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Spy School Goes North
Spy School Goes North
Stuart Gibbs | 2023 | Children
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Kidnapping in Alaska
Ben and the rest of the gang are in Alaska, training in secret after the events of the previous book. But they aren’t as secret as they thought they were when someone kidnaps Cyrus. Naturally, they spring into action to save him, but even if they do, what plot might they uncover?

I’ve been a fan of the series since the beginning, but it is beginning to feel a little too familiar. It would be nice if we could defeat some recurring characters and move on to some new stories. Additionally, there are a couple of lectures that threw me out of the book, even when I agreed with the characters. There’s also a relationship that bothered me on multiple levels. From a story standpoint, this relationship felt completely forced and the plot relied on it too much. It just wasn’t earned. On the other hand, I did enjoy spending time with the characters as always, and the action and laughs kept me turning pages. Here’s hoping that the next will take things in a fresh direction.
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2395 KP) rated Frightened to Depths in Books

Jul 10, 2025 (Updated Jul 10, 2025)  
Frightened to Depths
Frightened to Depths
K. B. Jackson | 2025 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Nothing to Be Frightened About Here
When Charlotte and Jane’s cruise ship docks for a couple of days in New Orleans, they run into an old crush of Jane’s. He joins them aboard the ship, along with a band reuniting with a former member. But when that band member is shot with a silver bullet under a full moon, Jane’s new beau looks like a suspect. After all, he is writing a book about New Orlean’s werewolf legend. Will finding the truth cost Charlotte her relationship with her sister?

I was excited to be back with these characters. While some of the supporting cast are in the background, the suspects are strong, and I enjoyed watching the main cast’s relationships grow. I have to give a special shout out to Charlotte and Jane’s relationship since their struggle is well represented. The plot is strong, with plenty to keep us engaged before the logical climax. If this is how these characters sail off into the sunset, I’ll be happy. But I hope they come back for more.
  
The Art of Letting Go by Mauwe
The Art of Letting Go by Mauwe
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Mauwe (Portia & Jay) is a Bristol-based indie-pop duo. Not too long ago, they released their debut EP, entitled, “The Art of Letting Go”.

The 5-track project is a chronicle of love lessons that Mauwe learned in life. Also, hopefulness is the common theme throughout the EP.

“That’s All”

That’s All wishes an old flame the best. Nothing more nothing less. The song is sung from a female’s point of view, where the woman in question is thinking about her ex-boyfriend.

She knows their relationship is over. Plus, she’s dealing with the fact that he has moved on with another woman. But that doesn’t stop her from telling him that she’s thinking about him.

“Smoked a Pack”

Smoke a Pack is an edgy song about a woman that’s waiting for a phone call from a man she regrets being in a relationship with. While waiting, she realizes she should have never gotten into a relationship with him in the first place.

The woman is thinking about her friends warning her not to get into the relationship and other regretful actions. The situation is nerve-racking so she smokes a pack of cigarettes. She’s trying to release her stress and anger the cheapest way she knows how.

“Gold”

Gold is an apprehensive song about falling for someone new. The song places a woman that’s drunk in love with a man that makes her feel like gold.

The woman compares her current state of drunken love to someone who is on drink number three. Depending on what that person is drinking, probably means she’s feeling good inside.

“Walls”

Walls is an emotional R&B/Soul ballad. It’s about a woman who’s losing her mind. Although she’s out of a broken relationship, her heart is still imprisoned there.

The woman is going insane trying to forget her ex’s name. She used to have control, but since he let her go, she writes on the walls to past time. Sometimes, love is a pretty gloomy thing isn’t it?

“Strangers”

If you’ve ever taken the time to look back at some of life’s more challenging moments, accompanied by a tub of Ben & Jerry’s or a bottle of wine, you’ll probably relate to Strangers.

The song is built on the sereneness of solitary thought. On moments that give us the clarity needed to see things how they really were.

Mauwe’s songwriting directions have a clear lineage to what they were influenced by prior to their formation.

 Jay outlines contemporary folk and electronica as his staples growing up.

In conclusion, we highly recommend that you listen to Mauwe’s debut EP, entitled, “The Art of Letting Go”.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/mauwe-art-letting-go/
  
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Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Hot Milk in Books

Jul 28, 2017  
Hot Milk
Hot Milk
Deborah Levy | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Well written but too long and fluffy
Deborah Levy is a wonderful writer and is able to explore characters in a detailed way.

Unfortunately the storyline is a little too convoluted, rather emotional with little substance about an adult daughter's relationship with both her parents. It could be cut down to half the length and even then it may be too long. This may appeal to drama lovers but be warned - the story can be summed up in a sentence.