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Merissa (12019 KP) rated Fagin's Boy (Oliver & Jack #1) by Jackie North in Books
Apr 21, 2022 (Updated Jun 24, 2023)
FAGIN'S BOY is the first book in the Oliver and Jack series, and as you may have gathered, it follows on from Oliver Twist. Oliver is now seventeen and the story starts with him attending the funeral of the man who took him in and looked after him, Mr Brownlow. Not knowing what will happen to him next, Oliver takes on an apprenticeship at a haberdashery, hoping it will give him experience for when he opens his own, long-dreamed-about, bookstore.
Jack has just returned to London after being hextricated to Australia. I had to suspend belief a little here as I've never heard of that happening before. He is still the cheeky chappie you may recognise but is altogether more fragile and hard. A paradox, for sure. He reminded me of a piece of flint.
Anyway, the story follows Oliver and Jack for a few months as circumstances change for Oliver. I thought the descriptions of the living conditions, plus how the children are treated in the workhouse, to be definitely in keeping with the original book by Dickens, as well as what was hinted at in the musical film.
Whilst Jack revelled in his circumstances, he was also desperate for stories about those he remembers. This leads him to a friendship with Noah, who Oliver doesn't like or trust. Oliver, on the other hand, wants more than he has right now. He wants his bookshop. He doesn't want to steal. He would like Jack to be with him but is prepared to make a break if Jack doesn't want to come.
There is a HFN ending to this first book and I am sure there will be plenty more adventures for our twosome. Although I have read and enjoyed other historical books by Ms North, I can't honestly say I enjoyed this one as much and I'm not sure why. All of the ingredients were there but, for me, they just didn't mix as well as I had expected. I am glad I have read this book and would recommend it to anyone with an interest in Oliver Twist and the hard, grimy Victorian times.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 14, 2022
Jack has just returned to London after being hextricated to Australia. I had to suspend belief a little here as I've never heard of that happening before. He is still the cheeky chappie you may recognise but is altogether more fragile and hard. A paradox, for sure. He reminded me of a piece of flint.
Anyway, the story follows Oliver and Jack for a few months as circumstances change for Oliver. I thought the descriptions of the living conditions, plus how the children are treated in the workhouse, to be definitely in keeping with the original book by Dickens, as well as what was hinted at in the musical film.
Whilst Jack revelled in his circumstances, he was also desperate for stories about those he remembers. This leads him to a friendship with Noah, who Oliver doesn't like or trust. Oliver, on the other hand, wants more than he has right now. He wants his bookshop. He doesn't want to steal. He would like Jack to be with him but is prepared to make a break if Jack doesn't want to come.
There is a HFN ending to this first book and I am sure there will be plenty more adventures for our twosome. Although I have read and enjoyed other historical books by Ms North, I can't honestly say I enjoyed this one as much and I'm not sure why. All of the ingredients were there but, for me, they just didn't mix as well as I had expected. I am glad I have read this book and would recommend it to anyone with an interest in Oliver Twist and the hard, grimy Victorian times.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 14, 2022
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Brood (1979) in Movies
Oct 24, 2020
Key Cronenberg movie starts off relatively restrained but ends up with a festival of bonkers ickiness. A man in the middle of a custody battle finds people connected to his ex-wife are being murdered by deformed child-like dwarves with weird, non-human anatomies. Can unorthodox psychiatrist Oliver Reed shed light on the situation?
Undeniably a horror movie, but one rich in subtext and metaphor, as well as containing several ew-that's-unbelievably-gross moments. (Students of the director may also wonder just how bad his divorce must have been.) Less Oliver Reed than you might hope for, but a remarkable performance from Samantha Eggar, and a great many memorable and disturbing sequences. Works on all sorts of levels, though some people may struggle to see past the more graphic aspects of the film. Still, this is horror done with brains and style.
Undeniably a horror movie, but one rich in subtext and metaphor, as well as containing several ew-that's-unbelievably-gross moments. (Students of the director may also wonder just how bad his divorce must have been.) Less Oliver Reed than you might hope for, but a remarkable performance from Samantha Eggar, and a great many memorable and disturbing sequences. Works on all sorts of levels, though some people may struggle to see past the more graphic aspects of the film. Still, this is horror done with brains and style.
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Oliver the Ornament Boxed Gift Set in Books
Feb 24, 2021
<i>Oliver the Ornament </i>touched me in ways I cannot even explain. From the feel of the paper to the colorful illustration, to the thoughtful words. This book pulls you in and stays with you long after you have read it. Todd M. Zimmermann did a phenomenal job with the ideas he conveys in this book and I know it will be one I pass down for many generations to come.
When I first picked up <i>Oliver the Ornament </i> to read, I expected just another book about Christmas. What I got was so much more. Oliver pulled me into his story with his friends and family so much so that by the time I was done I could not stop thinking about my own cherished Christmas ornament memories. The story was easy to read, although more of a 7+ age range in terms of page length, but so engaging and colorful. I loved the page layouts and enjoyed the twists the author/illustrator used to interactively engage with the audience. The themes of always having something positive to say to others, the consequences of bullying, and remembering to hold on to memories no matter how small they may seem combined made this an endearing story. I also am thankful for the author's thoughtfulness in providing a place to write my own ornament stories in the back of the book. But I cannot forget one of the most important interactive aspects of the story, Oliver the ornament himself! He is well made, heavy-duty, and when I look at my tree now, I am reminded that <i>“Every Ornament Tells A Story”</i>.
This is one of my favorite Christmas stories ever as it encourages remembrance, communication between parents and their kids, and the themes of forgiveness, dealing with bullying, and the art of storytelling. I <b>HIGHLY</b> recommend this book for any age to read and enjoy. 5 out of 5 stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
When I first picked up <i>Oliver the Ornament </i> to read, I expected just another book about Christmas. What I got was so much more. Oliver pulled me into his story with his friends and family so much so that by the time I was done I could not stop thinking about my own cherished Christmas ornament memories. The story was easy to read, although more of a 7+ age range in terms of page length, but so engaging and colorful. I loved the page layouts and enjoyed the twists the author/illustrator used to interactively engage with the audience. The themes of always having something positive to say to others, the consequences of bullying, and remembering to hold on to memories no matter how small they may seem combined made this an endearing story. I also am thankful for the author's thoughtfulness in providing a place to write my own ornament stories in the back of the book. But I cannot forget one of the most important interactive aspects of the story, Oliver the ornament himself! He is well made, heavy-duty, and when I look at my tree now, I am reminded that <i>“Every Ornament Tells A Story”</i>.
This is one of my favorite Christmas stories ever as it encourages remembrance, communication between parents and their kids, and the themes of forgiveness, dealing with bullying, and the art of storytelling. I <b>HIGHLY</b> recommend this book for any age to read and enjoy. 5 out of 5 stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Milleen (47 KP) rated If We Were Villains in Books
Nov 14, 2018
Everyone has compared this book to Donna Tartt’s ‘The Secret History’ with its tight knit cast of students taking their academic pursuits to dark places. However, M.L. Rio has succeeded in delivering something a little sharper, more believable but just as debauched. This may be because the students outlined in this story are actors, Shakespearean actors no less. We begin with Oliver Marks release from a ten-year jail sentence, as he reveals all to the detective that put him behind bars. Thrust into the world of the Baird, we all know the far reaches that actors will go to for a part, how their egos are as big as oceans and their morals contained in a drop. Day takes the reader back to the night in question and “the truth will out”.
Merissa (12019 KP) rated Oliver (Inked Menace MC #2) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
Amara has travelled from Britain to seek out her sister's help and that of her MC. She has been captured and tortured by a group of people that she thinks may have known Cecilia's ex-husband. She does, however, come with a secret agenda but the question is, will she act on that or not?
Things get complicated when she feels the intense mating bond with Pretty-Boy, aka Oliver. I loved this couple when they were together and apart. The chemistry between the two was hot, especially a certain scene on the train! However, for me, it lacked a certain 'something'. I've sat on this review for a couple of days trying to figure out what it was and I still have no idea. It was incredibly well-written in Ryanne Hawk's brilliant style. The plot line was good and had no holes. The characters were charming or horrible as the case may be... but still, hmm. I think it may be as simple as I fell in love with them all in Lucky and that will always be my favourite. I guess I'll have to read the third book in the series, just to be sure 😉
Overall, brilliant and a welcome addition to the Inked Menace series.
* 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!
Jul 06, 2015
Things get complicated when she feels the intense mating bond with Pretty-Boy, aka Oliver. I loved this couple when they were together and apart. The chemistry between the two was hot, especially a certain scene on the train! However, for me, it lacked a certain 'something'. I've sat on this review for a couple of days trying to figure out what it was and I still have no idea. It was incredibly well-written in Ryanne Hawk's brilliant style. The plot line was good and had no holes. The characters were charming or horrible as the case may be... but still, hmm. I think it may be as simple as I fell in love with them all in Lucky and that will always be my favourite. I guess I'll have to read the third book in the series, just to be sure 😉
Overall, brilliant and a welcome addition to the Inked Menace series.
* 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!
Jul 06, 2015
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Boyfriend Material in Books
Jan 6, 2021
4.5 stars.
I'd seen this all over Goodreads and added it to my wish list on Amazon and a few weeks later, it went down to under £2 so I bought it.
It starts with Luc going to a fancy dress party and his inner musings over how he got to be wearing his bunny ears for the (mad hatters tea) party. He's the son of two has-been rock stars and is wary of some people as they may just be after some story to sell. When bad press leads to the charity he works for losing income, he decides to get himself a fake boyfriend with a good image so that he can then show his boss and their investors that he is reliable. His friend recommends Oliver, the guy he met about two years ago and who he tried to sleep with but Oliver turned him down. Oliver is also in need of a fake boyfriend so they work out a few details and run with it. Only things change between them the more time they spend together.
I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't only the romance either. Just the way it was written was brilliant. Luc didn't take himself too seriously and his thoughts and the situations he sometimes found himself in...? *snorts with laughter* He wasn't perfect in any way really. He was messy and forgetful but so likeable.
Oliver on the other hand, well, he was a little serious at times but he was also good in any situation. Put him in the middle of posh people, he could find something to talk about with everyone. Put him in the middle of a party and he fits in. He grew on me a lot with how he treated Luc and I really loved them as a couple.
I loved Luc's jokes to his colleague, Alex, at the start of some chapters. They weren't the greatest jokes in the world but...geez, Alex's reactions to them was priceless. He's not the sharpest tool in the shed, so his reactions through most of the book had me chuckling to myself. And then let's not forget his girlfriend/fiancée Miffy and that weird bar scene.
I also feel like Luc's mum, Odile, needs a mention. She's a riot. She's very forthcoming with her opinions on everything and doesn't care what people think about her and said opinions. Her curry and that scene was hilarious.
This was right up my street. I love me a good MM Romance and this one was more about the feelings that grew between our characters as there were no explicit sex scenes included in this. It was cute and very British with it's situations and humour. Recommend it to anyone who likes any of the above.
I'd seen this all over Goodreads and added it to my wish list on Amazon and a few weeks later, it went down to under £2 so I bought it.
It starts with Luc going to a fancy dress party and his inner musings over how he got to be wearing his bunny ears for the (mad hatters tea) party. He's the son of two has-been rock stars and is wary of some people as they may just be after some story to sell. When bad press leads to the charity he works for losing income, he decides to get himself a fake boyfriend with a good image so that he can then show his boss and their investors that he is reliable. His friend recommends Oliver, the guy he met about two years ago and who he tried to sleep with but Oliver turned him down. Oliver is also in need of a fake boyfriend so they work out a few details and run with it. Only things change between them the more time they spend together.
I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't only the romance either. Just the way it was written was brilliant. Luc didn't take himself too seriously and his thoughts and the situations he sometimes found himself in...? *snorts with laughter* He wasn't perfect in any way really. He was messy and forgetful but so likeable.
Oliver on the other hand, well, he was a little serious at times but he was also good in any situation. Put him in the middle of posh people, he could find something to talk about with everyone. Put him in the middle of a party and he fits in. He grew on me a lot with how he treated Luc and I really loved them as a couple.
I loved Luc's jokes to his colleague, Alex, at the start of some chapters. They weren't the greatest jokes in the world but...geez, Alex's reactions to them was priceless. He's not the sharpest tool in the shed, so his reactions through most of the book had me chuckling to myself. And then let's not forget his girlfriend/fiancée Miffy and that weird bar scene.
I also feel like Luc's mum, Odile, needs a mention. She's a riot. She's very forthcoming with her opinions on everything and doesn't care what people think about her and said opinions. Her curry and that scene was hilarious.
This was right up my street. I love me a good MM Romance and this one was more about the feelings that grew between our characters as there were no explicit sex scenes included in this. It was cute and very British with it's situations and humour. Recommend it to anyone who likes any of the above.
This is a good looking cookbook.
Sectioned into the usual courses, Breakfast, starters, fish, meat, pasta, and baking/desserts, each recipe has a crisp, clear looking instructions page and a full page colour image so you know what your finished dish should at least look like. A short description or tips from the chef is included, along with the standard prep/cook times and what skill level you might need (although most are easy to moderate)
A great mixture of chefs and bakers are included, may well known like Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson, many others will be known if you have watched programs like Masterchef and The Great British Menu and Great British Bake Off. Others I had never hear of before but I will go looking for them now.
Recipes of note included “black sesame seed ice cream” by Jordan Bourke … I have to admit I took a double take at the picture as it looked like a greyscale image. Grey ice-cream sounds most intriguing.
Sectioned into the usual courses, Breakfast, starters, fish, meat, pasta, and baking/desserts, each recipe has a crisp, clear looking instructions page and a full page colour image so you know what your finished dish should at least look like. A short description or tips from the chef is included, along with the standard prep/cook times and what skill level you might need (although most are easy to moderate)
A great mixture of chefs and bakers are included, may well known like Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson, many others will be known if you have watched programs like Masterchef and The Great British Menu and Great British Bake Off. Others I had never hear of before but I will go looking for them now.
Recipes of note included “black sesame seed ice cream” by Jordan Bourke … I have to admit I took a double take at the picture as it looked like a greyscale image. Grey ice-cream sounds most intriguing.
tapestry100 (306 KP) rated The Girl with the Ghost Machine in Books
Aug 2, 2017
Originally reviewed on http://www.frommybookshelf.com
Emmaline Beaumont's mother has passed away. Unfortunately, Emmaline's father has become fixated with building a machine that will bring Emmaline's mother's ghost back, and in doing so, he himself has forgotten about the living in his obsession with the dead, so in many ways Emmaline has lost both of her parents. The only people she can confide in are twins Gully and Oliver, her best friends in school. Yet for of their understanding and patience, Gully and Oliver are unable to fully understand Emmaline's loss as they have never lost someone so close to them as Emmaline's mother was to her. Her father's machine, however, may actually work, and it is then that Emmaline must decide whether the cost of operating the machine is worth the price paid, and will the twins help her in her decision, regardless of what that decision is?
Lauren DeStefano has created a beautiful and poignant story that I feel would be an important book for anyone to read who has recently (or not so recently) lost someone very close to them. DeStefano has a keen ability to cut to the quick of the emotions of loss and what that can feel like, especially for someone too young to have have lost a loved one. Her characters are not cliché and their feelings are quite real, and the story she has created feels honest and important. That's the best way I can describe it. A fan of her YA series The Chemical Garden Trilogy and The Interment Chronicles, I have not yet read her other two middle grade books, The Curious Tale of the In-Between and The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart, and I think I'll be needing to rectify that soon.
Emmaline Beaumont's mother has passed away. Unfortunately, Emmaline's father has become fixated with building a machine that will bring Emmaline's mother's ghost back, and in doing so, he himself has forgotten about the living in his obsession with the dead, so in many ways Emmaline has lost both of her parents. The only people she can confide in are twins Gully and Oliver, her best friends in school. Yet for of their understanding and patience, Gully and Oliver are unable to fully understand Emmaline's loss as they have never lost someone so close to them as Emmaline's mother was to her. Her father's machine, however, may actually work, and it is then that Emmaline must decide whether the cost of operating the machine is worth the price paid, and will the twins help her in her decision, regardless of what that decision is?
Lauren DeStefano has created a beautiful and poignant story that I feel would be an important book for anyone to read who has recently (or not so recently) lost someone very close to them. DeStefano has a keen ability to cut to the quick of the emotions of loss and what that can feel like, especially for someone too young to have have lost a loved one. Her characters are not cliché and their feelings are quite real, and the story she has created feels honest and important. That's the best way I can describe it. A fan of her YA series The Chemical Garden Trilogy and The Interment Chronicles, I have not yet read her other two middle grade books, The Curious Tale of the In-Between and The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart, and I think I'll be needing to rectify that soon.
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Kiss of Death (The Morganville Vampires, #8) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I think Rachel Caine could make a trip to the grocery store intoxicating, as long as it took place in Morganville. Kiss of Death introduced a wide variety of variables to play with by allowing the residents of Glass House a road trip outside of town, in the company of the less-than-companionable Oliver. Little did they know that they would not be truly leaving Morganville's craziness behind. From a near-death experience at a late-night truck stop to the destruction of Eve's beloved vehicle, from the surprising usefulness of Eve's brother Jason to the after-effects of Bishop's passage through Texas, Claire, Eve, Shane, and Michael were forced to fight for their lives and freedom from cover to cover, with barely enough time to throw out a few Buffy-esque quips to keep me laughing as I read as fast as I could.
The progression of the various relationships of the main characters were quite interesting. Eve and Michael's relationship is filled with angst and stress over their biological differences, but ironically still makes for typical young love issues. Shane and Claire's relationship lacks the drama of Eve and Michael's, but provides a solid foundation for the two in the midst of the chaos of their lives without becoming sickly sweet. Eve's brother Jason also seems to be in pursuit of redemption with the relationship he has with Eve, even despite his ignoble views about life in Morganville. The reader even gets a broader view of Oliver that shows he may actually have some concern for the lowly humans.
The town of Blacke and its inhabitants could possibly add a new dimension to the series that I hope to see in the next book, Ghost Town (Morganville Vampires, Book 9).
The progression of the various relationships of the main characters were quite interesting. Eve and Michael's relationship is filled with angst and stress over their biological differences, but ironically still makes for typical young love issues. Shane and Claire's relationship lacks the drama of Eve and Michael's, but provides a solid foundation for the two in the midst of the chaos of their lives without becoming sickly sweet. Eve's brother Jason also seems to be in pursuit of redemption with the relationship he has with Eve, even despite his ignoble views about life in Morganville. The reader even gets a broader view of Oliver that shows he may actually have some concern for the lowly humans.
The town of Blacke and its inhabitants could possibly add a new dimension to the series that I hope to see in the next book, Ghost Town (Morganville Vampires, Book 9).
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated The Botanist in Books
May 22, 2019
In the heat of the desert, Detective Cody Oliver inadvertently stumbles upon a strange garden adorned with exotic flowers. Upon closer inspection, he finds the garden is but a cover for the scores of bodies buried below. Soon, the small town of Mt. Dessicate plunges into chaos as journalists, reporters, and cameramen from across the nation descend upon the tiny, desert town to get a piece of the murder mystery.
Along with the media, a mysterious woman appears. She may be the only person who has come face to face with the killer, dubbed the Botanist, and lived to tell the tale. If Cody can't piece together a timeline of the land the crime scene is located on, decipher how the woman's mysterious past is connected to the killer, and bring the Botanist to justice, he may finding himself standing alone in the midst of a desolate, desert graveyard...
Wow. This is an excellent read! Very creepy, and interesting, and with a buildup to the finale that was riveting.
The suspense and action was thrilling. The story line is good, it is well written and well plotted.
This is more than just a crime fiction book; it has mystery and thriller thrown in the mix too. The creepiness from the beginning doesnt let up and continues throughout the entire book.
Characters really well developed.
The main characters, Cody & Alex, were realistic & sympathetic. The ending was brilliant.
This is a crime novel. It's detailed and not for the faint of heart. I leave hoping this detective will continue on into a few more books solving crimes; in other words please let there be more!!!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Along with the media, a mysterious woman appears. She may be the only person who has come face to face with the killer, dubbed the Botanist, and lived to tell the tale. If Cody can't piece together a timeline of the land the crime scene is located on, decipher how the woman's mysterious past is connected to the killer, and bring the Botanist to justice, he may finding himself standing alone in the midst of a desolate, desert graveyard...
Wow. This is an excellent read! Very creepy, and interesting, and with a buildup to the finale that was riveting.
The suspense and action was thrilling. The story line is good, it is well written and well plotted.
This is more than just a crime fiction book; it has mystery and thriller thrown in the mix too. The creepiness from the beginning doesnt let up and continues throughout the entire book.
Characters really well developed.
The main characters, Cody & Alex, were realistic & sympathetic. The ending was brilliant.
This is a crime novel. It's detailed and not for the faint of heart. I leave hoping this detective will continue on into a few more books solving crimes; in other words please let there be more!!!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.