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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Elizas in Books
Apr 12, 2018
Fun book-within-a-book psychological thriller
Eliza Fontaine heads to Palm Springs and finds herself at the bottom of the hotel pool. Eliza can't swim, and her family assumes this was yet another one of Eliza's failed suicide attempts, as she has a history of winding up at the bottom of swimming pools. But Eliza swears this time was different; yes, she was drinking that evening, but she's sure someone pushed her, even if she can't remember exactly how she wound up at the pool or even the hotel bar. The sole witness is the man who rescued her, so Eliza tracks him down. But as they attempt to figure out what happened, Eliza only grows more confused. She's about to get her first novel published, and it seems as if events from the novel are intertwining with her life. She thought her novel was fiction, but now she's bewildered, feeling followed, and wondering if she's finally losing her mind for good.
This was an odd little book and not at all what I was expecting. That's not necessarily a bad thing, though, and the more I think about it, the more I should have realized that Sara Shepard is quite masterful at playing with our minds. This is actually almost two books in one: we get the novel itself; as well excerpts from The Dots, Eliza's debut novel, which is set to be published a few weeks after she's found in the pool. As we get deeper and deeper into The Dots, we're left to wonder how much its protagonist, Dot, is like Eliza--where does Eliza end and Dot begin?
It's really quite an ingenious setup and it's quite fun. I actually really liked the excerpts more at times. The novel revolves around the confusing question of identity, as Eliza struggles to figure out who she is and what she remembers about her life and past. My only struggle was that Eliza does a lot of thinking (aka talking or narrating) and I lost interest at some points when she talked on a bit. Still, most of the time, this was a pretty suspenseful book; it's certainly "trippy" and often confusing, as you work to puzzle out things alongside Eliza. I definitely didn't have everything figured out immediately, though I worked most things out as I went along.
Overall, this is a quick read (I read the entire thing during during two consecutive plane rides), and the book-within-a-book setup is fun and adds to the suspense. This isn't a read for those who love intricate, deeply plotted thrillers, but it's enjoyable and compelling and perfect for YA fans looking for a psychological thriller. 3.5 stars.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review; more at https://justacatandabookatherside.blogspot.com/.
This was an odd little book and not at all what I was expecting. That's not necessarily a bad thing, though, and the more I think about it, the more I should have realized that Sara Shepard is quite masterful at playing with our minds. This is actually almost two books in one: we get the novel itself; as well excerpts from The Dots, Eliza's debut novel, which is set to be published a few weeks after she's found in the pool. As we get deeper and deeper into The Dots, we're left to wonder how much its protagonist, Dot, is like Eliza--where does Eliza end and Dot begin?
It's really quite an ingenious setup and it's quite fun. I actually really liked the excerpts more at times. The novel revolves around the confusing question of identity, as Eliza struggles to figure out who she is and what she remembers about her life and past. My only struggle was that Eliza does a lot of thinking (aka talking or narrating) and I lost interest at some points when she talked on a bit. Still, most of the time, this was a pretty suspenseful book; it's certainly "trippy" and often confusing, as you work to puzzle out things alongside Eliza. I definitely didn't have everything figured out immediately, though I worked most things out as I went along.
Overall, this is a quick read (I read the entire thing during during two consecutive plane rides), and the book-within-a-book setup is fun and adds to the suspense. This isn't a read for those who love intricate, deeply plotted thrillers, but it's enjoyable and compelling and perfect for YA fans looking for a psychological thriller. 3.5 stars.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review; more at https://justacatandabookatherside.blogspot.com/.
KerysJayne Draganova (21 KP) rated Alice (The Chronicles of Alice, #1) in Books
Jan 11, 2018
Characters (3 more)
Plot
Writing
Dark twist on a classic story
Fantastic take on a classic novel
Just read it! seriously!
I had this book bought for me by my SO because he knows I love Alice in Wonderland, so I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book. I definitely wasn't expecting to love it, but I did, I honestly couldn't put it down.
I love books with a bit of a dark twist, especially classic lit like Poe. If you love the classics and dark literature then this book is for you. Henry takes all the characters you love from Wonderland and makes them new and sinister. It's a fantastic take on a classic novel and I cannot recommend it enough.
I recommend book 2 in the chronicles too!
I had this book bought for me by my SO because he knows I love Alice in Wonderland, so I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book. I definitely wasn't expecting to love it, but I did, I honestly couldn't put it down.
I love books with a bit of a dark twist, especially classic lit like Poe. If you love the classics and dark literature then this book is for you. Henry takes all the characters you love from Wonderland and makes them new and sinister. It's a fantastic take on a classic novel and I cannot recommend it enough.
I recommend book 2 in the chronicles too!
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Android Karenina in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Android Karenina was definitely a faster read than the original classic. Where before there was a lot of tension, now—thought the tension is still there—there is a lot of comic relief with the robots. Android Karenina is equally as enthralling as Tolstoy's "first novel," but the images of robots running around definitely make it lighter. The 2-inch wide novel isn't quite as… intimidating… with high-tech machinery involved.
The writing, in general, was witty. Tolstoy's words were still clearly seen and recognized, but Winters was able to make his own "quirks" in the story without them sticking out like a sore thumb. They blended right in nicely and made for a very entertaining read.
I loved Android Karenina and I definitely look forward to a re-read.
The writing, in general, was witty. Tolstoy's words were still clearly seen and recognized, but Winters was able to make his own "quirks" in the story without them sticking out like a sore thumb. They blended right in nicely and made for a very entertaining read.
I loved Android Karenina and I definitely look forward to a re-read.
Erika (17789 KP) rated Slayer (Slayer #1) in Books
Mar 19, 2019 (Updated Mar 19, 2019)
When I saw that Kiersten White was writing a Slayer novel, I was completely intrigued. I really liked Paranormalcy.
So, the extent of my Buffy knowledge is limited to the film. But, apparently, crap has gone down, and everyone hates Buffy? The novel does an ok job at filling in necessary gaps, so I wasn't completely lost. Overall, the story was just meh and predictable. I'm fairly sure I've already figured out the entire book series to come. It's also another reminder that new YA is not for me, at all. The characters were...well, kind of meh. The story didn't really pick up until the last 100 pages Overall, this was an ok book, it wasn't good, but it wasn't god-awful. I definitely don't plan on continuing to read the series.
So, the extent of my Buffy knowledge is limited to the film. But, apparently, crap has gone down, and everyone hates Buffy? The novel does an ok job at filling in necessary gaps, so I wasn't completely lost. Overall, the story was just meh and predictable. I'm fairly sure I've already figured out the entire book series to come. It's also another reminder that new YA is not for me, at all. The characters were...well, kind of meh. The story didn't really pick up until the last 100 pages Overall, this was an ok book, it wasn't good, but it wasn't god-awful. I definitely don't plan on continuing to read the series.
Sam (74 KP) rated I Have Lost My Way in Books
Mar 27, 2019
The characters were all very varied and very different from each other which made me wonder from the beginning on how they would ever have a friendship by the end of the novel.
I was a bit disappointed because little actually happened in the book, which is why I don’t really have much to say about this. The novel all takes place across one day and it seems more like a commentary of that day rather than an entertaining plot.
I’ve held off reviewing this for a while because I just wasn’t that int it. I did an age to read it all and it did have a few entertaining parts, but overall I was quite disappointed with this because it wasn’t as good as Gayle Forman’s other books.
I was a bit disappointed because little actually happened in the book, which is why I don’t really have much to say about this. The novel all takes place across one day and it seems more like a commentary of that day rather than an entertaining plot.
I’ve held off reviewing this for a while because I just wasn’t that int it. I did an age to read it all and it did have a few entertaining parts, but overall I was quite disappointed with this because it wasn’t as good as Gayle Forman’s other books.
Sam (74 KP) rated Joe and Clara’s Christmas Countdown in Books
Mar 27, 2019
This is one of my absolute favourite festive books out there. It’s warm and snuggly and it is so cheerful that it makes me smile as soon as I open the book.
Joe and Clara are both wonderfully developed characters who steal your heart from their first introductions. There were little moments that got me giggling, and plenty of times where the novel was just purely heartwarming.
To me, this is what every festive novel should be. It is so feel-good and I love the way that every chapter counts down until Christmas. If I had the self-control, I would read a chapter a day through December but I know I would never be able to restrain myself that much!
This is definitely a Christmas book you have to experience.
Joe and Clara are both wonderfully developed characters who steal your heart from their first introductions. There were little moments that got me giggling, and plenty of times where the novel was just purely heartwarming.
To me, this is what every festive novel should be. It is so feel-good and I love the way that every chapter counts down until Christmas. If I had the self-control, I would read a chapter a day through December but I know I would never be able to restrain myself that much!
This is definitely a Christmas book you have to experience.
Gisell Middleton (189 KP) rated Into the Jungle in Books
Jun 5, 2019
Erica Ferencik does it again! In a much more subtle and nuanced way she gives us just as much anticipation, excitement and uncertainty as in her debut. This novel is much more complex in its research, dynamics and characters. While it may seem slow in some spots, you later realize that, much like the Amazon, it is just a brief, and later appreciated, respite from the almost constant anxiety and slow burn of trepidation and exaltation that the rest of the novel delivers. The end felt a bit rushed and, in my opinion, could have easily benefited from another fifty pages but, even so, it was a wonderful foray into a reality that most of us will never live and even fewer would survive. A definite must read!
I tried to like this novel but it just fell short. I give 3 stars for the steamy sex scenes but thats all I enjoyed about it. The heroine Rikki felt too whiny and obnoxious. I seriously felt like she needed to go see a therapist because she clearly has no coping mechanisms to speak of. The rest just felt cliché. A sexy fireman calendar, that pushy friend who speaks in sexual innuendos and thinks that everything can be solved by getting laid, and even a wet t-shirt shower seen. All in all, it felt like a porno come to life. If thats your thing, then you will love this novel but dont expect any depth. Though come to think of it, the author warns the reader of that.
Dan Brown's novels always give you wanderlust. I cannot read one of his books without dreaming of traveling to Italy, viewing the famous statues, buildings and art, traveling in a gondola in Venice or wandering the ancient streets of Rome. Inferno is not exception. It also inspired me to read Danté, research the works of art mentioned in the novel and otherwise immerse myself in the experience. I oscillate between liking the main character, Robert Langdon and being turned off by his portrayal. I just don't find everyone's instant attraction to him to be believable and find it to be off putting. I did enjoy the diverse cast of supporting characters that Brown introduces in this novel. Overall, greatly recommended and to enhance the experience perhaps familiarize yourself with Danté.
Dana (24 KP) rated A Cold Legacy (The Madman's Daughter, #3) in Books
Mar 23, 2018
This was a pretty good ending to the series. Though I liked the other two novels better, this one still held its own. With heavy ties to Mary Shelly's Frankenstein, this novel took on even darker and more serious elements to the series. Frankly, I didn't know that would have been possible. The characters went on developing and there were quite a few twists that I didn't see coming. After one point toward that later half of the book, however, I found myself not wanting to pay as much attention. I felt like it had already been through all of the stuff it was going through and got a bit repetitive. I liked the book, overall, though and would highly recommend this series to anyone who likes a good horror novel!