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Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated I am Pilgrim in Books
Mar 15, 2018
This novel has been garnering high praise all summer long so I was very excited to get into it, and I was certainly not disappointed. This suspense novel simultaneously tells the story of a mysterious murder in New York City and a potential terrorist plot in the Middle East that could have unimaginably catastrophic effects for civilization as we know it. The protagonist, who has gone by many names throughout his life, is a compelling and necessarily flawed character. There are certainly things about him that one could find disagreeable, but he is still more than human enough to be worth rooting for. The other primary characters are also fleshed out enough to be equally compelling. As for the plot, it jumps around the world and across decades smoothly and at such a breakneck pace that it gets harder and harder to put this book down as it goes. While the mystery winds up being satisfyingly twisty, it is the terrorist plot that is the main point of the book, and it is easily one of the most plausibly horrifying things I have ever read. Suffice it to say that it has added something new to my list of worries, and I certainly hope that some actions are taken to ensure something like this never happens in real life. This is one of the most entertaining (and harrowing) books I have read this year, and is likely to wind up on more than a few end-of-the-year best lists.
Merissa (14181 KP) rated A Reflection of Ice in Books
Apr 12, 2018
A Reflection of Ice by Katherine McIntyre
A Reflection of Ice is a contemporary, urban, fairy-tale suited more to the Brothers Grimm than Disney! Lyra is a young girl at school, struggling with issues in her home life. When she arrives home earlier than expected one day, she sees something she shouldn't and ends up fleeing. During her escape, she finds somewhere new and shiny (literally). Exhausted from her escape, she is rescued and taken into the home. Once she awakens, she finds out she is in between. She has a choice to make - stay in the castle that has sheltered her and kept her safe? Or return to her broken family life and home in the 'real' world?
This is a gripping, enthralling read that would seamlessly fit with stories of old; where fairy-tales were meant as warnings, not as glitter covered cupcakes. The descriptions in this story give the whole thing a feeling of foreboding, an eeriness guaranteed to seep into your veins as you read. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and I read this book in one sitting as I did not want to put it down. An amazing story from a brilliant author. This is another jewel in the crown of Katherine McIntyre. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is a gripping, enthralling read that would seamlessly fit with stories of old; where fairy-tales were meant as warnings, not as glitter covered cupcakes. The descriptions in this story give the whole thing a feeling of foreboding, an eeriness guaranteed to seep into your veins as you read. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and I read this book in one sitting as I did not want to put it down. An amazing story from a brilliant author. This is another jewel in the crown of Katherine McIntyre. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2652 KP) rated Stabbed in the Baklava in Books
Aug 29, 2018
Best Man Stabbed at the Reception
Lucy has taken over managing her family’s Mediterranean restaurant in Ocean Crest, New Jersey, and she is thrilled when they are hired to cater the wedding of socialite Scarlet Westwood. However, in the middle of the reception, Lucy’s chef and ex-boyfriend, Azad, gets into a fight with the best man, Henry. As the night is winding down, Azad finds Henry’s body in the back of their locked catering van. Naturally, the police think he is a great suspect, but Lucy disagrees. Can she figure out what happened?
It was great to be back in Ocean Crest, and I felt like we got to see a bit more of this resort town. I loved it, and I’d love to be able to visit in real life, just maybe between the murders. The mystery here is very strong, with several viable and well-developed suspects. I followed along with Lucy’s thoughts as she investigated figuring that her current theory would turn out to be wrong, but when she finally figured out the truth, it made perfect sense. Most of the characters are strong, although a few of the supporting characters still seem to be a bit weak, and the way that Lucy’s mother focuses on her love life annoyed me. The love triangle is still going strong here, although I have a feeling I know where it will go. There are three delicious sounding recipes at the end of the book. Overall, this is a fun second in the series.
It was great to be back in Ocean Crest, and I felt like we got to see a bit more of this resort town. I loved it, and I’d love to be able to visit in real life, just maybe between the murders. The mystery here is very strong, with several viable and well-developed suspects. I followed along with Lucy’s thoughts as she investigated figuring that her current theory would turn out to be wrong, but when she finally figured out the truth, it made perfect sense. Most of the characters are strong, although a few of the supporting characters still seem to be a bit weak, and the way that Lucy’s mother focuses on her love life annoyed me. The love triangle is still going strong here, although I have a feeling I know where it will go. There are three delicious sounding recipes at the end of the book. Overall, this is a fun second in the series.
Rea Gorman (5 KP) rated 22 Scars in Books
Sep 16, 2018
Fantastic book
This book is amazing!
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only. As soon as I read the book description, I knew it was a book I really wanted to read. The book goes above and beyond the expectations I had after reading the description. The way this book is written is fantastic, I found myself constantly thinking about the book even when I wasn’t reading it. I couldn’t wait to turn each page, it is a real page turner and kept my interest right to the very last page. The themes in this book are quite heavy and dark but I feel the author explored these themes in a very true to life way and in a respectful way. This book is very close to my heart. The author tells the story from various points of view and each point of view is vital to the main story. I have read many books and I don’t think I have ever read a book quite like this. Due to the dark themes, this book may not be for everyone, but I feel that I would recommend this to those whose life has been touched by mental health in one way or another. I would have liked the story to have continued further from where it ended but I feel the ending fits the story perfectly. Some books you remember for a little while after you’ve read them and other books stick with you forever. This book will be with me forever.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only. As soon as I read the book description, I knew it was a book I really wanted to read. The book goes above and beyond the expectations I had after reading the description. The way this book is written is fantastic, I found myself constantly thinking about the book even when I wasn’t reading it. I couldn’t wait to turn each page, it is a real page turner and kept my interest right to the very last page. The themes in this book are quite heavy and dark but I feel the author explored these themes in a very true to life way and in a respectful way. This book is very close to my heart. The author tells the story from various points of view and each point of view is vital to the main story. I have read many books and I don’t think I have ever read a book quite like this. Due to the dark themes, this book may not be for everyone, but I feel that I would recommend this to those whose life has been touched by mental health in one way or another. I would have liked the story to have continued further from where it ended but I feel the ending fits the story perfectly. Some books you remember for a little while after you’ve read them and other books stick with you forever. This book will be with me forever.
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Unknown Reality in Books
Nov 28, 2019
Chloe lives with her family in what seems to be a fairly normal life. But after meeting a stranger during a trip to the theatre, she starts to realise that all might not be as it seems and her world - and her entire life- might be nothing more than a simulation. Abruptly thrown out of the only existance she has known she has to face up to a different reality. She must adapt to her new circumstances and new reality when all she wants is to return 'home'.
Following on from the young adult fantasy stories of Truth Teller and The Wrath of Siren, Chambers once again sets out to encourage an interest in fiction in young adults, in this case science fiction. Once again he produces an interesting and engaging work, choc full of characters and ideas. Just the first few chapters contain enough material for the average science fiction work but Chambers goes further, layering further nuanced plots and subplots together and managing to spin them together into a terrific ending.
Chloe is a strong protagonist, intelligent and thoughtful while always remaining an 11 year old in outlook and the reader will really root for her and want her to succeed. The world Chambers creates is very well described and imagined, relying on science fiction standards for some parts but carefully avoiding cliche and doing what science fiction does best - highlight some of the folly of the real world.
Yet another terrific book from Chambers, one of those authors who is a 'must read' for my teenage sons.
Following on from the young adult fantasy stories of Truth Teller and The Wrath of Siren, Chambers once again sets out to encourage an interest in fiction in young adults, in this case science fiction. Once again he produces an interesting and engaging work, choc full of characters and ideas. Just the first few chapters contain enough material for the average science fiction work but Chambers goes further, layering further nuanced plots and subplots together and managing to spin them together into a terrific ending.
Chloe is a strong protagonist, intelligent and thoughtful while always remaining an 11 year old in outlook and the reader will really root for her and want her to succeed. The world Chambers creates is very well described and imagined, relying on science fiction standards for some parts but carefully avoiding cliche and doing what science fiction does best - highlight some of the folly of the real world.
Yet another terrific book from Chambers, one of those authors who is a 'must read' for my teenage sons.
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