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The Fact of A Body
8.0
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A young law student, an unspeakable crime, and a past that refuses to stay buried. Before...
Biography memoir true crime
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2204 KP) rated Happily Ever After in Books
Jun 29, 2023 (Updated Jun 29, 2023)
Rushed Ending Keeps Me from Being Perfectly Happy with This Book
Lena and Shefin are living in the Blessed City. Everyone is happy and eagerly waiting for the fairy queen ball to take place that day. Something in the back on Lena’s mind is saying that things aren’t right, but she does her best to ignore them since to go against the fairy queens means punishment. But on her way to school that morning, she discovers a book lying on the road that seems to be for her. What could it possibly mean? And where in Jin? Could he be the key to uncovering what is really going on?
I was anxious to see how this book would end since I’ve enjoyed the previous books so much. It started strongly, with great actions and twists, plus dual points of view to help build tension. It was fun to spend time with the characters again, and the meta comments on writing and books were making me laugh, although they weren’t a prevalent as in the earlier books. Then we reached the ending. It was way too rushed, with some twists that left me completely unsatisfied. We do get a final chapter, but it wasn’t enough to make me feel better with the ending, especially since it changes what I thought I remember about a character. (Maybe I need to reread book two.) Fans will still want to read it, but it’s not as good as it could have been.
I was anxious to see how this book would end since I’ve enjoyed the previous books so much. It started strongly, with great actions and twists, plus dual points of view to help build tension. It was fun to spend time with the characters again, and the meta comments on writing and books were making me laugh, although they weren’t a prevalent as in the earlier books. Then we reached the ending. It was way too rushed, with some twists that left me completely unsatisfied. We do get a final chapter, but it wasn’t enough to make me feel better with the ending, especially since it changes what I thought I remember about a character. (Maybe I need to reread book two.) Fans will still want to read it, but it’s not as good as it could have been.
Fancy Nancy Dress Up
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Make Nancy look extra fancy in this first-ever official Fancy Nancy game app! Nancy’s going to a...
Sam (74 KP) rated The Slippery Slope (A Series of Unfortunate Events #10) in Books
Mar 27, 2019
The Klaus and Violet Baudelaire are running out of time. They’re rolling down a slope, soon to crash, while Olaf and his troupe take Sunny somewhere unknown. Using Klaus’s bookishness and Violets inventiveness, they save themselves from disaster yet again, but now must save their sister and find out more about the mysterious VFD.
This one was really suspenseful. There was always something fast-paced happening, meaning that yet again within a couple of hours it had been read!
Finally, some of the mysteries surrounding the Baudelaires are being unravelled in this one, which I’m grateful has finally happened. Since there’s thirteen books in the whole series, I expected it to be soon but was still glad that some of my questions were answered.
This one isn’t as comedic as a lot of the ones that came before it. I feel like as the mysteries unfold, the novels are going to get less comedic and more serious. It’s a nice change from the usual plot and structure, and it still left enough little bits of comedy in it to keep it entertaining.
I love some of the characters who are revealed in this one (not saying who because spoilers), and found them much needed.
Olaf is becoming more and more sinister and less comedic which makes the plot brilliant. To be able to see the shift in his behaviour and see his desperation build up as I make it to the finale is making me run for the next book.
This one was really suspenseful. There was always something fast-paced happening, meaning that yet again within a couple of hours it had been read!
Finally, some of the mysteries surrounding the Baudelaires are being unravelled in this one, which I’m grateful has finally happened. Since there’s thirteen books in the whole series, I expected it to be soon but was still glad that some of my questions were answered.
This one isn’t as comedic as a lot of the ones that came before it. I feel like as the mysteries unfold, the novels are going to get less comedic and more serious. It’s a nice change from the usual plot and structure, and it still left enough little bits of comedy in it to keep it entertaining.
I love some of the characters who are revealed in this one (not saying who because spoilers), and found them much needed.
Olaf is becoming more and more sinister and less comedic which makes the plot brilliant. To be able to see the shift in his behaviour and see his desperation build up as I make it to the finale is making me run for the next book.
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated The Art of Natural Cleaning in Books
Jun 5, 2019
I’ve always liked the idea of making my own chemical free cleaning products, and have come across books with a little bit about it stuffed somewhere towards the back as an afterthought, so when I came across this whole book dedicated to the subject, “The Art of Natural Cleaning: Tips and techniques for a chemical-free, sparkling home (Art of series)” (what a mouthful!) by chemical free Rebecca Sullivan (well, one has to assume she is) I was delighted to say the least.
First impressions are – it’s a lovely small, hardback book, and every other page is a coloured photo of either the finished product or the work in progress.
There are some lovely ideas, and these are set out into categories; Kitchen, Wardrobe and Laundry, Bathroom, Scent and Make It Shine. There’s a nice introduction from the author and a mini shopping list of which are easily sourced. Each idea, if it includes a recipe, is set out clearly with the ingredients you need and the method.
There are several “recipes” I like, but I love those in the Scent Chapter and have made my own natural chemical free air fresheners.
Overall this is a great book and I’ve enjoyed trying out some of these ideas. Incidentally, the book cover is made out of a very tactile (to me anyway) material, that has a slightly woven, textile feel to it. I’m not sure what the technical name is for it, but I like it. And can’t stop stroking it.
First impressions are – it’s a lovely small, hardback book, and every other page is a coloured photo of either the finished product or the work in progress.
There are some lovely ideas, and these are set out into categories; Kitchen, Wardrobe and Laundry, Bathroom, Scent and Make It Shine. There’s a nice introduction from the author and a mini shopping list of which are easily sourced. Each idea, if it includes a recipe, is set out clearly with the ingredients you need and the method.
There are several “recipes” I like, but I love those in the Scent Chapter and have made my own natural chemical free air fresheners.
Overall this is a great book and I’ve enjoyed trying out some of these ideas. Incidentally, the book cover is made out of a very tactile (to me anyway) material, that has a slightly woven, textile feel to it. I’m not sure what the technical name is for it, but I like it. And can’t stop stroking it.
Merissa (12066 KP) rated A Drop of Blue (Rifters #1) in Books
Jul 19, 2018
A Drop of Blue (Rifters #1) by Isa Briarwood
A Drop of Blue is the first book in the Rifters series, and one I definitely want to carry on with.
Cate is taken from her time in 1972 and finds herself very far away from home, both in physical distance and also time. She is taken in and shown the ropes, but told to basically keep her nose clean or else. Over the time she is there, she forms an attachment with Angus, another rifter, and together, they plan to escape and return to their own times.
This was an extremely gripping and fascinating story that is full of adventure. One of my favourite parts were the different eras. I think Isa Briarwood has done a fantastic job of describing different times, whilst still making them accessible for everyone. With a whole host of supporting characters, there is something here for everyone. With a well thought out story, excellent world-building, and interesting characters, this is a story to make you think. I loved what was done in this one, and can't wait to see where it will go next.
With no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, I have no hesitation in recommending this book, and I can't wait for the next.
* 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!
Cate is taken from her time in 1972 and finds herself very far away from home, both in physical distance and also time. She is taken in and shown the ropes, but told to basically keep her nose clean or else. Over the time she is there, she forms an attachment with Angus, another rifter, and together, they plan to escape and return to their own times.
This was an extremely gripping and fascinating story that is full of adventure. One of my favourite parts were the different eras. I think Isa Briarwood has done a fantastic job of describing different times, whilst still making them accessible for everyone. With a whole host of supporting characters, there is something here for everyone. With a well thought out story, excellent world-building, and interesting characters, this is a story to make you think. I loved what was done in this one, and can't wait to see where it will go next.
With no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, I have no hesitation in recommending this book, and I can't wait for the next.
* 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!
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Briar Rose in Books
Sep 6, 2019
I received this book as a first reads copy via GoodReads and My Kinda Book.
I'll start by saying I love the cover of this book.
Then: I'm a big Jana Oliver fan, having loved her Demon Trappers series so when I saw the First Reads giveaway on Goodreads for this I just had to enter and luckily for me, I was picked as one of the winners.
I have to admit that I, too have always liked the idea of Princes and Princess' and fairy tale endings and this was a unique take on it, with the twisted fairy tale one that is almost of Briar Rose's own making.
I kinda wish I could say more but I don't want to ruin it for those who are going to read this...sorry ;D
Saying that, it was very unique to me, as I have never seen or heard of anything like this before, and I really enjoyed it. Maybe it was the authors style which I can easily fall into or maybe it was the idea of the story but I was captivated by it from early on.
I also really liked all the major characters though it took a while for Pat to grow on me. The rest; Briar, Joshua, Reena and Ruric were all pretty cool from the start.
If you're a fan of the author then you should give this a try, as well as those who like fantasy books as this is no ordinary fairy tale.
I'll start by saying I love the cover of this book.
Then: I'm a big Jana Oliver fan, having loved her Demon Trappers series so when I saw the First Reads giveaway on Goodreads for this I just had to enter and luckily for me, I was picked as one of the winners.
I have to admit that I, too have always liked the idea of Princes and Princess' and fairy tale endings and this was a unique take on it, with the twisted fairy tale one that is almost of Briar Rose's own making.
I kinda wish I could say more but I don't want to ruin it for those who are going to read this...sorry ;D
Saying that, it was very unique to me, as I have never seen or heard of anything like this before, and I really enjoyed it. Maybe it was the authors style which I can easily fall into or maybe it was the idea of the story but I was captivated by it from early on.
I also really liked all the major characters though it took a while for Pat to grow on me. The rest; Briar, Joshua, Reena and Ruric were all pretty cool from the start.
If you're a fan of the author then you should give this a try, as well as those who like fantasy books as this is no ordinary fairy tale.
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Frozen Flowers Fallen (Gen-Heirs World: Bella and the Beast Master) in Books
Jan 11, 2023
An intense, slow-burn romance with a dash of suspense that is absolutely brilliant!
FROZEN FLOWERS FALLEN is the first book in the Gen-Heirs World: Bella and the Beast Master series. It's a quick read that takes you back to Sziveria where Gen-talents are held so highly.
Now, I'm warning you now, I have loved The Guardians of Sziveria series so this review is probably biased! What can I say? You've already seen it's got 5-stars!
Bella is a clerk with no apparent Gen-talent, thus making her invisible and beneath notice to some of the Guardians around. However, Bella has a brain and isn't afraid to use it - so long as it doesn't put her in the spotlight. When Markus shows up, he is intrigued by this clerk who has put together more of a case than the Guardians he is supposed to be working with.
What follows is an intense, slow-burn romance with a dash of suspense, with the main two characters jumping off the page but fully supported by the other characters. The ending is superb but will definitely leave you wanting more.
I honestly can't wait to continue this series. What an absolutely cracking start! I need more of Bella, Markus, and Lunah in my life. HIGHLY recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Now, I'm warning you now, I have loved The Guardians of Sziveria series so this review is probably biased! What can I say? You've already seen it's got 5-stars!
Bella is a clerk with no apparent Gen-talent, thus making her invisible and beneath notice to some of the Guardians around. However, Bella has a brain and isn't afraid to use it - so long as it doesn't put her in the spotlight. When Markus shows up, he is intrigued by this clerk who has put together more of a case than the Guardians he is supposed to be working with.
What follows is an intense, slow-burn romance with a dash of suspense, with the main two characters jumping off the page but fully supported by the other characters. The ending is superb but will definitely leave you wanting more.
I honestly can't wait to continue this series. What an absolutely cracking start! I need more of Bella, Markus, and Lunah in my life. HIGHLY recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Between a Flock and a Hard Place
8.0
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Readers will flock to New York Times bestselling author Donna Andrews's next installment in the...
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Havana Storm in Books
Nov 14, 2019
I've been reading some pretty demanding books recently and needed something a bit more lightweight and the Cussler template usually fits the bill. You always know what you are going to get and sometimes that's just what you need. I didn't expect this book to blow me away and it didn't - but it was better than my expectations.
This is another collaboration with Dirk Cussler and as usual it's hard to know how much of the book is down to Clive and how much to Dirk. But that's not the point. In this book you get lots of underwater action, 'bad guys' intent on making money and creating environmental disaster in the process and Cuban political intrigue.
In previous installments the children of Dirk Pitt (called Dirk and Summer) have sometimes appeared to have written in just to make sure they appear in the series leaving the actual meat of the story progression to the familiar team of Pitt and Giordino. But this is quite notable for the ensemble cast that get their hands dirty in the course of the story, especially when the usual pairings are split up and Pitt works with his daughter and Dirk is with Giordino.
There are the usual scrapes and death-defying escapes but again the reader is kept guessing as sometime the escapes leave the heroes free to continue their task of thwarting the bad guys but other times ingenious and risky plans work but end up with their almost immediate recapture.
Overall the book is indeed a little more realistic that previous ones (although still pretty far fetched). The threat is localised rather than global and the motivation of political power and greed seems plausible, as does the way the NUMA team pull the threads together to work out what is going on.
This is never going to be a must read book or on any kind of literary shortlist for me but for pure escapist adventure, it's really hard to beat.
Possibly one for Dirk Pitt fans only as the first few books are far superior, but a lot better than some installments in the series.
Rating: Some violence but not excessive
This is another collaboration with Dirk Cussler and as usual it's hard to know how much of the book is down to Clive and how much to Dirk. But that's not the point. In this book you get lots of underwater action, 'bad guys' intent on making money and creating environmental disaster in the process and Cuban political intrigue.
In previous installments the children of Dirk Pitt (called Dirk and Summer) have sometimes appeared to have written in just to make sure they appear in the series leaving the actual meat of the story progression to the familiar team of Pitt and Giordino. But this is quite notable for the ensemble cast that get their hands dirty in the course of the story, especially when the usual pairings are split up and Pitt works with his daughter and Dirk is with Giordino.
There are the usual scrapes and death-defying escapes but again the reader is kept guessing as sometime the escapes leave the heroes free to continue their task of thwarting the bad guys but other times ingenious and risky plans work but end up with their almost immediate recapture.
Overall the book is indeed a little more realistic that previous ones (although still pretty far fetched). The threat is localised rather than global and the motivation of political power and greed seems plausible, as does the way the NUMA team pull the threads together to work out what is going on.
This is never going to be a must read book or on any kind of literary shortlist for me but for pure escapist adventure, it's really hard to beat.
Possibly one for Dirk Pitt fans only as the first few books are far superior, but a lot better than some installments in the series.
Rating: Some violence but not excessive