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David McK (3801 KP) rated Tiffany Aching's Guide to Being a Witch in Books
Jan 6, 2025
The late, great Terry Pratchett was one of my favourite authors.
Particularly his Discworld series of books.
From which the trainee witch, Tiffany Aching, was a later addition, first appearing in The Wee Free Men when, towards the end of the series (in the alter years of his life) Pratchett started writing a series of Discworld novels aimed more at the younger reader.
Rhianna Pratchett is Terry's daughter, who I know best for having worked on the Tomb Raider series of rebooted games in the 2010s ('Tomb Raider, 'Rise of the Tomb Raider' and 'Shadow of the Tomb Raider') although I am aware she has worked on others.
With Terry passing away in 2015 and with a steam roller (really) crushing his last remaining hard drive as per his will, I thought the Discworld series was done and dusted.
Until this came out, purporting to be a 'in-universe' guide written by Tiffany Aching (and with annotation by Granny Weatherwax, Rob Anybody, and Nanny Ogg amongst others), and (again, in-universe) from after the events of the final Discworld novel, The Shepherd's Crown.
This, I found, to be a light read, not really a story as such as it has no over-arching plot, but a fun diversion for an afternoon or two (or longer if - like me - life keeps getting the road!)
Particularly his Discworld series of books.
From which the trainee witch, Tiffany Aching, was a later addition, first appearing in The Wee Free Men when, towards the end of the series (in the alter years of his life) Pratchett started writing a series of Discworld novels aimed more at the younger reader.
Rhianna Pratchett is Terry's daughter, who I know best for having worked on the Tomb Raider series of rebooted games in the 2010s ('Tomb Raider, 'Rise of the Tomb Raider' and 'Shadow of the Tomb Raider') although I am aware she has worked on others.
With Terry passing away in 2015 and with a steam roller (really) crushing his last remaining hard drive as per his will, I thought the Discworld series was done and dusted.
Until this came out, purporting to be a 'in-universe' guide written by Tiffany Aching (and with annotation by Granny Weatherwax, Rob Anybody, and Nanny Ogg amongst others), and (again, in-universe) from after the events of the final Discworld novel, The Shepherd's Crown.
This, I found, to be a light read, not really a story as such as it has no over-arching plot, but a fun diversion for an afternoon or two (or longer if - like me - life keeps getting the road!)
Debbiereadsbook (1756 KP) rated Playing for Keeps (Love Goals #1) in Books
Sep 3, 2025
the football talk is kept to a minimum!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
OK, here's the thing. I am not, in any way, shape or form, a football fan. I have to know about football for work, but that's all. I do not watch, or follow any teams. So I approached this book with caution. I've read other books by Parker and I loved them, so I gave it a go.
I am pleased to say, the football talk was kept to a minimum!
But.
I liked this, I cannot love it.
I found the speed of the relationship fast, but there was hardly any soul searching. Given as these two together could cost them both their careers, I expected some deep internal monologues and I don't get them.
I found the emotional connection a little flat, between Udo and Steven. Some of that is a follow on from the previous point, but I just felt a bit let down by that.
The steam level is fairly low, but that's not a bad thing. I liked that.
That said!
I did finish it, and there are some interesting side characters, who I hope will get a story. I will try another in this series to see who comes next!
3 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
OK, here's the thing. I am not, in any way, shape or form, a football fan. I have to know about football for work, but that's all. I do not watch, or follow any teams. So I approached this book with caution. I've read other books by Parker and I loved them, so I gave it a go.
I am pleased to say, the football talk was kept to a minimum!
But.
I liked this, I cannot love it.
I found the speed of the relationship fast, but there was hardly any soul searching. Given as these two together could cost them both their careers, I expected some deep internal monologues and I don't get them.
I found the emotional connection a little flat, between Udo and Steven. Some of that is a follow on from the previous point, but I just felt a bit let down by that.
The steam level is fairly low, but that's not a bad thing. I liked that.
That said!
I did finish it, and there are some interesting side characters, who I hope will get a story. I will try another in this series to see who comes next!
3 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1756 KP) rated Striking The Match (Redwood Bay #3) in Books
Sep 25, 2025
freaking love this book!
I was gifted my copy of this book.
What this is, right, a massive hit of steam, a little bit of drama, an emotioanl connection off the chats (eventually!) a lotta love and. . . .kitties. . . .all wrapped up in 292 pages of lushness that I absolutely must tell you about!!
I mean, it's so freaking cute! Teddy has crushed on Cassius for years, and then the meet cute?? oh my days!
It's steamy. Cassius, though 15 years older than Teddy, has very little experience in the dating game or relationship game.
It's emotional. Teddy feels unseen. As a probie and a little brother. But Cassius SEES Teddy, and Teddy lovevs that.
There is a little drama. Teddy jumps into a raging river to rescue a cat. Teddy and Cassius get caught in a land slide. And then there is the whole outing-on-social-meida thing.
It's full of love! From the One-Thirteen crew, from the neighbours, from Cassius's PA and from *most* of Teddy's family. I really didn't like what his brother was trying to do!
I can't fault it, I really can't and if I give myself free reign, I may be some time and rewrite the whole darn book in the review!
So, I'm leaving you with this:
READ THE DARN BOOK!
5 Full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
What this is, right, a massive hit of steam, a little bit of drama, an emotioanl connection off the chats (eventually!) a lotta love and. . . .kitties. . . .all wrapped up in 292 pages of lushness that I absolutely must tell you about!!
I mean, it's so freaking cute! Teddy has crushed on Cassius for years, and then the meet cute?? oh my days!
It's steamy. Cassius, though 15 years older than Teddy, has very little experience in the dating game or relationship game.
It's emotional. Teddy feels unseen. As a probie and a little brother. But Cassius SEES Teddy, and Teddy lovevs that.
There is a little drama. Teddy jumps into a raging river to rescue a cat. Teddy and Cassius get caught in a land slide. And then there is the whole outing-on-social-meida thing.
It's full of love! From the One-Thirteen crew, from the neighbours, from Cassius's PA and from *most* of Teddy's family. I really didn't like what his brother was trying to do!
I can't fault it, I really can't and if I give myself free reign, I may be some time and rewrite the whole darn book in the review!
So, I'm leaving you with this:
READ THE DARN BOOK!
5 Full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (14013 KP) rated Music & Dreams (The Road to Rocktoberfest 2023) in Books
Oct 30, 2023
MUSIC & DREAMS is part of The Road to Rocktoberfest 2023, a multi-author series. We meet Lorcan and Rogan, the lead singer of a famous band, and the teacher/nanny he hired to look after his daughter. Rogan is attracted to his boss but won't act upon it. Lorcan has feelings for Rogan he is desperately trying to ignore. Until something goes wrong and Lorcan looks after Rogan, unlocking his feelings and making them obvious to everyone, including Amy, his daughter.
Oh, these two. Well, three if I include Amy, which I absolutely have to. So cute. Rogan's insecurities are completely understandable, whilst Lorcan is so very down to earth. Amy is a child who has her eyes wide open and sees everything.
I loved this story. It was everything I needed, from low angst to high steam. I just hope that we get to see the other two find their HEA too! With a smooth pace and no editing errors I noticed, this was a delightful read that kept me turning the pages. Loved every word 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 28, 2023
Oh, these two. Well, three if I include Amy, which I absolutely have to. So cute. Rogan's insecurities are completely understandable, whilst Lorcan is so very down to earth. Amy is a child who has her eyes wide open and sees everything.
I loved this story. It was everything I needed, from low angst to high steam. I just hope that we get to see the other two find their HEA too! With a smooth pace and no editing errors I noticed, this was a delightful read that kept me turning the pages. Loved every word 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 28, 2023
Night Shade (Chronicles of The Otherworld #1)
Book
Vampires are real, and her boss is one of them. By day, Gregori Novak is Daniella's friend and...
Paranormal Romance Dark Witches Vampires Fated Mates
Cori June (3033 KP) rated Prudence (The Custard Protocol, #1) in Books
Dec 12, 2021
Banter between characters (1 more)
Vocabulary
Too much description on fashion esp Dresses (2 more)
Hardly any plot
Hardly any character growth
If I didn't read this in an overdramatic unserious way, I would have hated this book. Prudence has the ability to get on the nerves and has very little character development. There is great banter between all the characters, and that was enjoyable.
If you took out all the descriptions of the dresses (and other outfits) you'd have 1/3 of a book. It was during these points where I questioned where the plot went cause it had a tendency to disappear.
I wouldn't say it was a puff and fluff book cause I don't want to disrespect those books but if it wasn't for the vocabulary and banter I'd probably would have DNF the book. I was disappointed that there wasn't as much steam-punk elements as expected and more supernatural elements then I realized. (My own fault for not properly reading the book blurb.)
I think that the author dropped the ball on some of the boundary pushing elements such as: talking about the colonization of Inda, pushing the boundaries of women in British society and social class. All in all I was amused if a bit bored at times and not sure if it's worth a second read through or to continue on in the series.
If you took out all the descriptions of the dresses (and other outfits) you'd have 1/3 of a book. It was during these points where I questioned where the plot went cause it had a tendency to disappear.
I wouldn't say it was a puff and fluff book cause I don't want to disrespect those books but if it wasn't for the vocabulary and banter I'd probably would have DNF the book. I was disappointed that there wasn't as much steam-punk elements as expected and more supernatural elements then I realized. (My own fault for not properly reading the book blurb.)
I think that the author dropped the ball on some of the boundary pushing elements such as: talking about the colonization of Inda, pushing the boundaries of women in British society and social class. All in all I was amused if a bit bored at times and not sure if it's worth a second read through or to continue on in the series.
Thomas & Friends: Go Go Thomas
Games and Entertainment
App
Budge Studios™ presents Thomas & Friends: Go Go Thomas! - a fun speed game for kids. Race against...
LR
Locomotive Recollections: No 45596 Bahamas: 84
Book
LMS engine No.5596 was constructed at the Queen's Park works of the North British Locomotive Co in...
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Kiss of Steel in Books
Sep 6, 2017
Well paced plot and action (3 more)
Great dialogue
Fleshed out characters
Amazing world-building
Victorian Steampunk with vampires, mechs, and werewolves. AND AWESOME.
Holy crap. I have only read the first two of this series – I have three more to read. (My Lady Quicksilver, Forged By Desire, and Of Silk and Steam, with a second series in the same universe called The Blue Blood Conspiracy.) (Edit: I have now read three and four, and they are also excellent!)
THESE ARE SO GOOD.
Victorian Steampunk in London with vampires, mechs, and werewolves (sort of) with romance, a political conspiracy plot, and plenty of action? YES PLEASE. These books are excellently written, with a hefty plot that moves at a perfect pace. Both romances have been very believable and intertwined seamlessly with the larger world’s plot. Each book is a hefty length, enough to really get absorbed in and flesh out everything that needs to be covered, without dragging on and getting old. The characters are fascinating – even the side characters are interesting enough that I really hope future books focus on them.
I don’t have a single bad thing to say about this series, and I can’t wait to read the next books. I am forcing myself to take a break from the series, even though I have the next two books, because I have library books that are due sooner that I need to read!
See all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
THESE ARE SO GOOD.
Victorian Steampunk in London with vampires, mechs, and werewolves (sort of) with romance, a political conspiracy plot, and plenty of action? YES PLEASE. These books are excellently written, with a hefty plot that moves at a perfect pace. Both romances have been very believable and intertwined seamlessly with the larger world’s plot. Each book is a hefty length, enough to really get absorbed in and flesh out everything that needs to be covered, without dragging on and getting old. The characters are fascinating – even the side characters are interesting enough that I really hope future books focus on them.
I don’t have a single bad thing to say about this series, and I can’t wait to read the next books. I am forcing myself to take a break from the series, even though I have the next two books, because I have library books that are due sooner that I need to read!
See all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com