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Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Seasons of an Amish Garden in Books
Feb 27, 2019
If you’ve followed my blog for sometime now, you’ll know that one of my favorite genres, outside of thriller novels, is Amish fiction. And, in that Amish Fiction, I have 5 top favorite authors. One of those is, without a doubt, Amy Clipston. I fell in love with her writing style and books way back when I read a book she did that wasn’t Amish fiction. Every time I pick up a novel by her, she sweeps me off my feet and puts me in the heart of the book, as she did with this new one.
This is a collection of four novellas. These novellas feature the characters from her novella in An Amish Love collection. Each story here brings us a different season, in which the garden that is planted will grow. Each story, each season, brings something new to the book, taking the reader on a whirl wind ride of love, hope, fun, and memories.
The characters that Clipston brings us back to, all feel like coming home to family. They are chiseled perfectly, their emotions radiating right off the pages. My personal favorite from this collection is Home By Summer, which is following Clara Hertzler and Jerry Petersheim. I loved the message woven into this particular story. Understanding, hope, and most of all, renewed faith in the Lord above. I felt so refreshed after reading their story!
Anything less than 4 stars for this captivating read, would be injustice. The pages of this book will pull you in, have you up late into the night, making new friends, and enjoying time with old friends. If you are looking for a book that will refresh your mind, your soul, and take you through the seasons of life, then grab a copy now. You will not be sorry, and if you’re new to Amy Clipston’s work, you’ll be a new fan, instantly! Amy Clipston, hats off to you, once again, for another collection of heartwarming stories that I won’t soon forget!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booklook Blogger Program and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
This is a collection of four novellas. These novellas feature the characters from her novella in An Amish Love collection. Each story here brings us a different season, in which the garden that is planted will grow. Each story, each season, brings something new to the book, taking the reader on a whirl wind ride of love, hope, fun, and memories.
The characters that Clipston brings us back to, all feel like coming home to family. They are chiseled perfectly, their emotions radiating right off the pages. My personal favorite from this collection is Home By Summer, which is following Clara Hertzler and Jerry Petersheim. I loved the message woven into this particular story. Understanding, hope, and most of all, renewed faith in the Lord above. I felt so refreshed after reading their story!
Anything less than 4 stars for this captivating read, would be injustice. The pages of this book will pull you in, have you up late into the night, making new friends, and enjoying time with old friends. If you are looking for a book that will refresh your mind, your soul, and take you through the seasons of life, then grab a copy now. You will not be sorry, and if you’re new to Amy Clipston’s work, you’ll be a new fan, instantly! Amy Clipston, hats off to you, once again, for another collection of heartwarming stories that I won’t soon forget!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booklook Blogger Program and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated The Memory House in Books
Apr 15, 2019
characters (1 more)
plot line
Timeless and Gripping!
When I pick up a Rachel Hauck novel, I don’t have to wonder if I’ll like it, or if it will be one that I will put down and walk away from. Because, when I read a novel by this phenomenally fantastic author, I will love it and I will most certainly not walk away from the novel. In fact, I always read a Hauck novel in less than 48 hours.
The Memory House is a moving and captivating story. It’s chiseled magnificently and really makes the reader feel as if they are the heart of the story. It’s told in trademark Hauck style of dual timelines, but is still absolutely gripping. Each page turn tells more of Beck and Everleigh’s stories, and each turn of the page, opens the readers eyes just a little more.
Having been through hard times in life, I sometimes find myself questioning God, and wondering if anything good will come of my situations. Then, with a little faith and hope, He shows me that nothing is for naught, and everything will be just fine, even if it feels like the end. Beck and Everleigh, both dealt heartache and pain in their lives, blossomed for me and I saw a little bit of myself in each of them.
This story is filled with love, hope, faith, and heartache. This story is filled with beautiful souls, and a plot line that will leave you wanting more from this fantabulous author. From start to finish, you’ll fall more and more in love with these tender characters. You’ll feel the messages surround you, and you’ll hear God whispering throughout.
Don’t waste another minute without grabbing this book. If you’ve never read a Hauck novel before you’ll be a fan for life. If you’re a current fan, you’ll find yourself lost in another amazing novel by Hauck. Definitely worthy of 4 stars, two thumbs and hats off. I can’t wait to share this novel with my friends and family.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
The Memory House is a moving and captivating story. It’s chiseled magnificently and really makes the reader feel as if they are the heart of the story. It’s told in trademark Hauck style of dual timelines, but is still absolutely gripping. Each page turn tells more of Beck and Everleigh’s stories, and each turn of the page, opens the readers eyes just a little more.
Having been through hard times in life, I sometimes find myself questioning God, and wondering if anything good will come of my situations. Then, with a little faith and hope, He shows me that nothing is for naught, and everything will be just fine, even if it feels like the end. Beck and Everleigh, both dealt heartache and pain in their lives, blossomed for me and I saw a little bit of myself in each of them.
This story is filled with love, hope, faith, and heartache. This story is filled with beautiful souls, and a plot line that will leave you wanting more from this fantabulous author. From start to finish, you’ll fall more and more in love with these tender characters. You’ll feel the messages surround you, and you’ll hear God whispering throughout.
Don’t waste another minute without grabbing this book. If you’ve never read a Hauck novel before you’ll be a fan for life. If you’re a current fan, you’ll find yourself lost in another amazing novel by Hauck. Definitely worthy of 4 stars, two thumbs and hats off. I can’t wait to share this novel with my friends and family.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Dana (24 KP) rated The Witch of Duva (Grisha Verse, #0.5) in Books
Mar 23, 2018
There will 100% be spoilers in this review, so read at your own caution.
Um. I did not see that ending coming. Not by a long shot.
Okay, Leigh Bardugo is a master wordsmith. This story was so creepy and foreboding, I just can't keep up with her. The writing style was kind of mystical and whimsical, but it a really dark way. I have no idea how she does it, but holy crap, she does it so freaking well!
I love how the ending was such a twist. I thought, in trying to "out-trick" Ms. Bardugo, that it was going to be Nadya who was the monster because that would be something weird, right? WRONG!! Wrong on every thought I had about that.
I did not see that her freaking father would be that weird!! Ugh. That was pretty gruesome to read, to be completely honest. There were only two points in this story that my stomach actually turned: when she got her freaking fingers chopped off and baked into a ginger-child and when her father ate the ginger-child and basically exploded all over the floor. Just thinking about it makes me shudder.
Bardugo loves drawing the attention one way then ripping the carped out from under everyone. Kinda like something Kaz would do. She's a trickster like that.
Again, with this story, Leigh Bardugo is creating a more immersive world that not only draws me in to the story more, but also creates a deeper world for the characters to live in. I could see a little Nina or Alina sitting by the fireplace being told these stories as little girls to keep them from being reckless. I just freaking love this so much.
If you haven't read the rest of her folk-tales, stop reading this review (it's almost over anyway) and go read them right now!!!
Lastly, I just want to say a big thank you to Leigh for writing these folk-tales. I have always loved any kind of folk-tale but coming from a world that I already love and know a lot about, this made me really happy!!
Um. I did not see that ending coming. Not by a long shot.
Okay, Leigh Bardugo is a master wordsmith. This story was so creepy and foreboding, I just can't keep up with her. The writing style was kind of mystical and whimsical, but it a really dark way. I have no idea how she does it, but holy crap, she does it so freaking well!
I love how the ending was such a twist. I thought, in trying to "out-trick" Ms. Bardugo, that it was going to be Nadya who was the monster because that would be something weird, right? WRONG!! Wrong on every thought I had about that.
I did not see that her freaking father would be that weird!! Ugh. That was pretty gruesome to read, to be completely honest. There were only two points in this story that my stomach actually turned: when she got her freaking fingers chopped off and baked into a ginger-child and when her father ate the ginger-child and basically exploded all over the floor. Just thinking about it makes me shudder.
Bardugo loves drawing the attention one way then ripping the carped out from under everyone. Kinda like something Kaz would do. She's a trickster like that.
Again, with this story, Leigh Bardugo is creating a more immersive world that not only draws me in to the story more, but also creates a deeper world for the characters to live in. I could see a little Nina or Alina sitting by the fireplace being told these stories as little girls to keep them from being reckless. I just freaking love this so much.
If you haven't read the rest of her folk-tales, stop reading this review (it's almost over anyway) and go read them right now!!!
Lastly, I just want to say a big thank you to Leigh for writing these folk-tales. I have always loved any kind of folk-tale but coming from a world that I already love and know a lot about, this made me really happy!!
Merissa (13765 KP) rated The Legacy of Souls (Seb Thomas #2) in Books
Jun 22, 2018
The Legacy of Souls (Seb Thomas #2) by M.S.C. Barnes
The Legacy of Souls is the second book in the Seb Thomas series, and we start off with Seb struggling with his 'job' as Custodian. He doesn't appear to be able to get to grips with what it is he is supposed to be doing, instead he focuses on the bad things he sees. That takes a back seat though when his life is threatened, and those of his friends.
This book is AMAZING! Be prepared for a fast-paced and bumpy ride as Seb tries to figure out just what is going, with only limited information. He acts his age, which is perfect for the story. He isn't this all-round amazing hero with sky-high self confidence. Nope, he's a normal boy with his first love, and overwhelming doubt about his own abilities. And that, my friends, is what makes this such a good read! Be prepared to laugh aloud, and possibly even shed a tear or two (or more in my case) as you get sucked into the story.
I will say here that I got a bit confused at times with the names of the different characters, and what their roles were - the Custodians were easy, but the others got me sometimes. It's not like they walk around with stickers on their foreheads saying what their role is. Seb's group I had no problem with, and I knew most of Aelfric's, but once we got to Henri's and Nicole's, I stopped trying to remember what they did and just concentrated on enjoying the story.
There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted from my reading, and I was thoroughly engrossed from the start to end. Although this book ties up the story, I am really hoping there is more to come. I love this group, this world, and would love to read more. Absolutely and utterly 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!
This book is AMAZING! Be prepared for a fast-paced and bumpy ride as Seb tries to figure out just what is going, with only limited information. He acts his age, which is perfect for the story. He isn't this all-round amazing hero with sky-high self confidence. Nope, he's a normal boy with his first love, and overwhelming doubt about his own abilities. And that, my friends, is what makes this such a good read! Be prepared to laugh aloud, and possibly even shed a tear or two (or more in my case) as you get sucked into the story.
I will say here that I got a bit confused at times with the names of the different characters, and what their roles were - the Custodians were easy, but the others got me sometimes. It's not like they walk around with stickers on their foreheads saying what their role is. Seb's group I had no problem with, and I knew most of Aelfric's, but once we got to Henri's and Nicole's, I stopped trying to remember what they did and just concentrated on enjoying the story.
There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted from my reading, and I was thoroughly engrossed from the start to end. Although this book ties up the story, I am really hoping there is more to come. I love this group, this world, and would love to read more. Absolutely and utterly 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!
Sophie Wink (11 KP) rated Eleanor & Park in Books
Jun 20, 2019
"Heartwarming, romantic and great fun." - Closer
I very much agree with this statement. The storyline is very heartwarming and credible, I believed every word. It is a really great, quirky story of which is incredibly easy to fall in love with.
I really like the way in which the themes are introduced, it's obvious yet subtle at the same time. The more serious of the themes like abuse and poverty are handled beautifully and delicately, the concept of family is important to the novel itself of which I really admire and like and the relationships between the family members are a part of what makes the novel so warm. The slow but blooming relationship between Eleanor and Park is lovely, it made me smile, feel happy and content. The novel itself is definitely relatable due to secondary school being a big part of the novel as well as the love story between the two teens.
The characters Eleanor and Park are definitely likable and admirable due to their love and how they develop throughout the novel. I think that the fact that Eleanor is so defensive and loyal to her family is kind of heartbreaking considering her situation and I really sympathised for her and was angry for her too. I really liked how Park was the key to open Eleanor up to make her feel like a normal human being again, the thing about Park that fascinated me the most was that he was convinced she was being different on purpose, it made me realise that too much time is spent on trying to be different and trying to be unique when all that really matters is that you are yourself and stay true to that - a very clear message of the story as a whole. I found all characters credible and I really sympathised with them.
I loved the book overall however I did find that it lacked a hook in the beginning, therefore, it was quite a slow start although once you got further into the book that is when the story unraveled a little more and encouraged my further reading and enjoyment.
Overall, a brilliant novel of which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I very much agree with this statement. The storyline is very heartwarming and credible, I believed every word. It is a really great, quirky story of which is incredibly easy to fall in love with.
I really like the way in which the themes are introduced, it's obvious yet subtle at the same time. The more serious of the themes like abuse and poverty are handled beautifully and delicately, the concept of family is important to the novel itself of which I really admire and like and the relationships between the family members are a part of what makes the novel so warm. The slow but blooming relationship between Eleanor and Park is lovely, it made me smile, feel happy and content. The novel itself is definitely relatable due to secondary school being a big part of the novel as well as the love story between the two teens.
The characters Eleanor and Park are definitely likable and admirable due to their love and how they develop throughout the novel. I think that the fact that Eleanor is so defensive and loyal to her family is kind of heartbreaking considering her situation and I really sympathised for her and was angry for her too. I really liked how Park was the key to open Eleanor up to make her feel like a normal human being again, the thing about Park that fascinated me the most was that he was convinced she was being different on purpose, it made me realise that too much time is spent on trying to be different and trying to be unique when all that really matters is that you are yourself and stay true to that - a very clear message of the story as a whole. I found all characters credible and I really sympathised with them.
I loved the book overall however I did find that it lacked a hook in the beginning, therefore, it was quite a slow start although once you got further into the book that is when the story unraveled a little more and encouraged my further reading and enjoyment.
Overall, a brilliant novel of which I thoroughly enjoyed.
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated The Perfection in Love in Books
Feb 24, 2021
Have you ever just read a book and it felt … right? <i>The Perfection In Love</i> by Ronke Abidoye hit all the right notes for me. It was sweet, sarcastic, and REAL. Did I mention that it is her debut novel? I cannot even begin to imagine how God is going to use her as a writer!
Oyin and Henry’s story is one unmarried people can smile about and married people will remember with abashed fondness. It is a story about choosing to love every day, remembering that you both want each other to be happy, and that Two are better than One so we need to work together. Ronke Abidoye took this situation one step further and added in the stress of visiting family, old friends, and multicultural relationships. I especially enjoyed her portrayal of Oyin and Henry’s weaknesses they were frank and realistic in their insecurities and while I have never been in a multicultural relationship, I thought that Ronke Abidoye explained the situation very well and brought it down to parents needing to learn love and acceptance; and in Henry’s case learning to give up his insecurities. Because in the end we are all Sons and Daughters of the Most High.
I also enjoyed the continual turning to pray for answers by Henry and Oyin, it established an early reliance on faith and God to see things through. The pace and tension were done well and kept me unable to put the book down. A truly wonderful story. Plus, I loved the attention to detail through out the book from the tiny hearts to the <i>Yoruba</i> translated words, they were a unique addition that I wish more authors would do. I sincerely enjoyed this story and loved the unique perspective that Ronke Abidoye took. I definitely recommend reading this book if you like Victoria Bylin, or Beth Troy. 5 out of 5 stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
** Visit my IG for more indepth photos of the book! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CIdM_omA3UL/">TravelersWife4Life</a>;
Oyin and Henry’s story is one unmarried people can smile about and married people will remember with abashed fondness. It is a story about choosing to love every day, remembering that you both want each other to be happy, and that Two are better than One so we need to work together. Ronke Abidoye took this situation one step further and added in the stress of visiting family, old friends, and multicultural relationships. I especially enjoyed her portrayal of Oyin and Henry’s weaknesses they were frank and realistic in their insecurities and while I have never been in a multicultural relationship, I thought that Ronke Abidoye explained the situation very well and brought it down to parents needing to learn love and acceptance; and in Henry’s case learning to give up his insecurities. Because in the end we are all Sons and Daughters of the Most High.
I also enjoyed the continual turning to pray for answers by Henry and Oyin, it established an early reliance on faith and God to see things through. The pace and tension were done well and kept me unable to put the book down. A truly wonderful story. Plus, I loved the attention to detail through out the book from the tiny hearts to the <i>Yoruba</i> translated words, they were a unique addition that I wish more authors would do. I sincerely enjoyed this story and loved the unique perspective that Ronke Abidoye took. I definitely recommend reading this book if you like Victoria Bylin, or Beth Troy. 5 out of 5 stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
** Visit my IG for more indepth photos of the book! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CIdM_omA3UL/">TravelersWife4Life</a>;
Entwined (The Life of Anna, #2)
7.0
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Anna has two masters, one she hardly knows, but who makes her feel safe, the other she's known all...
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Fire of the Sea in Books
Jan 23, 2020
<b><i>I received this book for free from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i></b>
Want to know what I find really odd? Mermaid books are like contemporary books. I either love them or hate them, and it may or may not just be me turning into a picky reader.
I personally enjoyed the concept behind <i>Fire of the Sea</i>. There's Nordic mythology and mermaids, and I loved reading about the underwater world of unified sea creatures.
But there were just a few things that I really hated about the novel, and that was pretty much why I gave it such a low rating compared to everyone else I've seen on Goodreads. In fact, compared to the ratings I've seen on Goodreads and Amazon, I'm probably the lowest since I'm that weirdo who doesn't round up. (Not that I'm actually going to let that bother me greatly.)
<i>Fire of the Sea</i> felt more like a love story than anything else. Aeva, though loyal and courageous and torn between two worlds, was reckless and careless with some of her actions. Within several days after she saves Gunnar from being taken by the sea, she wants to leave behind her sea world and become human. Her reason? "I call it love because I don't have another name for it." It is, by far, the <i>lamest</i> reason I've ever heard. Her entire reasoning behind why she wants to become human is for love. A love for a guy she saved from the sea and should be a part of Davy Jones's locker, but because Aeva is a courageous mermaid who wanted to do a kind deed, he's not. Instead, he's tied to her.
It also felt like I was watching <i>The Little Mermaid</i> all over again. There's no prince, of course, but there's a mermaid (a princess, no less) who desires to be a part of the human world (though the reasons for each are quite different), there's a price to be paid to be human, and there's an Ursula. The Ursulas in the two are a little different, but Delphine might as well be Ursula simply due to the fact she can shift herself into an octopus.
<i>Fire of the Sea</i> was predictable, though that's beginning to not bother me as much simply due to the fact I'm ahead of the characters by a few steps. But in figuring out who Delphine was? That was a given, and I just waited to see if Aeva would actually figure it out herself before Delphine revealed herself.
So here's my final verdict: if you love a love story playing a major role with mythology and mermaids, you'll likely enjoy this. If you prefer mythology of the uncommon kind but don't care about the love story playing a major role, you might be peachy. But if you really hate love stories, then you might want to pass this up.
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-fire-of-the-sea-by-lyndsay-johnson/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Want to know what I find really odd? Mermaid books are like contemporary books. I either love them or hate them, and it may or may not just be me turning into a picky reader.
I personally enjoyed the concept behind <i>Fire of the Sea</i>. There's Nordic mythology and mermaids, and I loved reading about the underwater world of unified sea creatures.
But there were just a few things that I really hated about the novel, and that was pretty much why I gave it such a low rating compared to everyone else I've seen on Goodreads. In fact, compared to the ratings I've seen on Goodreads and Amazon, I'm probably the lowest since I'm that weirdo who doesn't round up. (Not that I'm actually going to let that bother me greatly.)
<i>Fire of the Sea</i> felt more like a love story than anything else. Aeva, though loyal and courageous and torn between two worlds, was reckless and careless with some of her actions. Within several days after she saves Gunnar from being taken by the sea, she wants to leave behind her sea world and become human. Her reason? "I call it love because I don't have another name for it." It is, by far, the <i>lamest</i> reason I've ever heard. Her entire reasoning behind why she wants to become human is for love. A love for a guy she saved from the sea and should be a part of Davy Jones's locker, but because Aeva is a courageous mermaid who wanted to do a kind deed, he's not. Instead, he's tied to her.
It also felt like I was watching <i>The Little Mermaid</i> all over again. There's no prince, of course, but there's a mermaid (a princess, no less) who desires to be a part of the human world (though the reasons for each are quite different), there's a price to be paid to be human, and there's an Ursula. The Ursulas in the two are a little different, but Delphine might as well be Ursula simply due to the fact she can shift herself into an octopus.
<i>Fire of the Sea</i> was predictable, though that's beginning to not bother me as much simply due to the fact I'm ahead of the characters by a few steps. But in figuring out who Delphine was? That was a given, and I just waited to see if Aeva would actually figure it out herself before Delphine revealed herself.
So here's my final verdict: if you love a love story playing a major role with mythology and mermaids, you'll likely enjoy this. If you prefer mythology of the uncommon kind but don't care about the love story playing a major role, you might be peachy. But if you really hate love stories, then you might want to pass this up.
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-fire-of-the-sea-by-lyndsay-johnson/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Kyera (8 KP) rated A Wild and Unremarkable Thing in Books
Feb 1, 2018
A Wild and Unremarkable Thing had a very interesting premise that blended fantasy aspects like dragons, with Greek mythology and medieval lore. I love history and mythology, so this book immediately called to me. Unfortunately, it didn't entirely live up to my expectations for it although I did still enjoy my read. I believe that the biggest reason why it stumbled for me is how short the book is. At 238 pages, the author did not have enough time to adequately flesh out the plotline and characters leaving the story feeling rushed and the supporting characters unexplored.
The book is written through alternating points of view, which was a nice way to delve deeper into the character's psyche despite the short text. The main character is Cody, a girl who was born Cayda but has been forced by her father to train and lie her entire life with the hopes that she will slay a Fire Scale. She accepts the pain and commitment because the most important thing is to be able to provide for her family, especially her sisters. I wish that we had been able to get to know the sisters more so that we could form that bond with them and the book would have had more emotional weight.
The other two main characters were Penn and Wolfe. Penn was certainly the most interesting aspect of the story and I enjoyed seeing things from his perspective. Wolfe, on the other hand, was not a character that I related to or enjoyed reading. It was nice however to see things from his perspective as it offered a completely different life experience to view the hunt through.
The book also fell prey to the trope of insta-love, which I believe was also the fault of the story being so short. There was not adequate time to explore the relationship or infatuation between two characters before it seemed as if they were suddenly in love. It almost felt as if chapters of the story were missing because the development of bonds between characters or the plot would jump forward without sufficient explanation. The ending of the book felt incredibly rushed and I wish that it had been given the longer, more detailed conclusion that it deserved.
As a casual reader, I found that I enjoyed the overall story and the weaving of Greek mythology into the plot. Unfortunately, critically there were a number of different aspects that detracted from my enjoyment of the book or drew me out of the story. Despite that, I felt that the author's writing was well done and hope that she can bring more detail to her books in the future.
The book is written through alternating points of view, which was a nice way to delve deeper into the character's psyche despite the short text. The main character is Cody, a girl who was born Cayda but has been forced by her father to train and lie her entire life with the hopes that she will slay a Fire Scale. She accepts the pain and commitment because the most important thing is to be able to provide for her family, especially her sisters. I wish that we had been able to get to know the sisters more so that we could form that bond with them and the book would have had more emotional weight.
The other two main characters were Penn and Wolfe. Penn was certainly the most interesting aspect of the story and I enjoyed seeing things from his perspective. Wolfe, on the other hand, was not a character that I related to or enjoyed reading. It was nice however to see things from his perspective as it offered a completely different life experience to view the hunt through.
The book also fell prey to the trope of insta-love, which I believe was also the fault of the story being so short. There was not adequate time to explore the relationship or infatuation between two characters before it seemed as if they were suddenly in love. It almost felt as if chapters of the story were missing because the development of bonds between characters or the plot would jump forward without sufficient explanation. The ending of the book felt incredibly rushed and I wish that it had been given the longer, more detailed conclusion that it deserved.
As a casual reader, I found that I enjoyed the overall story and the weaving of Greek mythology into the plot. Unfortunately, critically there were a number of different aspects that detracted from my enjoyment of the book or drew me out of the story. Despite that, I felt that the author's writing was well done and hope that she can bring more detail to her books in the future.
Merissa (13765 KP) rated Blood Courtesans Boxed Set: Awakenings in Books
Jan 18, 2018
Blood Courtesans Boxed Set: Awakenings
Welcome to the world of the Blood Courtesan. If you are not aware, this is a series by Michelle Fox that starts with Reborn: Myra. This box set is all set in the same world, but with a multitude of stories by different authors, all putting their slant on Michelle Fox's world.
I won't review each story separately, instead my review is of the box set as a whole. As with all box sets, some of the stories stand out more than others. HOWEVER, they are all good! I thoroughly enjoyed every single one of them. If I had to choose a favourite though, on pain of being bitten (and not in a good way), then I would choose Concealed: Lexi by Rosalie Redd. This story simply grabbed me as I do so love a tortured hero and strong heroine. This story ticked all the right boxes for me.
Every story in this collection was exceptionally written, with a multitude of characters and situations. There should be enough to keep everyone happy! There were no editing or grammatical errors in any of the stories that disrupted my reading flow. I loved how each story was completely different from the others, just being linked by the Blood Courtesans.
For those that haven't yet stepped into this world, I can highly recommend it. And a box set is a perfect place to start. Absolutely 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!
I won't review each story separately, instead my review is of the box set as a whole. As with all box sets, some of the stories stand out more than others. HOWEVER, they are all good! I thoroughly enjoyed every single one of them. If I had to choose a favourite though, on pain of being bitten (and not in a good way), then I would choose Concealed: Lexi by Rosalie Redd. This story simply grabbed me as I do so love a tortured hero and strong heroine. This story ticked all the right boxes for me.
Every story in this collection was exceptionally written, with a multitude of characters and situations. There should be enough to keep everyone happy! There were no editing or grammatical errors in any of the stories that disrupted my reading flow. I loved how each story was completely different from the others, just being linked by the Blood Courtesans.
For those that haven't yet stepped into this world, I can highly recommend it. And a box set is a perfect place to start. Absolutely 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!