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Kyera (8 KP) rated The Last Namsara (Iskari, #1) in Books
Feb 1, 2018
The Last Namsara is Kristen Ciccarelli's debut novel and I am in love. The world building was brilliantly done and laid a strong foundation for her story to grow and develop.
Asha is a dragon hunter and a feared Iksari who is strong and dedicated to her role in the kingdom. Despite the fact that her actions as a child called the dragons who burned her city, she fights every day to redeem herself from her past mistakes and make her father, the King, proud. It was nice to see the main character learns to value herself, even though she has grown up shamed and feared by the people. She overcomes her prejudices and the damage instilled upon her over the course of the novel.
Her transformative journey begins when a slave, Torwin is introduced to her life. He treats her like a normal person, just as she learns to treat him as one. He opens her eyes to the truth of the world and thaws her damaged heart, leading her to learn so much about the people in her kingdom and a better way to live.
There was also a well-written antagonist who was so controlling and cruel that you couldn't help but hate him. It was a nice juxtaposition to Torwin's character and helped push the plot along. For me, the romance was a secondary plot point and sometimes only slowed down the pacing. It wasn't the most important element of the story.
The world building, mythology and the dragons are what shone for me. I cannot wait to see more of this world. I listened to this via audiobook and the narrator, Pearl Mackie did a fantastic job. I loved the authenticity she brought to Asha's character and would highly recommend this audiobook.
Asha is a dragon hunter and a feared Iksari who is strong and dedicated to her role in the kingdom. Despite the fact that her actions as a child called the dragons who burned her city, she fights every day to redeem herself from her past mistakes and make her father, the King, proud. It was nice to see the main character learns to value herself, even though she has grown up shamed and feared by the people. She overcomes her prejudices and the damage instilled upon her over the course of the novel.
Her transformative journey begins when a slave, Torwin is introduced to her life. He treats her like a normal person, just as she learns to treat him as one. He opens her eyes to the truth of the world and thaws her damaged heart, leading her to learn so much about the people in her kingdom and a better way to live.
There was also a well-written antagonist who was so controlling and cruel that you couldn't help but hate him. It was a nice juxtaposition to Torwin's character and helped push the plot along. For me, the romance was a secondary plot point and sometimes only slowed down the pacing. It wasn't the most important element of the story.
The world building, mythology and the dragons are what shone for me. I cannot wait to see more of this world. I listened to this via audiobook and the narrator, Pearl Mackie did a fantastic job. I loved the authenticity she brought to Asha's character and would highly recommend this audiobook.
Merissa (12066 KP) rated The Time of My Life in Books
Mar 7, 2018
The Time of My Life by Nora Phoenix
Nora Phoenix is a relatively new author to me. I've only read her No Shame series up until this one. For No Shame, I was hooked. I loved how Ms. Phoenix was able to introduce her characters and ways of living. So when I saw The Time of My Life I immediately signed up to review.
And I am glad that I did!!!
This is an amazing story, that will keep you engrossed from start to finish. The characters, whether they are there to be liked or loathed, all ring true, and sometimes in a whole that's-too-realistic-and-it's-scary kind of way! Judah and Denver are very different, in more ways that one, but they complement each other perfectly. The path to true love is never smooth though, and these two know that more than most.
I honestly don't want to talk too much about particular points in the story as I don't want to ruin it for anyone else. For myself, I loved going in blind, not knowing anything about it. What I can and will say is that there are no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. Spread out over time, this is no insta-love, but it builds up over time, making it all the sweeter. The pacing is smooth and the transitions from one scene to the next are flawless.
Just one more thing that made me laugh to myself - and yes, this is a big hint, I guess - I never considered the title of the book until the ending. Perfect.
Absolutely 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!
And I am glad that I did!!!
This is an amazing story, that will keep you engrossed from start to finish. The characters, whether they are there to be liked or loathed, all ring true, and sometimes in a whole that's-too-realistic-and-it's-scary kind of way! Judah and Denver are very different, in more ways that one, but they complement each other perfectly. The path to true love is never smooth though, and these two know that more than most.
I honestly don't want to talk too much about particular points in the story as I don't want to ruin it for anyone else. For myself, I loved going in blind, not knowing anything about it. What I can and will say is that there are no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. Spread out over time, this is no insta-love, but it builds up over time, making it all the sweeter. The pacing is smooth and the transitions from one scene to the next are flawless.
Just one more thing that made me laugh to myself - and yes, this is a big hint, I guess - I never considered the title of the book until the ending. Perfect.
Absolutely 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!
Lindsay (1717 KP) rated Forever a Family (Rosewood, Texas, #8) in Books
Feb 15, 2018
This book was so interesting. I just love how this book ends. I do not want to spoil how it ends. Though this book is a really good read. The book goes to show you how you can be accepted into a community. Have you ever felt you need to belong somewhere but you did not felt like you belong. You just may find that place. This book take you along for a ride that does just that. It about a boy and his mother trying to fit in. It also tell you a story about a veterinary and his family and his life. Though sometimes animals can understand you better then you think. I love the fact this book uses that but also trying to find a yourself and who you love.
What would you do to try and protect your family? Olvia feel she need to protect herself and her son. Though her son is acting out. Will her son change or will they have to leave the town. Zeke seem to understand the boy. Can they both get past their own past? You need to read it to find out. There are event that take place and if they are real event it just so much more to connect with the book. You can learn to read about history that way. This seen to talk about the Texan Fires that was going on at some point.
This book also doe something with romance as well. You can find it out though out the book as well. This book keep my attention and I really did enjoy it to a point i did not want it to end.
You can decide for yourself. I would love to read more from this author any day.
What would you do to try and protect your family? Olvia feel she need to protect herself and her son. Though her son is acting out. Will her son change or will they have to leave the town. Zeke seem to understand the boy. Can they both get past their own past? You need to read it to find out. There are event that take place and if they are real event it just so much more to connect with the book. You can learn to read about history that way. This seen to talk about the Texan Fires that was going on at some point.
This book also doe something with romance as well. You can find it out though out the book as well. This book keep my attention and I really did enjoy it to a point i did not want it to end.
You can decide for yourself. I would love to read more from this author any day.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Ashley Bell in Books
Feb 19, 2018
This was the best Dean Koontz novel I've read since the first Odd Thomas. I loved Bibi, and there was a great cast of supporting characters, including her parents, her best pal Pogo, and her fiance, a Navy Seal named Pax. Not everyone was on Bibi's side, however, and once again Mr. Koontz proves that sometimes the scariest monsters are those who wear human faces.
This is one of those stories that is very hard to talk about without giving too much away, and I would not want to ruin the surprises for anyone who might choose to read the book. With that said, here's what I can tell you without spoiling anything.... The novel starts out with Bibi, a novelist, discovering that she has brain cancer. After hearing that she has less then a year to live, she surprises everyone (except maybe herself) by waking completely cancer free the next morning. As a celebratory gift, her parents send a psychic to Bibi, and during her reading, she discovers that her life was spared so that she could save someone named Ashley Bell. The journey that Bibi has to make in her quest to locate Ashley forces her to revisit places and experiences from her own past that she has long since forgotten.
The buildup in this novel started out slow but constant, and once it got moving I couldn't put it down. Any Dean Koontz fan, or any thriller fan for that matter, will love this one. While Dean Koontz may be thought of as a horror writer, and there are some paranormal elements to this story, non-horror fans should enjoy this one also.
<i>Note: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest </i>review.
This is one of those stories that is very hard to talk about without giving too much away, and I would not want to ruin the surprises for anyone who might choose to read the book. With that said, here's what I can tell you without spoiling anything.... The novel starts out with Bibi, a novelist, discovering that she has brain cancer. After hearing that she has less then a year to live, she surprises everyone (except maybe herself) by waking completely cancer free the next morning. As a celebratory gift, her parents send a psychic to Bibi, and during her reading, she discovers that her life was spared so that she could save someone named Ashley Bell. The journey that Bibi has to make in her quest to locate Ashley forces her to revisit places and experiences from her own past that she has long since forgotten.
The buildup in this novel started out slow but constant, and once it got moving I couldn't put it down. Any Dean Koontz fan, or any thriller fan for that matter, will love this one. While Dean Koontz may be thought of as a horror writer, and there are some paranormal elements to this story, non-horror fans should enjoy this one also.
<i>Note: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest </i>review.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Woman Without Fear in Books
Feb 21, 2018
***I won a copy of this book in a First to Read giveaway on Goodreads***
The story is about a shy woman named Trinity Silverman who, for reasons that are never fully explained, suffers from constant fear and anxiety. Despite this, her job is to go to trade conferences, and give presentations trying to sell her firm's financial software. Her companion when she travels is a snail named Speedy that she keeps in a small Plexiglas box. On one such business trip to Las Vegas, she meets a man in the hotel bar who works for a pharmaceutical company. He offers her some pills that he has developed, promising that they will take away all of her fears.
I had a few issues with this book. Conversations were sometimes strange, but it was originally written in French and translated into English, so that could be the reason for the odd dialog. I also had a problem with the way Trinity befriended a hotel maid who allowed her to dig through the garbage to retrieve the her lost pills. I didn't find their interaction and fast friendship at all believable. Most of all though, I was surprised at the amount of time spent on the snail who is not even mentioned in the book blurb. This was the first time I had ever read a novel told (at least in part) from a snail's point of view.
It ended abruptly, and somewhat confusingly, but it was only part 1 of the story. There are 4 more books, but the author's style and the unusual subject matter just didn't grab my interest enough to make me want to keep reading to find out what happens.
The story is about a shy woman named Trinity Silverman who, for reasons that are never fully explained, suffers from constant fear and anxiety. Despite this, her job is to go to trade conferences, and give presentations trying to sell her firm's financial software. Her companion when she travels is a snail named Speedy that she keeps in a small Plexiglas box. On one such business trip to Las Vegas, she meets a man in the hotel bar who works for a pharmaceutical company. He offers her some pills that he has developed, promising that they will take away all of her fears.
I had a few issues with this book. Conversations were sometimes strange, but it was originally written in French and translated into English, so that could be the reason for the odd dialog. I also had a problem with the way Trinity befriended a hotel maid who allowed her to dig through the garbage to retrieve the her lost pills. I didn't find their interaction and fast friendship at all believable. Most of all though, I was surprised at the amount of time spent on the snail who is not even mentioned in the book blurb. This was the first time I had ever read a novel told (at least in part) from a snail's point of view.
It ended abruptly, and somewhat confusingly, but it was only part 1 of the story. There are 4 more books, but the author's style and the unusual subject matter just didn't grab my interest enough to make me want to keep reading to find out what happens.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Sometimes I Lie in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Takes unreliable narrator to a whole new level.
Amber wakes up in the hospital in a coma after an accident, which she cannot remember. She is paralyzed, unable to move or speak. She feels convinced that her husband, Paul, may have had something to do with it. Her visitors include Paul and her sister, Claire.
Well, this is an interesting one. The novel takes the unreliable narrator trope to the highest level. After all, Amber is in a coma, with memory issues. She also tells us, at the beginning of the novel, that she lies. Armed with this information, we are thrown headfirst into the story, trying to figure out exactly what has happened. The reader struggles along with Amber to learn what happened as she overhears snippets in her hotel room. It's quite the ride.
The novel is told in three parts: Amber's thoughts as she struggles to remember from within the coma, Amber telling events as they lead up to the accident, and snippets of childhood journal entries. The result is a confusing, suspenseful read that makes you instantly suspicious about everything and everyone. The novel is full of warning signs and creepy moments. It also features its share of impressive twists and turns. I was definitely shocked a couple of times.
I was, honestly, a little confused sometimes too. I have some weird feelings on this one. It's a great thriller. It keeps you guessing, and it surprises you. A lot, if you're me. I'm not sure I always enjoyed it, but I'm certainly impressed by it, if that makes any sense. No more details, as I highly recommend going in spoiler-free.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review. More at https://justacatandabookatherside.blogspot.com/.
Well, this is an interesting one. The novel takes the unreliable narrator trope to the highest level. After all, Amber is in a coma, with memory issues. She also tells us, at the beginning of the novel, that she lies. Armed with this information, we are thrown headfirst into the story, trying to figure out exactly what has happened. The reader struggles along with Amber to learn what happened as she overhears snippets in her hotel room. It's quite the ride.
The novel is told in three parts: Amber's thoughts as she struggles to remember from within the coma, Amber telling events as they lead up to the accident, and snippets of childhood journal entries. The result is a confusing, suspenseful read that makes you instantly suspicious about everything and everyone. The novel is full of warning signs and creepy moments. It also features its share of impressive twists and turns. I was definitely shocked a couple of times.
I was, honestly, a little confused sometimes too. I have some weird feelings on this one. It's a great thriller. It keeps you guessing, and it surprises you. A lot, if you're me. I'm not sure I always enjoyed it, but I'm certainly impressed by it, if that makes any sense. No more details, as I highly recommend going in spoiler-free.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review. More at https://justacatandabookatherside.blogspot.com/.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Ready Player One in Books
Jun 6, 2018
(This review can also be found on my blog: <a href="http://alltheupsandowns.blogspot.com/">All the Ups and Downs</a>).
Wow! I loved this book and was sad when it ended. I really didn’t know what to make of it when I read the book blurb. It just didn’t sound like something I’d like. How wrong I was!
I saw this book sitting in my local library and decided to give it a chance. I’m glad I did!
I loved the characters! I don’t wish I knew a bit more backstory about each of them, but it didn’t deter me from the book. I loved Art3mis the most.
I loved the setting of the book and everything that goes on in the OASIS. I felt like I was there a lot of them through Cline’s descriptive writing.
There are so many 80’s references in this book. It helps if you are big on 80’s pop culture. I feel like it would give you more of an advantage in picturing what Cline describes.
Sometimes the 80’s pop culture references were a bit much as was all the technology speak, but I wasn’t put off by the book.
The writing is fantastic as is the plot! I hated the Sixers and Sorrento so much and wanted them to fail.
I would say this book is better suited for those 16 or older due to the language. Adults will enjoy it too not only because of all the nostalgic 80’s feels, but also because it’s just a great book.
I would definitely recommend this book. I was totally immersed in Ready Player One. I think most people would enjoy it especially those who grew up in/around the 80’s and those that are gamers.
Wow! I loved this book and was sad when it ended. I really didn’t know what to make of it when I read the book blurb. It just didn’t sound like something I’d like. How wrong I was!
I saw this book sitting in my local library and decided to give it a chance. I’m glad I did!
I loved the characters! I don’t wish I knew a bit more backstory about each of them, but it didn’t deter me from the book. I loved Art3mis the most.
I loved the setting of the book and everything that goes on in the OASIS. I felt like I was there a lot of them through Cline’s descriptive writing.
There are so many 80’s references in this book. It helps if you are big on 80’s pop culture. I feel like it would give you more of an advantage in picturing what Cline describes.
Sometimes the 80’s pop culture references were a bit much as was all the technology speak, but I wasn’t put off by the book.
The writing is fantastic as is the plot! I hated the Sixers and Sorrento so much and wanted them to fail.
I would say this book is better suited for those 16 or older due to the language. Adults will enjoy it too not only because of all the nostalgic 80’s feels, but also because it’s just a great book.
I would definitely recommend this book. I was totally immersed in Ready Player One. I think most people would enjoy it especially those who grew up in/around the 80’s and those that are gamers.
Hazel (1853 KP) rated The One (The Selection, #3) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
<i>This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
The One</i> is the third book in <i>The Selection</i> series by Kiera Cass. With only four girls remaining, the competition to become Prince Maxon’s bride is nearing its conclusion. Being from a lower caste, America is the least unlikely girl in the whole of the selection to have made it this far. But although sometimes his intentions are confusing, it appears Maxon is in love with her. As the title suggests this will be the book where Maxon makes his important decision, but will America be the one?
Of the three books, <i>The One</i> is the most interesting by far. Although the key storyline is about the selection itself, there is more interaction with other aspects of the story. The southern rebels are getting even more violent as they determine to overthrow the king, however America learns a lot more about the northern rebels, including something extremely surprising, which makes them seem a lot less threatening than they previously were.
With America as the narrator, readers can suspect which girl will be chosen as princess, however there are still some things that could completely change the competition. For example the relationship between America and her former boyfriend, Aspen; also the hatred King Clarkson has for America.
The will they, won’t they questions plague the readers from beginning until its dramatic conclusion. The shocking ending could move readers to tears, proving just how gripping the story actually is.
With its happy, sad ending <i>The One</i> is a brilliant continuation of the young adult dystopian romance. Although the selection has come to an end, there is still so much the reader wants to know, making the next book, <i>The Heir</i>, a top priority to read.
The One</i> is the third book in <i>The Selection</i> series by Kiera Cass. With only four girls remaining, the competition to become Prince Maxon’s bride is nearing its conclusion. Being from a lower caste, America is the least unlikely girl in the whole of the selection to have made it this far. But although sometimes his intentions are confusing, it appears Maxon is in love with her. As the title suggests this will be the book where Maxon makes his important decision, but will America be the one?
Of the three books, <i>The One</i> is the most interesting by far. Although the key storyline is about the selection itself, there is more interaction with other aspects of the story. The southern rebels are getting even more violent as they determine to overthrow the king, however America learns a lot more about the northern rebels, including something extremely surprising, which makes them seem a lot less threatening than they previously were.
With America as the narrator, readers can suspect which girl will be chosen as princess, however there are still some things that could completely change the competition. For example the relationship between America and her former boyfriend, Aspen; also the hatred King Clarkson has for America.
The will they, won’t they questions plague the readers from beginning until its dramatic conclusion. The shocking ending could move readers to tears, proving just how gripping the story actually is.
With its happy, sad ending <i>The One</i> is a brilliant continuation of the young adult dystopian romance. Although the selection has come to an end, there is still so much the reader wants to know, making the next book, <i>The Heir</i>, a top priority to read.
Debbiereadsbook (1202 KP) rated That's My Ethan in Books
Jul 2, 2018
really REALLY enjoyed this!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Damir met Ethan at a college coffee and was SMITTEN. It's the only word to describe how he felt about Ethan. And this is their story: the true story of love at first sight.
I liked this one! I LIKED it a LOT!!!
Damir is in a frat house, and is, by his own admission, a bit of a man-whore. Ethan is. . . not. And like a moth to a flame, Ethan pulls Damir in, and keeps him close by throwing that 6 months wait time him! Loved that! Loved that it was ETHAN who called time, so close to the end and finally gave in!
But what I particularly liked about this one, was the development of the D/s relationship between Damir and Ethan. That Damir didn't know he was a Dom till his friend, Lance, pointed it out. That Ethan didn't know what he needed, til Damir gave it to him.
I loved that Lance taught Damir how to wield a flogger correctly, how to restrain and how to push Ethan way more than Damir could have on his own. All too often, these books have experienced Dom and newbie subs, and we don't get HOW the Doms are taught.
While I am aware this is based around a true story, I didn't read it as such.
It is written in the first person, from both Damir and Ethan's point of view, and there are a lot of flipping from one to the other inside of the chapters, sometimes from page to page BUT each change is clearly headed. So you know who is talking to you.
First I've read of this author, I'd like to read more!
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Damir met Ethan at a college coffee and was SMITTEN. It's the only word to describe how he felt about Ethan. And this is their story: the true story of love at first sight.
I liked this one! I LIKED it a LOT!!!
Damir is in a frat house, and is, by his own admission, a bit of a man-whore. Ethan is. . . not. And like a moth to a flame, Ethan pulls Damir in, and keeps him close by throwing that 6 months wait time him! Loved that! Loved that it was ETHAN who called time, so close to the end and finally gave in!
But what I particularly liked about this one, was the development of the D/s relationship between Damir and Ethan. That Damir didn't know he was a Dom till his friend, Lance, pointed it out. That Ethan didn't know what he needed, til Damir gave it to him.
I loved that Lance taught Damir how to wield a flogger correctly, how to restrain and how to push Ethan way more than Damir could have on his own. All too often, these books have experienced Dom and newbie subs, and we don't get HOW the Doms are taught.
While I am aware this is based around a true story, I didn't read it as such.
It is written in the first person, from both Damir and Ethan's point of view, and there are a lot of flipping from one to the other inside of the chapters, sometimes from page to page BUT each change is clearly headed. So you know who is talking to you.
First I've read of this author, I'd like to read more!
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Louise (64 KP) rated Haiku Princess: Poems in Ascending Order of Profanity in Books
Jul 2, 2018
**I received this via Netgalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I really don't know what I read! The one word that comes to mind is bizarre. Now I am not by any means a person that reads a lot of poetry as there are always deeper meanings and sometimes I don't think my intelligence stretches that far. However, I wanted to start reading a bit more and this one instantly caught my attention. I have a crude sense of humour and not one to shy away from foul language or sexual references but this just left me flummoxed.
First of all the Victorian artwork just did not work with the crudeness of the poetry. The title is very accurate and gets ruder and cruder throughout. The book is split into five sections: Cradle, Maiden, Lady Ku, Ku of the crone and The Holy one. The cover of the book and the artwork inside is beautiful and would be worth it just for the pictures. It did get several guffaws from me but that's all. I really wanted to like this but I felt it didn't really work, was there supposed to be a meaning to the pictures or is it just the authors sense of humour. Writing poems out of 17 syllables and getting a message across is an amazing feat and applaud Tanager for her efforts as I know I certainly wouldn't be able to produce anything.
Sniff, dab and wipe. Sniff, dab and wipe. Sniff. I wish they just made nose tampons.
If you are a fan of poetry and not easily offended then I would check this out
Overall I rated this 2.5 out of 5 stars.
I really don't know what I read! The one word that comes to mind is bizarre. Now I am not by any means a person that reads a lot of poetry as there are always deeper meanings and sometimes I don't think my intelligence stretches that far. However, I wanted to start reading a bit more and this one instantly caught my attention. I have a crude sense of humour and not one to shy away from foul language or sexual references but this just left me flummoxed.
First of all the Victorian artwork just did not work with the crudeness of the poetry. The title is very accurate and gets ruder and cruder throughout. The book is split into five sections: Cradle, Maiden, Lady Ku, Ku of the crone and The Holy one. The cover of the book and the artwork inside is beautiful and would be worth it just for the pictures. It did get several guffaws from me but that's all. I really wanted to like this but I felt it didn't really work, was there supposed to be a meaning to the pictures or is it just the authors sense of humour. Writing poems out of 17 syllables and getting a message across is an amazing feat and applaud Tanager for her efforts as I know I certainly wouldn't be able to produce anything.
Sniff, dab and wipe. Sniff, dab and wipe. Sniff. I wish they just made nose tampons.
If you are a fan of poetry and not easily offended then I would check this out
Overall I rated this 2.5 out of 5 stars.