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The Obsidian Chamber
The Obsidian Chamber
Douglas Preston | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
While some of the Pendergast books can be read as standalone thrillers, whether or not you’ve read the rest of the series, you really do need to have read a lot (if not all) of the previous books to appreciate this one. While it’s very hard to say much about it without using spoilers, I can say that this story is very much character driven, and you need to understand the relationships and motivations of the characters in question for the story to make sense. While there is more action than usual for Proctor in this installment, overall the style of the story makes it move along a little more slowly than most books in the series. While I did like the book, I can’t say that I was completely happy with the way things were wrapped up, or with the amount of page-time Pendergast actually gets in this novel. It left me wanting more, but I guess that in itself is a good thing!

Longtime fans of the Pendergast series should enjoy this one, but I’d recommend starting back with Relic if Pendergast is new to you!
  
Going into this book I was not sure what to expect, as I do not often read books where the main character is in middle grades. It is the first book in a series about Ginny West and the adventures she goes on while growing up (think Christy Miller Series by Robin Jones Gunn, only geared toward a younger audience. So, the book is filled with real-life examples, valuable lessons, and interesting dialogue between Ginny and her crew of characters. This book deals with Ginny figuring out how to get a new mom and making a packed with her best friend Tilly over how to accomplish this goal. It was cute and a good lesson in second chances, dealing with your emotions and growing up.

I enjoyed this story, and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series to learn more about Ginny’s adventures. 4 out of 5 stars for the creative storyline, fun characters, and applicable life lessons.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
Stalker (Joona Linna #5)
Stalker (Joona Linna #5)
Lars Kepler | 2019 | Thriller
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Interesting story (0 more)
Slow start (0 more)
5th novel in the Joona Linna series. Can stand-alone
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.

Stalker by Lars Kepler is the 5th novel in the Swedish police series involving the main character, Joona Linna. Linna is a detective who is on the hunt of an obsessive, stalking serial killer who secretly video records his victims before brutally murdering them. He taunts police by sending them videos showing the victim alive and clearly unaware they are being recorded.

This novel can stand-alone but, according to reviews on Goodreads, the earlier novels provide information and background stories on characters in the series. I have never read the previous books but have had several of them on my "want to read" list since the 4th book, Sandman, could be found all over social media last year.

I was hesitant to start the series because, I have found when a book has that much hype surrounding it, it feels like a disappointment when reading. I did not feel that when reading Stalker. The novel started off slowly. This may be because I was not familiar with the characters. Familiar or not, after the slow start, I was sucked into the story and will be moving the rest of the series to the top of my "want to read" list.

Review published on Philomathinphila.com on 3/21/19.
  
Netflix
Netflix
Entertainment, Lifestyle
6
8.7 (588 Ratings)
App Rating
Full series (0 more)
Poor choice (0 more)
Evening fix
Netflix and chill?? I find it more Netflix and stress out about having nothing to watch.
I find this a tricky one. Although finding a series can be quite easy the selection available is pretty poor. One minute your watching your favourite series and the next it's not available right as your about to finish it.
Want to watch a super retro film?? Don't bother. At Christmas you cannot get The nightmare before Christmas, the Grinch or elf. I mean that's pretty standard for Xmas viewing right?? ??
However with 2 kids there's usually something they can watch, and the Netflix original series are usually really good to watch.
  
Save Me Too - Season 2
Save Me Too - Season 2
2020 |
Good follow up series.
After the original @Save Me was one of the best TV shows back in 2018, everyone wanted to know if and when there would be a 2nd series. Well it's taken 2 years but here we are. A Father on a quest to rescue his daughter from child sex abusers. All the main cast are back again. It's still very interesting in reaching it's conclusion. Although not as intense or gripping as the first series. The last couple of episodes are a bit slow and some plot lines don't add much to the story. If you really want to see the conclusion of the 1st Series then definitely watch this.
  
His Majesty's Dragon
His Majesty's Dragon
Naomi Novik | 2006 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
9
8.8 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
The start of a good, long series (0 more)
A Magisterial Read
This first book came free when I pre ordered another book, and at first, I paid it no attention. One day, I found it, and I have not looked back.
The series gives something different in each book, and the first gives all the info to the world, without playing the excessive exposition game.
This universe is set in the Nepolionic war, but in this reality, alongside the Marines and Navy, there is also the Arial Corp, where the men fight from the back of massive dragons!
They have a hyerachy on bord, with captains bonded strongly with their dragons, who are themselves, strong characters.
There is a rich mythology within this series, and includes topics like political strife, religion, slavery and historical events, adapted to include it's scaly new additions.
Both a great read for fantasy and history lovers alike, give this book a go, and see if you read all 9.
  
Queen of Nothing
Queen of Nothing
Holly Black | 2019 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
8.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is the final book for the trilogy of The Folk of the Air series.


I adored this book, and struggled to put it down; the culmination of a very fast paced series that delivers.

I would highly recommend this to anyone who preferred Arya's story arc in Game of Thrones but with more magic, intrigue, and scheming oh so many schemes.

Holly has built a beautiful world, that is absolutely intoxicating, and I will honestly ache for more to come from this series.

I also appreciate this book so much for the strong female characters, there were some really subtle and nuanced details that I don't believe a male writer could portray, or even think of.
It is vulnerable in a way that I think most will relate to, and might get under your skin 😉but it is not overwhelming or over the top, in fact it is extremely well balanced overall.

Please go and enjoy for yourself ☺
  
The Eternal (Mythology #3)
The Eternal (Mythology #3)
Helen Boswell | 2015 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The finale of the Mythology series does not disappoint in any way, shape, or form. I felt that Helen Boswell made a brave step in that a lot of this book is from the point of view of Jonathan, instead of just Hope and Micah like usual. This means that you definitely see things differently and find out reasons for the way that he has acted and the things he has done.

With plot twists and turns aplenty, this is one nail-biting climax that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you turn from page to page, afraid to put it down in case something happens whilst you're away!

Excellently written, and smoothly paced as per the author's style, this made for a thrilling climax to the series and I have no hesitation in highly recommending this series.

* Verified Purchase on Amazon *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 31, 2016
  
S(
Strings (Hard Rock Harlots, #1)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
12/6/2017 Review:

So I finally decided to reread this series and I still really enjoyed it. I obviously didn't enjoy it as much the second time around but I still love how outrageous this book is. What I find funny is how I read this book around the same time 4 years ago. The characters are still funny, and I'm looking forward to rereading the next in the series even though it doesn't compare to Strings. For those of you who are on the fence about this book please know that it is absolutely outrageous, you cannot take it seriously, it's not for the faint of heart, and it is steamy in a weird sort of way.

12/5/2013 Review:

Okay, so... this is not my typical book and I usually would only give this kind of book a 3 1/2 Stars but I have to say this definitely made me laugh!

I would actually give this book 4 1/2 stars so I rounded up. The description of this book is very accurate. The plot is kind of there but not amazing, Characters lacked depth, but the characters were hilarious, and I do mean HILARIOUS!

If you get offended by sex or curse words than you should definitely not read this book. Every sentence is filled with creative (and I do mean creative) descriptive words and a lot of cursing.

This book had me laughing, weirded out, & smiling the whole time. I found Kendall Grey's writing to be unique and that was exactly what I was looking for.
  
American Horror Story  - Season 2
American Horror Story - Season 2
2012 | Horror
So much gorier and darker than the first series, Asylum chronicles the events of Bloody-face, the twisted fictional serial killer of the 1960s. This is the story underlying all events in the series, but there is so much more going on. We are treated to a glimpse into the abuse and disgust of people suffering mental health problems, and the supposed treatments being dreamt up to deal with their issues.
The series also has aspects of demonic possession, alien abduction and so much more.
While there were some aspects I felt were left open (the alien abduction for one), and others were not explored quite as much as it could have been, I feel this should be seen as more of an anthology series, where a number of stories of mental illness all intertwine to tell one thrilling story.
An exciting, but at times uncomfortable to watch series with some excellent acting and writing.
  
Show all 3 comments.
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Ross (3284 KP) Jan 15, 2019

Thanks. In true rock and roll fashion, I watch this when I am ironing (pausing when one of the kids comes in the room) so it will take me quite some time to get through it all. I love the idea behind it though, exploring fresh ideas each series but with a number of the same cast members so you instantly feel like you know some of them.

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Amy Christmas (171 KP) Jan 15, 2019

Completely agree. Love the premise of it all.