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Merissa (13878 KP) rated Hope's Decree (The Fated #1) in Books
Apr 15, 2023
Where to start with this book? It has characters that are well-rounded and developed, a storyline that is both well-paced and intriguing, enough similarities to 'normal' life that you can empathise as well as enough 'out of the ordinary' to keep you thoroughly engrossed with every word, whilst any grammatical errors are not to be found.
Trinity is the quiet, studious one, the one who is beautiful and doesn't realise it. The thing is, she's actually relatable too so you can't hate her, even if you want to! Crystal is the bad girl, I couldn't quite figure out why she is friends with Trinity and Keri but then just accepted it. After all, I think everyone has a friend at some point in their lives Just Because! Keri was the quietest one in the group. She is very observant of Trinity but she is also in a new relationship. She does successfully balance this with her friendships though which was good to read.
The relationship with Blain is complicated and you stay with Trinity as she tries to figure out just what is going on. Morpheus is a dude and I loved him. For some reason, in my head, he became a cross of Morpheus from The Matrix (obviously) but also Spike from Buffy, complete with English accent. Needless to say, I loved any scene with him in it! Trevor is okay, I was liking him up until a comment he made about how he thought Trinity was better than that. It slightly annoyed me as she'd basically put up with everything that the 'clique' had thrown at her and the first time she reacts, he shoots her down!
More than this, I'm not going to say as I really don't want to give away any spoilers. Trust me when I say that I absolutely loved this book and really can't wait for book 2. The ending is satisfying whilst also perfectly leading onto the next book. Absolutely, definitely, completely and highly recommended!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 22, 2015
Trinity is the quiet, studious one, the one who is beautiful and doesn't realise it. The thing is, she's actually relatable too so you can't hate her, even if you want to! Crystal is the bad girl, I couldn't quite figure out why she is friends with Trinity and Keri but then just accepted it. After all, I think everyone has a friend at some point in their lives Just Because! Keri was the quietest one in the group. She is very observant of Trinity but she is also in a new relationship. She does successfully balance this with her friendships though which was good to read.
The relationship with Blain is complicated and you stay with Trinity as she tries to figure out just what is going on. Morpheus is a dude and I loved him. For some reason, in my head, he became a cross of Morpheus from The Matrix (obviously) but also Spike from Buffy, complete with English accent. Needless to say, I loved any scene with him in it! Trevor is okay, I was liking him up until a comment he made about how he thought Trinity was better than that. It slightly annoyed me as she'd basically put up with everything that the 'clique' had thrown at her and the first time she reacts, he shoots her down!
More than this, I'm not going to say as I really don't want to give away any spoilers. Trust me when I say that I absolutely loved this book and really can't wait for book 2. The ending is satisfying whilst also perfectly leading onto the next book. Absolutely, definitely, completely and highly recommended!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 22, 2015
Merissa (13878 KP) rated The Sheltering Tree in Books
Apr 9, 2021 (Updated Jul 27, 2023)
THE SHELTERING TREE is an amazing story of two opposites who start their relationship as friends with benefits before it moves on to become more. With danger, excitement, and plenty of steam, this was a story I didn't want to end!
I loved how they were both older. Don't get me wrong, I like reading about the 'young 'uns' 🤣 but I do like a more mature man too. And Alistair was supposed to be an almost silver fox, so count me in! And they both had a history - with past loves and lives the other didn't know about. This made them getting to know each other all the more delicious.
I thought the way I was led in one direction, only to be turned completely around, made this an engrossing read, one that kept me turning the pages. There really is something for everyone here. Mystery, suspense, love, friendship, you name it.
And the best part is I can't differentiate between the main characters as to which one is my favourite! They are both outstanding in their own ways. And they are surrounded by an amazing supporting cast, including Connor and Juliet. Throw in the gorgeous setting of Cliveden and you have a romance to burn your Kindle.
This is a good-sized novel, but it still ended too soon for me. I was lost in their world and their relationship. I want more! And yet, I'm so happy with what I got. I adored them both.
The pacing was perfect and the style of writing was smooth. I find it hard to believe this is the author's first full-length novel! What I do know is I will be keeping an eye out in future for more books from her. This is definitely one to keep and re-read! HIGHLY 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!
Apr 9, 2021
I loved how they were both older. Don't get me wrong, I like reading about the 'young 'uns' 🤣 but I do like a more mature man too. And Alistair was supposed to be an almost silver fox, so count me in! And they both had a history - with past loves and lives the other didn't know about. This made them getting to know each other all the more delicious.
I thought the way I was led in one direction, only to be turned completely around, made this an engrossing read, one that kept me turning the pages. There really is something for everyone here. Mystery, suspense, love, friendship, you name it.
And the best part is I can't differentiate between the main characters as to which one is my favourite! They are both outstanding in their own ways. And they are surrounded by an amazing supporting cast, including Connor and Juliet. Throw in the gorgeous setting of Cliveden and you have a romance to burn your Kindle.
This is a good-sized novel, but it still ended too soon for me. I was lost in their world and their relationship. I want more! And yet, I'm so happy with what I got. I adored them both.
The pacing was perfect and the style of writing was smooth. I find it hard to believe this is the author's first full-length novel! What I do know is I will be keeping an eye out in future for more books from her. This is definitely one to keep and re-read! HIGHLY 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!
Apr 9, 2021
My Sweetheart Surprise
10.0
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Book
Parker: Everything was going fine. So what if my ex-boyfriend cheated on me and then took everything...
Contemporary MM Romance
Debbiereadsbook (1684 KP) rated Witch's Knight (The Bloodline Chronicles, #1) in Books
Mar 17, 2024
quite dark in places, but I do think it is needed!
Independent reviewer for archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Here's the thing, right? I DNF'ed this book, 2 years ago, and I cannot for the life of me figure out why!
I really REALLY liked this book! It starts off with a zombie mouse, and then runs away with itself!
Sarai is a witch, with dual power. She is in hiding from her father. When vigilanties hunting both vampire and witch find her, she is saved by a vampire. Marcelle is second in command to the vampire king, Setanta. Who wants to use Sarai to form an alliance to fight said vigilanties.
This is wonderfully written, starting off fast and furious and not letting up. Mostly from Sarai's point of view, with Marcelle having the other voice, it really was a great read. It is quite dark in some places, with a slightly deranged witch doing despicable things to Marcelle that is on page, but I do feel that it is needed.
The smexy times between Marcelle and Sarai are not explicit, but they are steamy.
But the thing is: I can't see where this is going, nor how it's going to end. And it's frustrating! Sarai and Marcelle have a relationship here, and Marcelle (along with most vampires, if not all) are NOT monogamous, but the relationship between Marcelle and Setanta takes a back seat to Sarai and Marcelle. I think I would have liked a bit more of Setanta, either as a voice or with Marcelle. He's an interesting character! So, I've no idea if Sarai will end up with Marcelle, or someone else, or no one, because her father might get her!
So, the book ends on a bit of a cliff hanger, with Sarai being confined to the vampire stronghold. Not quite a kindle-throwing cliff hanger but nearly!
I have book 2, Midnight Fear to read next, which is the conclusion of this storyline.
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Here's the thing, right? I DNF'ed this book, 2 years ago, and I cannot for the life of me figure out why!
I really REALLY liked this book! It starts off with a zombie mouse, and then runs away with itself!
Sarai is a witch, with dual power. She is in hiding from her father. When vigilanties hunting both vampire and witch find her, she is saved by a vampire. Marcelle is second in command to the vampire king, Setanta. Who wants to use Sarai to form an alliance to fight said vigilanties.
This is wonderfully written, starting off fast and furious and not letting up. Mostly from Sarai's point of view, with Marcelle having the other voice, it really was a great read. It is quite dark in some places, with a slightly deranged witch doing despicable things to Marcelle that is on page, but I do feel that it is needed.
The smexy times between Marcelle and Sarai are not explicit, but they are steamy.
But the thing is: I can't see where this is going, nor how it's going to end. And it's frustrating! Sarai and Marcelle have a relationship here, and Marcelle (along with most vampires, if not all) are NOT monogamous, but the relationship between Marcelle and Setanta takes a back seat to Sarai and Marcelle. I think I would have liked a bit more of Setanta, either as a voice or with Marcelle. He's an interesting character! So, I've no idea if Sarai will end up with Marcelle, or someone else, or no one, because her father might get her!
So, the book ends on a bit of a cliff hanger, with Sarai being confined to the vampire stronghold. Not quite a kindle-throwing cliff hanger but nearly!
I have book 2, Midnight Fear to read next, which is the conclusion of this storyline.
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Once Upon A Goth Dog Solstice
8.0
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From the author of the award-winning novel You Can Do Magic: Carnival of Mysteries and Publishers...
Contemporary MM Seasonal Romance
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Born To Be Blue (2016) in Movies
Sep 26, 2017
Seriously depressing, a masterful musician and his addiction
As a fan of jazz great Chet Baker, Born to be Blue is an honest and brutal portrayal of the trumpeter, especially during his worst time battling addiction. After a mysterious but vicious assault Baker, portrayed by Ethan Hawke, he is left unable to play and kicked out of the industry on parole.
While it is mostly accurate, his love interest is an amalgamation of his three ex-wives and so there is a bit of artistic licence. And at times it flips into flashbacks of black and white, which is a film in a film, when Baker played himself in his biopic. But mostly it's his relationship with heroin which he took until the end of his life in 1988, though the film only concentrates on his growing insecurity between 1950 and 1960.
It's sad knowing how it ends, too many talents lost in the haze of drugs.
While it is mostly accurate, his love interest is an amalgamation of his three ex-wives and so there is a bit of artistic licence. And at times it flips into flashbacks of black and white, which is a film in a film, when Baker played himself in his biopic. But mostly it's his relationship with heroin which he took until the end of his life in 1988, though the film only concentrates on his growing insecurity between 1950 and 1960.
It's sad knowing how it ends, too many talents lost in the haze of drugs.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Unspeakable in Books
Oct 22, 2017 (Updated Oct 22, 2017)
A biting outlook on American politics by a veteran journalist
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Chris Hedges and Salon founder David Talbot have a frank conversation about political taboos in this new series of books on 'forbidden' topics.
Hedges writes about politics with a principled fury and an eye to pointing out injustice, even at the cost of his own career as an acclaimed war correspondent. The book is a long-running commentary on the many issues Hedges confronts in his writing, including war, Occupy Wall Street, and the New York Times's relationship to organs of state power.
At times, he sounds like a bitter preacher, at other times, he is focused and forms excellent arguments against the establishment. His views on the pornification of society are liberating, finally addressing the underlying issues of economics invading the private space.
His observation that the today's ruling elites are out of touch with the country they govern and has borne out in the 2016 election cycle, shows that even the most stridently expressed views aren't necessarily wrong.
Hedges writes about politics with a principled fury and an eye to pointing out injustice, even at the cost of his own career as an acclaimed war correspondent. The book is a long-running commentary on the many issues Hedges confronts in his writing, including war, Occupy Wall Street, and the New York Times's relationship to organs of state power.
At times, he sounds like a bitter preacher, at other times, he is focused and forms excellent arguments against the establishment. His views on the pornification of society are liberating, finally addressing the underlying issues of economics invading the private space.
His observation that the today's ruling elites are out of touch with the country they govern and has borne out in the 2016 election cycle, shows that even the most stridently expressed views aren't necessarily wrong.
ClareR (6106 KP) rated A Matter of Oaths in Books
Nov 15, 2017
Believable characters (1 more)
Great world building
A worthy Space Opera!
A story that drops you right in to the action. The world building is believable and the characters are diverse. Considering that this was first published in 1988, there are characters of colour. gay and women in positions of unquestioned authority. None of this seems forced, the gay relationship isn't contrived, the leading female character, Rally, isn't over-bearing as so many strong female characters are often written in the past, and she is very competent and highly thought of by other characters in the book.
How this has slipped through the net, I will never understand. This deserves to be more widely known, and it is such a shame that the author didn't publish anything else that I know of or have been able to find. If she did, I would find it, read it and no doubt recommend it!
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, Bloomsbury Caravel, for my copy of the book and the opportunity to read and review it!
How this has slipped through the net, I will never understand. This deserves to be more widely known, and it is such a shame that the author didn't publish anything else that I know of or have been able to find. If she did, I would find it, read it and no doubt recommend it!
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, Bloomsbury Caravel, for my copy of the book and the opportunity to read and review it!
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Crown - Season 2 in TV
Dec 9, 2017
Another stirring season of The Crown
The Crown returns with another great season, very different from the initial series, with less focus on an ongoing story. It delves further into the relationship between the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, and the clear tension that arises from his alleged infidelities. But the more interesting part is the fact that it feels educational, going through real-life situations such as diplomatic conflicts - the Suez crisis, former King Edward VIII's collusion with Nazis, and even the Profumo affair, all while showing actual images of the incident after the episode.
In this season, the Queen appears less timid, far more self-assured and stoic as a ruler, all the while attempting to hold the fort in her own growing household. Great Britain is flailing, with various political scandals arising, and as a result, she is heavily scrutinised. We see more of the Duke of Edinburgh's background as a child, while disturbing, it is also utterly heartbreaking. It's a much more realistic portrayal of the royal family than in the first series.
In this season, the Queen appears less timid, far more self-assured and stoic as a ruler, all the while attempting to hold the fort in her own growing household. Great Britain is flailing, with various political scandals arising, and as a result, she is heavily scrutinised. We see more of the Duke of Edinburgh's background as a child, while disturbing, it is also utterly heartbreaking. It's a much more realistic portrayal of the royal family than in the first series.
Maddie (37 KP) rated Mindhunter - Season 1 in TV
Dec 11, 2017
Appropriately disturbing (2 more)
New subject matter
Not a typical crime drama
Characters were hard to understand (1 more)
Slow, awkward pacing
Unique, but awkward
I will start by saying I will definitely be watching the next season, because the subject matter is so fascinating to me (I've put the book on my To Read ASAP list). Overall, this season was well done - with David Fincher's trademark style and an appropriate treatment of monstrous individuals.
However, where I struggled with the series was the characters. It was like the show hasn't decided how to portray them. The motivations for certain actions and behaviors were shaky. Holden makes sense until the last three or so episodes, when he starts doing things that don't line up with who we met in the first chapters. His girlfriend and their relationship is difficult, sometimes idealistic and other times annoying. Everyone else has similarly strange situations. The only character that's pretty consistent is Tench.
I hope they get a little more focused in the next season. I still enjoyed the heck out of it.
However, where I struggled with the series was the characters. It was like the show hasn't decided how to portray them. The motivations for certain actions and behaviors were shaky. Holden makes sense until the last three or so episodes, when he starts doing things that don't line up with who we met in the first chapters. His girlfriend and their relationship is difficult, sometimes idealistic and other times annoying. Everyone else has similarly strange situations. The only character that's pretty consistent is Tench.
I hope they get a little more focused in the next season. I still enjoyed the heck out of it.