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Sam (74 KP) rated The Things We Learn When We're Dead in Books
Mar 27, 2019
Lorna Love is dead. After an evening out at a dinner party, she stumbles into the road in front of an oncoming car and is killed.
She finds herself on a spaceship called HVN, where she can do what she wants, be anyone she wants, and have anything she wants. The novel follows Lorna looking back on her life while she is in ‘heaven’, going through every decision and mistake she’s made.
I’m a bit unsure of what genre I would place this in as it’s both science fiction and general fiction. Only a small fraction of the novel takes place on the spaceship, the majority of it is Lorna looking back on her life. However, I feel like the science fiction element overcomes everything, but I don’t want to spoil the plot by going into too much detail about that.
Charlie Laidlaw sent me a copy of his novel in return for an honest review. If it wasn’t for him offering to send me the novel, I don’t think I would have been tempted to read it. Since I’m not usually a fan of sci-fi, the cover was definitely offputting because of the spaceship. But having read it now and knowing that the majority of the book wasn’t even set in space, I’m really glad I did read it.
The Things We Learn When We’re Dead is heartwarming and is completely different from everything I’ve read before. It’s such an original idea for a book and although, to begin with, I did struggle to get into the book, I’m glad I held on because it really was an enjoyable book.
Lorna is a brilliant protagonist as she’s believable. She has her own faults and problems and definitely isn’t a perfect character. I loved that she was so realistic and not a fake persona.
She finds herself on a spaceship called HVN, where she can do what she wants, be anyone she wants, and have anything she wants. The novel follows Lorna looking back on her life while she is in ‘heaven’, going through every decision and mistake she’s made.
I’m a bit unsure of what genre I would place this in as it’s both science fiction and general fiction. Only a small fraction of the novel takes place on the spaceship, the majority of it is Lorna looking back on her life. However, I feel like the science fiction element overcomes everything, but I don’t want to spoil the plot by going into too much detail about that.
Charlie Laidlaw sent me a copy of his novel in return for an honest review. If it wasn’t for him offering to send me the novel, I don’t think I would have been tempted to read it. Since I’m not usually a fan of sci-fi, the cover was definitely offputting because of the spaceship. But having read it now and knowing that the majority of the book wasn’t even set in space, I’m really glad I did read it.
The Things We Learn When We’re Dead is heartwarming and is completely different from everything I’ve read before. It’s such an original idea for a book and although, to begin with, I did struggle to get into the book, I’m glad I held on because it really was an enjoyable book.
Lorna is a brilliant protagonist as she’s believable. She has her own faults and problems and definitely isn’t a perfect character. I loved that she was so realistic and not a fake persona.
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Dreamland in Books
Jan 23, 2020
Original Review posted on <a href="http://bookwyrming-thoughts.blogspot.com/2013/03/review-dreamland-by-sarah-dessen.html">Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Original Rating: 1.5
<b>Note: </b>Formatting may be lost due to copy and pasting.
I was told that Sarah Dessen's works were awesome. So I basically went into the frame of mind that it would be a good book when I actually started reading it.
I don't really hate saying this, but as a first time peep (read: I'm reading her works for the first time) on reading a work of Sarah Dessen's, I left with a pretty "eh..." view. I did try to keep the fact in mind that Sarah Dessen is a good writer, which was why I didn't go all <s>mini stomping off with a hmph</s> frowny faced at the wall.
I don't exactly hate the book - not really - but I found it very boring from page 1 to the end. I'm pretty surprised I didn't fall asleep. Yet. There was just something missing. While I don't really mind reading gushy romances (YA speaking), I'm not one who prefers reading a book that's pretty much completely - as in 90% or more - lack of action.
Dreamland is basically your typical realistic fiction in the terms of romance. It was also pretty predictable (but then... I tend to predict things near the bull's eye usually...). And every time a character in a book is getting suspicious of events, it would go down the drain a little more.
If it wasn't required reading, I probably would've ended up just setting it down, walk away, read another book, and then return it. But, if you're one who likes realistic fiction and romances rolled into one "bookrito," then you probably just got another recommendation. However, if you're one for romance and action rolled into one, then I don't exactly recommend it.... but feel free to read it if you want to try it out, as everyone's reading preference is different....
Original Rating: 1.5
<b>Note: </b>Formatting may be lost due to copy and pasting.
I was told that Sarah Dessen's works were awesome. So I basically went into the frame of mind that it would be a good book when I actually started reading it.
I don't really hate saying this, but as a first time peep (read: I'm reading her works for the first time) on reading a work of Sarah Dessen's, I left with a pretty "eh..." view. I did try to keep the fact in mind that Sarah Dessen is a good writer, which was why I didn't go all <s>mini stomping off with a hmph</s> frowny faced at the wall.
I don't exactly hate the book - not really - but I found it very boring from page 1 to the end. I'm pretty surprised I didn't fall asleep. Yet. There was just something missing. While I don't really mind reading gushy romances (YA speaking), I'm not one who prefers reading a book that's pretty much completely - as in 90% or more - lack of action.
Dreamland is basically your typical realistic fiction in the terms of romance. It was also pretty predictable (but then... I tend to predict things near the bull's eye usually...). And every time a character in a book is getting suspicious of events, it would go down the drain a little more.
If it wasn't required reading, I probably would've ended up just setting it down, walk away, read another book, and then return it. But, if you're one who likes realistic fiction and romances rolled into one "bookrito," then you probably just got another recommendation. However, if you're one for romance and action rolled into one, then I don't exactly recommend it.... but feel free to read it if you want to try it out, as everyone's reading preference is different....
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated An Ivy Hill Christmas (Tales from Ivy Hill) in Books
Feb 23, 2021
An Ivy Hill Christmas - Was enchanting and totally helped me get in the mood of Christmas. While I have not read any of Julie Klassen books before I knew I wanted to start reading her books as she is known for her fantastic characters, settings, and regency era fiction, which are some of my favorite bookish things when combined.
This book was like being transported back in time and immersed in a magical Christmas wonderland. Richard and Arabella had great chemistry right from the beginning and I loved their banter with each other. They had meaningful interactions and portrayed some realistic truths. The story was filled with some interesting twists, old secrets, lost love, and an interesting plot that kept me heavily engaged with the characters. An Ivy Hill Christmas Made me cozy inside, I highly recommend this sweet Christmas story and I am excited to have found a new author to read
This book was like being transported back in time and immersed in a magical Christmas wonderland. Richard and Arabella had great chemistry right from the beginning and I loved their banter with each other. They had meaningful interactions and portrayed some realistic truths. The story was filled with some interesting twists, old secrets, lost love, and an interesting plot that kept me heavily engaged with the characters. An Ivy Hill Christmas Made me cozy inside, I highly recommend this sweet Christmas story and I am excited to have found a new author to read
Klou (162 KP) rated The Rumour in Books
Oct 6, 2019
A twist in every chapter
I usually stick to what I know. I have a favourite authors and I to be honest. I'm scared of trying new things when it comes to crime fiction. It's hard to find a good author who keeps you gripped and has a very realistic storyline.
When I saw this book in my local supermarket It was a boredom 'thing'.
I had nothing to read at home that was new and it 'looked' good, and it was.
The storyline gripped me from the very first page. The twists and turns in this book are so well written and linked in with everything going on that you forget how far into the book you have read.
I finished this book in less than 48 hours. Yes 2 days.
A crime unearthed, but who? When? How?
Trust me. This is a great read and I can guarantee that the very last chapter will have you amazed.
When I saw this book in my local supermarket It was a boredom 'thing'.
I had nothing to read at home that was new and it 'looked' good, and it was.
The storyline gripped me from the very first page. The twists and turns in this book are so well written and linked in with everything going on that you forget how far into the book you have read.
I finished this book in less than 48 hours. Yes 2 days.
A crime unearthed, but who? When? How?
Trust me. This is a great read and I can guarantee that the very last chapter will have you amazed.
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.
Marylegs (44 KP) rated Dark Aemilia (UK Edition) in Books
Aug 14, 2019
So I received Dark Aemilia from a Goodreads give away. All I can say is how lucky I was to receive such a good book, that otherwise I likely would not have taken a second glance at. This is a beautifully written piece of historical fiction. Which at its core, is a love story, between Aemilia Bassano and William Shakespeare. How their love blossomed and through many external factors was pulled apart. The book is laid out in acts and scenes like a play and tells the story from Aemilia point of view. I enjoyed being submerged in the Tudor London at the end of Elizabeth I reign. This book completely grabbed me from the start and had I had more free time I am sure I would have read this book in a day or two.
Unfortunately as I havent ever read historical fiction before I dont really have any point of reference for comparison. But what I will say is that I thoroughly enjoyed how realistic this book felt, but still was able to bring in completely fictitious elements of magic and witchcraft. Sam OReilly has managed to bring in these elements, which appealed to my love of fantasy, without being over the top. I particularly enjoyed the time when London was under the grips of the plague and thought it was just so well written and explained. At no point did I feel lost in descriptions, I was there, with Aemilia and that poor woman just couldnt catch a break.
There is mature content it is an adult story of love, so yes there is sex. I personally have no issue with this and believe it to be an integral addition to this story. It is done well and doesnt feel forced or overdone. I am struggling to put into words how much I enjoyed this book, I will read it again and I would recommend it. I will now even consider reading other historical fiction that I had not thought I would enjoy.
Unfortunately as I havent ever read historical fiction before I dont really have any point of reference for comparison. But what I will say is that I thoroughly enjoyed how realistic this book felt, but still was able to bring in completely fictitious elements of magic and witchcraft. Sam OReilly has managed to bring in these elements, which appealed to my love of fantasy, without being over the top. I particularly enjoyed the time when London was under the grips of the plague and thought it was just so well written and explained. At no point did I feel lost in descriptions, I was there, with Aemilia and that poor woman just couldnt catch a break.
There is mature content it is an adult story of love, so yes there is sex. I personally have no issue with this and believe it to be an integral addition to this story. It is done well and doesnt feel forced or overdone. I am struggling to put into words how much I enjoyed this book, I will read it again and I would recommend it. I will now even consider reading other historical fiction that I had not thought I would enjoy.
Roksana Szczęsny (538 KP) rated Ginny & Georgia in TV
Apr 7, 2021
A lot of representation. (1 more)
Georgia's character is very interesting
I enjoyed it a lot.
The show in itself is a very fun watch, The adult characters are interesting, their backstories are gripping, they are relatable in many ways... and yet, somehow, they got the representation of teenagers very wrong. Ginny acts unlike any fifteen year old I have ever met.
I understand though that as a piece of fiction, it does not always have to be realistic nor does it ever state that it is. I just think that the teenagers in this show are not only annoying as all hell, they act like pretentious adults.
In my opinion the best character is Georgia. Knowing what we know by the end of the show all the mysterious puzzle pieces about Georgia's past and her present fall in place and it all makes a ton more sense.
I would recommend this show to people who like mysteries, purely because this show is drenched in mystery. I think it's worth a try,
I understand though that as a piece of fiction, it does not always have to be realistic nor does it ever state that it is. I just think that the teenagers in this show are not only annoying as all hell, they act like pretentious adults.
In my opinion the best character is Georgia. Knowing what we know by the end of the show all the mysterious puzzle pieces about Georgia's past and her present fall in place and it all makes a ton more sense.
I would recommend this show to people who like mysteries, purely because this show is drenched in mystery. I think it's worth a try,
Christine A. (965 KP) rated The House of One Thousand Eyes in Books
Nov 28, 2018
Realistic, historical fiction YA about living in East Berlin in the early 1980s
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Lena Altmann is a 17 year old girl who lives in East Berlin. After her parents were killed in an explosion, Lena was forced to move in with her aunt. Lena's only respite comes when she spends her Sundays with her uncle, her aunt's brother. One day he is erased. He along with all of his possessions,and his birth records are gone. His published books have disappeared from bookstore shelves. He is just gone, disappearing without a trace.
Lena frantically searches for him but knows government spies are everywhere and she feels alone. Her aunt is a hardcore member of the Communist party. Can she trust her? Can she trust her friends? Can she trust anyone?
Through her story, Michelle Barker shows what it was like to live in the "Better Berlin" in the 1980s. She shows the rigidness, fearfulness, suspicion, and oppression of life in East Berlin.
The House of One Thousand Eyes did not feel like fiction. You could feel and hear Berlin. You could believe Lena, her uncle, and her aunt were real people and this book just captured a portion of their lives.
Although the story wraps up nicely at the end, it ends abruptly.
Lena Altmann is a 17 year old girl who lives in East Berlin. After her parents were killed in an explosion, Lena was forced to move in with her aunt. Lena's only respite comes when she spends her Sundays with her uncle, her aunt's brother. One day he is erased. He along with all of his possessions,and his birth records are gone. His published books have disappeared from bookstore shelves. He is just gone, disappearing without a trace.
Lena frantically searches for him but knows government spies are everywhere and she feels alone. Her aunt is a hardcore member of the Communist party. Can she trust her? Can she trust her friends? Can she trust anyone?
Through her story, Michelle Barker shows what it was like to live in the "Better Berlin" in the 1980s. She shows the rigidness, fearfulness, suspicion, and oppression of life in East Berlin.
The House of One Thousand Eyes did not feel like fiction. You could feel and hear Berlin. You could believe Lena, her uncle, and her aunt were real people and this book just captured a portion of their lives.
Although the story wraps up nicely at the end, it ends abruptly.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Cleopatra's Moon in Books
Feb 15, 2019
<i>Cleopatra's Moon</i> tells the childhood story of Cleopatra Selene, daughter of Marc Antony (Marcus Antonius) and the most famous Cleopatra (VII) in history. The story covers her life from ages six to sixteen, from her parents' fall from power to the capture of Cleopatra Selene and her brothers to their lives living in Rome.
Catered to the young adult market, <i>Cleopatra's Moon</i> has a lot to offer older readers as well. While there may not be as much meat on the bones as many adult historical fiction novels have, the history is plentiful and smoothly incorporated into the story. Aside from a few, minor instances, not much Cleopatra Selene said or did stood out as odd and the history seemed sound (though I am far from an expert). The author's writing style is easy to read, has a nice flow, and the descriptions are well-done; I could easily picture the surroundings, so the scenes came alive for me. She doesn't shy away from suggestive scenes, making the story feel more realistic, though nothing is described explicitly either. The author is up front about what is and is not fact in the six-page section at the end of book entitled "The Facts Within the Fiction," which gives the reader more information about the people mentioned within the book. If anyone goes into this book expecting more love story than historical fiction, they will be sadly disappointed. Any love story takes a back seat to Cleopatra Selene's struggle with both herself and her circumstances in life.
If I had one quibble with the book, it was the children's and Cleopatra Selene's voices. The children sounded a bit too mature at times, including Cleopatra Selene when young. Although in her case, it was more her voice didn't change much throughout the ten years the book covered and it was too familiar. I've come across other young adult protagonists that sounded very similar to her, both historical and contemporary, so I was hoping hers would be a bit more distinctive from the rest. Still, it's a very small thing and I did like Cleo Selene; she wasn't passive, but she wasn't aggressive either, she fell somewhere in between the two, which worked well for the book.
After all has been said, <i>Cleopatra's Moon</i> does what any (good) historical fiction novel should aspire to, it made me want to know more about the time, people, and places.
Catered to the young adult market, <i>Cleopatra's Moon</i> has a lot to offer older readers as well. While there may not be as much meat on the bones as many adult historical fiction novels have, the history is plentiful and smoothly incorporated into the story. Aside from a few, minor instances, not much Cleopatra Selene said or did stood out as odd and the history seemed sound (though I am far from an expert). The author's writing style is easy to read, has a nice flow, and the descriptions are well-done; I could easily picture the surroundings, so the scenes came alive for me. She doesn't shy away from suggestive scenes, making the story feel more realistic, though nothing is described explicitly either. The author is up front about what is and is not fact in the six-page section at the end of book entitled "The Facts Within the Fiction," which gives the reader more information about the people mentioned within the book. If anyone goes into this book expecting more love story than historical fiction, they will be sadly disappointed. Any love story takes a back seat to Cleopatra Selene's struggle with both herself and her circumstances in life.
If I had one quibble with the book, it was the children's and Cleopatra Selene's voices. The children sounded a bit too mature at times, including Cleopatra Selene when young. Although in her case, it was more her voice didn't change much throughout the ten years the book covered and it was too familiar. I've come across other young adult protagonists that sounded very similar to her, both historical and contemporary, so I was hoping hers would be a bit more distinctive from the rest. Still, it's a very small thing and I did like Cleo Selene; she wasn't passive, but she wasn't aggressive either, she fell somewhere in between the two, which worked well for the book.
After all has been said, <i>Cleopatra's Moon</i> does what any (good) historical fiction novel should aspire to, it made me want to know more about the time, people, and places.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Lies in Books
Dec 9, 2018
Rollercoaster of twists and lies
Wow! I am a frequent reader of psychological thrillers and nearly always can figure out the twists, turns and the obligatory “big reveal”. With T.M. Logan’s “Lies”, I found myself on a rollercoaster of twists and lies. This quick read book felt as if each chapter ended on a cliffhanger that made the book impossible to put down.
The author did such a fantastic job at making the characters so realistic I sympathized with them, but was also suspicious of each of them at different parts of the book.
When I realized I was nearly finished the book but the story was not complete, I thought the author was going to rush the ending. Some authors end a story as if they have reached their minimum amount of words needed for an assignment. Rest assured, Logan did not.
In one of the blurbs, Nancy Macfarlane (Fiction Addiction), described “Lies” as “one of the scariest…”. I do not think it was scary but definitely was a page turner. I added T.M. Logan to my list of authors to read.
The author did such a fantastic job at making the characters so realistic I sympathized with them, but was also suspicious of each of them at different parts of the book.
When I realized I was nearly finished the book but the story was not complete, I thought the author was going to rush the ending. Some authors end a story as if they have reached their minimum amount of words needed for an assignment. Rest assured, Logan did not.
In one of the blurbs, Nancy Macfarlane (Fiction Addiction), described “Lies” as “one of the scariest…”. I do not think it was scary but definitely was a page turner. I added T.M. Logan to my list of authors to read.