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Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Unleashed (Mistress & Master of Restraint, #2) in Books
Jan 6, 2021
Huh...well I enjoyed the first book in the series more, it had a more compelling storyline for me (4.5 star worthy!). This, I kinda had to read to see if Katya got her HEA after the events of the last book but it all got a little twisted for me.
There was so much sex in this compared to the last and for me, and I think for the story too, it was unnecessary. Everyone was with everyone (or it seemed like it anyway).
I was only really interested in the relationship between Ezra and Katya (and Cortez, I guess, though not as desperately as the first two) and a lot more than that happened. Weddings, fights, sex...
If this is the sort of thing that's going to continue throughout the rest of the series, then I'm not sure I'm interested.
There was so much sex in this compared to the last and for me, and I think for the story too, it was unnecessary. Everyone was with everyone (or it seemed like it anyway).
I was only really interested in the relationship between Ezra and Katya (and Cortez, I guess, though not as desperately as the first two) and a lot more than that happened. Weddings, fights, sex...
If this is the sort of thing that's going to continue throughout the rest of the series, then I'm not sure I'm interested.
Kyera (8 KP) rated Clockwork Prince in Books
Jan 31, 2018
The Infernal Devices continues with the second book in the series, Clockwork Prince. The story continues not long after the events of Clockwork Angel and takes place in the now familiar London. In retrospect, I realize that there is not a lot of action in these books. While there are some fantastically written scenes, there are a lot less active, fighting elements than in her other series. For example, you frequently see the characters of the Dark Artifices either training or fighting demons - yet that doesn't happen very often in the Infernal Devices.
As I've re-read this series, I've come to appreciate just how character driven these novels are. While there is action, most of the scenes focus on the characters themselves. You delve deeper into Will's psyche as he continues to push everyone away and wonders if the mask he wears will soon become who he is. You watch as Jem struggles with his illness and how much those around him mean to him. You understand Tessa's struggle to understand who, and what, she is. You feel for Charlotte's struggle for the Institute and the distraction of her husband.
Even though the series is a work of fiction, it just feels real and I believe that that is the mark of a fantastic novel. You connect with the characters and go on this emotional journey with them. As they learn about themselves, grow, change, learn, love and lose - you also feel that you have been affected. Each and every character is further developed in this novel, which I think is the strongest aspect of Clockwork Prince. Tessa, Jem and Will are some of my favourite fictional characters from all of the books that I've read.
I do feel that this book falls prey, to a small degree, to the curse of the second book - which being a bridge between the first and final books in the series can be lacking. Cassandra Clare moved the plot along, allowed us and the characters to discover new information, but overall not a lot happened. I still loved this book, but it was not quite as good as Clockwork Angel and likely won't be anywhere near as good as Clockwork Princess (proclaimed by many to be the best conclusion).
I highly recommend this series to fans of fantasy, who enjoy character driven plots and immerse worlds. Of course, you must read Clockwork Angel first as this is a series and the book would not entirely make sense otherwise.
As I've re-read this series, I've come to appreciate just how character driven these novels are. While there is action, most of the scenes focus on the characters themselves. You delve deeper into Will's psyche as he continues to push everyone away and wonders if the mask he wears will soon become who he is. You watch as Jem struggles with his illness and how much those around him mean to him. You understand Tessa's struggle to understand who, and what, she is. You feel for Charlotte's struggle for the Institute and the distraction of her husband.
Even though the series is a work of fiction, it just feels real and I believe that that is the mark of a fantastic novel. You connect with the characters and go on this emotional journey with them. As they learn about themselves, grow, change, learn, love and lose - you also feel that you have been affected. Each and every character is further developed in this novel, which I think is the strongest aspect of Clockwork Prince. Tessa, Jem and Will are some of my favourite fictional characters from all of the books that I've read.
I do feel that this book falls prey, to a small degree, to the curse of the second book - which being a bridge between the first and final books in the series can be lacking. Cassandra Clare moved the plot along, allowed us and the characters to discover new information, but overall not a lot happened. I still loved this book, but it was not quite as good as Clockwork Angel and likely won't be anywhere near as good as Clockwork Princess (proclaimed by many to be the best conclusion).
I highly recommend this series to fans of fantasy, who enjoy character driven plots and immerse worlds. Of course, you must read Clockwork Angel first as this is a series and the book would not entirely make sense otherwise.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Dinosaurs Before Dark (Magic Tree House, #1) in Books
Jul 10, 2018
I was looking for a palate cleanser book and I stumbled upon this one through audible channels. I've always noticed the Magic Tree House series but I haven't ever had the chance to read any of them. When I saw this was on there & I could listen to it for free, I knew I had to listen to it.
This is obviously a very easy read where the writing is written for those just learning to read. It was a cute story and it was a really quick and fun listen. It doesn't stand out for me, but obviously, I'm not the proper age for this book.
All in all, if I have kids this would be one of the series I would read to them. It's educational along with adding an element of fantasy.
This is obviously a very easy read where the writing is written for those just learning to read. It was a cute story and it was a really quick and fun listen. It doesn't stand out for me, but obviously, I'm not the proper age for this book.
All in all, if I have kids this would be one of the series I would read to them. It's educational along with adding an element of fantasy.
Sam (228 KP) rated Titans - Season 1 in TV
Aug 17, 2019
Well Developed Characters (4 more)
Captivating Plot
Wonderful Backstories
Gorgeous Soundtrack
Surprisingly Dark
Everything I Could Hope For
As someone who grew up watching the beloved cartoon, Teen Titans, as well as an avid reader of the comic series, Titans and Teen Titans, a lot was riding against this TV show. However, I was truly surprised by how much I loved this series from the first episode. I've always adored the DC universe for their dark plotlines and backstories they give to the characters. I was thankful to see that they carried this same darkness into this television show. This paired with the talented way they showed the growth of the characters throughout the season was all done beautifully. I could not have possibly asked for more and look forward to the second season!
Dean (6927 KP) rated After We Collided (2020) in Movies
Jan 10, 2021
Fifty Shades of Deja vu
Spotted this on Amazon prime based on a a series of books I believe. I didn't realise this was the 2nd film in a series, not made clear at all on Amazon. It did keep referencing things that happened before you wouldn't know about. So I would suggest seeing After first..... But maybe just skip both.
This felt like a young adults version of Fifty Shades of Grey.. Just without the millionaire and for 15 rating. There really doesn't seem to be much of a plot as such. Despite the opening telling you this isn't a story you've seen before... It's exactly that and very clichéd at times. Ok cast and obviously had a fair budget for this but After you'll forget it quickly.
This felt like a young adults version of Fifty Shades of Grey.. Just without the millionaire and for 15 rating. There really doesn't seem to be much of a plot as such. Despite the opening telling you this isn't a story you've seen before... It's exactly that and very clichéd at times. Ok cast and obviously had a fair budget for this but After you'll forget it quickly.
Lindsay (1779 KP) rated The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving in Books
Dec 11, 2020
The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving is a really good book to add to your Advent calendar. Are you struggling with your child or children with the meaning of giving rather than receiving? Well, this one does the job.
This book is a favorite of mine not cause it to deal with Christmas or the meaning of giving. I grew up with The Berenstain Bears series. I still love them. I love the meaning behind the book. It is better to give than to receive.
This tells a story through Brother and Sister Bear's eyes. This book and many in the series teaches a valuable lesson for children. I love that. The pictures are done well. There something that changes the cubs. This book is good to have on your child's bookshelves.
This book is a favorite of mine not cause it to deal with Christmas or the meaning of giving. I grew up with The Berenstain Bears series. I still love them. I love the meaning behind the book. It is better to give than to receive.
This tells a story through Brother and Sister Bear's eyes. This book and many in the series teaches a valuable lesson for children. I love that. The pictures are done well. There something that changes the cubs. This book is good to have on your child's bookshelves.
Charlotte (184 KP) rated Forever This Time (Heartbreaker #1) in Books
Apr 13, 2023
Sweet one day read
Forever This Time is a sweet, fun and emotional one day read. There are some serious topics that are touched on enough to get you thinking but not enough to overwhelm the emotions.
The main characters are loveable and endearing and are well written. I liked them straight away, there's no having to let them grow on you which is great.
This is the beginning of a series and I can't wait for the next! It's easy to read this as a standalone but there are characters that intrigued me and had me hoping to find out more........Ana Jolene doesn't disappoint either as the next in the series looks to be just as good as this and picks up with a character that we meet in Forever This Time.
Forever This Time is a sweet, fun and emotional one day read. There are some serious topics that are touched on enough to get you thinking but not enough to overwhelm the emotions.
The main characters are loveable and endearing and are well written. I liked them straight away, there's no having to let them grow on you which is great.
This is the beginning of a series and I can't wait for the next! It's easy to read this as a standalone but there are characters that intrigued me and had me hoping to find out more........Ana Jolene doesn't disappoint either as the next in the series looks to be just as good as this and picks up with a character that we meet in Forever This Time.
Rebecca Billcliff (2409 KP) rated The Lion Inside in Books
Mar 18, 2022
Wonderful illustration by Jim Field (2 more)
Witty
Gives a positive message
Love this book. I now know it off by heart, as it is one off our favourite.
This was the point I realised that kids books today are soooooo much better than the ones I grew up with.
This book is sweet, clever, and tells a positive story (as do all in the series) about being given brave.
The art is lovely to look at and it is a quick amd easy read for those evenings you are jut not up for a novel or ssome lovely but complex Dr Seuss nonsense.
This is, in my opinion, the best of the series, but each one is warm and delightful, with this one subverting expectations and is a great bedtime read for small children.
This was the point I realised that kids books today are soooooo much better than the ones I grew up with.
This book is sweet, clever, and tells a positive story (as do all in the series) about being given brave.
The art is lovely to look at and it is a quick amd easy read for those evenings you are jut not up for a novel or ssome lovely but complex Dr Seuss nonsense.
This is, in my opinion, the best of the series, but each one is warm and delightful, with this one subverting expectations and is a great bedtime read for small children.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Labyrinth (FBI Thriller #23) in Books
Oct 11, 2019
Book 23 of the FBI Thriller series
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Back in 1996, The Cove, the 1st story in Catherine Coulter's FBI Thriller series was published. The 23rd book, Labyrinth was recently published. In the series, readers have been introduced to FBI thrillers with recurring characters. From what I have read about the series, the main characters are Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock, a husband and wife team who are FBI agents.
Although the series has been on my "want to read" list for many years, I have never read any books from the series. When given the opportunity to review Labyrinth, I jumped at the chance. I usually read the rest of the series before reviewing a book, but Labyrinth is the 23rd book in the series, so I decided to forgo my usual routine and read just the one book.
Labyrinth could stand alone as a novel. The story was interesting and easy to follow. The characters were likable and well developed. Reading the earlier novels would help with understanding some of the references but it is not necessary.
I will continue reading the series with the next book but will keep the earlier books on my "to read" list and try to catch up on the series.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 10/11/19.
Back in 1996, The Cove, the 1st story in Catherine Coulter's FBI Thriller series was published. The 23rd book, Labyrinth was recently published. In the series, readers have been introduced to FBI thrillers with recurring characters. From what I have read about the series, the main characters are Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock, a husband and wife team who are FBI agents.
Although the series has been on my "want to read" list for many years, I have never read any books from the series. When given the opportunity to review Labyrinth, I jumped at the chance. I usually read the rest of the series before reviewing a book, but Labyrinth is the 23rd book in the series, so I decided to forgo my usual routine and read just the one book.
Labyrinth could stand alone as a novel. The story was interesting and easy to follow. The characters were likable and well developed. Reading the earlier novels would help with understanding some of the references but it is not necessary.
I will continue reading the series with the next book but will keep the earlier books on my "to read" list and try to catch up on the series.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 10/11/19.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Sisterhood Everlasting (Sisterhood, #5) in Books
Jan 15, 2018
I won this book from First Reads, failing to realize that it was another book in the series of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. I have not read any of the books in this series nor have a I seen the movies so I was worried that I would be totally lost. I was undeterred however & plunged in with fingers crossed.
I have to say it didn't really matter that I knew nothing about the series prior to this book. It was able to stand on its own. There was back story, but not knowing it didn't seem to effect my enjoyment of this book. It was a bit difficult to get into at first, but once I was in, I was in & invested in Lena, Carmen, TIbby, & Bee.
The book seems to be a final installment in the series. It opens with the 4 friends hardly speaking to each other as life has gotten in the way. 3 of them recieve letters from Tibby who is currently living in Australia. They contain requests to meet her in Greece & also the plane tickets to allow them to do so. The 3 head off, meet up in JFK airport, & fly off to Greece to get there. They mysetery begins when they arrive & Tibby is not there waiting for them as she said she would be.
This is a sad read, but it is also very real. The characters jump off the page & the writing plunges you deep into their lives. I love that in a book.
I have to say it didn't really matter that I knew nothing about the series prior to this book. It was able to stand on its own. There was back story, but not knowing it didn't seem to effect my enjoyment of this book. It was a bit difficult to get into at first, but once I was in, I was in & invested in Lena, Carmen, TIbby, & Bee.
The book seems to be a final installment in the series. It opens with the 4 friends hardly speaking to each other as life has gotten in the way. 3 of them recieve letters from Tibby who is currently living in Australia. They contain requests to meet her in Greece & also the plane tickets to allow them to do so. The 3 head off, meet up in JFK airport, & fly off to Greece to get there. They mysetery begins when they arrive & Tibby is not there waiting for them as she said she would be.
This is a sad read, but it is also very real. The characters jump off the page & the writing plunges you deep into their lives. I love that in a book.