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LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated Disorder (Maryland) (2015) in Movies
Dec 7, 2020
"๐'๐ท๐ฆ ๐ฃ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฏ ๐ธ๐ข๐ช๐ต๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ง๐ฐ๐ณ ๐ข ๐จ๐ถ๐ช๐ฅ๐ฆ ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ค๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฆ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ต๐ข๐ฌ๐ฆ ๐ฎ๐ฆ ๐ฃ๐บ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ฉ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ
๐๐ฐ๐ถ๐ญ๐ฅ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ด๐ฆ ๐ด๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ด๐ข๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ด ๐ฎ๐ข๐ฌ๐ฆ ๐ฎ๐ฆ ๐ง๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ญ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ฑ๐ญ๐ฆ๐ข๐ด๐ถ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ด ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ข ๐ฏ๐ฐ๐ณ๐ฎ๐ข๐ญ ๐ฎ๐ข๐ฏ?
๐๐ฐ๐ด๐ฆ ๐ด๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ด๐ข๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ด, ๐ด๐ฑ๐ข๐ณ๐ฆ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ช๐ฏ๐ด๐ถ๐ญ๐ต๐ด, ๐ญ๐ฆ๐ข๐ท๐ฆ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ฎ ๐ง๐ฐ๐ณ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ณ ๐ฅ๐ข๐บ
๐'๐ท๐ฆ ๐จ๐ฐ๐ต ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ด๐ฑ๐ช๐ณ๐ช๐ต, ๐ญ๐ฐ๐ด๐ฆ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ง๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ญ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ
๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ฆ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ด๐ฉ๐ฐ๐ค๐ฌ ๐ข๐ธ๐ข๐บ"
- "Disorder", Joy Division 1979
Sort of like if ๐๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐๐ถ๐ฆ๐ด๐ต existed in the same universe as ๐๐ณ๐ช๐ท๐ฆ. Not too much you haven't seen before but a total technical marvel - very few times before has a camera been *this* intrinsically linked to a character's psyche: constantly shifting focus, shifting in and out of reality, overanalyzing every little minutia to the point of near blinding anxiety - if it isn't a threat yet it'll be hyperfocused on until it becomes one, real or not. The sort of moviemaking that makes you second guess everything you just saw right through to its bone-chilling ending. That being said it does strain in the home stretch but not only is this sort of stylish, synthy slow burn thriller inherently fun to me - but it says something interesting when the only time this settles down is during the kind of dangerous situation this character is scrambling to find, only in moments of repose do things become truly jangled - where "the calm before the storm" *is* the storm, and vice-versa. Schoenaerts is incredible in it, the type of towering, volatile performance that makes you break a sweat. Every time this guy moves suddenly it about makes my heart stop and when he finally cracks a genuine smile an hour+ in it's a momentous occasion. At first you may think (not so unjustifiably given Hollywood's history with PTSD) that the title is a reductive swipe at his affliction, but as the movie progresses you realize it signifies his commanding search for some semblance of order in his life. Far from flawless but for the most part precisely what I was hoping for out of it.
๐๐ฐ๐ถ๐ญ๐ฅ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ด๐ฆ ๐ด๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ด๐ข๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ด ๐ฎ๐ข๐ฌ๐ฆ ๐ฎ๐ฆ ๐ง๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ญ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ฑ๐ญ๐ฆ๐ข๐ด๐ถ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ด ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ข ๐ฏ๐ฐ๐ณ๐ฎ๐ข๐ญ ๐ฎ๐ข๐ฏ?
๐๐ฐ๐ด๐ฆ ๐ด๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ด๐ข๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ด, ๐ด๐ฑ๐ข๐ณ๐ฆ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ช๐ฏ๐ด๐ถ๐ญ๐ต๐ด, ๐ญ๐ฆ๐ข๐ท๐ฆ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ฎ ๐ง๐ฐ๐ณ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ณ ๐ฅ๐ข๐บ
๐'๐ท๐ฆ ๐จ๐ฐ๐ต ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ด๐ฑ๐ช๐ณ๐ช๐ต, ๐ญ๐ฐ๐ด๐ฆ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ง๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ญ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ
๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ฆ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ด๐ฉ๐ฐ๐ค๐ฌ ๐ข๐ธ๐ข๐บ"
- "Disorder", Joy Division 1979
Sort of like if ๐๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐๐ถ๐ฆ๐ด๐ต existed in the same universe as ๐๐ณ๐ช๐ท๐ฆ. Not too much you haven't seen before but a total technical marvel - very few times before has a camera been *this* intrinsically linked to a character's psyche: constantly shifting focus, shifting in and out of reality, overanalyzing every little minutia to the point of near blinding anxiety - if it isn't a threat yet it'll be hyperfocused on until it becomes one, real or not. The sort of moviemaking that makes you second guess everything you just saw right through to its bone-chilling ending. That being said it does strain in the home stretch but not only is this sort of stylish, synthy slow burn thriller inherently fun to me - but it says something interesting when the only time this settles down is during the kind of dangerous situation this character is scrambling to find, only in moments of repose do things become truly jangled - where "the calm before the storm" *is* the storm, and vice-versa. Schoenaerts is incredible in it, the type of towering, volatile performance that makes you break a sweat. Every time this guy moves suddenly it about makes my heart stop and when he finally cracks a genuine smile an hour+ in it's a momentous occasion. At first you may think (not so unjustifiably given Hollywood's history with PTSD) that the title is a reductive swipe at his affliction, but as the movie progresses you realize it signifies his commanding search for some semblance of order in his life. Far from flawless but for the most part precisely what I was hoping for out of it.
Debbiereadsbook (1202 KP) rated The Captain and the Theatrical in Books
Sep 3, 2019
very enjoyable read
I was gifted my copy of this book, that I write a review was not required.
Ambrose Pendleton is a hero and returns home from war to his fatherโs meddling into his love life. Or lack thereof. Pen now faces an arranged marriage his father has brokered as part of a business deal. To get out of this marriage, Pen needs a fiancรฉe, and who better than his long-time friend and actor, Orsini, who has a leading lady who might just fit the bill. But Pen has long held feelings for Orsini, feelings a man should not have for another. Then Orsini surprises him and throws his own feelings at Pen. Now they just need to get rid of the dreadful arranged marriage and they can be together.
For the most part, I did enjoy this. It was a little bit different and different is always good in my book, but something didnโt quite work for me, and I cannot figure out what. And I hate that I canโt!
Pen and Orsini are old friends, and Pen has crushed on Orsini for a long time. He did not know that feeling was the same for Orsini, though. With Orsini pretending to be Penโs new bride, the pair get close, far closer than they should. I loved how it really was a bit of a slow burn for these two. Itโs not overly explicit, but it doesnโt need to be for these two.
Both Pen and Orsini have a say, and I didnโt think that was going to be the case for a while, so I am glad they both were given a voice.
There was a little twist, with the missing jewels, that I did not see coming, and I thought Penโs mother might have given the game away a time or two. I think she had them sussed, I really do!
An enjoyable way to spend and lazy Sunday evening.
3.5 stars (rounded up to four the Amazon and Goodreads)
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Ambrose Pendleton is a hero and returns home from war to his fatherโs meddling into his love life. Or lack thereof. Pen now faces an arranged marriage his father has brokered as part of a business deal. To get out of this marriage, Pen needs a fiancรฉe, and who better than his long-time friend and actor, Orsini, who has a leading lady who might just fit the bill. But Pen has long held feelings for Orsini, feelings a man should not have for another. Then Orsini surprises him and throws his own feelings at Pen. Now they just need to get rid of the dreadful arranged marriage and they can be together.
For the most part, I did enjoy this. It was a little bit different and different is always good in my book, but something didnโt quite work for me, and I cannot figure out what. And I hate that I canโt!
Pen and Orsini are old friends, and Pen has crushed on Orsini for a long time. He did not know that feeling was the same for Orsini, though. With Orsini pretending to be Penโs new bride, the pair get close, far closer than they should. I loved how it really was a bit of a slow burn for these two. Itโs not overly explicit, but it doesnโt need to be for these two.
Both Pen and Orsini have a say, and I didnโt think that was going to be the case for a while, so I am glad they both were given a voice.
There was a little twist, with the missing jewels, that I did not see coming, and I thought Penโs mother might have given the game away a time or two. I think she had them sussed, I really do!
An enjoyable way to spend and lazy Sunday evening.
3.5 stars (rounded up to four the Amazon and Goodreads)
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Merissa (12061 KP) rated Perfect Melody Silenced (Gen-Heirs World: Bella and the Beast Master #2) in Books
Mar 22, 2023
PERFECT MELODY SILENCED is the second book in the Gen-Heirs World: Bella and the Beast Master series. It does follow on from book one so I would definitely recommend you read that one first. Plus, it was a 5-star read so why miss out?
Markus is back in town and wanting to catch up with Bella. Only, she's not at the docks to meet him. So he tracks her down, because of course he does, and finds out she has been punished for helping him. This immediately puts him into protective mode. Lunah is Little Miss Twinkle Toes, dancing around as she is so happy to be back with Bella. And Bella? Well, the first thing she does is lay a big smacker on Markus' lips, so that gives you an idea about how happy she is!
The mystery that these three need to solve is a good one but, I'll be honest here, I wasn't that invested in it - which pains me to say as I know how much work the author must have put into it. But it's Markus, Bella, and Lunah!!! I need them together, I really do. And it's not just because it's steamy, because we're still in slow-burn territory, but because of how well they balance each other out. The passion is there, don't get me wrong, but it's not ALL about that.
This was an outstanding book 2 and it's left me with a definite hankering for book 3. Once I have all of them, I may just binge-read the whole lot in one day. When is book 3 coming out, by the way? Asking for a friend!
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!
Markus is back in town and wanting to catch up with Bella. Only, she's not at the docks to meet him. So he tracks her down, because of course he does, and finds out she has been punished for helping him. This immediately puts him into protective mode. Lunah is Little Miss Twinkle Toes, dancing around as she is so happy to be back with Bella. And Bella? Well, the first thing she does is lay a big smacker on Markus' lips, so that gives you an idea about how happy she is!
The mystery that these three need to solve is a good one but, I'll be honest here, I wasn't that invested in it - which pains me to say as I know how much work the author must have put into it. But it's Markus, Bella, and Lunah!!! I need them together, I really do. And it's not just because it's steamy, because we're still in slow-burn territory, but because of how well they balance each other out. The passion is there, don't get me wrong, but it's not ALL about that.
This was an outstanding book 2 and it's left me with a definite hankering for book 3. Once I have all of them, I may just binge-read the whole lot in one day. When is book 3 coming out, by the way? Asking for a friend!
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!
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Spires in Books
Oct 28, 2021
Penelope Cox thinks she's put her college years behind her, when, twenty years later, her old friend Willa shows up unexpectedly on her doorstep. Willa Blaine needs help escaping her abusive husband. Penelope hasn't seen Willa since their gap year after college, when they and three other friends lived together in a converted church. Calling themselves "the Spires" they were a close-knit group, until hidden resentments and jealousies tipped over. Focused on their leader, Jack, things started to change when he brought home a girlfriend, Grace. Then tragedy struck and the group went their separate ways. Now, Willa seems the perfect guest, bringing order and happiness to the Cox household. But Penelope feels like her friend is putting her life off-balance and bringing up horrible memories: memories she'd rather leave long buried.
"Six months after they moved in, he brought home Grace and sent them all into a tailspin."
This is slow burn read--it's sluggish to start, but picks up as the story gets moving. Less thriller, more character-driven, THE SPIRES focuses on relationships more than mystery, though there is certainly plenty to figure out as the tale progresses.
The book skips back and forth between the group's gap year after college at The Church House and present day, when Penelope's friend Willa shows up without warning. The two haven't seen each other since they scattered after The Church House tragedy. We know something bad happened at The Church House, but it takes a while (basically the whole book) to get it all figured out. There is a lot of drama and angst as this all happens. None of the characters are particularly likeable, but there are plenty of motives and secrets tossed in along the way.
I didn't find THE SPIRES as thrilling as some of Moretti's other books. Still, it became more interesting and suspenseful as I read, and there are definitely some good twists. This is an especially good read for those who like a good psychological mystery. 3.5 stars.
"Six months after they moved in, he brought home Grace and sent them all into a tailspin."
This is slow burn read--it's sluggish to start, but picks up as the story gets moving. Less thriller, more character-driven, THE SPIRES focuses on relationships more than mystery, though there is certainly plenty to figure out as the tale progresses.
The book skips back and forth between the group's gap year after college at The Church House and present day, when Penelope's friend Willa shows up without warning. The two haven't seen each other since they scattered after The Church House tragedy. We know something bad happened at The Church House, but it takes a while (basically the whole book) to get it all figured out. There is a lot of drama and angst as this all happens. None of the characters are particularly likeable, but there are plenty of motives and secrets tossed in along the way.
I didn't find THE SPIRES as thrilling as some of Moretti's other books. Still, it became more interesting and suspenseful as I read, and there are definitely some good twists. This is an especially good read for those who like a good psychological mystery. 3.5 stars.
Merissa (12061 KP) rated Intelligence Check (Dungeons and Dating #3) in Books
May 17, 2022 (Updated Jun 19, 2023)
INTELLIGENCE CHECK is the third book in the Dungeons and Dating series, and it's time for Mase and Hunter. I was 'slightly' excited at the thought of this book and, let me tell you, I was not disappointed.
Mase is a perfect little ray of sunshine... on the outside. Inside, he is dealing with the loss of his twin sister, all the feelings that encompasses, plus normal things like trying to finish school and pay all his bills. Hunter, on the other hand, keeps himself to himself. He doesn't ask much of anyone, knowing all too well the feeling of being let down.
These two! Oh, my days. I love them so much. Two perfect-for-each-other puzzle pieces that slot together with ease. Well, not too much ease, because there's the whole 'issues from the past' to contend with, but you get my meaning. They do have their issues to deal with but they do the mature thing, in that they give each other space when needed, no matter how painful it may be, and communicate with each other.
It's a slow-burn romance in that Hunter isn't prepared to take advantage of Mason when he's drunk. Mason thinks he's been rejected by Hunter, and then Hunter thinks the same when Mason doesn't mention it again. Remember I said they communicated? Yeah, well, maybe not so much to begin with! ๐
This was a fantastic addition to the series that also let me catch up with Roxie and Mel, plus Cal and Julian. Now, I just need to know what's going on with Kelly! A brilliant book that I have no hesitation in highly recommending!!!
** 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!
May 12, 2022
Mase is a perfect little ray of sunshine... on the outside. Inside, he is dealing with the loss of his twin sister, all the feelings that encompasses, plus normal things like trying to finish school and pay all his bills. Hunter, on the other hand, keeps himself to himself. He doesn't ask much of anyone, knowing all too well the feeling of being let down.
These two! Oh, my days. I love them so much. Two perfect-for-each-other puzzle pieces that slot together with ease. Well, not too much ease, because there's the whole 'issues from the past' to contend with, but you get my meaning. They do have their issues to deal with but they do the mature thing, in that they give each other space when needed, no matter how painful it may be, and communicate with each other.
It's a slow-burn romance in that Hunter isn't prepared to take advantage of Mason when he's drunk. Mason thinks he's been rejected by Hunter, and then Hunter thinks the same when Mason doesn't mention it again. Remember I said they communicated? Yeah, well, maybe not so much to begin with! ๐
This was a fantastic addition to the series that also let me catch up with Roxie and Mel, plus Cal and Julian. Now, I just need to know what's going on with Kelly! A brilliant book that I have no hesitation in highly recommending!!!
** 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!
May 12, 2022
Dana (24 KP) rated Flame in the Mist in Books
Sep 8, 2017
Enjoyed from beginning to end
Overall, I freaking loved this novel. It's set in feudal Japan and follows a young woman as she is being married off the the emperor's second son. Mariko is a badass, There's no other way to put it. She will take no shit from others which gets her into a lot of trouble. She's also flawed in that aspect too; she's so blinded by her stubbornness to see the actual world around her sometimes. But she's not the only character who gets depth. Her brother, who we see in almost alternating viewpoints in the story, is a character filled with flaws and pride. But that's not all. Several characters get fleshed out back stories (some more in depth than others) and seeing them all grow was a delight to read.
Let's move on to the rich details of the setting. Feudal Japan can be tricky and Renee Ahdieh did it so much justice. It's described so well, I could easily put myself into Mariko's shoes and lose myself in the story. It's so nice to have that level of detail paid attention to in novels set in a different time and place.
And that romance.... oh boy, it was steamy. I must admit my weakness for slow burn romances (especially ones that are hate-to-love) and this did not disappoint. It was a bit awkward; at first I wasn't sure who she was going to get together with, but when it hit it's stride, I was in love. I really don't want to give much away, but it was fantastic to read and fall in love with them.
I am eagerly awaiting the next in the series!
Let's move on to the rich details of the setting. Feudal Japan can be tricky and Renee Ahdieh did it so much justice. It's described so well, I could easily put myself into Mariko's shoes and lose myself in the story. It's so nice to have that level of detail paid attention to in novels set in a different time and place.
And that romance.... oh boy, it was steamy. I must admit my weakness for slow burn romances (especially ones that are hate-to-love) and this did not disappoint. It was a bit awkward; at first I wasn't sure who she was going to get together with, but when it hit it's stride, I was in love. I really don't want to give much away, but it was fantastic to read and fall in love with them.
I am eagerly awaiting the next in the series!
Merissa (12061 KP) rated Prophecy (Prophecy #1) in Books
Aug 8, 2017
Prophecy (Prophecy #1) by Lea Kirk
Prophecy is the first book in the Prophecy series, and we start off with Alex as she is thrown into a cell after aliens have invaded earth. She has no idea what has happened to her family or friends, but is determined to do what she can. The first time she meets Gryf, she lays one on him and gives him a black eye. Gryf takes it, not only because it goes against in him to 'attack' a woman, but also because he believes it is deserved. He feels an immense amount of guilt in allowing the earth to be attacked. These two have to work together if there is to be any chance of survival.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Alex and Gryf are fantastic together. They have a slow-burn romance with some steamy moments, but not too many. As Alex rightly says 'it can be hard getting private time in a refugee camp'. Okay, so I'm paraphrasing, but you know what I mean! Alex is a straight-talking, no-nonsense character who does her best no matter what the situation. Gryf is the honourable Captain who will do anything to protect those who can't protect themselves. He even lumps Alex into that category until she proves otherwise. So many characters in this book, and I loved all of them! Well, apart from the baddies ;) Graig has to be a favourite of mine, and Dante, and Nick, and Ora, and... oh you get the idea! Really pleased to hear that Nick will be getting his own book, and the extra chapter with Graig was sheer perfection.
This story was very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The pace was smooth, the action was exciting, and the romance was wonderful. I have no hesitation in recommending this book, and I look forward to reading more in this series, and by this author.
* 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!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Alex and Gryf are fantastic together. They have a slow-burn romance with some steamy moments, but not too many. As Alex rightly says 'it can be hard getting private time in a refugee camp'. Okay, so I'm paraphrasing, but you know what I mean! Alex is a straight-talking, no-nonsense character who does her best no matter what the situation. Gryf is the honourable Captain who will do anything to protect those who can't protect themselves. He even lumps Alex into that category until she proves otherwise. So many characters in this book, and I loved all of them! Well, apart from the baddies ;) Graig has to be a favourite of mine, and Dante, and Nick, and Ora, and... oh you get the idea! Really pleased to hear that Nick will be getting his own book, and the extra chapter with Graig was sheer perfection.
This story was very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The pace was smooth, the action was exciting, and the romance was wonderful. I have no hesitation in recommending this book, and I look forward to reading more in this series, and by this author.
* 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!
Midge (525 KP) rated The Shadow Between Us in Books
Mar 23, 2019
A Moving & Poignant Novel
Carol Mason, the best-selling author of โAfter You Leftโ has written an incredibly moving and poignant novel in this slow-burn, very beautiful work of fiction.
Olivia moves to the pretty coastal town of Port Townsend, with her marriage on-the-rocks, and her life in pieces. She doesnโt know if things with her husband Mark are truly over, or quite why the phone call she longs for on her daughterโs birthday will never come.
After joining a letter-writing club held at her local cafe she meets Ned, an ex-soldier badly wounded in Afghanistan. This chance friendship revives unexpected emotions and memories sheโd rather forget.
Can Olivia find the courage to confront what sheโs hiding from and finally begin to heal the wounds that have torn her life apart?
Liv, as she is known to her husband, is an extremely intriguing character. Regularly displaying a cocktail of emotions, I could still really empathise with her. She could be caring and thoughtful one minute, but then be frank, blunt and very much to-the-point, the next moment. At times she was positively distant and unkind. She was not alone in her attitude and behaviour as some of the other characters in the story shared similar traits such as cafe owner Beth. For me, this added to and complemented this wonderful character-driven story.
THE SHADOW BETWEEN US was a very insightful and thought-provoking read about reflecting on the mistakes we sometimes make and finding hope in second chances. I
very much liked the emphasis on letter-writing, reading and quotes from favourite books, running throughout the story.
The dialogue between Olivia and Ned was lovely and liked how they had an almost immediate connection. I was very keen to see how their relationship might develop. I found THE SHADOW BETWEEN US a very enjoyable read, helped by Carol Masonโs beautiful writing which has depth and substance. The ending was very fulfilling although with an unexpected twist. I will definitely be reading more of her books in the future.
[Thanks to #NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Carol Mason for my ARC of #TheShadowBetweenUs in exchange for an honest review.]
Olivia moves to the pretty coastal town of Port Townsend, with her marriage on-the-rocks, and her life in pieces. She doesnโt know if things with her husband Mark are truly over, or quite why the phone call she longs for on her daughterโs birthday will never come.
After joining a letter-writing club held at her local cafe she meets Ned, an ex-soldier badly wounded in Afghanistan. This chance friendship revives unexpected emotions and memories sheโd rather forget.
Can Olivia find the courage to confront what sheโs hiding from and finally begin to heal the wounds that have torn her life apart?
Liv, as she is known to her husband, is an extremely intriguing character. Regularly displaying a cocktail of emotions, I could still really empathise with her. She could be caring and thoughtful one minute, but then be frank, blunt and very much to-the-point, the next moment. At times she was positively distant and unkind. She was not alone in her attitude and behaviour as some of the other characters in the story shared similar traits such as cafe owner Beth. For me, this added to and complemented this wonderful character-driven story.
THE SHADOW BETWEEN US was a very insightful and thought-provoking read about reflecting on the mistakes we sometimes make and finding hope in second chances. I
very much liked the emphasis on letter-writing, reading and quotes from favourite books, running throughout the story.
The dialogue between Olivia and Ned was lovely and liked how they had an almost immediate connection. I was very keen to see how their relationship might develop. I found THE SHADOW BETWEEN US a very enjoyable read, helped by Carol Masonโs beautiful writing which has depth and substance. The ending was very fulfilling although with an unexpected twist. I will definitely be reading more of her books in the future.
[Thanks to #NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Carol Mason for my ARC of #TheShadowBetweenUs in exchange for an honest review.]
Kyera (8 KP) rated A Darker Shade of Magic in Books
Feb 1, 2018
The first book set up the idea of the different Londons: magic-less grey London, vibrant red London, starving and desperate white London, and decimated, dead black London. Each built upon a foundation of London but developed in completely different fashions. Their cultures, religion, speech, manner and being is so unique in each world.
It was a really intriguing way to build the world and immediately fascinated me. Good world building is so important to books because it is immersive, it pulls you in and makes you forget that itยs not real. You are living the story with the characters. She even created languages that were utilized by characters from different places, from the magic language of the Antari to the flowing words or harsh tones of the neighboring lands. It shows a passion for authenticity and true love of what she has created.
I love the characters. Rhy with his charm always brightens the room (or a scene). Lila is cunning, ruthless, ambitious and a thief. She doesn't need anyone and she would never admit to needing anything. She takes or does what she wants, no matter the cost with no regrets. She is tough as nails and her grit is inspiring. Her first instinct is to protect herself above all.
Many people may not agree with me, but Lila was probably my least favourite of our main characters. She was smart and tough, but a little too ruthless for my taste. Kell was the character that I liked/related to the most, even though he was a powerful magic user he seemed the most down to earth.
Not only does she introduce us to unique main characters, but she brilliantly gives depths to those in the background. There are some supporting characters that at times I liked even more than some of our leads.
Overall the story is more of a slow-burn/build rather than quick action packed scenes. I think that it worked really well for this story and have no complaints. Highly recommended to young adult/teen readers who enjoy fantasy or magic books with characters that have very diverse personalities/outlooks on life and great world-building.
It was a really intriguing way to build the world and immediately fascinated me. Good world building is so important to books because it is immersive, it pulls you in and makes you forget that itยs not real. You are living the story with the characters. She even created languages that were utilized by characters from different places, from the magic language of the Antari to the flowing words or harsh tones of the neighboring lands. It shows a passion for authenticity and true love of what she has created.
I love the characters. Rhy with his charm always brightens the room (or a scene). Lila is cunning, ruthless, ambitious and a thief. She doesn't need anyone and she would never admit to needing anything. She takes or does what she wants, no matter the cost with no regrets. She is tough as nails and her grit is inspiring. Her first instinct is to protect herself above all.
Many people may not agree with me, but Lila was probably my least favourite of our main characters. She was smart and tough, but a little too ruthless for my taste. Kell was the character that I liked/related to the most, even though he was a powerful magic user he seemed the most down to earth.
Not only does she introduce us to unique main characters, but she brilliantly gives depths to those in the background. There are some supporting characters that at times I liked even more than some of our leads.
Overall the story is more of a slow-burn/build rather than quick action packed scenes. I think that it worked really well for this story and have no complaints. Highly recommended to young adult/teen readers who enjoy fantasy or magic books with characters that have very diverse personalities/outlooks on life and great world-building.
Eleanor (1463 KP) rated The Turn of The Key in Books
Dec 16, 2019
An Interesting Twist to a Familiar Tale
This suspense thriller was a close one for me but ultimately it just didnโt totally click. I listened to the audio version narrated by Inogen Church, who seemed to be a talented narrator just unfortunate that the person she was narrating was so irritating to me. The writing was of a high standard and Iโll certainly be looking at more of Ruth Wareโs work.
When Rowan takes a live-in nanny position in a remote Scottish she is soon faced with more than just the usual new nanny woes. The house has been converted into a modern all bells and whistles smart home, but itโs not exactly making life easier for Rowan. The book is told via the correspondence between Rowan and a solicitor from her prison cell following her arrest for the death of one of her charges. The result is a slow build of difficult circumstances from her perspective and a strong denial of any responsibilityโฆ. but what did happen?
This is a solid suspense thriller with plenty of creepy atmosphere in it and I can imagine some people will really love this book. For me, though I just kept getting a bit irritated. Iโm not a big fan of kids (I know - burn the witch!!) and there are some prime examples of why that is in this book from the brats. Why someone would want to be a nanny is beyond me so Rowan is very hard to relate to. I really couldnโt care less about the routines of children. Iโm also not a fan of having a narrator who constantly hints towards things not being as they seem but not clarifying until the โbig revealโ troupe. So maybe just not the best book for me, in particular, to pick up.
Smart home things like speakers, voice-activated lights, fridges curtains, etc donโt do anything for me and the fact they added to the creepiness of Rowanโs situation was an interesting approach. Ultimately a book that many will love but just not my kinda story, so canโt get too pumped for it.
When Rowan takes a live-in nanny position in a remote Scottish she is soon faced with more than just the usual new nanny woes. The house has been converted into a modern all bells and whistles smart home, but itโs not exactly making life easier for Rowan. The book is told via the correspondence between Rowan and a solicitor from her prison cell following her arrest for the death of one of her charges. The result is a slow build of difficult circumstances from her perspective and a strong denial of any responsibilityโฆ. but what did happen?
This is a solid suspense thriller with plenty of creepy atmosphere in it and I can imagine some people will really love this book. For me, though I just kept getting a bit irritated. Iโm not a big fan of kids (I know - burn the witch!!) and there are some prime examples of why that is in this book from the brats. Why someone would want to be a nanny is beyond me so Rowan is very hard to relate to. I really couldnโt care less about the routines of children. Iโm also not a fan of having a narrator who constantly hints towards things not being as they seem but not clarifying until the โbig revealโ troupe. So maybe just not the best book for me, in particular, to pick up.
Smart home things like speakers, voice-activated lights, fridges curtains, etc donโt do anything for me and the fact they added to the creepiness of Rowanโs situation was an interesting approach. Ultimately a book that many will love but just not my kinda story, so canโt get too pumped for it.