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Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Mother Fault in Books
Dec 19, 2021
A book that wasn't for me I'm sorry to say.
Set in a future where climate change is not just something that is likely to happen but is all too real and where everyone is micro-chipped and controlled by the Government, this is the story about Mim trying to find out about her missing husband but feeling she has no other option than to go on the run with her children.
Sounds good doesn't it, well for me it just fell short on excitement. There was a lot of description, too much waffle and whilst the characters were well developed, I couldn't seem to get on with them. The ending was also a disappointment; it seemed to take a while to get there and then it was over with many questions still to be answered - maybe I missed something somewhere?
So whilst this wasn't for me, there are plenty of positive reviews out there so don't take my word for it as I always say, if we all liked the same things, the world would be a very boring place indeed.
My thanks go to HarperCollins UK / HarperFiction and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Set in a future where climate change is not just something that is likely to happen but is all too real and where everyone is micro-chipped and controlled by the Government, this is the story about Mim trying to find out about her missing husband but feeling she has no other option than to go on the run with her children.
Sounds good doesn't it, well for me it just fell short on excitement. There was a lot of description, too much waffle and whilst the characters were well developed, I couldn't seem to get on with them. The ending was also a disappointment; it seemed to take a while to get there and then it was over with many questions still to be answered - maybe I missed something somewhere?
So whilst this wasn't for me, there are plenty of positive reviews out there so don't take my word for it as I always say, if we all liked the same things, the world would be a very boring place indeed.
My thanks go to HarperCollins UK / HarperFiction and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Practice Girl
8.0
Rate It
Book
Jo never heard of the label "practice girl"...until she was called one. And those two devastating...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2387 KP) rated Brush Up on Murder in Books
Oct 12, 2023
Heartless Killer at Valentine’s Day
It’s two weeks before Valentine’s Day, and love is definitely in the air. Not only is Rory’s relationship with Detective Martin Green going well, but Rory is a bridesmaid in the Valentine’s Day wedding of her friends Solange and Xander. Everything seems to be going well until one of the bridesmaids is murdered and the evidence points to Xander. Rory doesn’t believe the groom is a killer, but can she figure out what is really going on?
It’s been a few years since the last book in the series came out, but it wasn’t long before I was back in Aurora’s world. If you haven’t started the series yet, you can jump in here, but fans will be thrilled to get an update on the characters. The plot seems to wander a bit at the beginning, but by the time it ends, everything weaves into the story. I was impressed with how the secrets kept coming out, continually making me wonder exactly what was going on. I also love the setting – if it were real, I’d definitely want to visit. Fans new and old will be glad to see a new entry in this series.
It’s been a few years since the last book in the series came out, but it wasn’t long before I was back in Aurora’s world. If you haven’t started the series yet, you can jump in here, but fans will be thrilled to get an update on the characters. The plot seems to wander a bit at the beginning, but by the time it ends, everything weaves into the story. I was impressed with how the secrets kept coming out, continually making me wonder exactly what was going on. I also love the setting – if it were real, I’d definitely want to visit. Fans new and old will be glad to see a new entry in this series.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2387 KP) rated A Royal Affair in Books
Sep 4, 2024 (Updated Sep 4, 2024)
Protecting Royal Love
Someone has sent Princess Elizabeth a letter hinting at a scandal in the past of Prince Philip. The letter was intercepted, and Iris Sparks and Gwen Baingridge have been approached to find out if there is any truth to the scandal or not. Since it is believed that the two royals are heading for an engagement by the end of the summer, time is of the essence. When Iris and Gwen begin digging in to see if there is truth behind the insinuation, they hit dead ends and uncertain connections. Can they find out if someone is about to out a royal scandal?
I wish it hadn’t taken me so long to get back to this series. This was a fun second visit. The characters are sharp, and I love how Iris and Gwen complement each other so well. The mystery was good, although it was a little overly convoluted at the end. It all made sense, however. The real world fits well into this historical mystery, and, even though I knew how history actually played out, I was hooked. I’d forgotten just how much humor there was, especially the banter between the leads. Hopefully, it won’t be so long before I am able to visit them again.
I wish it hadn’t taken me so long to get back to this series. This was a fun second visit. The characters are sharp, and I love how Iris and Gwen complement each other so well. The mystery was good, although it was a little overly convoluted at the end. It all made sense, however. The real world fits well into this historical mystery, and, even though I knew how history actually played out, I was hooked. I’d forgotten just how much humor there was, especially the banter between the leads. Hopefully, it won’t be so long before I am able to visit them again.
Debbiereadsbook (1481 KP) rated Phoenix Rising in Books
Aug 9, 2024
It's a bit different to the usual adding a third troupe, and I do like a difference.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
For the most part, I liked this book. It's a bit different to the usual adding a third troupe, and I do like a difference.
Luka and Burton live together, but at the beginning of this book, they are NOT a couple. Phoenix thinks they are. They both want Phoenix in their lives, but they also want each other.
Mostly, its three guys getting down and dirty, There is much, MUCH smexy times. I'm usually one to say I like my books on the smexy side, but I also like some story with my smex. And apart from these three getting together, the only real plot line is Phoenix' father and him getting his comeuppence. It was a bit too much smexy times, if I'm totally honest.
Some minor editing niggles: misplaced names was the biggest for me.
Did I love it? No. But I did enjoy it, and it's the first I've read of this author. I'd like to jump into their world.
4 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
For the most part, I liked this book. It's a bit different to the usual adding a third troupe, and I do like a difference.
Luka and Burton live together, but at the beginning of this book, they are NOT a couple. Phoenix thinks they are. They both want Phoenix in their lives, but they also want each other.
Mostly, its three guys getting down and dirty, There is much, MUCH smexy times. I'm usually one to say I like my books on the smexy side, but I also like some story with my smex. And apart from these three getting together, the only real plot line is Phoenix' father and him getting his comeuppence. It was a bit too much smexy times, if I'm totally honest.
Some minor editing niggles: misplaced names was the biggest for me.
Did I love it? No. But I did enjoy it, and it's the first I've read of this author. I'd like to jump into their world.
4 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Duolingo is an exceptional language-learning app that truly deserves a 10/10 rating. Its user-friendly interface, gamified structure, and diverse language offerings make learning enjoyable and highly effective. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, Duolingo caters to all levels with engaging lessons and bite-sized exercises that fit seamlessly into your daily routine.
The app’s streak system, rewards, and challenges create a sense of motivation and consistency, encouraging users to practice regularly. I love how it incorporates listening, speaking, reading, and writing, providing a well-rounded approach to mastering a language. The interactive exercises and immediate feedback help reinforce understanding and improve retention.
Duolingo’s inclusion of cultural insights and conversational practice makes the experience feel authentic and practical for real-world use. The variety of languages available is impressive, with courses designed by native speakers to ensure accuracy and relevance.
The free version is incredibly generous, while the premium option offers an ad-free experience with additional features like offline lessons. The app’s community and discussion forums further enhance learning by connecting users with others on the same journey.
Overall, Duolingo turns language learning into a fun, rewarding adventure. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to expand their linguistic horizons and grow their global connections!
The app’s streak system, rewards, and challenges create a sense of motivation and consistency, encouraging users to practice regularly. I love how it incorporates listening, speaking, reading, and writing, providing a well-rounded approach to mastering a language. The interactive exercises and immediate feedback help reinforce understanding and improve retention.
Duolingo’s inclusion of cultural insights and conversational practice makes the experience feel authentic and practical for real-world use. The variety of languages available is impressive, with courses designed by native speakers to ensure accuracy and relevance.
The free version is incredibly generous, while the premium option offers an ad-free experience with additional features like offline lessons. The app’s community and discussion forums further enhance learning by connecting users with others on the same journey.
Overall, Duolingo turns language learning into a fun, rewarding adventure. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to expand their linguistic horizons and grow their global connections!
I didn't know too much about the premise before I started the book beyond frequent comparisons to Ready Player One and it being about a hacker/gamer - which I think was a good thing. I didn't go into it with any expectations (especially because I have never read Ready Player one) and came out fantastically entertained.
The world in which we find ourselves is a more advanced version of the one that we are familiar with. Virtual or augmented reality has made a technological leap due to the creation of Hideo Tanaka. The sleeker AR/VR glasses make the experience more user-friendly and the game Warcross has exploded across the globe. Each year there are Warcross Championships, which pit teams of the best players (and some wild cards) against one another.
Although Emika is a gamer and hacker she is forced to turn to a life of bounty hunting to support herself, and even that is not enough. She is days away from being kicked out of her apartment and with $13 to her name, she takes the biggest risk of her life and hacks the Warcross Championships. This one act flips her entire world upside down and sets the rest of the story in motion.
Emika is a very relatable character, despite her criminal record, incredible hacking skills, and ingenuity. She has an incredible love for her father, a strong backbone and the tenacity to do what is necessary. Emika's character has a nice balance so that she is not incompetent, but she is also not the perfect chosen one, she is an incredible hacker, but she is not infallible, etc.
Hideo, on the other hand, is a genius and innovator. At first glance, he seems aloof and professional, but there is a real person with emotions once you get to know him. I really enjoyed watching him open up over the course of the book and get more of his backstory. Lu brilliantly weaves the stories into both character's narratives so that we are able to see the events and people that made them who they are today.
The story was fast-paced and the Warcross games were so vibrantly described that it felt as if you were genuinely watching them. The world was slowly but surely populated, from the buildings and city streets we may be familiar with to the addition of virtual reality advertisements and signage, an underground black market, and more.
Even the game of Warcross itself was a really interesting aspect of the story. Although the game seems simple, there are limitless ways to manipulate and change the game as it is being played. It is an intense game similar to Capture the Flag, in that teams must capture the other's artifact but power-ups, changing landscapes and team members with special skills make the game infinitely more enjoyable to read about.
While the ending likely won't be a complete surprise, the overall motivations and events that lead up to the final pages will hit you hard. You're so invested in the characters and the world that any reveals will make you wonder (and need to know) what happens next. I definitely didn't want to leave the world that Lu had built, so I am incredibly pleased that there will be more books in this series. There is so much that she can add to the story, the world and I can't wait to see where she goes with it next.
I highly recommend this book to young adult/teen readers even you don't consider yourself a gamer or think you will relate. This is a very accessible book that many will enjoy (plus that cover is gorgeous, right?)
The world in which we find ourselves is a more advanced version of the one that we are familiar with. Virtual or augmented reality has made a technological leap due to the creation of Hideo Tanaka. The sleeker AR/VR glasses make the experience more user-friendly and the game Warcross has exploded across the globe. Each year there are Warcross Championships, which pit teams of the best players (and some wild cards) against one another.
Although Emika is a gamer and hacker she is forced to turn to a life of bounty hunting to support herself, and even that is not enough. She is days away from being kicked out of her apartment and with $13 to her name, she takes the biggest risk of her life and hacks the Warcross Championships. This one act flips her entire world upside down and sets the rest of the story in motion.
Emika is a very relatable character, despite her criminal record, incredible hacking skills, and ingenuity. She has an incredible love for her father, a strong backbone and the tenacity to do what is necessary. Emika's character has a nice balance so that she is not incompetent, but she is also not the perfect chosen one, she is an incredible hacker, but she is not infallible, etc.
Hideo, on the other hand, is a genius and innovator. At first glance, he seems aloof and professional, but there is a real person with emotions once you get to know him. I really enjoyed watching him open up over the course of the book and get more of his backstory. Lu brilliantly weaves the stories into both character's narratives so that we are able to see the events and people that made them who they are today.
The story was fast-paced and the Warcross games were so vibrantly described that it felt as if you were genuinely watching them. The world was slowly but surely populated, from the buildings and city streets we may be familiar with to the addition of virtual reality advertisements and signage, an underground black market, and more.
Even the game of Warcross itself was a really interesting aspect of the story. Although the game seems simple, there are limitless ways to manipulate and change the game as it is being played. It is an intense game similar to Capture the Flag, in that teams must capture the other's artifact but power-ups, changing landscapes and team members with special skills make the game infinitely more enjoyable to read about.
While the ending likely won't be a complete surprise, the overall motivations and events that lead up to the final pages will hit you hard. You're so invested in the characters and the world that any reveals will make you wonder (and need to know) what happens next. I definitely didn't want to leave the world that Lu had built, so I am incredibly pleased that there will be more books in this series. There is so much that she can add to the story, the world and I can't wait to see where she goes with it next.
I highly recommend this book to young adult/teen readers even you don't consider yourself a gamer or think you will relate. This is a very accessible book that many will enjoy (plus that cover is gorgeous, right?)
Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated The Grim Company in Books
Aug 27, 2018
Great Start to the Series
Contains spoilers, click to show
***Spoilers ahead you’ve been warned***
It’s been a while since a good fantasy has come by my way and with anti heroes! It’s different and nice to see even though the world building and plot is typical fantasy but it’s written so well that it’s enjoyable and with some occasional funny parts you’re left with a memorable book and want to keep going in the series.
The world building is well done. Mages are dictators of their own cities and have the general populace under their thumb. Magic is pretty much only done by Magelords (not including the band of sorceresses that are mentioned). Dorminia is protected by Augmentors (elite units that have enhanced magical items) which is a fine idea. The mindhawks (birds that can read your mind to see if you’re thinking thoughts to overthrow the Magelord) is also a really neat concept that I liked.
The plot itself is intricate and it takes time to get fully immersed in it. Once you’re familiar with the world and setting it’s well worth the time invested and although it may be a bit hard to keep track of everyone at first, the action scenes are well written, the dialogue is real albeit vulgar at times (but it keeps it real), and the battle at the end is epic. Everything is somewhat interconnected and once the pieces all come together it makes for one great story.
The characters are a mixed bag and you have a variety to choose as a favorite. Cole seems to be the butt of many jokes despite his main role in the story. I found myself bursting out laughing at some moments that featured him - although I have to add, he’s not a very likable character. He’s naive, arrogant, and a bit of a dolt. But that’s what makes his role more interesting. Even I had to agree with Jerek when he said: “The boy’s a hero after all.”
My favorite would be Brodar and Jerek. Their background stories are interesting and they compliment each other. Brodar is the cool headed fighter who’s going on past his prime, whereas Jerek is the hot headed one that has a constant chip on his shoulder. They make a great duo and even while fighting together it makes for an exciting battle scene to read.
I sympathize with Barandas even though he was for the ‘bad guys’. He was loyal to a fault and was your model soldier. But he had a nice likable personality and although he was loyal to the Magelord you had to admire that in him. He’s good at his job and he was also trying to set things right. It made me sad on his demise. It was worth reading his one on one fight with Brodar.
There are so many questions to be answered! Lots of things were left hanging and I am looking forward to reading book two of this series. If you like a good fantasy with anti heroes with various flaws, some bits of dark humor, hefty battle scenes and blood coming from all over this is definitely for you.
It’s been a while since a good fantasy has come by my way and with anti heroes! It’s different and nice to see even though the world building and plot is typical fantasy but it’s written so well that it’s enjoyable and with some occasional funny parts you’re left with a memorable book and want to keep going in the series.
The world building is well done. Mages are dictators of their own cities and have the general populace under their thumb. Magic is pretty much only done by Magelords (not including the band of sorceresses that are mentioned). Dorminia is protected by Augmentors (elite units that have enhanced magical items) which is a fine idea. The mindhawks (birds that can read your mind to see if you’re thinking thoughts to overthrow the Magelord) is also a really neat concept that I liked.
The plot itself is intricate and it takes time to get fully immersed in it. Once you’re familiar with the world and setting it’s well worth the time invested and although it may be a bit hard to keep track of everyone at first, the action scenes are well written, the dialogue is real albeit vulgar at times (but it keeps it real), and the battle at the end is epic. Everything is somewhat interconnected and once the pieces all come together it makes for one great story.
The characters are a mixed bag and you have a variety to choose as a favorite. Cole seems to be the butt of many jokes despite his main role in the story. I found myself bursting out laughing at some moments that featured him - although I have to add, he’s not a very likable character. He’s naive, arrogant, and a bit of a dolt. But that’s what makes his role more interesting. Even I had to agree with Jerek when he said: “The boy’s a hero after all.”
My favorite would be Brodar and Jerek. Their background stories are interesting and they compliment each other. Brodar is the cool headed fighter who’s going on past his prime, whereas Jerek is the hot headed one that has a constant chip on his shoulder. They make a great duo and even while fighting together it makes for an exciting battle scene to read.
I sympathize with Barandas even though he was for the ‘bad guys’. He was loyal to a fault and was your model soldier. But he had a nice likable personality and although he was loyal to the Magelord you had to admire that in him. He’s good at his job and he was also trying to set things right. It made me sad on his demise. It was worth reading his one on one fight with Brodar.
There are so many questions to be answered! Lots of things were left hanging and I am looking forward to reading book two of this series. If you like a good fantasy with anti heroes with various flaws, some bits of dark humor, hefty battle scenes and blood coming from all over this is definitely for you.
Learning Responsive Data Visualization
Book
Master the art of building responsive visualizations on the Web About This Book * Learn the...
Disney Magic Kingdoms
Games and Entertainment
7.0
Rate It
App
WELCOME TO THE MOST MAGICAL PLACE ON MOBILE! When Maleficent casts an evil spell on the Kingdom,...