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Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated The Book Club in Books
Jul 1, 2021
A really good book that kept me guessing throughout.
The story follows Lucy who has moved to a cottage in the Cotswolds after an affair with her boss. She moved for a fresh start and has found her feet with a group of friends who all seem relatively close. That is until a newcomer, Alice, moves in next door to Lucy and turns her world upside down. Lucy always knows there’s something she doesn’t trust about Alice, but she can’t seem to quite put her finger on it. Alice finds out secrets about everyone in the friendship group and, after suggesting a book club for them all, manages to suggest or manipulate other people into suggesting books similar to each of the secrets they have hidden from each other.
Alice is out for revenge, and it took me until the last few chapters, just before it was revealed, to work out what exactly she wanted revenge for.
I found the book quite confusing at times, one chapter was from Lucy’s point of view and then the next was always focused on other character or multiple character’s but always in the third person. Because of this, sometimes I had to reread paragraphs because I was confused who it was about. But once I got used to this style, I really did enjoy the book.
Each of the character’s secrets were interesting, and it was easy to see that they didn’t trust their friends completely as they mostly dealt with the secrets they were keeping by themselves. It was also interesting to see just how easy the odd comment from an outsider caused a rift in the friendships and it made me wonder were they really that close in the first place?
This book really did live up the the hype for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns that were present throughout. I’m looking forward to reading C.J. Cooper’s next book!
Alice is out for revenge, and it took me until the last few chapters, just before it was revealed, to work out what exactly she wanted revenge for.
I found the book quite confusing at times, one chapter was from Lucy’s point of view and then the next was always focused on other character or multiple character’s but always in the third person. Because of this, sometimes I had to reread paragraphs because I was confused who it was about. But once I got used to this style, I really did enjoy the book.
Each of the character’s secrets were interesting, and it was easy to see that they didn’t trust their friends completely as they mostly dealt with the secrets they were keeping by themselves. It was also interesting to see just how easy the odd comment from an outsider caused a rift in the friendships and it made me wonder were they really that close in the first place?
This book really did live up the the hype for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns that were present throughout. I’m looking forward to reading C.J. Cooper’s next book!
BookInspector (124 KP) rated The Distant Dead in Books
Jul 1, 2021
The protagonist in this novel is Stella, but there are multiple storylines going on in this book. Stella is a quite complicated character, she has a lot of things going on in her life. It does not help that while running from her past life she stumbles onto a murdered true-crime podcaster. And once again she gets involved with another investigation. The characters of this book are very interesting personalities, and I was very curious to know more about them. And there is a very wide variety of characters, so sometimes it can be a little difficult to remember who is who.
The beginning of the book was quite slow and confusing for me. This book carries two separate investigations, the one going on in 1940 during WWII, and another investigation happening at the present day. I would have liked more suspense in this book, the culprits were quite easy to guess, but I enjoyed the interactions between the characters while solving both of the crimes. I especially liked the investigation that happened in the 1940ies, I loved reading about that era and the description of West London was very intriguing and educational to me. Also, I really liked to see how different police work was compared to the present day, and I did feel annoyed with the police ignoring the obvious. 😀
The writing style of this book was very enjoyable and well researched. I liked the different settings and atmospheres as well. The chapters have medium length, but it did not leave me bored. As I mentioned before, the ending of the book was quite predictable, but I liked how this book was rounded up. Even though this book was part of the series, I was able to read it as a stand-alone.
So, to conclude, it was a cleverly written crime story, filled with a very wide variety of different and intriguing characters as well as the murder stories that were different but very entwined.
The beginning of the book was quite slow and confusing for me. This book carries two separate investigations, the one going on in 1940 during WWII, and another investigation happening at the present day. I would have liked more suspense in this book, the culprits were quite easy to guess, but I enjoyed the interactions between the characters while solving both of the crimes. I especially liked the investigation that happened in the 1940ies, I loved reading about that era and the description of West London was very intriguing and educational to me. Also, I really liked to see how different police work was compared to the present day, and I did feel annoyed with the police ignoring the obvious. 😀
The writing style of this book was very enjoyable and well researched. I liked the different settings and atmospheres as well. The chapters have medium length, but it did not leave me bored. As I mentioned before, the ending of the book was quite predictable, but I liked how this book was rounded up. Even though this book was part of the series, I was able to read it as a stand-alone.
So, to conclude, it was a cleverly written crime story, filled with a very wide variety of different and intriguing characters as well as the murder stories that were different but very entwined.
Merissa (12058 KP) rated Tristan (The Hawks, #1) in Books
Jul 9, 2021
TRISTAN is the first book in The Hawks series and be prepared to lose your heart to every single one of these men!!!
After many years of war, a chance of peace happens, before betrayal takes over. This devastates Tristan as it looks -- and he is told by his king -- that his best friend is one of those responsible. He is sent away from the main city as penance for 'allowing' the old king to die. Whilst he and his men are gone, lots of changes take place, and none of them good.
What a brilliant story!!! Now, as an unbiased reader, I can tell you I was shouting at my kindle when Tristan believed the prince. I mean, come on, but Tristan was honourable and loyal, and his vow to the king was everything. Nim is Val's sister and believes him to be innocent. Of course, this may have something to do with the way she is treated by the king and his chancellor. When she escapes them, the only thought in her mind is to save her brother. Once she is captured by Tristan and his men, things get really interesting.
The world-building is simply sublime! Details are given in passing that you won't even need to think about, just because they simply are! Wings, scales, healing, you name it. I just want to know more! It is a fast-paced story that takes you on a steamy, and sometimes violent, adventure - where good is good and bad is downright horrible.
As a first book in a series, it's amazing. As a debut novel, it's astounding. I was captured by this world, and the characters who live there, and I really can't wait for more. Absolutely fantastic and 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!
After many years of war, a chance of peace happens, before betrayal takes over. This devastates Tristan as it looks -- and he is told by his king -- that his best friend is one of those responsible. He is sent away from the main city as penance for 'allowing' the old king to die. Whilst he and his men are gone, lots of changes take place, and none of them good.
What a brilliant story!!! Now, as an unbiased reader, I can tell you I was shouting at my kindle when Tristan believed the prince. I mean, come on, but Tristan was honourable and loyal, and his vow to the king was everything. Nim is Val's sister and believes him to be innocent. Of course, this may have something to do with the way she is treated by the king and his chancellor. When she escapes them, the only thought in her mind is to save her brother. Once she is captured by Tristan and his men, things get really interesting.
The world-building is simply sublime! Details are given in passing that you won't even need to think about, just because they simply are! Wings, scales, healing, you name it. I just want to know more! It is a fast-paced story that takes you on a steamy, and sometimes violent, adventure - where good is good and bad is downright horrible.
As a first book in a series, it's amazing. As a debut novel, it's astounding. I was captured by this world, and the characters who live there, and I really can't wait for more. Absolutely fantastic and 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!
Zach Galligan recommended The Thing (1982) in Movies (curated)
BookInspector (124 KP) rated One of us is Lying in Books
Sep 24, 2020
I read so many great reviews about this book, so it was a no-brainer for me, whether to read it or not, and I was really enjoying this book all the way through.
This book follows lives of four seventeen-year-old students, who are accused of murdering their schoolmate during detention. McManus chose the characters for this book very cleverly, covering the main groups of students, which you find in most of the US schools. (using my experience of watching movies) Because of this great selection of characters, it is easy to relate to them and it makes them all very believable. My personal favourite was Bronwyn, I liked her story in this book and the way she was fighting all odds in her school and personal life. I really enjoyed that author was bringing up really serious topics through these characters and their stories, that created more depth and meaning in this book. Another thing which was a real pleasure was multiple perspectives, through which characters could open up to the reader and let their personalities shine.
The plot of this book was very well thought through and creatively designed, drop feeding the important information and creating impatience with every character’s story. There are plenty of turns and twists, so this book was a real page-turner for me. I was reading most of this book while I was travelling, so sometimes it was hard to follow who was who, as the characters change and mix in every chapter, but I got a hold of it later in the book.
I really enjoyed the writing style of this book with easy language and short chapters. I think that author ended this novel very nicely, giving well-deserved conclusion and hope for all the romantics out there. So, to conclude, it is a great book with very strong and diverse characters, interesting plot, and it discusses very important topics, that’s why I think it is a must read and I strongly recommend it to everyone. Enjoy 🙂
This book follows lives of four seventeen-year-old students, who are accused of murdering their schoolmate during detention. McManus chose the characters for this book very cleverly, covering the main groups of students, which you find in most of the US schools. (using my experience of watching movies) Because of this great selection of characters, it is easy to relate to them and it makes them all very believable. My personal favourite was Bronwyn, I liked her story in this book and the way she was fighting all odds in her school and personal life. I really enjoyed that author was bringing up really serious topics through these characters and their stories, that created more depth and meaning in this book. Another thing which was a real pleasure was multiple perspectives, through which characters could open up to the reader and let their personalities shine.
The plot of this book was very well thought through and creatively designed, drop feeding the important information and creating impatience with every character’s story. There are plenty of turns and twists, so this book was a real page-turner for me. I was reading most of this book while I was travelling, so sometimes it was hard to follow who was who, as the characters change and mix in every chapter, but I got a hold of it later in the book.
I really enjoyed the writing style of this book with easy language and short chapters. I think that author ended this novel very nicely, giving well-deserved conclusion and hope for all the romantics out there. So, to conclude, it is a great book with very strong and diverse characters, interesting plot, and it discusses very important topics, that’s why I think it is a must read and I strongly recommend it to everyone. Enjoy 🙂
BookInspector (124 KP) rated The Alibi Girl in Books
Sep 24, 2020
This story is told from two perspectives. The first one to tell the story is Ellis, a very strange character, called a freak by many. I think Ellis is quite disturbed and she does need help, she kind of got stuck in her childhood. I think everything she does is quite odd, but she does have her own reasons for her actions. The second person that is sharing the story is Foy, Ellis and she are cousins, and they were extremely close while growing up. I, personally, liked Foy more in this story, I liked her straight forward manner as well as her fierceness. I just couldn’t connect to Ellis however, I found her way of dealing with the world quite amusing.
The narrative was very well constructed, adding all the little unexpected surprises, and creating slowly accumulating suspense. I really liked that the plot kept changing between the present and the past, that kept me always interested in all the turns and twists, also it explained many questions, that were building up while reading the book. The topics discussed in this novel were bullying, social acceptance, mental health issues, sisterly love, paranoia, and many more.
I was kind of used to funny writing style, that I encountered in the author’s previous books, and I was pleasantly surprised to read this quite serious book. This novel unravels quite severe mental health issues. I really liked the setting of this book, it was constantly changing. The chapters are quite short, and the pages just flew by, for me. I really liked the ending of this book, it left me very satisfied with the outcome of this story.
So, to conclude, C.J. Skuse as a true talent in creating complex and disturbed characters, that are quite entertaining and sometimes pleasantly shocking. The plot kept me engrossed and constantly guessing. I really enjoyed this book, and I strongly recommend it to all, I hope it will teach solidarity and acceptance.
The narrative was very well constructed, adding all the little unexpected surprises, and creating slowly accumulating suspense. I really liked that the plot kept changing between the present and the past, that kept me always interested in all the turns and twists, also it explained many questions, that were building up while reading the book. The topics discussed in this novel were bullying, social acceptance, mental health issues, sisterly love, paranoia, and many more.
I was kind of used to funny writing style, that I encountered in the author’s previous books, and I was pleasantly surprised to read this quite serious book. This novel unravels quite severe mental health issues. I really liked the setting of this book, it was constantly changing. The chapters are quite short, and the pages just flew by, for me. I really liked the ending of this book, it left me very satisfied with the outcome of this story.
So, to conclude, C.J. Skuse as a true talent in creating complex and disturbed characters, that are quite entertaining and sometimes pleasantly shocking. The plot kept me engrossed and constantly guessing. I really enjoyed this book, and I strongly recommend it to all, I hope it will teach solidarity and acceptance.
BookInspector (124 KP) rated Mine in Books
Sep 24, 2020
There are two protagonists in this story, Alice and Luke, and the story is told from their perspectives. Alice is Luke’s biological mother, and Luke only recently found her. Alice integrates into this family really quickly, until Luke realises that something is not right. Alice is sharing her story with the reader, her life in the seventies, when she was a young art student, that had a beautifully heartbreaking relationship, that caused her to give up Luke for adoption. I really liked Alice’s parts of this story, it was very absorbing and romantic. Luke’s parts were less interesting to me, even though that was were the mysterious events were happening, I found it a little slower paced. I think the author allowed me to connect with the protagonists through their thoughts and all the challenges the characters had to endure.
The narrative has a nice contrast between the past and the present, and this combination made this read more intriguing and absorbing. As I mentioned before, this novel breaks the barrier between genres, we have a romantic story and a domestic thriller mixed together, and I really enjoyed this way of storytelling. The plot had tendencies of kind of plodding along sometimes, and I would have liked a little more pace and twists added to it. It is a really emotional read, filled with depression, wishes to belong, secrets, abusive parenting and many more.
I liked the author’s writing style in this novel, it was creatively written and well delivered. I enjoyed the research done for this book in the music and arts industries, it was intriguing to read about the music bands lifestyle. The setting of this book constantly changes between seventies London and present day, and I really liked the ability to learn more about the past. The chapters had a decent length and didn’t drag to me. I really loved the ending, it left me shocked and nearly in tears, I really wasn’t expecting it.
The narrative has a nice contrast between the past and the present, and this combination made this read more intriguing and absorbing. As I mentioned before, this novel breaks the barrier between genres, we have a romantic story and a domestic thriller mixed together, and I really enjoyed this way of storytelling. The plot had tendencies of kind of plodding along sometimes, and I would have liked a little more pace and twists added to it. It is a really emotional read, filled with depression, wishes to belong, secrets, abusive parenting and many more.
I liked the author’s writing style in this novel, it was creatively written and well delivered. I enjoyed the research done for this book in the music and arts industries, it was intriguing to read about the music bands lifestyle. The setting of this book constantly changes between seventies London and present day, and I really liked the ability to learn more about the past. The chapters had a decent length and didn’t drag to me. I really loved the ending, it left me shocked and nearly in tears, I really wasn’t expecting it.
BookInspector (124 KP) rated Twice Magic (The Wizards of Once #2) in Books
Sep 24, 2020
So, Xar and Wish meet once again after running away from the places they been kept in. Their goal is to kill the witches, and after Wish finds a magical potion, they set out on another adventure to find the missing ingredients. The story is once again told by “Unknown Narrator”, and I still have no idea who that is. 😀 The characters remain more or less the same, but there are some new characters introduced to this story, who play quite vital parts.
I have very mixed feelings about the narrative of this book. I did like the adventure part, but rest of the things seemed very stretched out and it had too much detail going on. The author created quite interesting surprises in the plot, incorporating some romance into the story. This part can easily be read without reading the first book, as the author explained most of the things, which might seem a little confusing to a new reader.
The writing style remains as in the first book, it feels raw, just like the way you would be telling the story, and explaining bits and pieces along the way. Which feels unique, but at the same time, makes the chapters longer and more detailed. The illustrations once again are absolutely stunning, and I enjoyed the texture, which they give to every chapter and overall reading experience. I liked that the setting of this novel keeps changing as the characters travel, it gave a more adventurous feeling to me. The ending was quite dragged for my liking and I think that there are way more books to come in this series, so, if you are a fan of these characters, it is good news to you. 🙂
To conclude, it is a fun read with same characters, (who can be quite a negative influence sometimes to a young reader) but new, romantic and adventurous findings, and if you liked the first part, you might enjoy this one as well.
I have very mixed feelings about the narrative of this book. I did like the adventure part, but rest of the things seemed very stretched out and it had too much detail going on. The author created quite interesting surprises in the plot, incorporating some romance into the story. This part can easily be read without reading the first book, as the author explained most of the things, which might seem a little confusing to a new reader.
The writing style remains as in the first book, it feels raw, just like the way you would be telling the story, and explaining bits and pieces along the way. Which feels unique, but at the same time, makes the chapters longer and more detailed. The illustrations once again are absolutely stunning, and I enjoyed the texture, which they give to every chapter and overall reading experience. I liked that the setting of this novel keeps changing as the characters travel, it gave a more adventurous feeling to me. The ending was quite dragged for my liking and I think that there are way more books to come in this series, so, if you are a fan of these characters, it is good news to you. 🙂
To conclude, it is a fun read with same characters, (who can be quite a negative influence sometimes to a young reader) but new, romantic and adventurous findings, and if you liked the first part, you might enjoy this one as well.
BookInspector (124 KP) rated The Gardener's Daughter in Books
Sep 24, 2020
Oh Ava, Ava, Ava… Why are you playing an adult, when you are just a child??? Why?
The main lead in this novel is Ava, a nineteen-year-old girl, who finds out that she is adopted. Filled with anger and wish to find out who her real dad is, she runs away from home, getting herself in a lot more trouble than she could dream. This book offers a very wide variety of different characters, who bring intrigue and personality to the whole book. I really liked this selection of characters in this novel, and I think they all played their roles really well. However, Ava really annoyed me sometimes, with her silly and very childish decisions and actions. My favourite would be Theo, I loved his kind nature and heart, and he represented real father figure to me.
I really liked the plot of this novel, it was very well crafted, bringing a compelling and interesting setting and plenty of intrigues. It was really interesting to read all those bits and pieces of camp’s life and what can be hiding behind closed doors. The twists and turns were smartly placed and left me pleasantly surprised.
I think Hitchins is a very talented author, she has a great eye for detail and very creative writing style. I found the chapters quite long for my liking, but overall, the book didn’t drag for me because I was quite keen to find out, what will happen next. I really enjoyed the ending of this novel, and if there will be a continuation, I will be definitely waiting for it. 🙂 So, to conclude, this is a very amusing book, filled with very well developed and engrossing characters and intriguing plot, and I truly believe that Hitchins is incredibly good at what she does. So please give this book a try and hopefully you will enjoy it as much as I did. 🙂
The main lead in this novel is Ava, a nineteen-year-old girl, who finds out that she is adopted. Filled with anger and wish to find out who her real dad is, she runs away from home, getting herself in a lot more trouble than she could dream. This book offers a very wide variety of different characters, who bring intrigue and personality to the whole book. I really liked this selection of characters in this novel, and I think they all played their roles really well. However, Ava really annoyed me sometimes, with her silly and very childish decisions and actions. My favourite would be Theo, I loved his kind nature and heart, and he represented real father figure to me.
I really liked the plot of this novel, it was very well crafted, bringing a compelling and interesting setting and plenty of intrigues. It was really interesting to read all those bits and pieces of camp’s life and what can be hiding behind closed doors. The twists and turns were smartly placed and left me pleasantly surprised.
I think Hitchins is a very talented author, she has a great eye for detail and very creative writing style. I found the chapters quite long for my liking, but overall, the book didn’t drag for me because I was quite keen to find out, what will happen next. I really enjoyed the ending of this novel, and if there will be a continuation, I will be definitely waiting for it. 🙂 So, to conclude, this is a very amusing book, filled with very well developed and engrossing characters and intriguing plot, and I truly believe that Hitchins is incredibly good at what she does. So please give this book a try and hopefully you will enjoy it as much as I did. 🙂
Joe Goodhart (27 KP) rated Rocket: The Blue River Score in Books
Nov 30, 2020
I have to confess: I went into this one with low expectations, largely due to trying to read the previous Rocket outing, Matthew Rosenberg's ROCKET RACCOON: GROUNDED! That book was just depressing as hell, and every character in it just felt wholly out-of-character, as if Rosenberg no flarking clue as to who the characters actually were and how they were SUPPOSED to behave! Fortunately, my pre-"low expectations" were ill-placed, as Trash Panda's outing was as far from the depressing wreck that Rosenberg churned out!
Yes, first and foremost, it was a Rocket Raccoon story, but it was also so much more. It felt not unlike SMOKIN' ACES or SNATCH...only on another planet, with aliens and an augmented raccoon! Writer Al Ewing is clearly a fan of pulp noir novels, and it shows throughout. Ah, if only Marvel would realize what a great film this mini would make!
If you like the wise-cracking, sometimes edgy wit of RR - basically, the RR of the MCU - then this is a book for you! Rocket has a great scheme in here, as well as some good intentions, all of which amounts to a double-cross and an ending that effectively resolves everything with a somewhat bittersweet ending. Bravo, Mr. Ewing! I truly hope Marvel lets him helm another RR solo mini!
And, if that does happen, allowed for another Ewing-helmed outing with RR, I hope that brings along artist Adam Gorham and colorist Michael Garland. Those two brought this fun li'l space heist to life ever so well! I was a big fan of Sara Pichelli's GOTG art for Rocket, but as good as she was, I feel these two were just as good, if not better! Definitely artists (and colorists) to keep an eye out for!
End of the day, you could do a whole lot worse that reading ROCKET: THE BLUE RIVE SCORE. *cough* CIVIL WAR II *cough* Bendis' ALL-NEW X-MEN run *cough cough*
Yes, first and foremost, it was a Rocket Raccoon story, but it was also so much more. It felt not unlike SMOKIN' ACES or SNATCH...only on another planet, with aliens and an augmented raccoon! Writer Al Ewing is clearly a fan of pulp noir novels, and it shows throughout. Ah, if only Marvel would realize what a great film this mini would make!
If you like the wise-cracking, sometimes edgy wit of RR - basically, the RR of the MCU - then this is a book for you! Rocket has a great scheme in here, as well as some good intentions, all of which amounts to a double-cross and an ending that effectively resolves everything with a somewhat bittersweet ending. Bravo, Mr. Ewing! I truly hope Marvel lets him helm another RR solo mini!
And, if that does happen, allowed for another Ewing-helmed outing with RR, I hope that brings along artist Adam Gorham and colorist Michael Garland. Those two brought this fun li'l space heist to life ever so well! I was a big fan of Sara Pichelli's GOTG art for Rocket, but as good as she was, I feel these two were just as good, if not better! Definitely artists (and colorists) to keep an eye out for!
End of the day, you could do a whole lot worse that reading ROCKET: THE BLUE RIVE SCORE. *cough* CIVIL WAR II *cough* Bendis' ALL-NEW X-MEN run *cough cough*