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A Call To Haiti's Awakening
8.0
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This book actually highlights in deep the incredible accomplishment of the Haitian nation, being the...
haiti ernst etienne history
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2593 KP) rated Antihero in Books
Mar 13, 2026 (Updated Mar 13, 2026)
Evan Must Control Himself
Evan’s latest call for help comes from a witness. A woman was taken off a New York City subway by four young men. When Evan manages to find the woman, she’s been horribly violated. Evan immediately goes after the men who did this to her, but she makes him promise not to kill them. Will he be able to keep his promise?
While this series is always more violent than what I typically read, this one felt darker than it needed to be. Then again, that might have been what helped me fully feel with Evan’s struggle to find another way to bring justice. I felt one subplot was recycled, but overall, I felt the character development was good. And the supporting regulars were good as always. We even saw a couple who hadn’t been around for the last book or two. And the plot kept me engaged. Other readers like me might want to think twice before picking up this book, but those who enjoy thrillers will love it.
While this series is always more violent than what I typically read, this one felt darker than it needed to be. Then again, that might have been what helped me fully feel with Evan’s struggle to find another way to bring justice. I felt one subplot was recycled, but overall, I felt the character development was good. And the supporting regulars were good as always. We even saw a couple who hadn’t been around for the last book or two. And the plot kept me engaged. Other readers like me might want to think twice before picking up this book, but those who enjoy thrillers will love it.
Merissa (14056 KP) rated All of the Voices (Southern Spirits #3) in Books
Apr 18, 2023
The third in the Southern Spirits series concentrates on Deputy Matt from McKinton and Nephew Carlin from New York. Matt has his roots firmly entrenched in McKinton and, even though he's not had much luck so far, is content within his own skin. Carlin has been openly out of the closet for years and doesn't want to like McKinton after witnessing the hate attack against Zeke years previously.
The story blossoms between these two as they come to terms with grief and responsibility, knowing that a future between them just isn't possible right now. This is a sweet and hot story that is well-told and smoothly paced. I'll admit to being surprised at reading the synopsis and seeing Carlin's name. I was sure that it would be Matt and Rich. However, after reading this, I can't imagine it any other way. Loved it and definitely recommended.
* 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!
Oct 19, 2015
The story blossoms between these two as they come to terms with grief and responsibility, knowing that a future between them just isn't possible right now. This is a sweet and hot story that is well-told and smoothly paced. I'll admit to being surprised at reading the synopsis and seeing Carlin's name. I was sure that it would be Matt and Rich. However, after reading this, I can't imagine it any other way. Loved it and definitely recommended.
* 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!
Oct 19, 2015
Merissa (14056 KP) rated Flame Kissed (Phoenix Rising #1) in Books
Nov 2, 2023
FLAME KISSED is the first book in the Phoenix Rising series. It is a fast-paced and action-packed story involving Wraiths and Phoenixes.
There is a whole new world here, just waiting to be explored. Where you have Oracles and Seers, Soldiers and Scholars. Where torture is not unknown and you can be bonded to someone against your will. From a heartbreaking start to a climactic finish, this book will hit pretty much every emotion as you read it. You will laugh at Aurelia and her sassy, take no prisoners, attitude. And then there is the banter between her and Evan, Rhys, West, and the rest of the crew.
I get the feeling that this book has only just scratched the surface of what is to come, and I for one, am looking forward to learning more! Definitely recommended.
** 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!
Nov 2, 2023
There is a whole new world here, just waiting to be explored. Where you have Oracles and Seers, Soldiers and Scholars. Where torture is not unknown and you can be bonded to someone against your will. From a heartbreaking start to a climactic finish, this book will hit pretty much every emotion as you read it. You will laugh at Aurelia and her sassy, take no prisoners, attitude. And then there is the banter between her and Evan, Rhys, West, and the rest of the crew.
I get the feeling that this book has only just scratched the surface of what is to come, and I for one, am looking forward to learning more! Definitely recommended.
** 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!
Nov 2, 2023
Merissa (14056 KP) rated The Bond (The Secret Tales #1) in Books
Jun 2, 2023
THE BOND is the first book in The Secret Tales and the first secret, Rosamund's, is certainly not a nice one - to be polite!
This is a long book, with plenty of trauma and angst to keep you company. It takes you from their present, with quick flashbacks to the past, moving with them to their future as they try to have a secure life together. I did feel as though it could have been shortened just a little, as there were parts I didn't fully grasp the relevance of so, to me, they had little bearing on the story.
This is a slow burn with little physical intimacy (completely understandable) but plenty of affection between the two main characters.
A great start to the series and I can't wait for the next book! Definitely recommended by me.
** 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!
Jun 2, 2023
This is a long book, with plenty of trauma and angst to keep you company. It takes you from their present, with quick flashbacks to the past, moving with them to their future as they try to have a secure life together. I did feel as though it could have been shortened just a little, as there were parts I didn't fully grasp the relevance of so, to me, they had little bearing on the story.
This is a slow burn with little physical intimacy (completely understandable) but plenty of affection between the two main characters.
A great start to the series and I can't wait for the next book! Definitely recommended by me.
** 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!
Jun 2, 2023
Unrepressed Unconscious, Implicit Memory, and Clinical Work
Clara Mucci and Giuseppe Craparo
Book
Unrepressed Unconscious, Implicit Memory, and Clinical Work analyses the psychological and...
AJaneClark (3975 KP) rated The Sun is Also a Star in Books
Feb 20, 2021
What a difference a day makes...
Though not quite a the norm for me when choosing books, I read the blurb for this book and knew I had to read it, and I was not at all disappointed. The cover is also quite beautiful and eye-catching.
The Sun is Also a Star is a heart-warming and emotional journey of two very different individuals, a chance meeting and a series of events. It took me on a mini rollercoaster ride, stunning me with the amount of things that can happen in a period of 24 hours. Its the age old story of love Vs. science and how all our actions have consequences, no matter how insignificant we believe them to be. Not to forget how one's interactions and words can change the course of action for someone else's life and in some ways save them from their own fates.
I enjoyed the back and forth style story telling, focusing on the POVs of Daniel and Natasha whilst also weaving in some additional characters we meet in passing. I found it to be a refreshing and delightful way of novel writing.
In a time of such global sadness, this book allowed me a ray of light.
The Sun is Also a Star is a heart-warming and emotional journey of two very different individuals, a chance meeting and a series of events. It took me on a mini rollercoaster ride, stunning me with the amount of things that can happen in a period of 24 hours. Its the age old story of love Vs. science and how all our actions have consequences, no matter how insignificant we believe them to be. Not to forget how one's interactions and words can change the course of action for someone else's life and in some ways save them from their own fates.
I enjoyed the back and forth style story telling, focusing on the POVs of Daniel and Natasha whilst also weaving in some additional characters we meet in passing. I found it to be a refreshing and delightful way of novel writing.
In a time of such global sadness, this book allowed me a ray of light.
David McK (3832 KP) rated Jurassic Park (1993) in Movies
May 26, 2020 (Updated Jul 19, 2026)
I've just realised (at the time of writing) that this movie is over 30 years old.
Man, I feel old.
Taking some liberties with Michael Crichtons's source material (Hammond dies and was not a very nice man; Grant likes kids), this is a disaster movie with stunning effects (that still hold up pretty well today) for the time, even if our understanding of the 'headline' dinosaurs has changed somewhat in the intervening years since its release (Raptors were the size of chickens, had feathers, and were NOT pack hunters. or so we now think).
Set on a tropical island hit by a storm just as the owner is given a pre-release tour to special invited guests to show off his scientific breakthrough - cloned Dinosaurs, because that's ALWAYS a good idea … - a series of events leads to the power going down, and the 'exhibits' breaking free to wreak havoc amongst those guests. And, lets not kid around the bush here, despite having the likes of Samuel L Jackson, Richard Attenborough, Sam Neil, Laura Dern and - uh- Jeff Goldblum ("life, uh, finds a way") amongst the cast - the real stars are those dinosaurs.
All the sequels (4 so far, with a 5th ion the way in Jurassic World: Dominion) pale in comparison.
Man, I feel old.
Taking some liberties with Michael Crichtons's source material (Hammond dies and was not a very nice man; Grant likes kids), this is a disaster movie with stunning effects (that still hold up pretty well today) for the time, even if our understanding of the 'headline' dinosaurs has changed somewhat in the intervening years since its release (Raptors were the size of chickens, had feathers, and were NOT pack hunters. or so we now think).
Set on a tropical island hit by a storm just as the owner is given a pre-release tour to special invited guests to show off his scientific breakthrough - cloned Dinosaurs, because that's ALWAYS a good idea … - a series of events leads to the power going down, and the 'exhibits' breaking free to wreak havoc amongst those guests. And, lets not kid around the bush here, despite having the likes of Samuel L Jackson, Richard Attenborough, Sam Neil, Laura Dern and - uh- Jeff Goldblum ("life, uh, finds a way") amongst the cast - the real stars are those dinosaurs.
All the sequels (4 so far, with a 5th ion the way in Jurassic World: Dominion) pale in comparison.
EmersonRose (320 KP) rated Knight of The Dead III: Fortress in Books
Nov 20, 2019
Knight of the Dead III: Fortress continues the adventures of Ronan and his family as they struggle to survive in the Zombie Apocalypse. The third book is a non-stop action-packed adventure as Ronan really starts to build up his fortress in a school building, slowly growing his kingdom. He has finally saved enough people that there really starts to be some interesting dynamics between the survivors and a look to the future can begin to happen. In this book, the stakes are raised as the zombies continue to change and seemingly become smarter and more dangerous. With the stakes raised, his family finally in a stable situation, Ronan sets out full force to save as many others as he can.
Without a doubt, my favorite part if this series is the unique take at apocalypse fiction by throwing in medieval fighting. This book does not disappoint as there are thrilling action scenes, plenty of training sequences, and the knight continuing to become a legend in the modern world. This unique touch simultaneously gives the story a fun and engaging layer while also somehow adding to the believability of the world that author Ron Smorynski has created. With the detailed fighting knowledge, and the time spent on gathering food, training, getting water, and fortifying the school, as a reader you can believe that they would have survived this long.518hheXuwoL._SY346_
This book focuses more on rescue then the previous books and as the cast of characters continues to grow there is less time spent one on one with people. This decreases the amount of individual tension between characters, but there is still tension as Ronan is the dictator and continues to push his Christian values on everyone within his fortress. This dynamic makes sense in the situation, but I like the moments when Ronan gets to be humanized more in small moments. A hug with his wife or children, a cute moment with him and the children, his appreciated a moment of laughter. These moments are very sweet in the otherwise horror-filled world they live in, and Ronan gets to relax the least as a leader.
Pet peeve of mine in apocalypse fiction is the idea that you are completely alone in the world. That although you survived no one else on the planet could have. Smorynski does not fall into this trap. He acknowledges the bigger world, although his characters have very little contact with it. And there is a good balance between the characters feeling alone and being alone. Many people have died in the month of the apocalypse, but they are still finding survivors. There are other people who are holding on. This makes the series more exciting for me and also keeps me excited for the books to come as I enjoy watching the growing community of survivors.
This series is exciting and gripping from beginning to end. Smorynski does a good job of justifying the risks that his characters take and ups the stakes and consequences as the book progresses, making the danger feel read from beginning to end. If you like zombie stories or apocalypse fiction, then I would highly recommend checking this series out. I cannot wait to see where the story goes from here!
Without a doubt, my favorite part if this series is the unique take at apocalypse fiction by throwing in medieval fighting. This book does not disappoint as there are thrilling action scenes, plenty of training sequences, and the knight continuing to become a legend in the modern world. This unique touch simultaneously gives the story a fun and engaging layer while also somehow adding to the believability of the world that author Ron Smorynski has created. With the detailed fighting knowledge, and the time spent on gathering food, training, getting water, and fortifying the school, as a reader you can believe that they would have survived this long.518hheXuwoL._SY346_
This book focuses more on rescue then the previous books and as the cast of characters continues to grow there is less time spent one on one with people. This decreases the amount of individual tension between characters, but there is still tension as Ronan is the dictator and continues to push his Christian values on everyone within his fortress. This dynamic makes sense in the situation, but I like the moments when Ronan gets to be humanized more in small moments. A hug with his wife or children, a cute moment with him and the children, his appreciated a moment of laughter. These moments are very sweet in the otherwise horror-filled world they live in, and Ronan gets to relax the least as a leader.
Pet peeve of mine in apocalypse fiction is the idea that you are completely alone in the world. That although you survived no one else on the planet could have. Smorynski does not fall into this trap. He acknowledges the bigger world, although his characters have very little contact with it. And there is a good balance between the characters feeling alone and being alone. Many people have died in the month of the apocalypse, but they are still finding survivors. There are other people who are holding on. This makes the series more exciting for me and also keeps me excited for the books to come as I enjoy watching the growing community of survivors.
This series is exciting and gripping from beginning to end. Smorynski does a good job of justifying the risks that his characters take and ups the stakes and consequences as the book progresses, making the danger feel read from beginning to end. If you like zombie stories or apocalypse fiction, then I would highly recommend checking this series out. I cannot wait to see where the story goes from here!