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BookblogbyCari (345 KP) rated Not Thomas in Books
Jul 31, 2018
This is such a sad story I often struggled to bring myself to read it. The novel is written as if it were a true story told by the central character, 5-year-old Tomos. Tomos has just moved in with his birth mother, following a long period of foster care which came to an end when the foster parent died.
The language with which it’s written, is very much like that of its protagonist, with common wording, present tense, short sentences, and childlike enthusiasm clearly conveyed. In spite of this, you may argue it’s not necessarily easy to read, as I shall explain.
In the beginning of the book, the neglect endured by Tomos is more commonplace, such as: occasionally having crisps instead of a cooked meal, making do with a removable ladder to on and off his bed, and his mum missing his nativity play. Later a teacher spots there’s an issue and starts bringing food and uniform for him to school.
However, after each let-down, the author must have thought “Right, what’s the worst thing that can happen next?” By the end of the book, there’s a rape, an arrest, and a murder. Eventually the teacher forges a rescue of sorts for Tomos, but things may never be the same again for poor Tomos.
Reading a book where the dialogue is in my own Welsh valley dialect made the story feel all the more real to me. In the first half of the book, the dialogue amongst the adults provides more depth, context and complexity to the story, which would otherwise only be hinted at.
In the end, it’s the realism of the story that makes it such a hard read.
You can check out more of my book reviews on Wordpress or Facebook:
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The language with which it’s written, is very much like that of its protagonist, with common wording, present tense, short sentences, and childlike enthusiasm clearly conveyed. In spite of this, you may argue it’s not necessarily easy to read, as I shall explain.
In the beginning of the book, the neglect endured by Tomos is more commonplace, such as: occasionally having crisps instead of a cooked meal, making do with a removable ladder to on and off his bed, and his mum missing his nativity play. Later a teacher spots there’s an issue and starts bringing food and uniform for him to school.
However, after each let-down, the author must have thought “Right, what’s the worst thing that can happen next?” By the end of the book, there’s a rape, an arrest, and a murder. Eventually the teacher forges a rescue of sorts for Tomos, but things may never be the same again for poor Tomos.
Reading a book where the dialogue is in my own Welsh valley dialect made the story feel all the more real to me. In the first half of the book, the dialogue amongst the adults provides more depth, context and complexity to the story, which would otherwise only be hinted at.
In the end, it’s the realism of the story that makes it such a hard read.
You can check out more of my book reviews on Wordpress or Facebook:
https://bookblogbycari.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/bookblogbycari/
Carma (21 KP) rated Want Me, Cowboy (Copper Ridge: Desire, #5) in Books
Jun 17, 2019
Poppy Sinclair has loved Isaiah Grayson with all her being for 10 years. Unfortunately he sees her only as the best assistant he has ever had. When he gets the harebrained idea to get married by putting an ad in the newspaper, Poppy realizes she has to set him straight.
Isaiah asks Poppy to vet all the candidates for marriage fiasco, he trusts her judgment implicitly so he knows shell pick the perfect wife for him. After a moment of clarity he realizes Poppy would be the perfect wife. They work well together, have a mutual respect and she would be a great mother for his kids. The only thing missing is love.
Poppy and Isaiah find there is more to their relationship than just co-workers. Will a real chance at a family be the ultimate draw for the former foster kid? Can Isaiah give love a real chance after abandoning hope for it due to a former relationship? Will an unexpected surprise pull them closer or push them even farther apart? Youll have to pick up your copy of Want Me Cowboy today.
I am a huge fan of this authors writing style and this book doesnt disappoint. Though I can say I felt a little left hanging by certain things I felt didnt resolve enough for me (or even play through enough). I still give it 4 stars but it just isnt as solid as I normally get from Ms Yates, in my humble opinion. I received an advance copy without expectation for review, any and all opinions expressed are my own. Still a go to author for me, so this blip wont even register on my loyalty scale.
Isaiah asks Poppy to vet all the candidates for marriage fiasco, he trusts her judgment implicitly so he knows shell pick the perfect wife for him. After a moment of clarity he realizes Poppy would be the perfect wife. They work well together, have a mutual respect and she would be a great mother for his kids. The only thing missing is love.
Poppy and Isaiah find there is more to their relationship than just co-workers. Will a real chance at a family be the ultimate draw for the former foster kid? Can Isaiah give love a real chance after abandoning hope for it due to a former relationship? Will an unexpected surprise pull them closer or push them even farther apart? Youll have to pick up your copy of Want Me Cowboy today.
I am a huge fan of this authors writing style and this book doesnt disappoint. Though I can say I felt a little left hanging by certain things I felt didnt resolve enough for me (or even play through enough). I still give it 4 stars but it just isnt as solid as I normally get from Ms Yates, in my humble opinion. I received an advance copy without expectation for review, any and all opinions expressed are my own. Still a go to author for me, so this blip wont even register on my loyalty scale.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Making It Up by Kathryn Legendre in Music
Jun 17, 2019
Kathryn Legendre is a rising singer-songwriter from Austin, Texas. Not too long ago, she released a lovely country tune, entitled, “There You Go”.
“I try to keep myself at bay, but I miss you every day. You took off when I needed you the most. All I’ve got to get me through are these memories of you. It’s easier believing in a ghost. There you go again and here I am alone.” – lyrics
‘There You Go’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who doesn’t like saying goodbye to her significant other.
Apparently, he has to travel on the road again. Therefore, he has to leave the love-of-his-life all by her lonesome.
After his emotional departure, she washes dishes in the sink, hangs with her friends, and counts the hours down to when she will see her partner’s smiling face again.
Later, she admits that it still feels like he just left, and all she has to get her through this lonely period are the memories of him.
‘There You Go’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and vibey instrumentation scented with a country fragrance.
“I have a dear friend who lost her fiancé in a car accident while he was out on tour. ‘There You Go’ is a song about the fear of your loved one leaving and the fear of them never coming back.” – Kathryn Legendre
Kathryn Legendre drives around Austin with a ‘God Bless Merle Haggard’ sticker on her bumper.
The rising country artist thrives the most when she feels that something is missing. Also, she takes pride in the ability to relate to the human condition
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/kathryn-legendre-there-you-go/
“I try to keep myself at bay, but I miss you every day. You took off when I needed you the most. All I’ve got to get me through are these memories of you. It’s easier believing in a ghost. There you go again and here I am alone.” – lyrics
‘There You Go’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who doesn’t like saying goodbye to her significant other.
Apparently, he has to travel on the road again. Therefore, he has to leave the love-of-his-life all by her lonesome.
After his emotional departure, she washes dishes in the sink, hangs with her friends, and counts the hours down to when she will see her partner’s smiling face again.
Later, she admits that it still feels like he just left, and all she has to get her through this lonely period are the memories of him.
‘There You Go’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and vibey instrumentation scented with a country fragrance.
“I have a dear friend who lost her fiancé in a car accident while he was out on tour. ‘There You Go’ is a song about the fear of your loved one leaving and the fear of them never coming back.” – Kathryn Legendre
Kathryn Legendre drives around Austin with a ‘God Bless Merle Haggard’ sticker on her bumper.
The rising country artist thrives the most when she feels that something is missing. Also, she takes pride in the ability to relate to the human condition
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/kathryn-legendre-there-you-go/
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Becoming Magic (Sleight of Hand #5) in Books
Dec 10, 2018
Not really one for me :-(
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I'm jumping straight in here, because this is one of those reviews that is going to be difficult to write!
Overall, I liked this book. Mostly.
It's reasonably well written, from both Carole and Connor's points of view, so that was good. I didn't see any spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading.
It just didn't grab me! I found myself wanting more, from Connor, about that break up with his ex-co-star. From Carole about what happened all those years ago in Hollywood. From them both, about each other, their feelings. . . . I. . . . just . . . .
Wanted MORE!!!! And I can't word just WHAT I wanted, and that's why this is a hard review to write, cos I cannot, for the life of me, find the right words, and you know how much that PAINS me!
It does deal with some difficult topics: being drugged and a sexual assault. It deals with these in a sensitive manner, but needs to be mentioned. I also found the assault story arc a little bit too much like what's going in the the REAL Hollywood right now, with the growing list of high powered Hollywood men being accused of various assaults. Maybe that's where the author got the inspiration from, I dunno, but I found it a little too much like it, you know??
This is book 5 in the Sleight of Hand series, and I have not read the others. I did not feel I was missing anything, by not reading them And although Sabrina and Walter (book4) play a huge part here, I didn't feel I HAD to have read their story before this one.
So, I'm sorry, but not one for me.
3 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
I'm jumping straight in here, because this is one of those reviews that is going to be difficult to write!
Overall, I liked this book. Mostly.
It's reasonably well written, from both Carole and Connor's points of view, so that was good. I didn't see any spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading.
It just didn't grab me! I found myself wanting more, from Connor, about that break up with his ex-co-star. From Carole about what happened all those years ago in Hollywood. From them both, about each other, their feelings. . . . I. . . . just . . . .
Wanted MORE!!!! And I can't word just WHAT I wanted, and that's why this is a hard review to write, cos I cannot, for the life of me, find the right words, and you know how much that PAINS me!
It does deal with some difficult topics: being drugged and a sexual assault. It deals with these in a sensitive manner, but needs to be mentioned. I also found the assault story arc a little bit too much like what's going in the the REAL Hollywood right now, with the growing list of high powered Hollywood men being accused of various assaults. Maybe that's where the author got the inspiration from, I dunno, but I found it a little too much like it, you know??
This is book 5 in the Sleight of Hand series, and I have not read the others. I did not feel I was missing anything, by not reading them And although Sabrina and Walter (book4) play a huge part here, I didn't feel I HAD to have read their story before this one.
So, I'm sorry, but not one for me.
3 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Gets weirder each series
I loved the first series of Fortitude. The setting, Arctic Norway, was beautiful. The town of Fortitude has a selection of characters from different countries, all of whom seem to have some kind of secret, and who are played by a great cast. It can be quite slow moving at times, but there is a lot to take in. This is not a show to watch half-heartedly. There's mystery, intrigue and a bit of gore thrown in, too. I've seen comparisons to Twin Peaks - that might give you a bit of an idea of what to expect. If you like scandi-noir and a bit of dark humour, you'll like Fortitude.
(SLIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD)
In series one, a mammoth is found under the ice, threatening the development of a new hotel and Fortitude's first murders occur. There are many potential suspects but it turns out it's not just a straightforward case of finding who is responsible.
Throughout the three series' there are scientific discoveries and experiments, a shaman, missing persons, people possessed by parasites, a schoolteacher with a feeding fetish and many, many questions.
The first series was superb. The second series was just as good but started to get a little weirder. The third series is shorter than the previous two at only four episodes, but managed to fit in a whole lot more weirdness. (Dance with a burnt corpse, anyone?)
Series three is reported to be the last, and I think that's the right choice, but the ending does leave the possibility of the cause of Fortitude's 'problems' starting again somewhere else.
(SLIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD)
In series one, a mammoth is found under the ice, threatening the development of a new hotel and Fortitude's first murders occur. There are many potential suspects but it turns out it's not just a straightforward case of finding who is responsible.
Throughout the three series' there are scientific discoveries and experiments, a shaman, missing persons, people possessed by parasites, a schoolteacher with a feeding fetish and many, many questions.
The first series was superb. The second series was just as good but started to get a little weirder. The third series is shorter than the previous two at only four episodes, but managed to fit in a whole lot more weirdness. (Dance with a burnt corpse, anyone?)
Series three is reported to be the last, and I think that's the right choice, but the ending does leave the possibility of the cause of Fortitude's 'problems' starting again somewhere else.
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Scapulimancist (Seven Forbidden Arts #7) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Scapulimancist is the seventh book in the Seven Forbidden Arts series, and is amazing in its own right. Sahara (usually known as Sara) has the ability to control/manipulate animals. She doesn't use this ability for fun, knowing the consequences of being found, but rather for her own safety and to help her do her job. Wayne is a convicted murderer who has no memory of actually committing the crime. He has served his time, and now scrapes a living from the man who bought out his farm and land, who Wayne is also convinced is crooked but has no proof as yet.
Surprisingly enough, the majority of the book passes by without a mention of the others, and I thoroughly enjoyed this. Sara and Wayne, with their story and the supporting cast that they have, needed no "hold ups". Sara is sassy and feisty, Wayne refuses to allow her in (yeah right, like THAT'S going to happen!) and so their story takes off. The scenery is painted vividly, and the stately grace of the encounters with the elephants is described so perfectly, it caught my breath.
As with all of Charmaine Pauls' books, this is extremely well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow. It is an excellent addition to the series, whilst standing capably on its own feet. I would recommend reading the whole series though, simply because you would be missing out on some fantastic stories if you didn't. Highly 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!
Surprisingly enough, the majority of the book passes by without a mention of the others, and I thoroughly enjoyed this. Sara and Wayne, with their story and the supporting cast that they have, needed no "hold ups". Sara is sassy and feisty, Wayne refuses to allow her in (yeah right, like THAT'S going to happen!) and so their story takes off. The scenery is painted vividly, and the stately grace of the encounters with the elephants is described so perfectly, it caught my breath.
As with all of Charmaine Pauls' books, this is extremely well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow. It is an excellent addition to the series, whilst standing capably on its own feet. I would recommend reading the whole series though, simply because you would be missing out on some fantastic stories if you didn't. Highly 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!
David McK (3600 KP) rated Jim Butcher's Dresden Files Welcome to the Jungle in Books
Jan 28, 2019
The problem with graphic novels based on characters previously only written about, I think, is that most of the time how they are portrayed in the visual medium is different than how they appear in your minds eye - a problem that both graphic novels and movies share.
This graphic novel, however, manages to avoid that particular problem, with Dresden drawn pretty-much as I imagined him to be (OK, maybe a bit less battered and bruised and dishevelled, but close enough).
Written by [a:Jim Butcher|10746|Jim Butcher|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1400640324p2/10746.jpg] himself, this entry actually takes place before the 'meat' of the main series (that began with [b:Storm Front|47212|Storm Front (The Dresden Files, #1)|Jim Butcher|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1419456275s/47212.jpg|1137060]), with Harry called in by (still) Lt Karin Murphy of the Chicago PD to investigate a killing in the zoo - a killing that is currently being pinned on a gorilla in said zoo, but that could not have realistically been carried out by him.
With Harry as his usual sarcastic wise-cracking self, and with Bob the skull putting in an appearance, the only thing that was missing was some of Harrys wider supporting cast and Mouse the dog, although all that makes sense in the context of the setting (book 0.5, remember?).
While I was a bit hesistant at first about how well the character and his world would transfer to this medium, based on this I may well pick up more of the 'graphical exclusive' (to coin a phrase) stories, such as [b:Jim Butcher's Dresden Files: Ghoul Goblin|18430203|Jim Butcher's Dresden Files Ghoul Goblin|Jim Butcher|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1388266297s/18430203.jpg|26071782] - that is, entries where I haven't already read the prose!
This graphic novel, however, manages to avoid that particular problem, with Dresden drawn pretty-much as I imagined him to be (OK, maybe a bit less battered and bruised and dishevelled, but close enough).
Written by [a:Jim Butcher|10746|Jim Butcher|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1400640324p2/10746.jpg] himself, this entry actually takes place before the 'meat' of the main series (that began with [b:Storm Front|47212|Storm Front (The Dresden Files, #1)|Jim Butcher|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1419456275s/47212.jpg|1137060]), with Harry called in by (still) Lt Karin Murphy of the Chicago PD to investigate a killing in the zoo - a killing that is currently being pinned on a gorilla in said zoo, but that could not have realistically been carried out by him.
With Harry as his usual sarcastic wise-cracking self, and with Bob the skull putting in an appearance, the only thing that was missing was some of Harrys wider supporting cast and Mouse the dog, although all that makes sense in the context of the setting (book 0.5, remember?).
While I was a bit hesistant at first about how well the character and his world would transfer to this medium, based on this I may well pick up more of the 'graphical exclusive' (to coin a phrase) stories, such as [b:Jim Butcher's Dresden Files: Ghoul Goblin|18430203|Jim Butcher's Dresden Files Ghoul Goblin|Jim Butcher|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1388266297s/18430203.jpg|26071782] - that is, entries where I haven't already read the prose!
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Society (1989) in Movies
Oct 20, 2019
In the vein of Re-Animator or Braindead comes Society. I had not heard of this before yesterday and I now I know what I have been missing.
If you are Bill Whitney, you are living in wealth with your parents and sister, but secret suspect everything is not on the level or something weird is going on behind your back. This suspicion is pretty much confirmed when his friend pulls up with a cassette tape with sounds of some sort of orgy happening with all of his family participating! Outraged, Bill heads to his therapist to confirm; however, when it is played back later the tape has been altered.
Unfortunately, plans to meet up with his friend don't materialize when his friend has a "fatal" auto accident. Several other instances occur similarly where Bill discovers some gruesome fact which is not corroborated when others arrive.
Bill shows up back at his home to encounter a large socialite party in progress. His greatest fears are confirmed when he realizes what is happening. I can't really say more if you haven't seen the film other than to say the final 15 minutes of the film is some of the most bizarre, unique, revolting and fascinating practical movie effects I have ever seen. Some of those visuals will never leave my mind!
If you like the comedy/horror genre which isn't for everyone, you would love this. The "plot" is pretty nonsensical, but passable. The characters and dialogue are just enough to move the story along without the audience getting bored. There is a fair amount of comedy which keeps the mood light despite some gruesome elements as well.
THAT ending! I loved it!
If you are Bill Whitney, you are living in wealth with your parents and sister, but secret suspect everything is not on the level or something weird is going on behind your back. This suspicion is pretty much confirmed when his friend pulls up with a cassette tape with sounds of some sort of orgy happening with all of his family participating! Outraged, Bill heads to his therapist to confirm; however, when it is played back later the tape has been altered.
Unfortunately, plans to meet up with his friend don't materialize when his friend has a "fatal" auto accident. Several other instances occur similarly where Bill discovers some gruesome fact which is not corroborated when others arrive.
Bill shows up back at his home to encounter a large socialite party in progress. His greatest fears are confirmed when he realizes what is happening. I can't really say more if you haven't seen the film other than to say the final 15 minutes of the film is some of the most bizarre, unique, revolting and fascinating practical movie effects I have ever seen. Some of those visuals will never leave my mind!
If you like the comedy/horror genre which isn't for everyone, you would love this. The "plot" is pretty nonsensical, but passable. The characters and dialogue are just enough to move the story along without the audience getting bored. There is a fair amount of comedy which keeps the mood light despite some gruesome elements as well.
THAT ending! I loved it!
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Risorgimento: Rebirth in Books
Jul 24, 2019
Risorgimento: Rebirth (New Blood Rising #1) by Maya Daniels
The world as you knew it has gone. All that is left is fear and survival. These are the tenets of April's childhood, ever since she was left in a sewer by her parents. Her brother is missing, presumed dead. America is ruled by eight cruel vampires, called The Council. And then it gets worse... the Italians show up! April is determined to stay off the radar, even though she is trying to help a couple of other people, plus a dog, Mutt. Through one circumstance and then another, she ends up meeting the Italians, and her life changes for good.
This was an amazing story that swept me up within the first few paragraphs. Maya Daniels has such a descriptive way with words that you are immediately able to visualise what April is going through, and how much she fears, and also how much she wants to live. I loved the chemistry between Sebastian and April, and I can't wait to continue with their story, as I'm sure the sparks will continue to fly. April is no pushover, and Sebastian is used to getting his own way. Just how Andrei and Marcus are going to fit in, I'm not sure, but like I said, I can't wait to continue.
Completely enthralling, from start to finish, this book sets up the scene, draws you in, and leaves you wanting more. I absolutely loved it, and can't wait to continue with their story! Highly recommended by me!!!
* 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!
This was an amazing story that swept me up within the first few paragraphs. Maya Daniels has such a descriptive way with words that you are immediately able to visualise what April is going through, and how much she fears, and also how much she wants to live. I loved the chemistry between Sebastian and April, and I can't wait to continue with their story, as I'm sure the sparks will continue to fly. April is no pushover, and Sebastian is used to getting his own way. Just how Andrei and Marcus are going to fit in, I'm not sure, but like I said, I can't wait to continue.
Completely enthralling, from start to finish, this book sets up the scene, draws you in, and leaves you wanting more. I absolutely loved it, and can't wait to continue with their story! Highly recommended by me!!!
* 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!
Amy Christmas (171 KP) rated The Subtle Knife in Books
Jan 18, 2019 (Updated Jan 19, 2019)
Well paced (2 more)
Information is introduced quickly and effectively
Lyra having no idea how to function in our world
Lee scoresby (if you've read it you know why) (1 more)
A lack of Iorek Byrnison
Short so sweet and informative
Contains spoilers, click to show
For a conventional middle filler book this is beautiful, just as good as the first and possibly better?
It was extremely well paced for being only 15 chapters the shortest of all three books while still managing to introduce a myriad of new concepts and information without it being overwhelming for the reader.
At the start of the book we are introduced to will (AKA Roger 2.0 in my opinion) I loved will, his character and his back story. Will is a boy coming into his own being thrust into duties he doesn't want but duties he accepts and carries the burden of. We learn that will's father went missing on an exploration when he was a baby and it becomes clear that he didn't just die and no body was recovered, but something else.
Pullman beautifully builds on the religious background of Lyras world into the wider context of the universe with the introduction of angels and The Authority as he is primarily called.
Lyra's character doesn't unfortunately do much growing in this book as Will takes the focus, which I think was a good decision as it allows for each character to have their moment per sé.
But Lee scoresby, I loved Lee, our favourite drunken aeronaut, and we had to say farewell.
Going onto the third and final installment however, promises some more Iorek after his absence for all but one part of this book, more witches, angels and Mrs Coulter and her dreaded monkey.
I can't wait to see Will grow further as well as Lyra, nor can I wait for that crescendo that is a final battle.
It was extremely well paced for being only 15 chapters the shortest of all three books while still managing to introduce a myriad of new concepts and information without it being overwhelming for the reader.
At the start of the book we are introduced to will (AKA Roger 2.0 in my opinion) I loved will, his character and his back story. Will is a boy coming into his own being thrust into duties he doesn't want but duties he accepts and carries the burden of. We learn that will's father went missing on an exploration when he was a baby and it becomes clear that he didn't just die and no body was recovered, but something else.
Pullman beautifully builds on the religious background of Lyras world into the wider context of the universe with the introduction of angels and The Authority as he is primarily called.
Lyra's character doesn't unfortunately do much growing in this book as Will takes the focus, which I think was a good decision as it allows for each character to have their moment per sé.
But Lee scoresby, I loved Lee, our favourite drunken aeronaut, and we had to say farewell.
Going onto the third and final installment however, promises some more Iorek after his absence for all but one part of this book, more witches, angels and Mrs Coulter and her dreaded monkey.
I can't wait to see Will grow further as well as Lyra, nor can I wait for that crescendo that is a final battle.