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Reader, I Married Him
Audrey Niffenegger, Francine Prose, Tracy Chevalier, Tessa Hadley, Patricia Park, Joanna Briscoe and Nadifa Mohamed
8.0
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'This collection is stormy, romantic, strong - the Full Bronte' The Times A collection of short...
On Bowie
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What made Bowie special? What made him the cultural icon he is today? And what made millions of...
James Marsters recommended Blade Runner (1982) in Movies (curated)
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2194 KP) rated The Enemy We Don’t Know in Books
Nov 18, 2020
The Enemy at Home
It’s November of 1942, and Betty Ahern is doing her part for the war effort from her hometown of Buffalo, New York. That’s why she is one of the many young women working at Bell Aircrafts to build the planes the Allies need. But when someone starts sabotaging the production line, Betty sees her chance to emulate her big screen idol, Sam Spade, and solve a mystery. A murder further complicates things. Can she figure out what is happening?
I love learning about World War II, so it was nice to read a historical mystery set at home during the time. Betty finds plenty of motives that would only work during this time period, which I appreciated. The pacing could have been a little better, but the book kept me engaged most of the time along the way to a great climax. Betty and the main characters were well-developed. I did feel like some of the supporting players, especially Betty’s family, could use more development, but hopefully we will see that happen as the series progresses. Betty was first introduced in a short story that I need to go back and read now. There are a few references to what happened there, but nothing spoilery. If you enjoy historical mysteries, be sure to check out this book.
I love learning about World War II, so it was nice to read a historical mystery set at home during the time. Betty finds plenty of motives that would only work during this time period, which I appreciated. The pacing could have been a little better, but the book kept me engaged most of the time along the way to a great climax. Betty and the main characters were well-developed. I did feel like some of the supporting players, especially Betty’s family, could use more development, but hopefully we will see that happen as the series progresses. Betty was first introduced in a short story that I need to go back and read now. There are a few references to what happened there, but nothing spoilery. If you enjoy historical mysteries, be sure to check out this book.
Cori June (3033 KP) rated Destiny (Rogue Angel, #1) in Books
Jul 29, 2021
The idea (1 more)
Fight scenes
Getting pulled out of the narrative (2 more)
Mary Sue-ish character
The execution of the idea
Yeah , I finished the book, I'm not sure why.
There was something about the use of passive voice or phrasing that pulled me out of the story. If it was obvious in its rudeness I usually rolled my eyes and moved on, it was the subtle stuff that had me going am I supposed to be reading it this way?
The fight scenes where well choreographed that's the best I can say about this book. That and the anthropology and archeology which can be a dangerous profession especially for women (as my teachers repeatedly told me with anecdotes). But sometimes when they talked about it, I felt like they (the author) was chasing rabbits.
I tried to like the main character, Annja, but she was too full of cliches that even though she was quippy it fell short. Like the author was trying too hard. And there was so much plot armor in actually put the book down during fight scenes because there wasn't a sense of danger.
I'm not continuing with the series and will be rehoming this book, either giving it away or selling to a used bookstore, so that someone who can appreciate it has a chance to find it.
There was something about the use of passive voice or phrasing that pulled me out of the story. If it was obvious in its rudeness I usually rolled my eyes and moved on, it was the subtle stuff that had me going am I supposed to be reading it this way?
The fight scenes where well choreographed that's the best I can say about this book. That and the anthropology and archeology which can be a dangerous profession especially for women (as my teachers repeatedly told me with anecdotes). But sometimes when they talked about it, I felt like they (the author) was chasing rabbits.
I tried to like the main character, Annja, but she was too full of cliches that even though she was quippy it fell short. Like the author was trying too hard. And there was so much plot armor in actually put the book down during fight scenes because there wasn't a sense of danger.
I'm not continuing with the series and will be rehoming this book, either giving it away or selling to a used bookstore, so that someone who can appreciate it has a chance to find it.
BookInspector (124 KP) rated Madam Tulip and the Serpent's Tree (Madam Tulip #4) in Books
Sep 24, 2020
I have to be honest, I miss these characters, they are so theatrical, pompous, but at the same time so realistic and cute. The protagonist of this story is Derry, and the book is told from her perspective. Derry has this “luck” to get herself into craziest situations, involving rich and famous, she knows most of their secrets, and always gets into trouble. I like Derry and her crazy parents, and I enjoy their craziness in every book, including this one.
I was very impressed with the plot of this book, it is funny and entertaining, but at the same time more serious and solid. I liked the way the author unravelled this mystery, it was interesting to read about the music band’s lifestyle, mysterious shaman, and plenty of interesting history of Dublin. The narrative starts quite slow, but it has enough action and intense moments as well. Even though this book is a part of the series, it can be easily read as a stand-alone.
I liked the setting of this novel, the author describes Dublin and surrounding areas very picturesquely and I really liked that. I enjoy David Ahern’s writing style, I think he improves with every single book. The chapters are quite short, so the book didn’t drag for me. I loved the ending of this book, I think it rounded this book really well.
I was very impressed with the plot of this book, it is funny and entertaining, but at the same time more serious and solid. I liked the way the author unravelled this mystery, it was interesting to read about the music band’s lifestyle, mysterious shaman, and plenty of interesting history of Dublin. The narrative starts quite slow, but it has enough action and intense moments as well. Even though this book is a part of the series, it can be easily read as a stand-alone.
I liked the setting of this novel, the author describes Dublin and surrounding areas very picturesquely and I really liked that. I enjoy David Ahern’s writing style, I think he improves with every single book. The chapters are quite short, so the book didn’t drag for me. I loved the ending of this book, I think it rounded this book really well.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated My Name is Monster in Books
Sep 15, 2020
An interesting read
My main reason for choosing this book was on the basis of @ClareR review, and I'm glad I did as I enjoyed this much more than expected.
Post-apocalyptic books are a dime a dozen and I've read many over the years, with varying degrees of success. When I first picked up My Name is Monster I was worried it would be nothing new, but it's actually a very interesting read that I struggled to put down. The beginning of the story isn't anything different with a lone survivor scavenging in an empty world (I kept picturing something similar to 28 Days Later minus the infected), but it's how it's written that really got me hooked. I really liked the writing style and the short chapters, and I think Monster's plight was interesting. My biggest issue was with the second part of the book. There's a lot of questioning around mother, creator etc which was fine, but I found it got a little rambling at times which made it slower to get through. I also had to suspend my disbelief at how easy something was for her as it is a teensy bit ridiculous.
But that said, this is still a very enjoyable book and worth a read, especially if you enjoy post-apocalyptic stories.
Post-apocalyptic books are a dime a dozen and I've read many over the years, with varying degrees of success. When I first picked up My Name is Monster I was worried it would be nothing new, but it's actually a very interesting read that I struggled to put down. The beginning of the story isn't anything different with a lone survivor scavenging in an empty world (I kept picturing something similar to 28 Days Later minus the infected), but it's how it's written that really got me hooked. I really liked the writing style and the short chapters, and I think Monster's plight was interesting. My biggest issue was with the second part of the book. There's a lot of questioning around mother, creator etc which was fine, but I found it got a little rambling at times which made it slower to get through. I also had to suspend my disbelief at how easy something was for her as it is a teensy bit ridiculous.
But that said, this is still a very enjoyable book and worth a read, especially if you enjoy post-apocalyptic stories.
Joe Goodhart (27 KP) rated Fables: Volume 1: Legends in Exile in Books
Nov 30, 2020
<i>Ed. Note: this review was based on a re-reading, some years after the first reading.</i>
So, prior to writing this review, I wanted to peruse the reviews on here, to see what others said, reducing the risk of writing something already said. What I found were a number of 1-Star reviews, something I found to be quite surprising!
Not every comic (or book, for that matter) will necessarily start with an amazing first arc. It may be good, yes, but it could also be polished in spots. However, despite little things that could be better, the overall content should be seen as good enough to warrant reading the second story arc.
That is how I felt at the conclusion of this first volume, a mystery of sorts that also served to introduce us to a number of characters who go on to appear as series regulars. Sure, the dialogue was not perfect (really? Comparing it to Gaiman's SANDMAN? Like trying to compare RICK & MORTY to THE LAST UNICORN!), but I can safely say that the series matures, like a well-aged wine, and later issues are much, much better.
Long and short: it's an urban fantasy with the fables we grew up with. Go in without an judgments or comparisons, and you might be pleasantly surprised. Jus' sayin'..
So, prior to writing this review, I wanted to peruse the reviews on here, to see what others said, reducing the risk of writing something already said. What I found were a number of 1-Star reviews, something I found to be quite surprising!
Not every comic (or book, for that matter) will necessarily start with an amazing first arc. It may be good, yes, but it could also be polished in spots. However, despite little things that could be better, the overall content should be seen as good enough to warrant reading the second story arc.
That is how I felt at the conclusion of this first volume, a mystery of sorts that also served to introduce us to a number of characters who go on to appear as series regulars. Sure, the dialogue was not perfect (really? Comparing it to Gaiman's SANDMAN? Like trying to compare RICK & MORTY to THE LAST UNICORN!), but I can safely say that the series matures, like a well-aged wine, and later issues are much, much better.
Long and short: it's an urban fantasy with the fables we grew up with. Go in without an judgments or comparisons, and you might be pleasantly surprised. Jus' sayin'..
Merissa (12030 KP) rated Speak of the Devil (Broken Halos #2) in Books
Jun 27, 2019
Speak of the Devil (Broken Halos #2) by Maya Daniels
Speak of the Devil is the second book in the Broken Halos series, and we reunite with Hel and Eric. Hel is being held prisoner by Michael, as Eric desperately searches for her. Help comes from an unexpected source, and Hel is freed. Of course, it doesn't stop there, because then it would be a very short book. Instead, Hel starts gaining new powers, Eric has to tune down his monster-mash rage, they have sexy times, oh, and try to find Hector before he loses any further body parts.
Hel's attitude is as sassy as ever, and I love how she goes toe to toe with Eric. Maddison is a blast, although I know there is more to her than meets the eye. Raphael has a story he doesn't want to share, which just makes me want it all the more. All in all, this is a non-stop read, full of action and chaos.
Ending on a cliffhanger (just like book one), this will definitely leave you wanting more. A great second book, and definitely recommended by me.
* 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!
Hel's attitude is as sassy as ever, and I love how she goes toe to toe with Eric. Maddison is a blast, although I know there is more to her than meets the eye. Raphael has a story he doesn't want to share, which just makes me want it all the more. All in all, this is a non-stop read, full of action and chaos.
Ending on a cliffhanger (just like book one), this will definitely leave you wanting more. A great second book, and definitely recommended by me.
* 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!
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated American Horror Story - Season 1 in TV
Aug 29, 2019 (Updated Sep 17, 2019)
The start of something weird and (sometimes) wonderful
I recently convinced my partner to watch Game of Thrones (she loved it in case you were worried) and the deal was, when we were done with GoT, we would watch one of her favourite shows - American Horror Story.
As we sat down to watch the first season (often referred to as Murder House) of this anthology style series, I wasn't too sure what to expect, but I ended up really enjoying our time with the Harmons.
The season has a suitably creepy tone throughout, and a plot line that keeps you in the dark with what happens throughout, and a pretty impressive amount of violence and horror effects.
The huge positive about this show though is obviously the ensemble cast.
Evan Peters, Taissa Farmiga, Frances Conroy, and Jessica Lange in particular all carve in some really memorable parts to the overall series.
Sarah Paulson doesn't star too much in season 1, but her short time is a nice taster for the important roles she will play moving forwards.
The overall tone can be campy and hammy at times, but that balance throughout Murder House is pretty good.
We ended up watching the whole season in a couple of nights, and I'm glad that I let AHS into my viewing life 👍
As we sat down to watch the first season (often referred to as Murder House) of this anthology style series, I wasn't too sure what to expect, but I ended up really enjoying our time with the Harmons.
The season has a suitably creepy tone throughout, and a plot line that keeps you in the dark with what happens throughout, and a pretty impressive amount of violence and horror effects.
The huge positive about this show though is obviously the ensemble cast.
Evan Peters, Taissa Farmiga, Frances Conroy, and Jessica Lange in particular all carve in some really memorable parts to the overall series.
Sarah Paulson doesn't star too much in season 1, but her short time is a nice taster for the important roles she will play moving forwards.
The overall tone can be campy and hammy at times, but that balance throughout Murder House is pretty good.
We ended up watching the whole season in a couple of nights, and I'm glad that I let AHS into my viewing life 👍