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Beyond Reach / Skin Privilege (UK) (Grant County, #6)
8
8.0 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
A worthy end to a solid series - would recommend reading in order.
For some reason, the UK version of this book has a different name (Skin Privilege) to the rest of the world’s Beyond Reach title. Whatever you call it its the end of the Grant County series and what a way to finish!!! It’s a strong and worthy ending to a solid series that had a few ups and downs along the way for me.

We meet up again with Detective Lena Adams back in her hometown of Reece; where she has got herself into a whole world of trouble (no surprise there, it’s her special talent.) With a vicious (and I mean typical Slaughter full-on vicious) murder Lena is the only suspect and our intrepid heroes, Jeffery and Sara; rush to do what they do best i.e. stick their noses in and try to figure out what the hell is going on.

We get 2 different timelines and general POVs with us following Lena pre murder trying to unearth the truth of her family history and Sara and Jeffery trying to piece together Lena’s involvement in a murder. Lena looks especially involved in it when she does a runner from local law enforcement. The two main POVs work well together to slowly lead you through an enjoyable mystery.

I’ve previously not been a huge fan of Jeffery and Lena but this book worked to give me a better understanding and more empathy for Lena; although she is still annoyingly stubborn to the point of it being pretty stupid.

I thought the ending was what this series needed and for those that don’t like it there is a letter from Slaughter on her website explaining her thoughts (don’t read until after you have read the book.) Overall the Grant County Series has had some really high points (the first two books were particularly good) and some low points; A Faint Cold Fear and Indelible didn’t do much for me but overall I’m glad I kept with it and look forward to maybe meeting some of the characters again in the future - I think there is a tie in at some point in her Will Trent series that I’ve not read any of yet but look forward to giving a go - I do enjoy Slaughters writing.
  
Ice Like Fire (Snow Like Ashes, #2)
Ice Like Fire (Snow Like Ashes, #2)
Sara Raasch | 2015 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
8
7.5 (6 Ratings)
Book Rating
I don't know what to say about this one. (Aside from the fact the author is just another evil writing spawn...)

Anyways. Let's get this up and out of the way: I enjoyed <i><a title="Snow Like Ashes review" href="http://www.bookwyrmingthoughts.com/2015/04/review-snow-like-ashes-by-sara-raasch.html"; target="_blank" rel="noopener tag">Snow Like Ashes</a></i> much much better than <i>Ice Like Fire</i>. In fact, it would have been <i>great</i> as a stand alone novel as well, aside from the fact it would be an open-ended ending that would probably just demand a series in the end.

<i>Ice Like Fire</i> is basically a reconstruction phrase for the Winterians, who are recovering from the harsh conditions of their work camps in Spring (or maybe another kingdom). Under Cordell's orders (and because Winter is in debt to the kingdom for their assistance in getting rid of Angra), the Winterians are mining and searching for the origins of the conduits, and the source of powerful magic. When they find the magic chasm, everyone has different viewpoints: Theron wants to open the chasm and unite the world, Meira wants to keep the chasm closed and answers, and Mather just wants the Winterians to be free.

And to hopefully accomplish all of that and gain allies, Meira and Theron set off on a journey to the other kingdoms, primarily Summer, Yakim, and Ventralli. If you ask me, nothing terribly action packed is going on in this sequel unless visiting kingdoms and seeing their traditions in action is considered "action."

But let's talk about this love triangle established from <i>Snow Like Ashes</i> and continuing with <i>Ice Like Fire</i>. Mather is compassionate and loyal and quotable, and Theron makes fantastic comments and has big dreams for the kingdoms. Both with good intentions and not exactly considered annoying thus far. I haven't actually made any progress with this love triangle – not when it comes to going with one side or another.

Ultimately, though, stay away from <i>Ice Like Fire</i>. The first book is more enjoyable, but the second book will leave readers wanting closure that won't actually happen until later on this year.

<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/chibi-views-touch-jennifer-snyder-ice-like-fire-sara-raasch/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
  
The Escape Room
The Escape Room
Megan Goldin | 2019 | Crime, Thriller
10
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
What an incredible book!!
What an incredible book!?!? I devoured this title in about 3 hours as I simply COULD NOT put it down. A new author for me, I was interested after catching that it was recommended by Lee Child and OMG am I glad I did. Megan Goldin surely has herself a new fan! I truly could not put this book down - kept me on the edge of my seat from page one!

The story takes us through Sara Hall's point of view, a recent MBA graduate a few months out of school and still looking for work. A random encounter in an elevator after the worst interview of her life leads her to her big chance to break into Wall Street Finance.

We also follow four executives participating in a required corporate team building exercise that has them trying to escape a locked elevator. When nerves start to flare and everyone ends up on edge, the real answers start to come out... secrets shared, faults uncovered and a murderer exposed.

HIGHLY recommended and I'll surely be back for more from this author!
  
Bag of Bones
Bag of Bones
Stephen King | 1998 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.3 (44 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is my first encounter with this famous author and I was quite pleased with it. When I started reading the book it didn’t make me very excited. To this time I think that it could’ve been at least 150 pages less than it actually was. In my opinion, the beginning was too dragged and the information which actually was necessary could’ve fit in couple chapters. Once Mike actually gets to Sara Laughs then all the fun begins. I liked the characters chosen for this novel, they were realistic and very believable.

The plot was quite layered, and there were multiple stories unfolding in this book, that kept me intrigued. The book is perfect for a big screen, and if the right crew would’ve worked on it could be an amazing thriller. I had an opportunity to see the screen making with Pierce Brosnan and it didn’t make me very happy. I loved Mr King’s writing style and little clues of what will happen. So, overall, I had a slow beginning with this book but once I got to the fun bit I couldn’t put it away. I will definitely indulge myself into more of Mr King’s writing.
  
Archangel&#039;s Kiss (Guild Hunter, #2)
Archangel's Kiss (Guild Hunter, #2)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
4.5 stars.

I didn't get the same wow...! feeling after reading this as the first but I did really like it at the same time.

The relationship is still as hot between Raphael and Elena in this as the first and this time they are in the Refuge so that Elena can learn how to be what she now is. We learn more about the nightmares that haunt our favourite hunter and see more into Raphael's past, which was interesting.

We don't see much of her best friend and fellow hunter in this, Ransom and Sara, and in a way I missed them. They grew on me in the first, but since Elena wants to go home at the end of this, I'm assuming they head back to New York in the next and we'll see more of them again.

I have to say I still like Illium--a.k.a Bluebell--and this new side we see to him in this only makes me like him more. I would love to see his wings! And Elena's since they seem to be along the same colours. In fact, I need visuals of everyone's wings because they all sound incredibly beautiful!
  
Demon Moon (Xoe Meyers #1)
Demon Moon (Xoe Meyers #1)
Sara C. Roethle | 2020 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
7
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
133 of 200
Kindle
Xoe ( Xoe Meyers book 1)
By Sara C. Roethle

I am demon, hear me roar.

Xoe has a problem. Scratch that, she has many problems. Her best friend Lucy is romantically involved with a psychotic werewolf, her father might be a demon, and the cute new guy in her life is a vampire.

When Xoe’s father shows up in town to help her develop her magic, it’s too little too late. She’s already started unintentionally setting things on fire, and he lost her trust a long time ago.

Everything spirals out of control as Xoe is drawn deeper into the secrets of the paranormal community. Unfortunately, her sharp tongue and quick wit won’t be enough to save Lucy’s life, and Xoe will have to embrace her fiery powers to burn her enemies, before her whole world goes up in flames.



So it turned out not to be too bad at all. A bit more teeny than used to but it was an enjoyable read! Plus a new author for me to enjoy!
I’m interested to find out more about xoe it’s not often you see a female lead that’s a demon!
  
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Charm ( Destine Academy book 7)
Sara Snow | 2022
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
198 of 230
Kindle
Charm ( Destine Academy book 7)
By Sara Snow
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When Caroline finds her mortal best friend, Felicity, at Destine Academy, a whole new string of questions unfolds—and Caroline is faced with the extent to which her aunt will go to get her way.As Caroline struggles to heal her body, her heart is torn between her growing feelings for both Corbin of the Surnaturals and Aldrick of the Magicks. But the lingering question is Does she even have a choice?With her aunt pretending the locker room incident was a simple gas leak, Caroline and her friends decide to take matters into their own hands and find a way to protect themselves against Tempeste’s growing powers. But first, they must return Eloise’s memories to her, if they’re to have any hope

And good instalment in the Destine Academy series these books are not long but you get so much info and story packed in you feel like you have read a full length book. We pick back up with Caroline and friends as they find a way to protect themselves from Tempeste. Really enjoyed it.
  
P
Piasa
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
My full review can also be found on my blog:
https://diaryofdifference.com/2018/04/11/piasa-michael-kott-book-review/

The author - Mr. Michael Kott sent me this book for an honest review! I honestly enjoyed reading every single page, and I couldn't put the book down, which deprived me from some sleep a few nights. This is what I thought about PIASA:

This is a very warm story that covers the life of Sara, a young little girl (don’t call her that, she’ll get angry!). My apologies - a young fifteen-year-old lady that survives a car accident while her whole family dies. In times when destiny is hard to accept, she will get involved into resolving the mystery behind the legend of the Piasa, and this adventure might actually mean a new start in life for her!

For a lady of this age, this destiny is extremely hard to accept, and on top of that, she has a few scars that will mark that experience probably for the rest of her life.
Her life is not easy - she lost her family, and all of her belongings, and here she is now, at her Aunt Claire’s hotel, still unsure whether she is ready to move forward with life.

Sara is a very unusual character. I have to admit that at times, she would made me cringe. Some of the things she says and does doesn’t comply with my opinion, but there are things that I really loved about her. I loved the way she is coping with all the challenges she has, after everything that she’s been through, her ability to admire someone the way she admires Mike, to start believing again, even despite everything that happens around her, to seize the day and enjoy the moments that life can offer. I love how she would find hope even in the darkest of places.

Even though I really liked the character of Sara, my favourite character has to be Mike. The way he thinks, acts and motivates everyone around him is unique. Mike is one of the characters that will make you realise and question some of your decisions in life.

The only character I couldn’t connect to at all was Pamela. I honestly am not sure why - it might be that there weren’t too many situations involving her that would make me care.

The story hooks you onto it and it is hard to put it down. I have never heard about the legend of the Piasa before, and one part of me wanted to find out before reading the book. I am glad that I didn’t, as I found out slowly about it, page by page, and that is an experience that will stay with me.

I love how it is presented that life is so unpredictable in so many ways, that mysteries are all around us, and that we are able to move forward and win - only if we wish to believe that we can do it. And sometimes, we are in doubt, and that is when precious people come into our lives - it all happens with a reason.

The only thing I wish was different about ‘’Piasa’’ is that I could’ve read this amazing book way, way sooner, when I was fifteen. I can’t wait to read the second book of this series - Cryptid.


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The Huntsman: Winter&#039;s War (2016)
The Huntsman: Winter's War (2016)
2016 | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
7
6.6 (17 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Mirror, mirror on the wall who is the fairest of them all?”

Once again the story that has captivated millions throughout the world returns to the big screen with a prequel and sequel to Snow White and the Huntsman. At the end of the first film, the evil mirror-obsessed queen Ravenna (Charlize Theron) is defeated by Snow White (Kirsten Stewart) and Eric the Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth). The second film begins with the revelation that Ravenna has a sister named Freya (Emily Blunt), who was completely normal until she made the mistake of falling in love and getting pregnant, which endangered the sinister plans of Ravenna. Under unknown circumstances Freya loses the love of her life and her baby, causing so much pain and suffering , she becomes the sad and lonely Snow Queen , leaving her sister to conquer kingdoms on her own .

The Huntsman is related to Ravenna, not only because of Snow White, but because he and his wife Sara (Jessica Chastain) were raised and trained in the kingdom ruled by Snow Queen Freya who, as a survivor of unthinkable heartbreak, has one big rule all her “children” must obey: Do not love. Ever.

Long story short, Freya’s reign threatens Snow White’s kingdom and it’s up to Eric, Sara, and their companions to stop her. And although her role is smaller here than in the original film, Queen Ravenna returns to both aid and manipulate her youngster sister Freya.

There might not be Seven Dwarves this time around, but the four this sequel does include are hilarious and offer some of the cleverest comebacks I have heard in a long time. Nick Frost’s Nion is the only dwarf from the original to return, and he’s joined by his brother Gryff (Rob Brydon) and two females, Mrs. Bromwyn (Sheridan Smith) and Doreena (Alexandra Roache).

I can say that I really liked this film, and as a Charlize Theron fan I most enjoy her work especially as an evil, selfish witch obsessed with eternal beauty. And of course having Chris Hemsworth in the screen is always a delight for our eyes. The special effects are not distracting at all; they’re actually the complete opposite. The quality is outstanding which makes it easier to be transported to a magical world filled with fairies and enchantments.

Although I have to say it is not as family-friendly as the fairy tale inspired film, it is definitely funny, including a lot of action and fight scenes with a story line that entertains the audience.
  
Beautiful Broken Things
Beautiful Broken Things
Sara Barnard | 2017 | Children
7
7.7 (6 Ratings)
Book Rating
The fragility of teen friendships
This was a contemporary YA about friendships, there was no romance and it didn't need it. This friendship triangle was a subtle but delicate dance of power imbalance and loyalty. The pacing was steady as the story ebbed and flowed through drama (real not unnecessary) and steadier times.

Caddy was the protagonist and Rosie was her best friend but the story very much revolved around Suzanne, a 16 year old teen, abused and with significant psychological effects. I never understood the lack of police involvement in her past, but I was able to read past that issue. It was a powerful story, wings were spread, influences bad and good happened and the apple cart was well and truly knocked over.

This story built to a crescendo and for the last 10%, I felt like I'd been hit with a mallet. It was powerful reading and my heart had a few fissures that needed mending. I am so glad I am reading this at a time when there's a book two out, even though it has stood alone for a few years.

Sara Barnard writes from the young person's perspective so well. Her characters' feelings towards their parents and their parents' reactions are very real. I remain impressed.