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Northern Lights
Northern Lights
Philip Pullman | 2015 | Children
9
7.8 (14 Ratings)
Book Rating
A great YA novel
I read this over 10 years ago, remember enjoying it but for some reason never bothered with the other books in the trilogy. So I decided to try again.

This is a fantastic first novel in the trilogy, and a great fantasy story. I love the idea of people having daemons, and the plight of Lyra is intriguing and full of twists and turns. There are some great characters, all well developed and I really found myself caring for some and hating others, as intended. Pullman id a fantastic writer. My only criticisms would be the heavy emphasis on religion, and that the plot does seem a little bit over the top at times. Still can't wait to read the rest!
  
I Am Legend
I Am Legend
Richard Matheson | 2017 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
8.5 (20 Ratings)
Book Rating
Strong tension (4 more)
Comments on loneliness
New take on vampirism
Influential
Strong male character
Come out, Neville!
I Am Legend is an influential horror novel that despite being written in 1954 still holds up today.

Neville is the only survivor of a disease that turns people into howling vampires that gather outside his house every night to try and break in or lure him out. During the day he scavenges for supplies and tries to hunt his friends and neighbours and kill them while they're sleeping. Then before the sun sets he must barricade himself into his home to try and survive one more night.


In equal parts horrifying and heartbreaking, this fresh take on the vampire novel is one to read.
  
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane
Katherine Howe | 2009 | Fiction & Poetry, History & Politics, Romance
8
7.6 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
[The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane] by [Katherine Howe] was a unique view of the Salem witch panic. Connie is a modern day researcher with an overly obsessive adviser. The summer after she completes her oral her mother asks her to get her grandmothers house ready to sell. She the house has been abandoned for quite some time and has a deep history to share.

This story shows how we never know the true depth of history, especially our own personal history. The mosaic that the intermingling character stories weave is a great driving force for this novel.

My one complaint was it was a bit on the predictable side but for a debut novel it is a must read.
  
A classic noir from Graham Greene but not his best
While I wouldn't say this was the best of Graham Greene, who is renowned for his noir style crime tales, it was an enjoyable read.

There are plenty of twists and turns in this spy novel about a simple vacuum merchant turned spy for the British government in Cuba. His friend, a German doctor is suspected of being more than he is. There are plenty of assassination plots in this novel on top of escaping dangerous situations involving corrupt cops.

My only gripe is the fact how quickly the salesman was able to grasp being a detective without any training, so it seems a little implausible. Fun, but no Brighton Rock.
  
Another Day in the Death of America
Another Day in the Death of America
Gary Younge | 2016 | Philosophy, Psychology & Social Sciences
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Honest, authentic and eye opening (0 more)
How many more days before things change?
This book is incredibly valuable. Whilst focusing on the lives of ten young individuals whose lives were tragically cut short Younge also focuses on the history of gun violence in those communities as well as research on this dilemma. Together, these elements create a compelling novel which open the eyes of the reader to the injustices that occur due to gun violence, whilst also ensuring that common assumptions and misconceptions are brought into the limelight. Due to the nature of this novel it is my belief that it should be read a chapter at a time to allow for contemplation and reflection on the disastrous events contained within its pages.
  
After the Fire
After the Fire
Will Hill | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry, Young Adult (YA)
9
8.8 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
This novel was amazing! I might venture to say it is one of my favorites this year. The setting and plot are very original and interesting. The characters are very well thought out and written realistically from a teenage girl, to a charismatic cult leader to a sympathetic FBI agent. While the alternating timeline is popular, it seems entirely necessary in this context since we would not get the full force of the trauma endured without the current sense of relief and uncertainty and damage. While it is a harrowing story, it is not as gruesome or graphic as it could have been which is a good thing for readers who might not have picked up this novel since it is a must read!
  
Quiet Girl in a Noisy World: An Introvert's Story
Quiet Girl in a Noisy World: An Introvert's Story
Debbie Tung | 2017 | Comics & Graphic Novels
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
I think this book should be required reading for everyone. I would have given this book a 4.5 star rating so I rounded up to 5.

Debbie Tung was able to explain introversion better than any other book I have read. The stories were accurate and relatable. They showed the anxiety and the thought processes that I have gone through. I really appreciated the honesty in this book.

The drawings were well done, and they enhanced this graphic novel a lot. All in all, this is a good graphic novel that can show introverts that they're not alone and show extroverts that there is nothing wrong with being quite. Seriously, just read this.

*I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
  
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Inferno (The Campbells #1)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.

I was scrolling through NetGalley looking for something quick and easy to read which brought me to Inferno. The cover is really well done and the rest of the artwork is just as good. The storyline was cute and kept my attention as well. Parts of the story even tugged on my heart strings.

I wish there was more to this book though. The ending left me wanting more and more so I really hope that there is a next in the series.

All in all, this was a cute graphic novel that was able to tug on my heart strings. I will definitely continue on in this series when available.
  
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Tempting the Beast (Breeds, #1; Feline Breeds, #1)
Lora Leigh | 2003 | Fiction & Poetry
6
7.2 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
Hmmm... How many times can a book say the C word... I am not a prude but using the C word over 10 times in a chapter is just...different.

I thought that the basic consept of this novel was interesting. This was a quick read. The characters were interesting yet unrealistic. The main girl character made me want to scream half the time. The sex was a little too much, most of the time I had to just turn my brain off and try not to think that it was sexually assault. I understand that at the moments of passion the brain turns off and they are animalistic but seriously, it read like a woman's wet dream and not like a thought out novel.