has been my favorite of the entire series so far. How can you not fall in love with Jace? And Clary, talk about a bad ass female character who isn't too over the top with her "bad assness."
This book had so many twists & turns throughout the entire thing. I love that in a book & this one didn't disappoint! So much more of the story becomes clear once you read the whole thing. But it also leaves some unanswered questions too so you know the next installment won't disappoint. I can't wait to get started on it!
This book had so many twists & turns throughout the entire thing. I love that in a book & this one didn't disappoint! So much more of the story becomes clear once you read the whole thing. But it also leaves some unanswered questions too so you know the next installment won't disappoint. I can't wait to get started on it!
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated The Art of Racing in the Rain in Books
Jan 15, 2018
Wow! The best thing I can say about this book is READ IT! I adored it.
Anyone that has ever loved a dog will love this book. It is written with so much heart & love poured in to it. I cried my way through it & didn't want it to end at all. But thankfully the ending was very well written & provided good closure. Enzo didn't need his soul to leave his body to come back as a man, he was very much a human even though he was a dog. This story really got to me as I often refer to my dog as a person. He has so many expressions, it's hard to think of him in any other light.
Anyone that has ever loved a dog will love this book. It is written with so much heart & love poured in to it. I cried my way through it & didn't want it to end at all. But thankfully the ending was very well written & provided good closure. Enzo didn't need his soul to leave his body to come back as a man, he was very much a human even though he was a dog. This story really got to me as I often refer to my dog as a person. He has so many expressions, it's hard to think of him in any other light.
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated A Hundred Veils in Books
Sep 6, 2017
Pretty good book
So the book is set at the very beginning of the Iranian Revolution – Marco is an American English teacher who’s come to Iran for a year. While there, he falls in love with his roommate’s cousin. The book is really their love story, while surrounded by political and religious unrest.
The writing is excellent. I’m sure I would get more out of the book if I could read Farsi, as each chapter is begun by a few lines of poetry in Farsi, written in both Arabic script and English letters. But the pacing is perfect, the descriptions apt – I really enjoyed this book.
Read my full review at https://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com/2017/08/22/book-review-a-hundred-veils/
The writing is excellent. I’m sure I would get more out of the book if I could read Farsi, as each chapter is begun by a few lines of poetry in Farsi, written in both Arabic script and English letters. But the pacing is perfect, the descriptions apt – I really enjoyed this book.
Read my full review at https://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com/2017/08/22/book-review-a-hundred-veils/
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda in Books
May 8, 2018
A hugely entertaining and adorable read
I read this book in the space of a few hours, it was that good. The plot isn't exactly complicated, but its such a heartwarming and adorable love story. Simon is an endearing character and so relatable, and reading his email exchanges with Blue never failed to make me smile. It does well to navigate some of the common issues and features of teenage life, and I love how it also looks into Simon's relationships with his friends, not just with Blue.
Personally I felt the reveal of who Blue is was a little predictable, but that's not to say it wasn't an unwanted ending and the whole book is just ridiculously loveable and sweet.
Personally I felt the reveal of who Blue is was a little predictable, but that's not to say it wasn't an unwanted ending and the whole book is just ridiculously loveable and sweet.
Frecklesxoxo (6 KP) rated Hater (Hater #1) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
I've currently read the first and second book, about to start the third.
Firstly I love this plot, I like the twist that instead of zombies you have haters, which are like extremely high functioning zombies, it unique and very clever, secondly I've read reviews on here about how they thought it was a slow burner,but I like that, he is setting up the story, getting to know the characters and I love the fact that he makes you empathise and root for the haters, I found myself hating the unchanged lol!! really can't say any more as I'll give the plot away but I throughly enjoyed the unique take on a apocalyptic style event that destroys the world you know and take for granted!
Firstly I love this plot, I like the twist that instead of zombies you have haters, which are like extremely high functioning zombies, it unique and very clever, secondly I've read reviews on here about how they thought it was a slow burner,but I like that, he is setting up the story, getting to know the characters and I love the fact that he makes you empathise and root for the haters, I found myself hating the unchanged lol!! really can't say any more as I'll give the plot away but I throughly enjoyed the unique take on a apocalyptic style event that destroys the world you know and take for granted!
Cori June (3033 KP) rated King of Scars in Books
Jun 5, 2019
Great book and story. I love the characters and getting to know more about thier backgrounds. This book does reference the other five books in the universe, including some spoiliers, it gives enough to let you know you need read them, but you won't be lost if you haven't yet. If you have read them, you are in for a treat and like me probably will long for the next book. Told through multiple pov king of scars will take you on a journey, of loss,love responsibility, keeping a crumbling kingdom together as it comes apart at the seams,and hope through the darkest times. How bad can it get when you're a boy king fighting a deamon? plenty... It's Ravka
Awix (3310 KP) rated West Side Story (1961) in Movies
Feb 22, 2018
Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins' toweringly brilliant musical should be ring-fenced for eternity, regardless of what Steven Spielberg thinks. Racial tension and gang violence is rife on New York's west side, but when co-founder of the Jets Tony (Beymer) falls in love with Maria (Wood), sister of the leader of the Sharks, can this bring about peace and understanding between the two street gangs? (Probably not.)
Appealing leads and some soaringly beautiful love songs, but also whip-smart humour and social commentary in many of the other numbers, all superbly directed and choreographed. The darkening of the story into genuine tragedy is masterfully done. One of those transcendentally great films, especially on the big screen; the reason that we have a 10 on the scale.
Appealing leads and some soaringly beautiful love songs, but also whip-smart humour and social commentary in many of the other numbers, all superbly directed and choreographed. The darkening of the story into genuine tragedy is masterfully done. One of those transcendentally great films, especially on the big screen; the reason that we have a 10 on the scale.