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Hephaestus (Mythologay #5)
Hephaestus (Mythologay #5)
B.J. Irons | 2023 | LGBTQ+, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
HEPHAESTUS is the fifth book in the Mythologay series but the first one I have read.

If you are anyone who knows anything about the Greek Gods, then you will have some idea who Hephaestus is. In this story, you learn more about his birth, upbringing, and relationship with Hera. And then there is his relationship Hestio, the God of Family and Hearth, to name just a couple of his titles.

The pacing of this book is fairly fast, involving a bit of telling and now showing. This meant I was unable to have as much connection with the characters as I like, especially the main ones. I found this to be a rather gentle read that didn't require too much from me.

One thing I did find a little odd - Priapus. If he was indeed cursed to have an erection at all times but when he actually wanted one, then Hestio was never really in any danger, now was he?!

Anyway, an enjoyable read.

** 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!
Jul 5, 2023
  
The Storyteller of Auschwitz
The Storyteller of Auschwitz
Siobhan Curham | 2023 | History & Politics
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Oh my word, I am an emotional wreck after reading this book!

Let's be honest, books about the Holocaust are always difficult to read and although this is a work of fiction, the story is inspired by a mix of real authors from that time and real events that actually happened which are taken from the witness statements from the people who were there and survived that horrendous period. It has been said before many times but we can never let something like this happen again ... we just can't!

I fell in love with all the main characters in this book but admit to Solly and Danielle being my favourites apart from Etty of course and became totally immersed in their stories and I am not ashamed to say that I cried on more than one occasion and had to actually put the book down and stop reading as I couldn't read the words for the tears in my eyes but there were also parts that made me smile.

The Storyteller of Auschwitz is a powerful story of hope and friendship, bravery and survival and how powerful stories can be.

Many, many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this fantastic book that is a must-read.
  
Death of a Halloween Party Monster
Death of a Halloween Party Monster
Lee Hollis | 2023 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Cold Costumed Corpse
This story features Lee Hollis’s series star Hayley Powell, who is hosting a Halloween party at her new restaurant. However, the night ends in horror when the body of the high school music teacher is found in the freezer. Is one of Hayley’s friends a killer?

I don’t read this series, just the novellas when they are part of an anthology I want to read, but I found myself feeling right at home partying with these characters from the beginning of this story. I did figure out one aspect of the story early on, but there were several more, including the identity of the killer, that I hadn’t pieced together until Hayley did. It’s a twist on a locked room mystery, which is always fun. The ending was great and kept me turning the pages. There are also some recipes to enjoy while you read or at a party you are hosting this Halloween.

NOTE 1: This is a novella, so expect something shorter than a typical novel before you pick it up.

NOTE 2: This novella was originally in the Halloween Party Murder anthology. If you’ve already read it there, you don’t need to buy it again here.
  
Shifter Woods: Growl (Esposito County Shifters #3)
Shifter Woods: Growl (Esposito County Shifters #3)
Nicola M. Cameron | 2022 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
its only short but packs quite the punch!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.


This is a short, slotting into the series after book 3, I think. (I'm a little puzzled by the listings on some sites about the order!) I've not read those, and I'll come back to that shortly. I didn't think I missed anything by not reading them, though, and so I would say this can be read as a stand alone.


I liked this, a lot. It gives you an insight into Esposito County, and the people who live in it.


It;s steamy and smexy. It's dark and dangerous. It's only short but packs a punch! I loved the twist with the magic spell that was shielding Marco, and what that was doing just a tad too well!


Going back to not reading the other books. I didn't feel I missed anything, and you know I'm all about sharing my book feelings, but what I am left with is a NEED to read those books. Not because I missed anything, but because I want to read everyone else's story!


So, my KU shelf needs clearing for those books 🙂


4 solid stars


*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Orbit: A Lunar Wolves Novella
Orbit: A Lunar Wolves Novella
Kiki Burrelli | 2023 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
ORBIT is a Lunar Wolves Novella - it says so in the title. It is also the first book I have read in this series or by the author. I was told I wouldn't need to read the series to enjoy this book but I'm afraid I think that was wrong.

This is a short novella and, for me, you really didn't learn anything about the world or the characters so having some knowledge would have been helpful. Callum and Vaughan were a cute couple but also a paradox. On the one hand, they communicated nicely. Callum, in particular, helped Vaughan with his social anxiety. But then, on the other, neither of them talks when there's a problem, which I found odd, especially when it could be linked to said social anxiety.

The ending is quite abrupt. I'm guessing we will see more of them in future books but, as a novella, it's more of a meet-cute and not much more.

A good read but I would definitely recommend reading the series.

** 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!
Jul 4, 2023
  
Landline (2017)
Landline (2017)
2017 | Comedy
There’s seldom a dull moment when this funny and bright woman is onscreen. In a nod to another Nineties memory, there’s something about Jenny.
Critic- Steve Davis
Original Score: 3.5 out of 5

Read Review: https://www.austinchronicle.com/calendar/film/2017-08-04/landline/
  
GEMINI by Macklemore
GEMINI by Macklemore
2017 | Rap
"Gemini" is assisted by some excellent performances from its featured artists. Xperience's gospel-ready vocals on the chorus steal the show on an otherwise forgettable song in "Church."
Critic- Zach 'Goose' Gase
Original Score: 7 out of 10

Read Review: http://www.rapreviews.com/feature.html
  
I love that it's more of our favorite characters and a continuation of the story. Interesting the development of Malfoy's character. We each have a dark and a light side. (0 more)
Difficult to read as a play. (0 more)
Always looking for more Harry Potter
  
Broforce
Broforce
Action/Adventure
Technical issues aside, Broforce is a delightfully chaotic love letter to the brightly-colored excesses of 80’s action movie carnage and coin op shooters.
Critic- Neil Bolt
Original Score: 7.5 out of 10

Read Review: http://www.psu.com/review/29542/Broforce-PS4-Review-
  
Lady Bird (2017)
Lady Bird (2017)
2017 | Comedy, Drama
A film filled with heart, smarts and the wry wisdom of distance. Lady Bird captures a recent era with precision and a hint of nondistracting nostalgia
Critic- Tomris Laffly
Original Score: 10 out of 10

Read Review: https://www.timeout.com/us/film/lady-bird