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Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Swallows in Books
Jan 30, 2020 (Updated Jan 31, 2020)
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Lisa Lutz's latest, The Swallows, introduces Alex Witt, a teacher with a past. She is hired at Stonebridge Academy and asks her creative writing students to answer innocent questions so she can get to know them. "What do you love? What do you hate? What do you want?" The answers surprise Alex. They are not innocent and reveal much more about the students and the school's activities than she expects. The students reveal online bullying and a private message board. She encourages the female students to fight back and fight they do.
While I have not worked at a boarding school, I have worked at urban schools. The online bullying and message board are all too real. So is the school's attitude that "boys will be boys". Lutz uses her characters to show the dark side of technology and teenagers. This is not a young adult book. It is a book for adults which is set in a school.
The writing in The Swallows is witty while covering dark topics. Lutz's word choices and writing style keep the book from being too dark.
I added several of Lutz's books, including the Spellman Files series, to my "want to read" list.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/30/20.
Lisa Lutz's latest, The Swallows, introduces Alex Witt, a teacher with a past. She is hired at Stonebridge Academy and asks her creative writing students to answer innocent questions so she can get to know them. "What do you love? What do you hate? What do you want?" The answers surprise Alex. They are not innocent and reveal much more about the students and the school's activities than she expects. The students reveal online bullying and a private message board. She encourages the female students to fight back and fight they do.
While I have not worked at a boarding school, I have worked at urban schools. The online bullying and message board are all too real. So is the school's attitude that "boys will be boys". Lutz uses her characters to show the dark side of technology and teenagers. This is not a young adult book. It is a book for adults which is set in a school.
The writing in The Swallows is witty while covering dark topics. Lutz's word choices and writing style keep the book from being too dark.
I added several of Lutz's books, including the Spellman Files series, to my "want to read" list.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/30/20.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Broken Beauty (Broken Beauty Novellas #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2021
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars.
This is a novella length story, the first of six, and deals with the aftermath and issues surrounding rape. It was a tough read at times but a good strong story.
I felt sorry for Mia. Being brought up in a political family and then being raped…and her father wants to glorify it to get more voters so he can win his election. How twisted can your life get? Her family do and say things to get voters, whether it’s helping Mia cope or not–mainly not–and I wanted to scream and shout at them in her defence.
And despite all that, some people do care. Dom, the policeman that found her in the first place, tries to help her realise that the only way her attackers will not get away with it, is to tell the truth and stop following her family’s wish to let it drop. He’s so nice and gentle with her. Her friend, Ari, tries to do whatever Mia wants but seeing how she’s struggling…what can you do?
It’s an emotional and sometimes tough story to read but after finishing this, I’m looking forward to the next part in the series to see what Mia does next. I hope she’s strong enough to go against her family.
3.5 stars.
This is a novella length story, the first of six, and deals with the aftermath and issues surrounding rape. It was a tough read at times but a good strong story.
I felt sorry for Mia. Being brought up in a political family and then being raped…and her father wants to glorify it to get more voters so he can win his election. How twisted can your life get? Her family do and say things to get voters, whether it’s helping Mia cope or not–mainly not–and I wanted to scream and shout at them in her defence.
And despite all that, some people do care. Dom, the policeman that found her in the first place, tries to help her realise that the only way her attackers will not get away with it, is to tell the truth and stop following her family’s wish to let it drop. He’s so nice and gentle with her. Her friend, Ari, tries to do whatever Mia wants but seeing how she’s struggling…what can you do?
It’s an emotional and sometimes tough story to read but after finishing this, I’m looking forward to the next part in the series to see what Mia does next. I hope she’s strong enough to go against her family.
Erika (17789 KP) rated True Blood - Season 1 in TV
Aug 18, 2020
Awful Southern/Louisiana accents (1 more)
Not enough Alexander Skarsgård
So, since I have all the time in the world now, I decided to re-watch True Blood, but, I had to go old school because I am not subscribing to another services. Luckily, I own the first four seasons.
The first season sets up the world of True Blood, the vamps had come out of the closet and some drink the artificial True Blood. Apparently, this Bon Temps town is a hot bed for magical creatures, as the series progresses.
Sookie is the main character, and has a silly name. She can reads minds, and discovers that it doesn't apply to vamps when Bill comes strolling in.
Then someone's going around, killing chicks that associate with vamps in various ways. This is essentially a mystery, and from what I can recall, it does an ok job of following the book. The killer begins to become more obvious as the season goes on, and it's resolved in a super dramatic way.
As mentioned, the Southern/Louisiana accents are pretty bad and annoying to someone from the South, NOT ALL SOUTHERN STATES HAVE THE SAME ACCENTS. Out of all of the actors, Ryan Kwanten is the best.
Of course, there's gratuitous sex, this is an HBO show, but I just fast forward through all of that crap. It really makes the episodes much shorter.
The first season sets up the world of True Blood, the vamps had come out of the closet and some drink the artificial True Blood. Apparently, this Bon Temps town is a hot bed for magical creatures, as the series progresses.
Sookie is the main character, and has a silly name. She can reads minds, and discovers that it doesn't apply to vamps when Bill comes strolling in.
Then someone's going around, killing chicks that associate with vamps in various ways. This is essentially a mystery, and from what I can recall, it does an ok job of following the book. The killer begins to become more obvious as the season goes on, and it's resolved in a super dramatic way.
As mentioned, the Southern/Louisiana accents are pretty bad and annoying to someone from the South, NOT ALL SOUTHERN STATES HAVE THE SAME ACCENTS. Out of all of the actors, Ryan Kwanten is the best.
Of course, there's gratuitous sex, this is an HBO show, but I just fast forward through all of that crap. It really makes the episodes much shorter.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2593 KP) rated Rockin’ Around the Chickadee in Books
Dec 20, 2024 (Updated Dec 20, 2024)
Who Should Be Presumed Guilty?
It’s the weekend before Christmas, but Meg isn’t basking in the season. Instead, she’s helping her grandmother, who is putting on a conference in town. The theme is about helping the wrongfully convicted, and many of Meg’s friends and family are presenting. Not everyone is on board with the topic, however. In fact, one of the attendees is known to be extremely vocal that all those convicted are guilty. So it’s not too surprising when he turns up dead. Can Meg help figure out what happened?
Yes, this is a Christmas entry in the series. And we get plenty of Christmas spirit as we read the book, even if the plot doesn’t tie into the season. But, at this point, I’m not sure what else the author could do with the season plot wise. I do wish the choir had sung some religious carols in one of the scenes, but that’s a minor complaint. The plot itself was well done with plenty of suspects to keep us guessing. And Meg and the rest were great to be around as always. In fact, I was impressed by just how many of the regulars got to play a part in what was happening. We also got some laughs along the way. Meg’s many fans will be happy to sit down with this book.
Yes, this is a Christmas entry in the series. And we get plenty of Christmas spirit as we read the book, even if the plot doesn’t tie into the season. But, at this point, I’m not sure what else the author could do with the season plot wise. I do wish the choir had sung some religious carols in one of the scenes, but that’s a minor complaint. The plot itself was well done with plenty of suspects to keep us guessing. And Meg and the rest were great to be around as always. In fact, I was impressed by just how many of the regulars got to play a part in what was happening. We also got some laughs along the way. Meg’s many fans will be happy to sit down with this book.
ClareR (6253 KP) rated Bored Gay Werewolf in Books
Jun 19, 2023
There’s not a huge amount left to the imagination in this book. It does exactly what the title says: Brian is bored, he’s gay and he’s a werewolf. However, he is a werewolf who is out of control during the full moon - as the dead joggers will attest to - and out of control as a man the rest of the time (too much alcohol, a lot of casual sex, not taking care of himself).
Enter Tyler. He’s also a werewolf, and he wants to create a pack for the 21st century, along with a website and an app. He’s not the nicest of characters, unlike Brian’s work colleagues who are both lovely!
It’s a great cast of characters, and a rather amusing tale on modern life, with toxic masculinity, capitalism and the culture of Wellness - along with some of the most disgusting sounding smoothies and fitness regimes - front and centre.
If there’s another book coming up in a series, I’d love to know if Brian is still in his dead end job, drinking too much, or whether he has decided to take up the job offer at the end of the book.
This book made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion - and this is surely as good a reason as any to want more!!
Enter Tyler. He’s also a werewolf, and he wants to create a pack for the 21st century, along with a website and an app. He’s not the nicest of characters, unlike Brian’s work colleagues who are both lovely!
It’s a great cast of characters, and a rather amusing tale on modern life, with toxic masculinity, capitalism and the culture of Wellness - along with some of the most disgusting sounding smoothies and fitness regimes - front and centre.
If there’s another book coming up in a series, I’d love to know if Brian is still in his dead end job, drinking too much, or whether he has decided to take up the job offer at the end of the book.
This book made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion - and this is surely as good a reason as any to want more!!
Merissa (14056 KP) rated Demon Familiar (Wanted #1) in Books
Jul 6, 2018
Demon Familiar (Wanted #1) by Bellora Quinn & Sadie Rose Bermingham
Demon Familiar is the first book in the Wanted series, and we are introduced to a whole new world, which I can't wait to learn more about. Neil witnesses the death of his mother by Bone Men, and runs away, needing to hide from both them AND his father. He meets Mal as he is trying to sell his very desirable, but distinguishable, car so he has funds. Mal and Neil have an instant spark, but neither of them act on it immediately. This just makes it even hotter when they finally do.
I love this couple of author's work - I don't think I've read a bad book by them. Yes, their characters may frustrate the hell out of me (which they know and laugh about!), but their stories are always interesting and gripping. The writing and editing is their usual high standard, the world building superb, and with a whole host of characters I can't wait to see more of - Merc!
A brilliant start to the series, with not all questions answered, so I can't wait to read more. Absolutely 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!
I love this couple of author's work - I don't think I've read a bad book by them. Yes, their characters may frustrate the hell out of me (which they know and laugh about!), but their stories are always interesting and gripping. The writing and editing is their usual high standard, the world building superb, and with a whole host of characters I can't wait to see more of - Merc!
A brilliant start to the series, with not all questions answered, so I can't wait to read more. Absolutely 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 (3832 KP) rated Thin Air (Weather Warden, #6) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Picking up almost exactly from where Firestorm left off, this novel starts with Joanne Baldwin waking up naked and freezing cold in a forest with no idea of who she is, or how she got there.
In other words, the good old amnesia plot.
As the novel progresses, Joanne must (re)learn how to use her powers, as well as struggling with the emergence of a new (to her) power, and with trying to reconnect with her past life. Alongside this, further insight is given into the state of affairs in ther Djinn 'nation' (is that the right word?), and we finally see a culmination to what has been brewing in the last couple of novels regarding Demons.
With all that in mind, and despite the fact that amnesia, in many ways, could provide a 'clean slate', this is definitely NOT a good chocie to enter the series on, with recurring characters and references to previous events (even if Joanne can't remember them, the people bringing them up can). For a change, this novel also does have an ending in its own right - indeed, it could be viewed as ending the plot strands introduced over the last 2 or 3 books in the series - while also leaving scope for more novels to be set in the same world with the same characters.
In other words, the good old amnesia plot.
As the novel progresses, Joanne must (re)learn how to use her powers, as well as struggling with the emergence of a new (to her) power, and with trying to reconnect with her past life. Alongside this, further insight is given into the state of affairs in ther Djinn 'nation' (is that the right word?), and we finally see a culmination to what has been brewing in the last couple of novels regarding Demons.
With all that in mind, and despite the fact that amnesia, in many ways, could provide a 'clean slate', this is definitely NOT a good chocie to enter the series on, with recurring characters and references to previous events (even if Joanne can't remember them, the people bringing them up can). For a change, this novel also does have an ending in its own right - indeed, it could be viewed as ending the plot strands introduced over the last 2 or 3 books in the series - while also leaving scope for more novels to be set in the same world with the same characters.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Bared to You (Crossfire, #1) in Books
Nov 21, 2019
Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness. He was beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I'd never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily.
Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other's most private wounds and desires.
The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart
This is possibly my 10th reread I have lost track. So I ask myself why do I keep coming back to this book and series? Well I can honestly say I just love how Sylvia Day writes I've read almost everything she has written. I enjoy reading the Cross series especially this one. Gideon Cross is just so yummy I adore Eva and Cary. I do have people who just don't understand why these books are so enticing to me and no it's not just the sex!! I think this says to me that no matter how hard your life is or how screwed up your past is you can still find love in the darkest places!!
Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other's most private wounds and desires.
The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart
This is possibly my 10th reread I have lost track. So I ask myself why do I keep coming back to this book and series? Well I can honestly say I just love how Sylvia Day writes I've read almost everything she has written. I enjoy reading the Cross series especially this one. Gideon Cross is just so yummy I adore Eva and Cary. I do have people who just don't understand why these books are so enticing to me and no it's not just the sex!! I think this says to me that no matter how hard your life is or how screwed up your past is you can still find love in the darkest places!!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Miss Frost Saves the Sandman ( Jayne Frost book 3) in Books
Mar 26, 2022
53 of 230
Kindle
Miss Frost Save the Sandman ( Jayne Frost book 3)
By Kristen Painter
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jayne Frost is a lot of things. Winter elf, Jack Frost's daughter, Santa Claus's niece, heir to the Winter Throne and now...private investigator. Sort of.
When the Sandman comes to Santa’s Workshop, the shop Jayne manages, to do his first ever book signing, it’s a major event. He’s kind of a supernatural celebrity and she needs to keep him happy.
All is well until trouble shows up at the party thrown in his honor. Trouble in the form of Luna Nyx, the Mistress of Nightmares and his creepy counterpart. The Sandman’s assistant says Luna is dangerous, and Jayne believes it when her dreams turn dark.
Can Jayne keep the Sandman safe from this gothic goddess? Or will Luna’s threats put them both to sleep for good?
What’s not to love about this series? It’s so quirky I love it! They are just about the right length to fit the whole story plus relationships without being overbearing or boring. I love Jayne she is so likeable actually I can’t think of any character I don’t like. This series is just so much fun. This book introduces us to the Sandman and his ex wife death. Brilliant if you’re looking for something fun and quirky.
Kindle
Miss Frost Save the Sandman ( Jayne Frost book 3)
By Kristen Painter
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jayne Frost is a lot of things. Winter elf, Jack Frost's daughter, Santa Claus's niece, heir to the Winter Throne and now...private investigator. Sort of.
When the Sandman comes to Santa’s Workshop, the shop Jayne manages, to do his first ever book signing, it’s a major event. He’s kind of a supernatural celebrity and she needs to keep him happy.
All is well until trouble shows up at the party thrown in his honor. Trouble in the form of Luna Nyx, the Mistress of Nightmares and his creepy counterpart. The Sandman’s assistant says Luna is dangerous, and Jayne believes it when her dreams turn dark.
Can Jayne keep the Sandman safe from this gothic goddess? Or will Luna’s threats put them both to sleep for good?
What’s not to love about this series? It’s so quirky I love it! They are just about the right length to fit the whole story plus relationships without being overbearing or boring. I love Jayne she is so likeable actually I can’t think of any character I don’t like. This series is just so much fun. This book introduces us to the Sandman and his ex wife death. Brilliant if you’re looking for something fun and quirky.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2593 KP) rated The Invisible Assistant in Books
Jan 26, 2022
Magical Locked Room Mystery
Magician Eli Marks is surprised when his ex-wife, Deirdre, shows up at one of his magic shows with her new husband, Homicide Detective Fred Hutton. However, they are there seeking Eli’s advice. A recent murder/suicide inside a lock townhome appears to be open and shut to Fred, but Deirdre, a DA, is certain that something else is going on, and she is hoping that Eli’s unique view of things will help explain what really happened. Will his knowledge of magic help solve the case?
I’ve been meaning to read this story for a while, and I’m glad I finally did. This is a classic locked room mystery, and I always enjoy those. The solution was logical if a bit of a stretch. Still, I was willing to buy into it. We really only have three characters in this story, and the interaction between them was fun. As a fan of the series, I laughed at some of it, in fact. I suspect that those coming to the characters first the first time will find it just as amusing. The story is set early in the series, so fans should expect those dynamics as they read. Whether you are new to Eli’s world or not, this is a short story you’ll enjoy.
I’ve been meaning to read this story for a while, and I’m glad I finally did. This is a classic locked room mystery, and I always enjoy those. The solution was logical if a bit of a stretch. Still, I was willing to buy into it. We really only have three characters in this story, and the interaction between them was fun. As a fan of the series, I laughed at some of it, in fact. I suspect that those coming to the characters first the first time will find it just as amusing. The story is set early in the series, so fans should expect those dynamics as they read. Whether you are new to Eli’s world or not, this is a short story you’ll enjoy.