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The Gatekeeper (Afterlife #0.5)
The Gatekeeper (Afterlife #0.5)
Katrina Cope | 2017 | Thriller, Young Adult (YA)
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
If you've read the author's rather excellent young adult Afterlife series about angels battling demons for control of mortal souls you will know The Gatekeeper as the cackling, taunting old man. If you have not read the series this novella may be a good introduction.

Aker might seem like a normal boy but there is something different about him. He is a little more cruel, a little more keen to cause trouble and misery than his peers. His downward path soon brings him to the attention of the demon world, a world he adapts to with ease. But demons survive either on their strength or their wits. Aker may not be strong but he is very cunning and very eager to prove himself.

One of the major achievements of this story is that the main protagonist is (hopefully) in no way relateable to the reader; he is sly, selfish and cruel, caring nothing at all for anybody but himself. Yet the writing means that although we might not agree with any of his choices, it is clear why he makes them. So although the reader has no sympathy for Aker, there is some understanding of him.

The story moves quickly as Aker progresses through the demon world and there is little to time to catch one's breath between scenes. This makes it an easy read, and one that manages to provide a lot of background on the wider series without ever deviating from telling the central story.
  
Alice Anonymous (Project Scion)
Alice Anonymous (Project Scion)
Sophie Davis | 2018 | Mystery, Young Adult (YA)
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I was lucky to receive an ARC of this book. I was really glad I did as it was a super good read and would recommend it.

The story follows Alice as she goes about her life in a small town. All of this gets disrupted by Trey and his frequent visits to the store where she works.

Alice has secrets but what’s exciting is that the big secrets are hidden even to her. I enjoyed this as it bugs me in a mystery when characters allude to these secrets but just don’t tell you and drag it out for suspense.

It was good to see Alice and Trey develop during the story and not stick to classic stereotypes ie arrogant rich guy.

It is really hard to figure out who to trust as everyone seems a bit suspicious at times, some more so than others.

The story links with another series by the author but you don’t need to have read that series for this one. I’m not sure if the next book will follow the exact same characters or pick up some of the other characters but I am definitely looking forward to the next book.
  
The Silent Suspect (Paige Northwood #3)
The Silent Suspect (Paige Northwood #3)
Nell Pattison | 2021 | Crime, Mystery
4
4.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I have read the two previous books in this series and whilst they were good, I wasn't able to be overly enthusiastic. Unfortunately, this is the same.

The story starts well but quickly becomes tedious and I found myself skimming large sections which is never a good sign. The characters are not particularly likeable and I found Paige became increasingly annoying and don't even get me started on the so-called Social Worker who I found to be unprofessional and not like any Social Worker I have ever met.

I couldn't connect with the characters or the story at all, I didn't feel any tension or thrills and the final reveal was disappointing and, for me, predictable. The only saving grace is the insight into the deaf community and the difficulties and barriers they face every day.

This book wasn't for me and I'm really sorry to say that I won't be reading more in this series but plenty of others have enjoyed it so give it a go if it sounds like your type of book.

I would like to thank Avon Books and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
  
Accidental Bonds (Elemental Bonds, #1)
Accidental Bonds (Elemental Bonds, #1)
Marie Reynard | 2023 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
ACCIDENTAL BONDS is the first book in the Elemental Bonds series and, as far as I can tell, is the debut book by this author. What a way to start!!!

There is everything here you could wish for - history, two sides uneasy with each other, a big bad, another who knows what. I loved every word! The back and forth between Victor and Elijah was almost like a dance, and I loved how it happened with reason, not miscommunication. It was for Victor and Elijah to figure out what to do next; not to have half-spoken words taken the wrong way. I loved it.

There is a HEA for our main two - although I'd still love more from them - and a HFN for the series. This one ends on a delightful note, leaving you wanting more immediately. I can't wait to see where we go next. A book to lose yourself in, I HIGHLY recommend it.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 5, 2023
  
The Hunger Games (2012)
The Hunger Games (2012)
2012 | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Jennifer Lawrence (0 more)
So much like Battle Royale (0 more)
Not an original concept, but enjoyable watch
To be fair, I had never heard of the Hunger Games series before the film came out. So when I watched it my first reaction was - this is a rip off Battle Royale! Obviously that changed after the other films came out. However, I enjoyed the concept - because I loved BR. And I especially liked Jennifer Lawrence who always plays such fabulously gritty characters such as in The Winter's Bone. It's not a film you can watch repeatedly though because it is rather dark, and there are zero comedy elements in this dystopian fantasy (obviously). That being said, great acting all round.
  
40x40

Augustine Frizzell recommended Russian Doll in TV (curated)

 
Russian Doll
Russian Doll
2019 | Comedy, Mystery

"I’m a very bad TV watcher, meaning I rarely watch more than one episode of any given show, and I usually don’t even make it that far. I downloaded all the episodes of this to watch on a flight and had I not been stuck on a plane and forced into finishing the series, I likely would’ve missed out on one of my favorite viewing experiences this year. The moment in the elevator when the two leads first meet overwhelmed me to the point of tears. It so perfectly summed up that feeling of realization you have when you meet your soul mate, romantic or otherwise: “I’m not alone in the world.”"

Source
  
Terminal (Major Crimes Unit #4)
Terminal (Major Crimes Unit #4)
Iain Rob Wright | 2021 | Crime, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Having just read book 3 in the series "End Play", I was jumping to read this the 4th in the series and was extremely pleased and grateful to Iain Rob Wright for sending me a copy prior to it's publication date in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.

Once again, Iain provides a fast-paced and thrilling read starring Sarah Strong and her colleagues at the Major Crimes Unit. From the first page to the last, this book had me absolutely hooked and I fair whizzed through it.

Full of excellent characters, a storyline that is not beyond the realms of reality (scarily so!) and written at a pace that fair trots along, this is a story well written and exciting and one that I would definitely recommend. Although you don't have to have read the others in the series, you won't be disappointed if you do but it does work as a standalone quite well.

I would definitely recommend to others who enjoy getting engrossed in the world of major crimes.