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David McK (3676 KP) rated A Darkling Plain (Mortal Engines #4) in Books
Dec 20, 2021
Final part in Philip Reeve's steampunk Predator Cities/Mortal Engines quadrilogy, finally closing off the story of Tom Natsworthy and Hester Shaw alongside that of their daughter Wren.
This particular entry opens on the character of Theo Ngoni, who here and throughout plays a much larger role than he previously did in Infernal Devices. Theo Ngoni is not the only character to return from previous novels however: Fishcake (yes, that's the name he is given) also plays a large role and finally gets a decent end to his story, as does Professor Pennyroyal (still providing the comic relief), the Stalkers Fang and Shrike (with the latter also finally getting a decent pay-off in the last chapter), and both Oenone Zero and General Naga also returning.
I also have to say that I found this to be the longest of the four stories in the quadrilogy: I'm not sure whether that is because it actually is (I read it as part of an e-book compilation, which makes it hard to compare relevant lengths), because I'd read it back to back with the previous entry, or simply because I was beginning to get tired with the series as a whole!
This particular entry opens on the character of Theo Ngoni, who here and throughout plays a much larger role than he previously did in Infernal Devices. Theo Ngoni is not the only character to return from previous novels however: Fishcake (yes, that's the name he is given) also plays a large role and finally gets a decent end to his story, as does Professor Pennyroyal (still providing the comic relief), the Stalkers Fang and Shrike (with the latter also finally getting a decent pay-off in the last chapter), and both Oenone Zero and General Naga also returning.
I also have to say that I found this to be the longest of the four stories in the quadrilogy: I'm not sure whether that is because it actually is (I read it as part of an e-book compilation, which makes it hard to compare relevant lengths), because I'd read it back to back with the previous entry, or simply because I was beginning to get tired with the series as a whole!
To Kingdom Come (Art History Mystery #4) by Claudia Riess
Book
Amateur sleuths, Erika Shawn-Wheatley, art magazine editor, and Harrison Wheatley, art history...
Mystery
The Raven and the Pig (Celwyn #2)
Book
As the music dies, the magician Celwyn is mortally wounded. His darker, immortal brother Pelaez...
Magical Realism
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2466 KP) rated Haunted House Ghost in Books
Oct 22, 2025
The Need for a Good Edit Haunts This Book
It’s been a few months since we last checked in on Kellan Ayrwick, single father and new professor at Braxton University, where his family has been involved for decades. In that time, he’s been overseeing the contractor working on his new house, and it’s almost ready for move in. That is, until someone comes along and sabotages it, leaving behind a threatening message. Who could be doing it? Does it have anything to do with the former inhabitants? How does the old skeleton uncovered on campus tie in?
Knowing that the story driving so much of the first half of this series was mostly completed, I was curious to see where things would go. Sadly, this was disappointing. The book tried to take on too much. Even though the pacing was good and the book is long for a cozy, we still got data dumps and exposition with summarized dialogue in the final quarter. It also kept me from really connecting with the characters. Given the October setting, the book does have fun with the seasonal vibes. But I am going to need a break before I move on to the next book, if I decide to.
Knowing that the story driving so much of the first half of this series was mostly completed, I was curious to see where things would go. Sadly, this was disappointing. The book tried to take on too much. Even though the pacing was good and the book is long for a cozy, we still got data dumps and exposition with summarized dialogue in the final quarter. It also kept me from really connecting with the characters. Given the October setting, the book does have fun with the seasonal vibes. But I am going to need a break before I move on to the next book, if I decide to.
Merissa (13619 KP) rated His Forbidden Professor (Forbidden Mafia #2) in Books
Dec 26, 2025
HIS FORBIDDEN PROFESSOR is the second book in the Forbidden Mafia series, and this story runs concurrently with His Forbidden Obsession.
I enjoyed the first book, although I did wish I had read the other series too, so I was looking forward to this one. While I still enjoyed it, I didn't enjoy it as much as the first for a couple of reasons.
Alex and Dante don't actually seem to have much of a relationship. Now, don't get me wrong, the spicy scenes are hot, but the emotional connection came in fits and starts. It was either all there or nothing. For me, there wasn't much build-up between the two of them. There were other relationships that either weren't explored (Alex and his father) or seemed almost superfluous to the story. The part near the end with Mitch felt quite disjointed.
Overall, it was a good book, and I'm glad I've read it, but I wouldn't rave about it. I'm looking forward to Rafe's story.
** 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!
Dec 26, 2025
I enjoyed the first book, although I did wish I had read the other series too, so I was looking forward to this one. While I still enjoyed it, I didn't enjoy it as much as the first for a couple of reasons.
Alex and Dante don't actually seem to have much of a relationship. Now, don't get me wrong, the spicy scenes are hot, but the emotional connection came in fits and starts. It was either all there or nothing. For me, there wasn't much build-up between the two of them. There were other relationships that either weren't explored (Alex and his father) or seemed almost superfluous to the story. The part near the end with Mitch felt quite disjointed.
Overall, it was a good book, and I'm glad I've read it, but I wouldn't rave about it. I'm looking forward to Rafe's story.
** 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!
Dec 26, 2025
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated Wolf Blood in Books
Jan 31, 2019
Wolf Blood is a fresh, new take on the apocalypse–free of zombies and nuclear fallout. It’s a welcome breath of fresh air in a market that’s already overly saturated with the same tropes, and for that Steve Morris deserves props. That’s not to say that there aren’t issues with Wolf Blood. There are several, actually. It does, however, mean that this is a title worth taking the time to read if you’re sick of the same washed up material.
Professor Wiseman and his three students, Samuel, Leann, and Adam, have tucked themselves away in the Carpathians after a poorly received publication foretelling of a werewolf apocalypse is met with widespread mockery and criticism. His reputation ruined, the Professor and his students continue their research in quiet solitude–until things go wrong. All three students become infected, soon returning to London to bring back the superiority of wolves.
Let’s be honest, this idea is pretty interesting and in execution, Morris does a pretty decent job. I didn’t find any outwardly obvious plot holes, and that’s a plus too. The book is fast-paced, making for an easy and quick read. It isn’t bogged down with too much exposition, either. In fact, it might not have enough in some cases. Fortunately, it doesn’t detract too much from what’s going on.
Also, characters. There are too many characters whose purpose isn’t revealed in this book. Granted it’s the first of a series and they probably have a reason to exist later on down the road, but ultimately I feel it would have been better if those characters were introduced later. Instead we end up with a handful of people we don’t care about, and not enough time to develop feelings for those we do meet.
Morris’s werewolves are an important topic of discussion too. They are somewhere in-between the romanticized version and the truly monstrous. As a fan of gore and horror, I was hoping for purely the latter–especially since it is an apocalypse book. While there is some sappiness to this crew of mangy mutts, much of their desires lean toward the more primal nature of a wolf.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this; I devoured it in just over twenty-four hours and, considering all that’s going on in my life, that’s a good thing. Rating wise, I’m stuck between three and four. Considering how much fun I had reading it, I’ve decided to lean toward the higher rating. This is definitely a fun book.
I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Professor Wiseman and his three students, Samuel, Leann, and Adam, have tucked themselves away in the Carpathians after a poorly received publication foretelling of a werewolf apocalypse is met with widespread mockery and criticism. His reputation ruined, the Professor and his students continue their research in quiet solitude–until things go wrong. All three students become infected, soon returning to London to bring back the superiority of wolves.
Let’s be honest, this idea is pretty interesting and in execution, Morris does a pretty decent job. I didn’t find any outwardly obvious plot holes, and that’s a plus too. The book is fast-paced, making for an easy and quick read. It isn’t bogged down with too much exposition, either. In fact, it might not have enough in some cases. Fortunately, it doesn’t detract too much from what’s going on.
Also, characters. There are too many characters whose purpose isn’t revealed in this book. Granted it’s the first of a series and they probably have a reason to exist later on down the road, but ultimately I feel it would have been better if those characters were introduced later. Instead we end up with a handful of people we don’t care about, and not enough time to develop feelings for those we do meet.
Morris’s werewolves are an important topic of discussion too. They are somewhere in-between the romanticized version and the truly monstrous. As a fan of gore and horror, I was hoping for purely the latter–especially since it is an apocalypse book. While there is some sappiness to this crew of mangy mutts, much of their desires lean toward the more primal nature of a wolf.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this; I devoured it in just over twenty-four hours and, considering all that’s going on in my life, that’s a good thing. Rating wise, I’m stuck between three and four. Considering how much fun I had reading it, I’ve decided to lean toward the higher rating. This is definitely a fun book.
I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
The Moorad Choudhry Anthology: Past, Present and Future Principles of Banking and Finance + Website
Book
The definitive and timeless guide to the principles of banking and finance, addressing and meeting...
OA
Object-Orientation, Abstraction, and Data Structures Using Scala
Mark C. Lewis and Lisa L. Lacher
Book
Praise for the first edition: "The well-written, comprehensive book...[is] aiming to become a de...
Oei, ik groei! sprongen kalender
Health & Fitness and Lifestyle
App
Blijf altijd op de hoogte van je baby's sprongetjes! Gebaseerd op de wereldwijde bestseller Oei, ik...
Lindsay (1779 KP) rated The Study of Silence in Books
Apr 9, 2019
The Study of Silence is baffles me as to what the true plot is. Though, it is good read. I know there a murder in the book. Why, the person is murdered, you will not by no mean until the end of the book.
I know the story is somewhat told in a third person i believe anyway. I was wondering if was more about human nature or if the story was more set to be about Evelyn. Why someone is after her when she not does much to find out. Evelyn seems to get sucked into the murder and danger accidentally.
I do enjoy the fact that we learn about women's rights a bit during England era though this book. The story is set in the era of 1926 England. We experience or learn about Oxford and that time period and customs. That part of the story give the author a swell of job.
She touches a bit of things that might go one during this time that we do not like in our modern day time. The cause of this murder and the unlikely will be surprise of the reason for it. Was the professor living a double life or a secret life. Who is the murderer? To find out you will have to read the book.
I know the story is somewhat told in a third person i believe anyway. I was wondering if was more about human nature or if the story was more set to be about Evelyn. Why someone is after her when she not does much to find out. Evelyn seems to get sucked into the murder and danger accidentally.
I do enjoy the fact that we learn about women's rights a bit during England era though this book. The story is set in the era of 1926 England. We experience or learn about Oxford and that time period and customs. That part of the story give the author a swell of job.
She touches a bit of things that might go one during this time that we do not like in our modern day time. The cause of this murder and the unlikely will be surprise of the reason for it. Was the professor living a double life or a secret life. Who is the murderer? To find out you will have to read the book.