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Scream All Night
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A darkly hilarious contemporary realistic young adult novel about growing up and finding your place...
Merissa (12838 KP) rated Son of Anger (The Ormstunga Saga #1) in Books
Dec 12, 2022
Bloody and violent in places, with the Gods at work.
SON OF ANGER is the first book in The Ormstunga Saga and we start off with Ulf training with his uncle. His life quickly changes when a stranger appears and destroys everything he touches, including Ulf and his family.
I love reading stories of the Vikings, simply because their faith and relationship with the Gods seem so realistic. They don't hold them on high (as such) but rather, deal with them in an everyday manner, knowing themselves to be pawns in the game the Gods play. Signs of the Gods are all around them, giving them the feeling of being blessed or ignored. Ulf has sworn a vow of vengeance to Odin and sees the signs of that wherever he turns.
This is a bloody and violent story in parts - as you would expect. But you also get a book of camaraderie, of brotherhood, of the Gods. The time flew by as I read this, with never a dull moment. The ending was all I could wish for and left me with a longing for book two.
A brilliant start to a new series that I can't wait to read. Absolutely recommended.
** 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!
I love reading stories of the Vikings, simply because their faith and relationship with the Gods seem so realistic. They don't hold them on high (as such) but rather, deal with them in an everyday manner, knowing themselves to be pawns in the game the Gods play. Signs of the Gods are all around them, giving them the feeling of being blessed or ignored. Ulf has sworn a vow of vengeance to Odin and sees the signs of that wherever he turns.
This is a bloody and violent story in parts - as you would expect. But you also get a book of camaraderie, of brotherhood, of the Gods. The time flew by as I read this, with never a dull moment. The ending was all I could wish for and left me with a longing for book two.
A brilliant start to a new series that I can't wait to read. Absolutely recommended.
** 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!
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Polish Wife (The Secret Resistance Series) in Books
Apr 4, 2023
I am gradually getting into reading historical fiction and it is through excellent writers like Gosia Nealon that has kept me seeking out something I wouldn't normally consider.
The Polish Wife is part of The Secret Resistance series but the first I have read; I will say that I think it worked as a standalone very successfully.
Although this is a work of fiction, it feels realistic and I can imagine many of the experiences and events written about in this book are similar to what actually happened at various times throughout World War II. What I do know is that any member of the resistance, be they Polish, French, British, etc., were extremely brave individuals and I think Gosia captured that courage very well.
The Polish Wife is, however, more than a story about the fight against the Nazi regime, it's also about love, honour, freedom, survival and hope. The characters Gosia has created are strong and believable and the story if easy to follow but with twists that will have you holding your breath waiting for the outcome which was definitely not a foregone conclusion.
The Polish Wife is one of the top books of this genre I have read so far; I became totally invested and engrossed from the start and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it and my thanks must go to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this great read.
The Polish Wife is part of The Secret Resistance series but the first I have read; I will say that I think it worked as a standalone very successfully.
Although this is a work of fiction, it feels realistic and I can imagine many of the experiences and events written about in this book are similar to what actually happened at various times throughout World War II. What I do know is that any member of the resistance, be they Polish, French, British, etc., were extremely brave individuals and I think Gosia captured that courage very well.
The Polish Wife is, however, more than a story about the fight against the Nazi regime, it's also about love, honour, freedom, survival and hope. The characters Gosia has created are strong and believable and the story if easy to follow but with twists that will have you holding your breath waiting for the outcome which was definitely not a foregone conclusion.
The Polish Wife is one of the top books of this genre I have read so far; I became totally invested and engrossed from the start and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it and my thanks must go to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this great read.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2336 KP) rated Hunters of the Dead in Books
Oct 18, 2023
Finding a Killer Among the Bones
For their first assignment as part of the A.A. Western Detective Agency, Old Red and Big Red are being sent to Wyoming to help with security at a dinosaur dig. You wouldn’t think it would be a hot bed of crime, but as the brothers learn when they arrive, there is another group of paleontologists nearby, and the two groups do not get along at all. Still, keeping watch in the middle of the night sounds like a boring job, until Old Red finds a dead body. Will he figure out what happened before a killer strikes again?
It’s been several years since the previous book in this series came out, but it wasn’t long before I was back in this world. And it was delightful to return. As always, the plot seems to wander a bit, but at the end, we see that everything was important. I love watching Old Red weave everything together to solve the case. Likewise, the characters come to life as the book goes along. I appreciate the humor we get along the way. With the setting, it’s no surprise that we get a little more foul content than I typically read, but it feels realistic. This book teases the next case for the brothers, and I hope we get it soon. But for now, fans will be glad the series is back. If you haven’t tried these books yet, I recommend you change that today.
It’s been several years since the previous book in this series came out, but it wasn’t long before I was back in this world. And it was delightful to return. As always, the plot seems to wander a bit, but at the end, we see that everything was important. I love watching Old Red weave everything together to solve the case. Likewise, the characters come to life as the book goes along. I appreciate the humor we get along the way. With the setting, it’s no surprise that we get a little more foul content than I typically read, but it feels realistic. This book teases the next case for the brothers, and I hope we get it soon. But for now, fans will be glad the series is back. If you haven’t tried these books yet, I recommend you change that today.
Merissa (12838 KP) rated Violet Spark (Butterfly Witch #1) in Books
Jan 19, 2022 (Updated Jul 5, 2023)
VIOLET SPARK is the first book in The Butterfly Witch series. Mo (Imogen) has a normal life - in that she has dropped out of school to look after her mom, is Manager at the local Desert Freeze shop, and games until she can no longer keep her eyes open. She can't see that changing anytime soon, but when another gamer kisses her in the shop, her life explodes into something she never expected.
If you are expecting Mo to understand what is going on, to have all the answers there, to look divine, without a care in the world, then I'm afraid you've got the wrong book! Mo is completely realistic in her reactions to what is going on. You are with her all the way as she keeps the reader informed of her feelings and decisions through internal monologues.
One thing I loved (without spoilers) is both Mo and her mom are not taking any prisoners! They are not princesses to await rescue. They'll rescue themselves, thank you very much!!!
A great start to the series that I feel only dips beneath the surface. Looking forward to reading further in this series. Absolutely recommended by me.
** 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!
Jan 19, 2022
If you are expecting Mo to understand what is going on, to have all the answers there, to look divine, without a care in the world, then I'm afraid you've got the wrong book! Mo is completely realistic in her reactions to what is going on. You are with her all the way as she keeps the reader informed of her feelings and decisions through internal monologues.
One thing I loved (without spoilers) is both Mo and her mom are not taking any prisoners! They are not princesses to await rescue. They'll rescue themselves, thank you very much!!!
A great start to the series that I feel only dips beneath the surface. Looking forward to reading further in this series. Absolutely recommended by me.
** 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!
Jan 19, 2022
Merissa (12838 KP) rated Elle's A to Z of Love in Books
Jun 25, 2021 (Updated Jul 18, 2023)
ELLE'S A TO Z OF LOVE is another charming, genteel story from the wonderful Claire Huston. If you want bright lights and big city, then you're definitely in the wrong place. Here you will find the Village Fayre (with a y) and lots of bunting!
The thing I really enjoyed about this is that Elle doesn't find her 'one' immediately. And it's not the typical boy she's known forever and just didn't realise it. Instead, Ms Huston gives a more realistic version of Elle stumbling through life and trying to figure it out. Now, Elle is mostly a passive character. Don't get me wrong, she's very nice, but she does need to grow a backbone! Thankfully, she does and I was cheering along with everyone else. I loved how life got in the way and things changed and evolved.
The pacing is smooth and the story moves along steadily, helped by an amazing supporting cast of characters. There were no errors that I noticed which helped me enjoy this story.
As far as I am concerned, this is another winner by Claire Huston and absolutely recommended by me. Anyone for a slice of cake?!
** 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!
Jun 25, 2021
The thing I really enjoyed about this is that Elle doesn't find her 'one' immediately. And it's not the typical boy she's known forever and just didn't realise it. Instead, Ms Huston gives a more realistic version of Elle stumbling through life and trying to figure it out. Now, Elle is mostly a passive character. Don't get me wrong, she's very nice, but she does need to grow a backbone! Thankfully, she does and I was cheering along with everyone else. I loved how life got in the way and things changed and evolved.
The pacing is smooth and the story moves along steadily, helped by an amazing supporting cast of characters. There were no errors that I noticed which helped me enjoy this story.
As far as I am concerned, this is another winner by Claire Huston and absolutely recommended by me. Anyone for a slice of cake?!
** 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!
Jun 25, 2021
Merissa (12838 KP) rated Wish (Indigo Dreams #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018 (Updated Jun 7, 2023)
This is the story of Indigo, a sixteen-year-old girl who dreams of being a ballet dancer. Having taken ballet lessons for years, she understands that it isn't something that will just happen without a lot of hard work. However, she is struggling at the present due to family circumstances. Wish tells her story, about the circumstances and decisions made that set her on the path to her future.
This was very well-written with characters that were believable and fully dimensional. The storyline was well-paced and continued to hold my interest throughout. The romance between Jesse and Indigo actually takes a back seat in the story behind the ballet which makes a nice change in a Young Adult book. You never know which way things will go until you get there. This is not just some "everything is peachy" fluffy book, it is a book that deals with a serious subject, alcoholism, in a very realistic way and shows how it impacts not only the drinker but friends and family too.
This is a very different book that is well worth the time it takes to read. I would like to read more about Indigo and her dreams. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Jan 12, 2015
This was very well-written with characters that were believable and fully dimensional. The storyline was well-paced and continued to hold my interest throughout. The romance between Jesse and Indigo actually takes a back seat in the story behind the ballet which makes a nice change in a Young Adult book. You never know which way things will go until you get there. This is not just some "everything is peachy" fluffy book, it is a book that deals with a serious subject, alcoholism, in a very realistic way and shows how it impacts not only the drinker but friends and family too.
This is a very different book that is well worth the time it takes to read. I would like to read more about Indigo and her dreams. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Jan 12, 2015
Merissa (12838 KP) rated I'm Not in Love (Don't Let Go #1) by Mia Kerick in Books
Jun 13, 2022 (Updated Jun 13, 2023)
I'M NOT IN LOVE is the first book in the Don't Let Go series and we start off with Remi and Tristan. Both of these guys have major baggage going on, but manage to find some solace with each other. Will it last, or will they push each other away?
Remi and Tristan are opposites in so many ways. Remi has money but no real family. Tristan has his family he adores, but they are struggling to make ends meet. They meet by chance and sort of fall into a friendship that becomes so much more, although neither will admit it.
I found the baggage for both of them to be realistic. The supporting characters were also fantastic additions, especially if Uncle Tris got hurt! The pacing was perfect for the story and I was definitely left wanting more, not ready to leave Remi and Tris behind.
I don't know if this series will focus on them or on other pairs, but I really hope we catch up with Remi and Tris, no matter what. A brilliant start to a new series and I can't wait to read more. Absolutely recommended.
** 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!
Jun 8, 2022
Remi and Tristan are opposites in so many ways. Remi has money but no real family. Tristan has his family he adores, but they are struggling to make ends meet. They meet by chance and sort of fall into a friendship that becomes so much more, although neither will admit it.
I found the baggage for both of them to be realistic. The supporting characters were also fantastic additions, especially if Uncle Tris got hurt! The pacing was perfect for the story and I was definitely left wanting more, not ready to leave Remi and Tris behind.
I don't know if this series will focus on them or on other pairs, but I really hope we catch up with Remi and Tris, no matter what. A brilliant start to a new series and I can't wait to read more. Absolutely recommended.
** 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!
Jun 8, 2022
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2336 KP) rated One Wrong Word in Books
Jul 25, 2024
Rehabbing the Innocent. But Is He Innocent?
Ned Bannister, on trial for hitting and killing a man with his car, has been found innocent. But the public isn’t so ready to forgive, which means life is still difficult for him and his family. That’s why his wife, Cordelia, hires PR expert Arden Ward to help. But Arden is having a crisis of her own, with her job on the line after being accused of an affair. When the Bannister’s case takes an unexpected turn, Arden is left wondering who she can trust. Can she figure out a way to help her client and find her future?
This book has an interesting premise, and I was quickly hooked. But then we hit the middle, where we had questions asked multiple times with very few answers of any kind. I would have been happy with lies, even, to advance the story and set up some twists. We do reach a satisfying climax, but the pacing could have been better. One character was whiney, but I found the rest of the characters likeable, and enjoyed spending time with them. Most of the story is told from Arden’s third person point-of-view, which helps us get to know her better, but we get some chapters from other’s view points. I’m wondering if I’m just not having realistic expectations for phycological thrillers. If you like the genre and this premise sounds interesting, definitely give this book a chance.
This book has an interesting premise, and I was quickly hooked. But then we hit the middle, where we had questions asked multiple times with very few answers of any kind. I would have been happy with lies, even, to advance the story and set up some twists. We do reach a satisfying climax, but the pacing could have been better. One character was whiney, but I found the rest of the characters likeable, and enjoyed spending time with them. Most of the story is told from Arden’s third person point-of-view, which helps us get to know her better, but we get some chapters from other’s view points. I’m wondering if I’m just not having realistic expectations for phycological thrillers. If you like the genre and this premise sounds interesting, definitely give this book a chance.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2336 KP) rated I Sleep Around in Books
Jun 5, 2024
Honest Look at Van Life
In this memoir, authors Sue Ann Jaffarian talks about her decision to buy a camper van when she retired and hit the road full time. She discusses what lead to her decision and the steps she took to get ready for her new adventure before detailing what life was like that first year on the road. She talks about the joys (visiting beautiful places, making new friends) and the pitfalls (dangerously bad weather, problems with her van). She also talks about how her new life changed in 2020 as we were all trying to shelter in place.
As a fan turned friend, I have followed her journey from the time she first made the decision, and I was thrilled to read this book and get a good look at how she is adapting to his new life. The book is filled with practical advice and a realistic look at what life can be like. As I said, she covers the good and the bad, and I appreciated the balanced approach. Still, overall, she loves her new life, and that comes through. If anything, I wish we’d heard more about places she’s visited along the way, although the discussions we do get make me want to hit the road and see them for myself. If you want an honest look at the life of a full-time nomad, you’ll love this book.
As a fan turned friend, I have followed her journey from the time she first made the decision, and I was thrilled to read this book and get a good look at how she is adapting to his new life. The book is filled with practical advice and a realistic look at what life can be like. As I said, she covers the good and the bad, and I appreciated the balanced approach. Still, overall, she loves her new life, and that comes through. If anything, I wish we’d heard more about places she’s visited along the way, although the discussions we do get make me want to hit the road and see them for myself. If you want an honest look at the life of a full-time nomad, you’ll love this book.