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Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Magic Born (The Guardian #2) in Books
May 5, 2021
57 of 250
Kindle
Magic Born ( The Guardians book 2)
By Rayanne Haines
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Maria Del Voscova is a powerful witch with a past. When she’s asked to become a member of the elite Guardians she knows she can’t risk sharing the truth about her messed-up family. But we don’t always get what we want. Sometimes, we don’t always know what we want.
Though Mar absolutely knows she doesn’t want Neeren, King of the Parthen. She alone sees the darkness in him and it reminds her too much of the past. She knows better than to fall for his stoic, tortured soul façade.
She’s training to be a Guardian, a shadow; tasked with keeping the balance between good and evil in the world. It’s what she wants—to be better than her family was.
But the past has a way of catching up to Mar and the future has a morbid sense of humor. On her first mission, she’s kidnapped by the enemy she’s been running from her entire life. Thankfully the guardians look after their own. As it turns out, so does Neeren.
As Mar finds herself caught between the past and the future; between blood and bond; between the light and the dark, she realizes her only chance at surviving may be in trusting a man who is the most dangerous of them all.
This was so much better than the first book! I love Nareen and Maria’s story. Poor Maria I think everything the author could possibly think of was thrown at this witch and she still fought through Everything. Although I did like the 1st book this one just had more fight to it. I’m looking forward to reading about Quinn and her part to play in all this.
Kindle
Magic Born ( The Guardians book 2)
By Rayanne Haines
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Maria Del Voscova is a powerful witch with a past. When she’s asked to become a member of the elite Guardians she knows she can’t risk sharing the truth about her messed-up family. But we don’t always get what we want. Sometimes, we don’t always know what we want.
Though Mar absolutely knows she doesn’t want Neeren, King of the Parthen. She alone sees the darkness in him and it reminds her too much of the past. She knows better than to fall for his stoic, tortured soul façade.
She’s training to be a Guardian, a shadow; tasked with keeping the balance between good and evil in the world. It’s what she wants—to be better than her family was.
But the past has a way of catching up to Mar and the future has a morbid sense of humor. On her first mission, she’s kidnapped by the enemy she’s been running from her entire life. Thankfully the guardians look after their own. As it turns out, so does Neeren.
As Mar finds herself caught between the past and the future; between blood and bond; between the light and the dark, she realizes her only chance at surviving may be in trusting a man who is the most dangerous of them all.
This was so much better than the first book! I love Nareen and Maria’s story. Poor Maria I think everything the author could possibly think of was thrown at this witch and she still fought through Everything. Although I did like the 1st book this one just had more fight to it. I’m looking forward to reading about Quinn and her part to play in all this.

Tim Booth recommended 1992-2002 by Underworld in Music (curated)

Juliette Jackson recommended track Gigantic by Pixies in Surfer Rosa by Pixies in Music (curated)

BookInspector (124 KP) rated A Throne of Swans in Books
Sep 24, 2020
The protagonist in this book is Aderyn, and the book is told from her perspective. I liked her naivety and inexperience in the politics of the court. It was quite cute to watch her struggle to make decisions, that could change not only her life but the life of her whole dominion as well. I really liked the romantic tension in this novel as well, it was interesting to see, which of the boys Aderyn will choose. I liked all the characters the authors picked for this book, they are all diverse and intriguing. That is why I would’ve liked more perspectives, especially Lucien’s, he is such a mysterious guy, and I would’ve loved to read all his secret endeavours.
The plot was pretty slow, at least for half of the book. I liked the twists and plots the authors brought to this book, but I don’t think it was enough. Until the end Aderyn was quite weak and helpless, only at the end, she has done some surprising changes, that I loved. I think for this book, the chapters were too long. The plot was not very eventful, and I was quite bored sometimes, counting the pages to the next chapter.
The writing style was easy to read, and I can see where the authors are steering the plot, I have very high expectations for the second part. The setting of this book doesn’t change much, but I liked the detailed descriptions of the places, I think they looked stunning. The ending was a true gem, I really loved Aderyn’s choices and the intrigue created. So, to conclude, it was quite a long introduction to the upcoming book. I liked the characters and the world it was set in, but I am expecting more perspectives, more action and deceit, as well as shorter chapters in the upcoming part.
The plot was pretty slow, at least for half of the book. I liked the twists and plots the authors brought to this book, but I don’t think it was enough. Until the end Aderyn was quite weak and helpless, only at the end, she has done some surprising changes, that I loved. I think for this book, the chapters were too long. The plot was not very eventful, and I was quite bored sometimes, counting the pages to the next chapter.
The writing style was easy to read, and I can see where the authors are steering the plot, I have very high expectations for the second part. The setting of this book doesn’t change much, but I liked the detailed descriptions of the places, I think they looked stunning. The ending was a true gem, I really loved Aderyn’s choices and the intrigue created. So, to conclude, it was quite a long introduction to the upcoming book. I liked the characters and the world it was set in, but I am expecting more perspectives, more action and deceit, as well as shorter chapters in the upcoming part.

BookInspector (124 KP) rated From the Shadows in Books
Sep 24, 2020
The main characters in this novel are detective Monica and social worker Michael. I really enjoyed the way the author developed these two characters throughout the book. Monica is a single mother who is trying her best to be a good mum and a good detective. She is an interesting character with a very distinctive appearance. Michael had his own issues in the past, but at the moment his main goal is to find his client Nichol, who suddenly disappeared, and he is the only one who cares enough to find him. While Monica is dealing with dead teenagers, Michael is launching his own investigation into finding the missing boy. The case gets more tangled and complicated, so Monica and Michael start working together to solve it all.
I really liked this cooperation and teamwork between these two characters, they compliment each other. The narrative was fast paced and full of twists and turns. Sometimes I used to feel, that Michael’s wish to find Nichol was too repetitive, it made him look a little boring at times. I really enjoyed the multiple perspectives, especially the killer’s parts. It was visible that man is absolutely out of his mind, but still, very amusing to read.
I enjoyed the writing style of this novel, the suspense was very well kept, and overall delivery of the plot is very intriguing. The chapters are quite short, and the whole book was a really quick read for me. The ending was quite unexpected, but at the same time quite disappointing. I was expecting something more. So, to conclude, This is a really good thriller, filled with layered characters and plot. I really enjoyed it, and I hope you will give this book a try and enjoy it as much as I did. 🙂
I really liked this cooperation and teamwork between these two characters, they compliment each other. The narrative was fast paced and full of twists and turns. Sometimes I used to feel, that Michael’s wish to find Nichol was too repetitive, it made him look a little boring at times. I really enjoyed the multiple perspectives, especially the killer’s parts. It was visible that man is absolutely out of his mind, but still, very amusing to read.
I enjoyed the writing style of this novel, the suspense was very well kept, and overall delivery of the plot is very intriguing. The chapters are quite short, and the whole book was a really quick read for me. The ending was quite unexpected, but at the same time quite disappointing. I was expecting something more. So, to conclude, This is a really good thriller, filled with layered characters and plot. I really enjoyed it, and I hope you will give this book a try and enjoy it as much as I did. 🙂

BookInspector (124 KP) rated The Foster Child in Books
Sep 24, 2020
This story is told from multiple perspectives, but mainly, Imogen and Ellie are the ones sharing their feelings and thoughts. I liked Imogen as a character, but sometimes her actions and decisions were silly and not very thought through. Ellie was a mystery from the beginning till the end, and I kind of liked that the author left this mystical aura surrounding Ellie until the last sentence of the book. All the characters in this book were quite disturbed, carrying some baggage from their pasts.
The narrative of this novel was quite tense, there always were little incidents related to Ellie, that made this book very absorbing. I liked the topics this book discussed, such as pregnancy, parental love, bullying, fighting your fears, child’s behaviour problems, attachment, and many more. I enjoyed all the little twists and turns the author threw in this in this book, it made this book a true page-turner.
The writing style of this novel was easy to read, but quite confusing. Till the last page, I could not understand what was going on with Ellie. In some places, it seems that she was supernatural, and in other places, it was brushed off as fabrication, so this thing did leave me baffled. The chapters had a very decent length and they didn’t leave me bored. The ending of the book was quite surprising but it rounded the story very nicely and left me satisfied with the outcome.
So, to conclude, I really enjoyed this psychological thriller, it has very complex and disturbed characters, as well as the plot that is always trying to confuse the reader, and filled with turns, twists and very important topics.
The narrative of this novel was quite tense, there always were little incidents related to Ellie, that made this book very absorbing. I liked the topics this book discussed, such as pregnancy, parental love, bullying, fighting your fears, child’s behaviour problems, attachment, and many more. I enjoyed all the little twists and turns the author threw in this in this book, it made this book a true page-turner.
The writing style of this novel was easy to read, but quite confusing. Till the last page, I could not understand what was going on with Ellie. In some places, it seems that she was supernatural, and in other places, it was brushed off as fabrication, so this thing did leave me baffled. The chapters had a very decent length and they didn’t leave me bored. The ending of the book was quite surprising but it rounded the story very nicely and left me satisfied with the outcome.
So, to conclude, I really enjoyed this psychological thriller, it has very complex and disturbed characters, as well as the plot that is always trying to confuse the reader, and filled with turns, twists and very important topics.

BookInspector (124 KP) rated A Nearly Normal Family in Books
Sep 24, 2020
As it is said in the blurb, this book is told from three different perspectives: father, daughter, and mother, all three are sharing their sides to this story. The father’s part was the least interesting to me, he sounds quite boring and not very eventful. We do find out some interesting aspects of their life, but otherwise, he mainly seems lost and confused. The daughter’s part was the most interesting to me, we have the chance to see what the accused murderer is actually thinking, and what was her take on the life she is living. This part shines a different light on her father and other very important events. The mother’s part was the most logical one, I believe. She is a lawyer, so she knows how to deal with evidence. I liked her side of the story and the thoughts she shared from her life. The characters are well developed and intriguing, but sometimes some of their thoughts about “I need to save my daughter, it wasn’t her” felt repetitive and overused.
The narrative of this book keeps changing, depending on the characters views, and that was what got me going throughout the book. We do find out some spicy and interesting details throughout each part, that makes this book deeper and more personal. If you ever have read Nordic Noir, most probably you noticed, that this genre has a specific feeling about it. It normally involves exotic names, woods and coldness. This book for some reason managed to avoid that feeling. It is a Scandi Noir and it does have those exotic names of the places, but this book feels modern and doesn’t have this gloominess surrounding it.
The narrative of this book keeps changing, depending on the characters views, and that was what got me going throughout the book. We do find out some spicy and interesting details throughout each part, that makes this book deeper and more personal. If you ever have read Nordic Noir, most probably you noticed, that this genre has a specific feeling about it. It normally involves exotic names, woods and coldness. This book for some reason managed to avoid that feeling. It is a Scandi Noir and it does have those exotic names of the places, but this book feels modern and doesn’t have this gloominess surrounding it.

BookInspector (124 KP) rated What Magic Is This? in Books
Sep 24, 2020
Three friends, Sophia, Mia and Alexis are trying to do some magic during a sleepover at Sophia’s house. They all have something they want to cast a spell on. Sophia wants her sweetheart Aidan, Mia needs to stop harming herself, and Alexis wants to wish her dog (that she hated) a farewell. All three of these girls are very different, but they fit in together very well. Holly chose such a believable and realistic characters for this book, and the school life looks like straight from the TV screen. The story is told from Sophia’s perspective, where she is sharing details about her and Aidan’s love story.
The narrative was really gripping, I wanted to find out, what happened between Sophia and Aidan. The plot keeps changing between the events happening in the room, and Sophia’s love story in the past. This book is funny, very easy to read, and I liked the lessons it had to offer. There are not many surprises in this book, and sometimes it was quite predictable.
The writing style was really pleasant and easy to read. This edition has dyslexia friendly font, and the book itself wasn’t very long, so it was a quick read for me. The setting of this book doesn’t change much, it is either Sophia’s bedroom or the school. The ending of the book was quite predictable, but I liked the way it rounded up this story. The chapters are not very long, and this novel didn’t leave me bored.
So, to conclude, it was a great story about friendship, magic and finding what you really want. It has realistic characters and is an entertaining and educational read for young girls.
The narrative was really gripping, I wanted to find out, what happened between Sophia and Aidan. The plot keeps changing between the events happening in the room, and Sophia’s love story in the past. This book is funny, very easy to read, and I liked the lessons it had to offer. There are not many surprises in this book, and sometimes it was quite predictable.
The writing style was really pleasant and easy to read. This edition has dyslexia friendly font, and the book itself wasn’t very long, so it was a quick read for me. The setting of this book doesn’t change much, it is either Sophia’s bedroom or the school. The ending of the book was quite predictable, but I liked the way it rounded up this story. The chapters are not very long, and this novel didn’t leave me bored.
So, to conclude, it was a great story about friendship, magic and finding what you really want. It has realistic characters and is an entertaining and educational read for young girls.

BookInspector (124 KP) rated Eat, Drink, Run: How I Got Fit Without Going Too Mad in Books
Sep 24, 2020
The blurb describes this book pretty accurately. After meeting The Royals, Bryony accidentally offered to run a marathon for Heads Together charity, who helps people suffering from mental health issues. I really loved how brutally honest and funny this memoir was. Bryony tells the reader the darkest and most shameful events of her life with pride! I think many people can relate to Bryony and her life lessons in one way or another. She openly speaks about her weight, OCD, depression, personal life struggles as well as her achievements with Mental Health Mates, her interview with Prince Harry and finishing the marathon.
Bryony talks a lot about mental health in this book, sometimes it did feel a little bit too much for me. I do understand the importance of it, but it got a little bit repetitive at times. I really liked the way it was written, it feels like an old friend, telling her life story, Bryony is unapologetic and states the facts the way they are. This book carries plenty of foul language, alcohol, strange relationships, and it was an absolute joy to read. 😀 I found the chapters to be a little bit too long for my liking, but because they were really funny, the book didn’t drag to me.
So, to conclude, I know that I learned a lot from Bryony. I learned that many people suffer from mental health issues, even though it is hard to see it with a naked eye. Bryony offers few easy and simple ways how to deal with those pesky demons, and enjoy your life as much as you can. I really enjoyed this memoir, and I hope you will give this book a try when you are looking for some inspiration.
Bryony talks a lot about mental health in this book, sometimes it did feel a little bit too much for me. I do understand the importance of it, but it got a little bit repetitive at times. I really liked the way it was written, it feels like an old friend, telling her life story, Bryony is unapologetic and states the facts the way they are. This book carries plenty of foul language, alcohol, strange relationships, and it was an absolute joy to read. 😀 I found the chapters to be a little bit too long for my liking, but because they were really funny, the book didn’t drag to me.
So, to conclude, I know that I learned a lot from Bryony. I learned that many people suffer from mental health issues, even though it is hard to see it with a naked eye. Bryony offers few easy and simple ways how to deal with those pesky demons, and enjoy your life as much as you can. I really enjoyed this memoir, and I hope you will give this book a try when you are looking for some inspiration.