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Storms of Malhado
Storms of Malhado
Maria Elena Sandovici | 2020 | History & Politics, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I admit that when I read the book synopsis for Storms of Malhado by Maria Elena Sandovici and saw there were ghosts involved, I knew I had to read this book! While it turned out not to be so much of a ghost story but something much much more, it was still a great read!

I felt that the plot for Storms of Malhado was fairly original. The reader is taken through three different points in time starting in 1900 with Suzanne's story, followed by 1961 with Betty's story, and then to 2008 with Katie's story. We learn of how each woman is with a man that is slippery and unobtainable yet each woman yearns to make the relationship work. Each story leads up to a horrible hurricane from each year. What will each woman sacrifice for love, and will it lead up to their demise? Storms of Malhado is full of life lessons, the strongest being that those who don't learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. There is so much symbolism throughout this novel which I didn't catch some of it until I finished reading and reflected back on what I had just read. Sandovici does a fantastic job at painting a beautiful picture of what life was like for each woman. It's easy to get lost in the narrative and forget you're only reading about the characters instead of living their life! The only thing about the plot that lets it down a little is the ending. It just felt a bit messy and confusing. I can't go into great detail because of spoilers. The ending, while I believe in what happened, just seemed a little far fetched and a little too neat if that makes sense. Three people experiencing the same thing at the same time and calling each other by different names, well, it just seemed kind of out there. I wish I could go into more detail, but I really don't want to give too much away. However, all loose ends are tied up by the end of book, and it becomes obvious how all three narratives within Storms of Malhado are related.

The majority of the characters in Storms of Malhado were well fleshed out and very realistic feeling. I enjoyed reading about Suzanne, Josephine, and Desmond. Suzanne was an interesting character to read about, but there were times she made me angry especially towards her ending. I could actually feel how much she loved and longed after Desmond. I just felt that she could be a little selfish at times. However, I feel that we've all been a little selfish when it comes to love. I could really feel how much Josephine loved Suzanne and wanted the best for her. Josephine was such a great character! Betty, Edna, and Cornelius also had an interesting story line. I felt like I connected with Betty the most. I could feel her frustration with Carl seeping through the pages as well as how much she wanted Cornelius no matter how frustrating he was. I loved Edna the most though, and it made me wish I had an Edna in my life to care for me and be there for me. Betty seemed to not have her head in the clouds as much as Suzanne did which was nice. The narrative I felt that was a little underdeveloped was that of Katie, her boyfriend George, and her mother. We don't get to read much about them until the very end. I would have liked more insight into George and Katie's relationship before the storm hits. The reader gets all this backstory into Suzanne's and Desmond's relationship as well as Betty's and Cornelius' relationship, yet there isn't much back story for Katie and George. All of a sudden towards the ending, we are told that Katie and George have a rocky relationship. I wanted to know why it was so rocky instead of just little bits and pieces. Katie's and George's relationship just felt like it was missing so much. The relationship between Katie and her mother also felt lacking. If her relationship was a strong with her mother as the relationship between Suzanne and Josephine as well as the relationship between Betty and Edna, it did not come across that way in the book. Katie's relationships just felt rushed.

Trigger warnings for Storms of Malhado include infidelity, adultery, alcohol use, death, drug use, some light profanity, and sexual situations (although not graphic).

All in all, Storms of Malhado is a highly interesting read that will leave you hooked on each and every word. It grabs you by the hand and doesn't let go until the end. With fantastic writing, a highly interesting plot, and entertaining characters, Storms of Malhado is a must read. I would definitely recommend Storms of Malhado by Maria Elena Sandovici to those aged 16+ who are after a book that will leave them thinking about it long after they are done reading it.
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(A special thank you to Lone Star Literary Life and Maria Elena Sandovici for providing me with a paperback of Storms of Malhado in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
  
Star Wars: Darth Vader, Vol 1: Vader
Star Wars: Darth Vader, Vol 1: Vader
Kieron Gillen, Salvador Larocca (art) | 2015 | Comics & Graphic Novels, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.4 (9 Ratings)
Book Rating
Star Wars: Darth Vader, Vol 1 is the first collected edition of Marvel's new run of Darth Vader comics, and it's an interesting story. Taking place shortly after Episode IV, the story follows multiple threads: Vader trying to figure out exactly who Luke is; Vader and Palpatine's relationship; and Palpatine's hidden agenda for Vader. I was actually impressed with this volume, and liked how it tied into elements from Marvel's main Star Wars title as well.
  
40x40

Apple Moore (10 KP) rated Russian Doll in TV

Apr 21, 2019  
Russian Doll
Russian Doll
2019 | Comedy, Mystery
As much as I hate this type of show I loved this. So many subtly crafted things that you could pick up or miss, they didnt hold your hand and show you everything, it's up to you to keep up. (0 more)
A little slow to begin. (0 more)
The acting is sublime, the sets are wonderful. This show honestly changed my view on my relationship with myself. I had a major breakthrough because of this show. I can't recommend it enough.
  
BP
Backstage Pass (Sinners on Tour, #1)
10
8.0 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
after reading some mixed reviews, I thought id give it a go. the book is full of steamy scenes. the author made the book fun, sexy with a very interesting plot line. the relationship between the characters moves from lust to love throughout the book. the story line is believable and very realistic which made this book a easy read. looking forward to many more books from this author
will recommend
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Gilmore Girls  - Season 5
Gilmore Girls - Season 5
2004 | Drama
Luke and Lorelai. (0 more)
This season makes me really dislike Emily Gilmore, Christopher Hayden and unfortunately, Rory Gilmore. (0 more)
You got Huntzbergered.
Contains spoilers, click to show
Emily and Richard's hatred for the Luke/Lorelai relationship is overdone, the interference is ridiculous.
Lane and Zach is farfetched, poor Brian must feel very self conscious that Lane hadn't fallen for him too, she just dates band mates!
Stealing a Yacht... 5 seasons building up academically inclined, sensible Rory to essentially a different character completely.