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Roxanne (13 KP) rated The Handmaid's Tale in Books
Nov 9, 2018
✮✮✮✮✮
A lot of time has passed between reading this novel and writing this review yet this book has stayed with me as it's such a powerful read. I got completely drawn in and was fascinated yet horrified of this world that could so easily become a reality.
At times it was hard to follow due to the writing style but I did get more used to it the further I got into the story. The changes in the language used between characters in their daily lives compared to when they escaped within their own minds was really clever. I will be looking for more work done by this author.
A lot of time has passed between reading this novel and writing this review yet this book has stayed with me as it's such a powerful read. I got completely drawn in and was fascinated yet horrified of this world that could so easily become a reality.
At times it was hard to follow due to the writing style but I did get more used to it the further I got into the story. The changes in the language used between characters in their daily lives compared to when they escaped within their own minds was really clever. I will be looking for more work done by this author.
Roxanne (13 KP) rated A Monster Calls in Books
Nov 9, 2018
✮✮✮✮
I picked this book up expecting it to be a horror/monster novel but it turned out to be so much more than that. This was such an emotional roller coaster and it has stayed with me for a long time after reading.
The hardback copy of this book is beautiful and the illustrations within really adds something special. If you have lost someone to life-sucking disease then you may find this read difficult, I must admit I did at times. It is written beautifully and contains characters that are so easy to relate to.
I recommend this book no matter your age or background.
I picked this book up expecting it to be a horror/monster novel but it turned out to be so much more than that. This was such an emotional roller coaster and it has stayed with me for a long time after reading.
The hardback copy of this book is beautiful and the illustrations within really adds something special. If you have lost someone to life-sucking disease then you may find this read difficult, I must admit I did at times. It is written beautifully and contains characters that are so easy to relate to.
I recommend this book no matter your age or background.
Roxanne (13 KP) rated Before I Go to Sleep in Books
Nov 14, 2018
This certainly wasn't the best thriller that I have read but on the other hand it wasn't the worst. Until about half way through I would describe this book as a page-turner but for me it unfortunately fell flat at the end. I understand that the focus of the book would cause a fair amount of repetition, however, there was so much it eventually lead to boredom. Although a good idea for a novel I felt it lacked certain thrills and didn't have a strong enough punch. I'm all for the idea, on the fence about it's execution and just plain disappointed about the outcome.
Unusual take on a classic story
This story follows the ups and downs of Peter Pan before the conventional stories with Wendy that we all know from Disney. Christina Henry has a knack of showing the darker side of what is a classic story. Even though it focuses on the life of children I feel like it still has a very adult feel.
I first found this amazing author when reading her book 'Alice' and have since read all of her books.
If you want to read a fantasy novel that is unusual then this is the book for you.
I first found this amazing author when reading her book 'Alice' and have since read all of her books.
If you want to read a fantasy novel that is unusual then this is the book for you.
David McK (3495 KP) rated Hammered (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #3) in Books
Jan 28, 2019
Third entry in Kevin Hearne's 'Iron Druid' series which, I felt, is a strong contender in being the best of them so far.
As the third novel, however, this is one that you would need to read the earlier entries first, as it ties up loose plot points from the first two stories and, in particular, follows on from the previous ('Hexed'), in which Atticus agreed to help the vampire Leif as well as the werewolf Gunnar to kill Thor, the Norse God of Thunder (yes, that Thor).
Fast moving, laugh out loud funny in parts and with some solid action scenes, I was mightily impressed by this entry.
As the third novel, however, this is one that you would need to read the earlier entries first, as it ties up loose plot points from the first two stories and, in particular, follows on from the previous ('Hexed'), in which Atticus agreed to help the vampire Leif as well as the werewolf Gunnar to kill Thor, the Norse God of Thunder (yes, that Thor).
Fast moving, laugh out loud funny in parts and with some solid action scenes, I was mightily impressed by this entry.
David McK (3495 KP) rated Mostly Harmless in Books
Jan 28, 2019
The fifth (and final) book in Douglas Adam's <i>Hitch-hikers Guide</i> 'trilogy', this is a book that I have read many feel should never have been written.
This is a lot more serious than the previous novels, with the overall tone a lot darker than before: for example (and very early on) Arthur Dent is back to wandering the universe, after having the love of his life whisked away from him while traveling through Hyperspace while, in an alternate reality, Tricia ('Trillian') McMillan regrets not going off with Zaphod Beeblebrox. I have to say, as well, the novel also ends on rather a down-beat note!
This is a lot more serious than the previous novels, with the overall tone a lot darker than before: for example (and very early on) Arthur Dent is back to wandering the universe, after having the love of his life whisked away from him while traveling through Hyperspace while, in an alternate reality, Tricia ('Trillian') McMillan regrets not going off with Zaphod Beeblebrox. I have to say, as well, the novel also ends on rather a down-beat note!
David McK (3495 KP) rated Blood Rites (The Dresden Files, #6) in Books
Jan 28, 2019
Book number 6 in Jim Butcher's Dresden Files series, and the quality shows no signs of letting up.
This time, Harry Dresden is hired by his vampire acquantaince Thomas Raith to investigate a series of highly unusual murders surrounding an adult movie maker, which leads to further revelations (previously hinted at in earlier books) about Harry's own mysterious past, and just why Thomas has been an occassional ally ...
While I reckon it is probably possible to read this as a 'stand-alone' novel, it's probably best to have read the previous five books first in order to understand a few of the references made during the course of this one.
This time, Harry Dresden is hired by his vampire acquantaince Thomas Raith to investigate a series of highly unusual murders surrounding an adult movie maker, which leads to further revelations (previously hinted at in earlier books) about Harry's own mysterious past, and just why Thomas has been an occassional ally ...
While I reckon it is probably possible to read this as a 'stand-alone' novel, it's probably best to have read the previous five books first in order to understand a few of the references made during the course of this one.
David McK (3495 KP) rated Hornblower and the Atropos in Books
Jan 30, 2019
"Battle, Storm, Shipwreck, Disease - what were the chances he would never come back again?"
Chronologically the 5th entry in CS Foresters (probably) most famous creation, this is also the 8th entry by publication date, and the 1st entry in the compilation 'Captain Hornblowe R.N."
Set early during his career - he's only just taken up command - this novel covers a lot of ground (both literally and figuratively), starting with Hornblower and Maria making their way down to Portsmouth, his command of Nelson's water-borne funeral procession and then the cruise of his 22-gun sloop 'The Atropos' into the Mediterranean, and the various myriad circumstances that befall said cruise!
Chronologically the 5th entry in CS Foresters (probably) most famous creation, this is also the 8th entry by publication date, and the 1st entry in the compilation 'Captain Hornblowe R.N."
Set early during his career - he's only just taken up command - this novel covers a lot of ground (both literally and figuratively), starting with Hornblower and Maria making their way down to Portsmouth, his command of Nelson's water-borne funeral procession and then the cruise of his 22-gun sloop 'The Atropos' into the Mediterranean, and the various myriad circumstances that befall said cruise!
David McK (3495 KP) rated Odin's Wolves in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The final(?) novel in Giles Kristian's Raven series of books, this continues - and, maybe, ends - the story first began in <i>Raven: Blood Eye</i>.
Again presented as the older titular character retelling the tale of his younger years, this sees Sigurds wolf-pack of the sea continue their voyage, moving down now into Europe proper, before experiencing Rome and finally ending the tale in the city of Miklagard (i.e. Constantinople). If you've read any of the precious entries in the series, you'd know pretty much what to expect: however, and somewhat unfortunately, I have to say that I felt this particular entry to out-stay it's welcome somewhat.
Again presented as the older titular character retelling the tale of his younger years, this sees Sigurds wolf-pack of the sea continue their voyage, moving down now into Europe proper, before experiencing Rome and finally ending the tale in the city of Miklagard (i.e. Constantinople). If you've read any of the precious entries in the series, you'd know pretty much what to expect: however, and somewhat unfortunately, I have to say that I felt this particular entry to out-stay it's welcome somewhat.
David McK (3495 KP) rated Wolfsangel (Craw Trilogy, #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Described (by 2 different authors, in the blurb on the back of the book in this edition) as "A unique take on the werewolf mythos, on the Norse pantheon an on magic itself. An enthralling, mesmeric book" and "A fresh take on the werewolf myth ... Brutal and relentlessly original", I have to say: this novel was nothing at all like I expected. Where I was expecting an excting tale of Vikings, shapeshifters and magic, instead I got a slow, torpid and (sometimes) impenetrable read instead. The first in a planned series of such books, I doubt I'll be looking for any of the sequels.