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Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Silent Victims (Hanlon Series #4) in Books
Apr 18, 2021
Once again, I am not disappointed with this, the final book in the series featuring the unconventional DCI Hanlon.
I have now read all 4 books in this series and have enjoyed each and every one of them. I rarely say this about a series but I really do think you need to have read at least the first one (The Stolen Child) if you want to understand the main characters in the book; if you don't, I really think you will be flailing a little with the relationships they have and their motivations and this will, I think, detract from the overall story.
Hanlon is a very strong female character and one tough cookie. I admit that she is quite difficult to like but she has definitely grown on me over the series. In this, we see the odd glimpse of the softer side to Hanlon which makes her more "human" but don't let these snippets fool you - she will stop at nothing and nothing will stand in her way.
With a cast of excellent characters wrapped up in an intriguing plot, lots of action, tension and violent scenes, this is a great story well written which is gripping and exciting and makes it difficult to stop reading.
Highly recommended series and my thanks go to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
I have now read all 4 books in this series and have enjoyed each and every one of them. I rarely say this about a series but I really do think you need to have read at least the first one (The Stolen Child) if you want to understand the main characters in the book; if you don't, I really think you will be flailing a little with the relationships they have and their motivations and this will, I think, detract from the overall story.
Hanlon is a very strong female character and one tough cookie. I admit that she is quite difficult to like but she has definitely grown on me over the series. In this, we see the odd glimpse of the softer side to Hanlon which makes her more "human" but don't let these snippets fool you - she will stop at nothing and nothing will stand in her way.
With a cast of excellent characters wrapped up in an intriguing plot, lots of action, tension and violent scenes, this is a great story well written which is gripping and exciting and makes it difficult to stop reading.
Highly recommended series and my thanks go to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Riconoscimento: Recognition (New Blood Rising #3) in Books
Feb 15, 2021 (Updated Aug 3, 2023)
RICONOSCIMENTO: RECOGNITION is the third and final book so far in the New Blood Rising series, and brings this trilogy to a dramatic conclusion. April, Marcus, and Sebastian are mourning the loss of Andrei, whilst still hunting down Sara and the other mages who hurt them so badly.
It was great jumping back into this series as April certainly knows how to handle herself, even when she's feeling slightly 'off'. The relationship between her and Marcus is as wonderful as ever, and Sebastian nearly melted my Kindle.
The one thing I will say, and it's what kept this from being a 5-star read, is the ending felt a bit rushed to me. All the build-up, and then, wham, bam, thank you, ma'am, it's all over. I know Maya Daniels writes things at a fast pace, but this was just a bit too fast.
On the whole, though, this was an amazing ending to the series, and I really hope Maya Daniels does indeed return to this series, as hinted as being possible in the afterword. It is a series though, so you really must read it from book one for it to make any sense, and for you to get the full enjoyment from it.
* 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!
Feb 15, 2021
It was great jumping back into this series as April certainly knows how to handle herself, even when she's feeling slightly 'off'. The relationship between her and Marcus is as wonderful as ever, and Sebastian nearly melted my Kindle.
The one thing I will say, and it's what kept this from being a 5-star read, is the ending felt a bit rushed to me. All the build-up, and then, wham, bam, thank you, ma'am, it's all over. I know Maya Daniels writes things at a fast pace, but this was just a bit too fast.
On the whole, though, this was an amazing ending to the series, and I really hope Maya Daniels does indeed return to this series, as hinted as being possible in the afterword. It is a series though, so you really must read it from book one for it to make any sense, and for you to get the full enjoyment from it.
* 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!
Feb 15, 2021
Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Walking Dead in TV
Nov 2, 2017
Starts brilliantly, but now starting to drag...
I love zombie films, so a zombie (or walker as the "z" word is never mentioned) tv show really appealed. And to begin with, The Walking Dead really impresses.
The first season is such a good debut, Andrew Lincoln does very well as Rick - can hardly believe it's Simon from Teachers. The visual and physical effects are fantastic and the walkers are truly scary. Character development over the initial few series too is very good and you come to care about a lot (and hate a lot) of them. The first maybe 5 series I can't really fault too much. There's dips, but it always come bouncing back with some shock deaths or interesting characters like the Governor.
The problem is with the last couple of series. Everything has become a bit too samey - meet a hostile group, become scared & abused by the group, people get killed and then Rick's group manages to overcome them. The walkers have pretty much taken a back seat. Personally I think they should try and end the series soon instead of dragging it out too far.
The first season is such a good debut, Andrew Lincoln does very well as Rick - can hardly believe it's Simon from Teachers. The visual and physical effects are fantastic and the walkers are truly scary. Character development over the initial few series too is very good and you come to care about a lot (and hate a lot) of them. The first maybe 5 series I can't really fault too much. There's dips, but it always come bouncing back with some shock deaths or interesting characters like the Governor.
The problem is with the last couple of series. Everything has become a bit too samey - meet a hostile group, become scared & abused by the group, people get killed and then Rick's group manages to overcome them. The walkers have pretty much taken a back seat. Personally I think they should try and end the series soon instead of dragging it out too far.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Shadow of Truth in TV
Nov 23, 2017 (Updated Nov 23, 2017)
Another incredible true crime docu-series
This true crime docu-series has already been well-received in Israel as one of the most popular and critically acclaimed shows in the country's history, and it's clear to see why.
Following in the footsteps of other documentaries such as @Making A Murderer - Season 1 and @The Keepers - Season 1, Shadow of Truth focuses on the murder of a teenage girl and the man, a Ukrainian immigrant, who confessed to the murder. Except his confession was questionable as we follow the short series. In this case, it does feel similar to @The Confession Tapes - Season 1 - but there is twist after twist in each episode, all focusing on the case from a different point of view.
What's astonishing is the aftermath of this documentary, in which high-ranking government officials like Israel State Attorney Shai Nitzan even went so far as to call the series "a serious threat to democracy." Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the show and thought any attempt to suppress it violated freedom of speech. It's worth a watch if you love true crime, and more so just for the intense reaction.
Following in the footsteps of other documentaries such as @Making A Murderer - Season 1 and @The Keepers - Season 1, Shadow of Truth focuses on the murder of a teenage girl and the man, a Ukrainian immigrant, who confessed to the murder. Except his confession was questionable as we follow the short series. In this case, it does feel similar to @The Confession Tapes - Season 1 - but there is twist after twist in each episode, all focusing on the case from a different point of view.
What's astonishing is the aftermath of this documentary, in which high-ranking government officials like Israel State Attorney Shai Nitzan even went so far as to call the series "a serious threat to democracy." Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the show and thought any attempt to suppress it violated freedom of speech. It's worth a watch if you love true crime, and more so just for the intense reaction.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated The Confession Tapes - Season 1 in TV
Sep 9, 2017
Traumatic watch, another brilliant true crime series
I have to say I was deeply traumatised watching this astounding yet disturbing series on confessions. Netflix have showcased another incredible documentary series about police misconduct and failings of the judicial process in these six cases.
Like Making A Murderer, it is well produced and directed leaving only the voices of those involved in these cases within the documentaries. However, it looks at one case per 45 minute episode bar the first episode which is spread across two. And it's relentless. Police techniques in questioning the accused range from psychological torture to even what appears to be hypnosis.
The cases itself are horrific. From confessing to the murder of your family, and your children, to brutal murders that led to an entire neighbourhood in Washington DC to break apart after convicting nine innocent teenagers. And no other leads are followed, and it's all based on circumstantial evidence. It makes you really question if you can trust the system. Watch it with caution as it can be harrowing.
Like Making A Murderer, it is well produced and directed leaving only the voices of those involved in these cases within the documentaries. However, it looks at one case per 45 minute episode bar the first episode which is spread across two. And it's relentless. Police techniques in questioning the accused range from psychological torture to even what appears to be hypnosis.
The cases itself are horrific. From confessing to the murder of your family, and your children, to brutal murders that led to an entire neighbourhood in Washington DC to break apart after convicting nine innocent teenagers. And no other leads are followed, and it's all based on circumstantial evidence. It makes you really question if you can trust the system. Watch it with caution as it can be harrowing.
Sam (74 KP) rated The Ersatz Elevator (A Series of Unfortunate Events #6) in Books
Mar 27, 2019
Jerome is a lovely man who has the Baudelaires best interests in mind. Esmé, on the other hand, has the orphans for a style purpose and nothing more. To her, the orphans are expendable items, just something else she will get rid of within an instant if it goes out of fashion.
The Ersatz Elevator is the most unpredictable book in the series so far. Unlike the other books, the title isn’t as relevant so it’s harder to tell what’s going to happen. Without going into too much detail and spoiling it, there are also a lot of different plot twists, a few of them are massive towards the future plot of the series.
As good as the plot twists were, it definitely wasn’t one of the best books in the series. Count Olaf’s appearance was expected, like in every other book, and I just find that it’s getting a bit too same-y how Olaf is always close to whoever is the Baudelaires’ guardian at the time and the guardian never believes them. I feel like a change is probably on the way in the books because I can’t see this theme carrying on throughout the whole series.
The Ersatz Elevator is the most unpredictable book in the series so far. Unlike the other books, the title isn’t as relevant so it’s harder to tell what’s going to happen. Without going into too much detail and spoiling it, there are also a lot of different plot twists, a few of them are massive towards the future plot of the series.
As good as the plot twists were, it definitely wasn’t one of the best books in the series. Count Olaf’s appearance was expected, like in every other book, and I just find that it’s getting a bit too same-y how Olaf is always close to whoever is the Baudelaires’ guardian at the time and the guardian never believes them. I feel like a change is probably on the way in the books because I can’t see this theme carrying on throughout the whole series.
starwarsluvr (236 KP) rated Awaiting Fate (Fated Immortals, #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2018
I loved this so much. I read this one not realizing it was a spin off from another series, but it wasn't necessary to read the other series first even though I do have a feeling I would understand some of the characters more if I had. However, it is NOT needed at all. Cain is so hott. He is a demon, he is sexy, and when he turns demon so much yummy. He has insecurities and jealousy. He loves his mate so much but is worried she won't want or need him so he takes his time. Olivia is amazing. She is so strong but thinks she isn't. She was sheltered because of her fear and needing her brother so much. She falls for Cain who is a demon and she is a werewolf so she isn't supposed to love a demon. They both have to work through so much just to be together including his issues and her brother. This is an amazing start to this series and thanks to reading this one I now need to read the other series before this one. I highly recommend this book if you love paranormal romance.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Caught by Air (The Watchtower Chronicles, #4) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second novel I have read in this series and I can safely say that is among one the best fantasy romances I have read in a while. I am aggravated at myself, however, for not yet reading the first two in the series.
In all honesty, I feel that there is nothing I can say about this novel that I havent already said about the previous. The mythology is fascinating and the characters who fit into this fantastic world are just as interesting. In a genre overrun with vampires, werewolves, and shifters, it was refreshing to read about Jenkins witches who I enjoyed. I also liked the heroine and her hero. Something about the protector and the protected falling in love is a trope I am very much a fan of.
Again, I really need to read the first two in this series, though the two I have read can be enjoyed on their own. As a fan of fantasy romance and elemental magic, I highly recommend this series and plan to continue it until it's completion.
This is the second novel I have read in this series and I can safely say that is among one the best fantasy romances I have read in a while. I am aggravated at myself, however, for not yet reading the first two in the series.
In all honesty, I feel that there is nothing I can say about this novel that I havent already said about the previous. The mythology is fascinating and the characters who fit into this fantastic world are just as interesting. In a genre overrun with vampires, werewolves, and shifters, it was refreshing to read about Jenkins witches who I enjoyed. I also liked the heroine and her hero. Something about the protector and the protected falling in love is a trope I am very much a fan of.
Again, I really need to read the first two in this series, though the two I have read can be enjoyed on their own. As a fan of fantasy romance and elemental magic, I highly recommend this series and plan to continue it until it's completion.
Chelsee R Clawson (23 KP) rated Call the Midwife - Season 1 in TV
Mar 6, 2018
What a show!
Now I am rather late to the whole call the midwife scene. From the snippets that I've seen when my mother watches the show its babies, babies and more babies! Oh but how wrong could I be. This series not only deals with childbirth it also delves into the changing times and trials of the 1950s era as this series is based on true memoirs, you get a taste of the reality that everyday people were having to go through both from best practices in medicine to running the household its truly remarkable and I regret not watching it sooner! The the midwifes and sisters are outstanding and as the series goes on each person's story is slowly unravelled bit by tiny bit as their experience grows so does your love for each and every member of the cast. I have now progressed to series two and will continue to watch each season until I am fully up to date and I can tell you now a few binge watching sessions will be in order, like chocolate I just can't get enough!
Lindsay (1706 KP) rated For Every Season (Amish Vines and Orchards, #3) in Books
Feb 15, 2018
This the best series I have read. Though I have read other series. I love this book because it is just different and I love that it is catching and keeps me to be surprised. I like getting to know each person in the book and in detail. It also keeps me wanting more and making me wait for the next book for more.
The author is great in this. You learn new secret and new storylines that are dealt with. We find out if Jacob can free himself of his past along with Ronda. Ronda learn that her gift from god and what do with it or at least some of it. Will Ronda and Jacob be together in future. You will need to read it to find out for yourselves.
Do they learn what kind of relationships they each want. Samuel, Jacob and Ronda all need to figure it all out. I wonder where each one will go and who will choose who or what path they decide to take. If you have not read this series. I would recommend it that you do. The series starts with the book "A Season for Tending".
The author is great in this. You learn new secret and new storylines that are dealt with. We find out if Jacob can free himself of his past along with Ronda. Ronda learn that her gift from god and what do with it or at least some of it. Will Ronda and Jacob be together in future. You will need to read it to find out for yourselves.
Do they learn what kind of relationships they each want. Samuel, Jacob and Ronda all need to figure it all out. I wonder where each one will go and who will choose who or what path they decide to take. If you have not read this series. I would recommend it that you do. The series starts with the book "A Season for Tending".