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Merissa (12929 KP) rated The Bright Side Brigade in Books
Mar 29, 2019
The Bright Side Brigade by Elaine White
The Bright Side Brigade is a set of interconnecting stories, all related to each other, but with different people in the starring roles for each one. What this means is you keep up to date on all of the people here, but not in the way you were expecting.
What was I expecting when I agreed to review this? I'll be honest, not this!!! I read a hard-hitting, emotional, full of impact story that shows you that sometimes, you actually need something you didn't think you did. This school had a Zero Tolerance manifesto in place, and didn't think they needed anything else, but as these stories progress, you see just how much they do!
There is no one couple I loved more than the others, and that is simply amazing. Usually in a box set or anthology, I will ALWAYS have one favourite story/couple. Not here. All of these boys and girls touched my heart. I cheered for their victories, and I wept for their sorrows. Seriously!!! I was astounded by what I read, and I thoroughly enjoyed every word!
Now, onto the technical side. There were no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed. I may have missed one when I was wiping away the tears, but I doubt it. A bunch of short stories, making up an emotional whole. The pacing was perfect for each and every one. I guess if I wanted to nitpick, I would say I'm not entirely sure where it is set. It mentions Glasgow, but then medical bills - which is possible in the UK, but not usual. However, I couldn't care if this was set on Space Planet number 9! I loved this book, and I really, REALLY, hope to see more of The Bright Side Brigade... please?!
In case you haven't realised it yet - I absolutely recommend this book!
* 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!
What was I expecting when I agreed to review this? I'll be honest, not this!!! I read a hard-hitting, emotional, full of impact story that shows you that sometimes, you actually need something you didn't think you did. This school had a Zero Tolerance manifesto in place, and didn't think they needed anything else, but as these stories progress, you see just how much they do!
There is no one couple I loved more than the others, and that is simply amazing. Usually in a box set or anthology, I will ALWAYS have one favourite story/couple. Not here. All of these boys and girls touched my heart. I cheered for their victories, and I wept for their sorrows. Seriously!!! I was astounded by what I read, and I thoroughly enjoyed every word!
Now, onto the technical side. There were no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed. I may have missed one when I was wiping away the tears, but I doubt it. A bunch of short stories, making up an emotional whole. The pacing was perfect for each and every one. I guess if I wanted to nitpick, I would say I'm not entirely sure where it is set. It mentions Glasgow, but then medical bills - which is possible in the UK, but not usual. However, I couldn't care if this was set on Space Planet number 9! I loved this book, and I really, REALLY, hope to see more of The Bright Side Brigade... please?!
In case you haven't realised it yet - I absolutely recommend this book!
* 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!
Bubblesreview (110 KP) rated All That Remains: A Life in Death in Books
Apr 7, 2019
Pros:
▪ Descriptive
▪ Very fascinating
▪ Surprisingly life-affirming
Cons:
▪ Could be a possible military/trauma PTSD trigger
What an incredible book. When I first picked this up I was sceptical about reading it right now, I thought this was going to be a dark, depressing read about death. It certainly is about death but surprisingly not in a dark or depressing way.
I've been suffering with a bereavement since November after my best friend was killed in a road accident, hit by a drunk driver. I have been struggling quite a bit with this and there doesn't seem to be any support for people struggling with bereavement, there is one local charity that provides free counselling but I'm currently on a 16+ week waiting list before they can even assess me to see if they can help me.
So you can see why I was hesitant to read this, however, after reading some reviews on it i took the risk and dived in. I'm glad I did.
I found this actually very refreshing and life-affirming, it's made me see life and death in a different way and I feel like it's helped me cope a little better whilst I wait for counselling.
The chapter about the authors personal experience with bereavements was nice to be reminded that everyone deals with grief in their own ways, even if it may seem odd to others.
I really enjoyed reading the scientific parts of this book aswell, as detailed as some of it was it was actually really interesting. It was also nice to learn about all the different options available now days for what happens to our bodies. Donating your body to a medical school is one option I wasn't even aware of.
The epilogue was a tear jerker, I admit I struggled to read through those last pages. It was very personal to Blacks family and very detailed about her wishes when her time comes.
I highly respect Black for making such a personal memoir published.
This was an emotional, uplifting, scientific memoir that I highly recommend.
▪ Descriptive
▪ Very fascinating
▪ Surprisingly life-affirming
Cons:
▪ Could be a possible military/trauma PTSD trigger
What an incredible book. When I first picked this up I was sceptical about reading it right now, I thought this was going to be a dark, depressing read about death. It certainly is about death but surprisingly not in a dark or depressing way.
I've been suffering with a bereavement since November after my best friend was killed in a road accident, hit by a drunk driver. I have been struggling quite a bit with this and there doesn't seem to be any support for people struggling with bereavement, there is one local charity that provides free counselling but I'm currently on a 16+ week waiting list before they can even assess me to see if they can help me.
So you can see why I was hesitant to read this, however, after reading some reviews on it i took the risk and dived in. I'm glad I did.
I found this actually very refreshing and life-affirming, it's made me see life and death in a different way and I feel like it's helped me cope a little better whilst I wait for counselling.
The chapter about the authors personal experience with bereavements was nice to be reminded that everyone deals with grief in their own ways, even if it may seem odd to others.
I really enjoyed reading the scientific parts of this book aswell, as detailed as some of it was it was actually really interesting. It was also nice to learn about all the different options available now days for what happens to our bodies. Donating your body to a medical school is one option I wasn't even aware of.
The epilogue was a tear jerker, I admit I struggled to read through those last pages. It was very personal to Blacks family and very detailed about her wishes when her time comes.
I highly respect Black for making such a personal memoir published.
This was an emotional, uplifting, scientific memoir that I highly recommend.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated We All Fall Down in Books
May 22, 2019
...**THIS IS A GOVERNMENT ALERT**IF YOU EXHIBIT SYMPTOMS, STAY IN YOUR HOMES**PLEASE REMAIN CALM AND DO NOT ATTEMPT THE RESCUE OF OTHERS**THIS IS A GOVERNMENT ALERT**IF YOU EXHIBIT SYMPTOMS, STAY IN YOUR HOMES**PLEASE REMAIN CALM AND DO NOT ATTEMPT THE RESCUE OF OTHERS**THIS IS A GOVERNMENT ALERT**...
IT STARTS WITH ONE PATIENT
A woman is dying in an Italian hospital, coughing up blood, convulsing and barely conscious.
BEFORE IT SPREADS TO THE TOWN
Dr Alana Vaughn, an expert from NATO, confirms everyones worst fears: the woman has the highly infectious disease that swept through Europe eight hundred years ago. The Black Death.
AND TAKES THE CITY
The sickness is spreading so quickly that soon the outbreak becomes a global pandemic. Markets crash and governments fall as quickly as the citizens they govern.
THEN THE COUNTRY
As panic takes hold and the death toll climbs, the consequences become horrifically clear Alana must discover a way to stop the disease or it will be the end of us all.
THEN THE WORLD - AND WE ALL FALL DOWN.
The book is fast paced and had me on the edge of my seat wondering if Alana, Nico, Byron and company were going to be able to get to the bottom of who unleashed the plague and when or if they could get it under control.
The book was well written with believable and interesting characters.
I really liked the medical aspect of the book and how the scientists and doctors react to a dormant disease suddenly becoming active all over again and with them struggling to cope with the lack of vaccines available and also the consideration of the disease used as a bio-weapon was really interesting.
This is scary to think, could biological terrorism really happen, how fast can viruses spread and how safe are we?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
Highly Recommend reading!
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this e-book ARC to read and review. I enjoyed this so much that I intend to seek out the other books written by this author.
IT STARTS WITH ONE PATIENT
A woman is dying in an Italian hospital, coughing up blood, convulsing and barely conscious.
BEFORE IT SPREADS TO THE TOWN
Dr Alana Vaughn, an expert from NATO, confirms everyones worst fears: the woman has the highly infectious disease that swept through Europe eight hundred years ago. The Black Death.
AND TAKES THE CITY
The sickness is spreading so quickly that soon the outbreak becomes a global pandemic. Markets crash and governments fall as quickly as the citizens they govern.
THEN THE COUNTRY
As panic takes hold and the death toll climbs, the consequences become horrifically clear Alana must discover a way to stop the disease or it will be the end of us all.
THEN THE WORLD - AND WE ALL FALL DOWN.
The book is fast paced and had me on the edge of my seat wondering if Alana, Nico, Byron and company were going to be able to get to the bottom of who unleashed the plague and when or if they could get it under control.
The book was well written with believable and interesting characters.
I really liked the medical aspect of the book and how the scientists and doctors react to a dormant disease suddenly becoming active all over again and with them struggling to cope with the lack of vaccines available and also the consideration of the disease used as a bio-weapon was really interesting.
This is scary to think, could biological terrorism really happen, how fast can viruses spread and how safe are we?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
Highly Recommend reading!
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this e-book ARC to read and review. I enjoyed this so much that I intend to seek out the other books written by this author.
Meghan and Brandon met in college and became good friends. Some might say they are from opposite sides of the tracks so how could they have anything in common. But those are some of the things that bonded them early in their relationship. Graduation is coming and Meghan is finally going to put her feelings for Brandon on the line and see if he feels the same for her.
Brandon has been in love with Meghan since the first day he saw her. Their friendship means the world to him and he doesnt want to do anything to mess it up, especially not by admitting his feelings. Tonights party is the last time he will see her, at least for a while so he wants to enjoy every single second left with her. When she tells him she feels the same way about him he cant believe his luck. They make love but then something happens and she kicks him out afterward.
Years go by without contact between the two, they resumed their real lives and are both miserable. Brandon has returned to the family business which has become all consuming and Meghan works odd jobs to pay for a crappy apartment and take care of her son, Eaton. When a medical emergency threatens her sons life she does what she needs to do to secure the money needed for his surgery.
Brandon and Meghan move past misunderstanding, betrayal and lost years to forge their relationship again. Will they be able to let the past be the past and move forward together, without repercussions? Although this is the second book of the series Saving Samantha (Book 1) does not need to be read first as they are both standalone. Some characters overlap but it isnt confusing as to who is who. The author once again weaves a romantic, second chance at love story with wonderful characters who capture our imagination. I received an advance copy without expectation for review, any and all opinions expressed are my own. Solid 4 star read again from the author.
Brandon has been in love with Meghan since the first day he saw her. Their friendship means the world to him and he doesnt want to do anything to mess it up, especially not by admitting his feelings. Tonights party is the last time he will see her, at least for a while so he wants to enjoy every single second left with her. When she tells him she feels the same way about him he cant believe his luck. They make love but then something happens and she kicks him out afterward.
Years go by without contact between the two, they resumed their real lives and are both miserable. Brandon has returned to the family business which has become all consuming and Meghan works odd jobs to pay for a crappy apartment and take care of her son, Eaton. When a medical emergency threatens her sons life she does what she needs to do to secure the money needed for his surgery.
Brandon and Meghan move past misunderstanding, betrayal and lost years to forge their relationship again. Will they be able to let the past be the past and move forward together, without repercussions? Although this is the second book of the series Saving Samantha (Book 1) does not need to be read first as they are both standalone. Some characters overlap but it isnt confusing as to who is who. The author once again weaves a romantic, second chance at love story with wonderful characters who capture our imagination. I received an advance copy without expectation for review, any and all opinions expressed are my own. Solid 4 star read again from the author.
Darren (1599 KP) rated Alien 3 (1992) in Movies
Jun 20, 2019
Story: How do you follow up two of the best sci-fi films or all time? This struggles to keep up with the atmosphere created in the first two. It offers nothing new to the series either. As a stand-alone film this would struggle to be a good sci-fi thriller. It’s only positive I can think of were a couple of surprise deaths. (5/10)
Actor Review: Sigourney Weaver – Ripley back to kick the alien’s arse. Sigourney has created one of the biggest icons in female cinema, but this is not the chapter anyone would be remembering. (6/10)
ripley
Actor Review: Charles S. Dutton – Dillon leader of the religious movement on in the prison. One of the good guys who protects Ripley from the bad prisoners. He does an ok job but doesn’t have enough to work with. (6/10)
dance
Actor Review: Charles Dance – Medical officer with a dark past on the road to recovery. Good supporting role is used well to create a good connection between Ripley and the prisoners. (6/10)
Director Review: David Fincher – The great director disowned this film after it got changed post production and I don’t blame him. (4/10)
Action: Slow moving action throughout. (6/10)
Sci-Fi: Take out the Alien it offers very little in the world of sci-fi. (5/10)
Thriller: Not very thrilling compared to previous offering. (5/10)
Special Effects: Poor special effects too. (5/10)
Chances of Tears: No (0/10)
Settings: A prison on a planet with nowhere to run creating a great isolation setting for this sci-fi horror. (9/10)
Suggestion: I only say try because it makes the first two look even better and it is nice to see how the characters you grew to love, well their next chapter. (Try It)
Best Part: Lead scene.
Worst Part: Loses suspense element.
Action Scene of the Film: Final scene.
Kill Of The Film: Clemens
Oscar Chances: Nominated for one Oscar for visual effects
Chances of Sequel: Did get a sequel.
Overall: Poor addition to the franchise.
https://moviesreview101.com/2014/01/29/alien-3-1992/
Actor Review: Sigourney Weaver – Ripley back to kick the alien’s arse. Sigourney has created one of the biggest icons in female cinema, but this is not the chapter anyone would be remembering. (6/10)
ripley
Actor Review: Charles S. Dutton – Dillon leader of the religious movement on in the prison. One of the good guys who protects Ripley from the bad prisoners. He does an ok job but doesn’t have enough to work with. (6/10)
dance
Actor Review: Charles Dance – Medical officer with a dark past on the road to recovery. Good supporting role is used well to create a good connection between Ripley and the prisoners. (6/10)
Director Review: David Fincher – The great director disowned this film after it got changed post production and I don’t blame him. (4/10)
Action: Slow moving action throughout. (6/10)
Sci-Fi: Take out the Alien it offers very little in the world of sci-fi. (5/10)
Thriller: Not very thrilling compared to previous offering. (5/10)
Special Effects: Poor special effects too. (5/10)
Chances of Tears: No (0/10)
Settings: A prison on a planet with nowhere to run creating a great isolation setting for this sci-fi horror. (9/10)
Suggestion: I only say try because it makes the first two look even better and it is nice to see how the characters you grew to love, well their next chapter. (Try It)
Best Part: Lead scene.
Worst Part: Loses suspense element.
Action Scene of the Film: Final scene.
Kill Of The Film: Clemens
Oscar Chances: Nominated for one Oscar for visual effects
Chances of Sequel: Did get a sequel.
Overall: Poor addition to the franchise.
https://moviesreview101.com/2014/01/29/alien-3-1992/
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill (Tales from Ivy Hill, #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Before you tar and feather me for giving a Julie Klassen book a three star rating, please hear me out. As stated in my rating system post, "This is reserved for books that I look upon with pleasure, but do not produce the feelings of complete adoration." The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill was unique and enjoyable to read, however it did not move my soul.
The first thing that I noticed about this book that is different from any other of Mrs. Klassen's books, is the the point of views are strictly female. Alternating between three women, we get a unique look into life in a small village set in England during 1820. I learned a lot about the inner workings of the inn and got explore the lives of these different women who represent very different personalities and stations in life. Reading through the eyes of these three women also added an extra sense of mystery. Because we don't know what is going on in the minds of the gentlemen in this story.
Julie Klassen does take on some heart wrenching topics in this book. Specifically, difficulties with pregnancies. I will not sugar coat it, descriptions are detailed and quite graphic in my opinion. Please proceed as you feel appropriate. I just know that for myself, it was difficult to read those scenes and I feel it only fair to give my fellow readers a heads up. I never had any complications with pregnancy, but have had a lot of medical trauma with our second son, during and after delivery(everything is OK now). Therefore, I find it hard to read about anything at all happening to children in books.
Overall, I enjoyed Mrs. Klassen's book in her very first series and I will read the next books. The Innkeeper of Ivy Hall was an entertaining book and I look forward to what comes next.
I received a complimentary copy of The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
The first thing that I noticed about this book that is different from any other of Mrs. Klassen's books, is the the point of views are strictly female. Alternating between three women, we get a unique look into life in a small village set in England during 1820. I learned a lot about the inner workings of the inn and got explore the lives of these different women who represent very different personalities and stations in life. Reading through the eyes of these three women also added an extra sense of mystery. Because we don't know what is going on in the minds of the gentlemen in this story.
Julie Klassen does take on some heart wrenching topics in this book. Specifically, difficulties with pregnancies. I will not sugar coat it, descriptions are detailed and quite graphic in my opinion. Please proceed as you feel appropriate. I just know that for myself, it was difficult to read those scenes and I feel it only fair to give my fellow readers a heads up. I never had any complications with pregnancy, but have had a lot of medical trauma with our second son, during and after delivery(everything is OK now). Therefore, I find it hard to read about anything at all happening to children in books.
Overall, I enjoyed Mrs. Klassen's book in her very first series and I will read the next books. The Innkeeper of Ivy Hall was an entertaining book and I look forward to what comes next.
I received a complimentary copy of The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
BookInspector (124 KP) rated I Know A Secret (Rizzoli & Isles, #12) in Books
Sep 24, 2020
For more reviews please visit https://bbookinspector.wordpress.com
I embarrassingly admit, that I was “living under the rock” and this is my first book by Gerritsen, but I am an absolute fan from now on, and I simply need to read all the eleven books from this series, it is just too good to be ignored.
The blurb above, describes this book quite accurately, Rizzoli and Isles got new, very unusual cases, and trying to find the connection between all those murders. The whole narrative is told from Jane’s, Maura’s, and Holly’s perspectives, and that helped me a lot to have a feel of the characters and their complex personalities. I really enjoyed being the one, who knew, what Rizzoli was missing. There are plenty of diverse and very interesting characters in this book, and I think every reader can choose their favourite. My favourite was Jane Rizzoli; I loved her strong personality, and she is very believable and realistic, with husband and little daughter, which showed her softer, down to earth side. There were plenty of clues, that this book is continuation of previous novels, but it can easily be a standalone thriller, even without reading previous books, I was able to enjoy it.
The plot of this book was incredibly well thought through and very addictive, which made this book very hard to put down. Tess puts clues and suspense in every chapter of this book, followed with constant twists and turns. I loved that Tess used different theories to solve the murders, and her personal experience with human bodies was absolutely fantastic.
Even thought author used quite a bit of medical terms in this book; I still found this book quite easy, understandable and pleasurable to read. The chapters are decent length, and did not leave me bored. The culmination was interesting and unexpected, which concluded this novel greatly. So, to conclude, Tess Gerritsen has a new fan, and this book is an absolute must read which is very addictive, incredibly plotted, and filled with unexpected turns and twists. Enjoy ! :)
Was given this book by publisher for honest review.
I embarrassingly admit, that I was “living under the rock” and this is my first book by Gerritsen, but I am an absolute fan from now on, and I simply need to read all the eleven books from this series, it is just too good to be ignored.
The blurb above, describes this book quite accurately, Rizzoli and Isles got new, very unusual cases, and trying to find the connection between all those murders. The whole narrative is told from Jane’s, Maura’s, and Holly’s perspectives, and that helped me a lot to have a feel of the characters and their complex personalities. I really enjoyed being the one, who knew, what Rizzoli was missing. There are plenty of diverse and very interesting characters in this book, and I think every reader can choose their favourite. My favourite was Jane Rizzoli; I loved her strong personality, and she is very believable and realistic, with husband and little daughter, which showed her softer, down to earth side. There were plenty of clues, that this book is continuation of previous novels, but it can easily be a standalone thriller, even without reading previous books, I was able to enjoy it.
The plot of this book was incredibly well thought through and very addictive, which made this book very hard to put down. Tess puts clues and suspense in every chapter of this book, followed with constant twists and turns. I loved that Tess used different theories to solve the murders, and her personal experience with human bodies was absolutely fantastic.
Even thought author used quite a bit of medical terms in this book; I still found this book quite easy, understandable and pleasurable to read. The chapters are decent length, and did not leave me bored. The culmination was interesting and unexpected, which concluded this novel greatly. So, to conclude, Tess Gerritsen has a new fan, and this book is an absolute must read which is very addictive, incredibly plotted, and filled with unexpected turns and twists. Enjoy ! :)
Was given this book by publisher for honest review.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Girls Like Us in Books
Jul 12, 2019
Nell Flynn has reluctantly returned home to Long Island after the death of her father, Martin Flynn, a homicide detective. Nell hasn't seen her father in years, but must settle his estate after his motorcycle skidded off Montauk Highway in the early morning. She assumes her dad was drunk, per usual, when the incident occurred. Nell's mom was murdered when she was a child, and there's nothing about being home that makes her happy. But when Lee, a young homicide detective and her dad's latest partner, asks her to informally help with a case, Nell's curiosity is piqued. She is, after all, on paid medical leave from the Behavioral Analysis Unit at the FBI. Lee and team have found the body of a girl, murdered, near the dunes. It's similar to a case her father worked a year ago. Nell gets caught up in the investigation and the more she digs, the more she can't help but wonder if her father was involved in the killings.
"Dad had his own code. I learned early not to second guess it. At least, not out loud."
This was a great thriller--it features an interesting plot, a strong, complicated female heroine, and it's so easy to get caught up in it from the start. I had a great time unraveling the puzzle of the two murders, figuring things out alongside Nell. She's a really engaging character--smart, funny yet not without her own problems.
"The bureau thinks my head should be on straight, too. It isn't yet. Maybe it never was to begin with."
I really enjoyed the way this story is told--via Nell, but since she's not formally FBI or police, we get the pieces of the puzzle and story along with her. It's a twisted web that she uncovers: a dark, gritty story that feels timely and real. It's a fast read that kept me flipping the pages, desperately wanting to know what was happening next.
It's clear that Alger knows her stuff--police/FBI procedures, investigative techniques, and more. There are no tricks or unreliable narrators: just a strong, well-told story. And there's certainly series potential with Nell. I would love to see her again! 4+ stars.
"Dad had his own code. I learned early not to second guess it. At least, not out loud."
This was a great thriller--it features an interesting plot, a strong, complicated female heroine, and it's so easy to get caught up in it from the start. I had a great time unraveling the puzzle of the two murders, figuring things out alongside Nell. She's a really engaging character--smart, funny yet not without her own problems.
"The bureau thinks my head should be on straight, too. It isn't yet. Maybe it never was to begin with."
I really enjoyed the way this story is told--via Nell, but since she's not formally FBI or police, we get the pieces of the puzzle and story along with her. It's a twisted web that she uncovers: a dark, gritty story that feels timely and real. It's a fast read that kept me flipping the pages, desperately wanting to know what was happening next.
It's clear that Alger knows her stuff--police/FBI procedures, investigative techniques, and more. There are no tricks or unreliable narrators: just a strong, well-told story. And there's certainly series potential with Nell. I would love to see her again! 4+ stars.
Main Character (1 more)
Short Chapters
Unnecessarily long (2 more)
The subplot was better than the Main Plot
Supporting Characters not given enough development
About 200 pages too long
After M.R Carey blew me away with the novel THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS i couldn't wait to read the follow up FELLSIDE. Unfortunately i was left a little disappointed, the opening was great setting up the character of Jess Moulson and why and how she has ended up in Fellside Womens prison. But once the opening court case and transfer to Fellside was complete it became a bit lackluster, with the introduction of prison politics, unrounded and redundant characters and Ghosts. Yes Ghosts! the Supernatural element to the story actually makes it feel rather stupid when compared with the darkend side of humanity the reside in the prison.
The book is approximately 500 pages long and i felt like it was a 300 page story dragged out. However if you stick with it the pay is worth it for the best part. Unfortunately the actual climax itself was an absolute mess. I found that about half way through the book i stopped caring about the main plot which focused on the supernatural part and Jess and her promise to the ghost of the little boy she has killed, and i became more interested in the subplots, involving drug smuggling, re-trials and a potential friendship/relationship with her lawyers assistant. I found that we are given some extensive time to characters who are the medical staff in the prison which proved to be way way too much for the relative small role they actual play in the story, and characters that i would have thought would have been more prominent and created much more interesting reading such as Jess' boyfriend John, her cell mate and the Prison Warden were never really fleshed out and barely anything more than inanimate object being pushed in place.
I did enjoy Jess Moulson as a main character, she is presented as a timid, repentant, emotionally and defiantly physically scarred and M.R Carey did make her a stereotypical drop out waster drug user or loud mouth bully inmate and think that is the strong credit here. Her situation does dictate her actions and decisions greatly but unfortunately it does seem like she is the only character that has that depth to her.
The book is approximately 500 pages long and i felt like it was a 300 page story dragged out. However if you stick with it the pay is worth it for the best part. Unfortunately the actual climax itself was an absolute mess. I found that about half way through the book i stopped caring about the main plot which focused on the supernatural part and Jess and her promise to the ghost of the little boy she has killed, and i became more interested in the subplots, involving drug smuggling, re-trials and a potential friendship/relationship with her lawyers assistant. I found that we are given some extensive time to characters who are the medical staff in the prison which proved to be way way too much for the relative small role they actual play in the story, and characters that i would have thought would have been more prominent and created much more interesting reading such as Jess' boyfriend John, her cell mate and the Prison Warden were never really fleshed out and barely anything more than inanimate object being pushed in place.
I did enjoy Jess Moulson as a main character, she is presented as a timid, repentant, emotionally and defiantly physically scarred and M.R Carey did make her a stereotypical drop out waster drug user or loud mouth bully inmate and think that is the strong credit here. Her situation does dictate her actions and decisions greatly but unfortunately it does seem like she is the only character that has that depth to her.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Mayhem, Murder and Marijuana in Books
Apr 9, 2019
Adam Copland is the master when it comes to the legal marijuana business in Los Angeles, California. But not everyone in the business plays nicely. Adam has to deal with the good, the bad and the ugly of this industry. The book focuses on Adam expanding his business to other parts of California as well as other parts of the country. There are a lot of highs and lows he experiences with this expansion. His wife is not happy with the business he is in although it makes him lots of money. Will Adam be able to continue to live and survive being in the marijuana industry?
Thank you to NetGalley and BookBaby/Independent Book Publishers Association for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I was excited to read this book because I have an interest in the marijuana industry and how it has changed so much over the past few years. Being legalized in many states for medical as well as recreational purposes. The overall story was interesting and filled with characters I loved to hate, but there were some issues with the writing that made me give the book three stars.
First off, we're introduced to several characters all at once with similar names(Jamal, Jam) and I had to go back to make sure I was with the right person. Then all throughout the book, the main character would go by different names in the same sentence and paragraph. His name is Adam Copland, sometimes it was just Adam, sometimes Copland and sometimes AC. And there never seemed to be any rhyme or reason as to why it was this way. I'm used to a name shift when a person has a title(eg. Dr. Jones, friends may call him/her by the first name or a detective), but not for an average person. At first this left me very confused because I wasn't sure if they were talking about the same person or different people. Other than that, I had to find out what was going to happen.
This is the first book in the series, I'm not sure how many books there will be all together, but I want to know what is going to happen next, because this book left us with a bit of a cliffhanger.
Thank you to NetGalley and BookBaby/Independent Book Publishers Association for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I was excited to read this book because I have an interest in the marijuana industry and how it has changed so much over the past few years. Being legalized in many states for medical as well as recreational purposes. The overall story was interesting and filled with characters I loved to hate, but there were some issues with the writing that made me give the book three stars.
First off, we're introduced to several characters all at once with similar names(Jamal, Jam) and I had to go back to make sure I was with the right person. Then all throughout the book, the main character would go by different names in the same sentence and paragraph. His name is Adam Copland, sometimes it was just Adam, sometimes Copland and sometimes AC. And there never seemed to be any rhyme or reason as to why it was this way. I'm used to a name shift when a person has a title(eg. Dr. Jones, friends may call him/her by the first name or a detective), but not for an average person. At first this left me very confused because I wasn't sure if they were talking about the same person or different people. Other than that, I had to find out what was going to happen.
This is the first book in the series, I'm not sure how many books there will be all together, but I want to know what is going to happen next, because this book left us with a bit of a cliffhanger.