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Your Roll Player characters have been called to adventure! In Monsters & Minions, you went to war...
Oceanhorn ™
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SET SAIL AND EMBARK ON AN EPIC JOURNEY Grow from a boy to a legend. 5/5 - TouchArcade - "Must-have...
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
7.9
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A galaxy-spanning adventure awaits in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, a new 3rd person...
A Prodigy in Auschwitz: Simon
Book
When Nazi Germany troops enter Krakow, Poland on September 2, 1939, fourteen-year-old Simon Baron...
Historical Fiction WWII Auschwitz Jewish Survivor Story
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Girl Upstairs [Audiobook] in Books
Dec 19, 2021
![The Girl Upstairs [Audiobook]](/uploads/profile_image/761/ce80efbf-8c94-4858-87df-e1d1c7d65761.jpg?m=1639925089)
I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook and whilst I personally wouldn't call it a psychological thriller, it's more of a mystery, it kept my attention and wanting to go back to listen to just one more chapter.
The two main characters of Emily and Suzie have quite sad stories to tell but for very different reasons. The start of the book is told from Suzie's perspective and whilst it does start a little slow and you are wondering where this is going, once Emily's perspective comes in and it begins to switch between perspectives, it starts to get interesting and intriguing. I admit that I didn't particularly warm to Suzie at first but she grew on me as the story developed and I got to know her better.
There is minimal violence, no blood or gore just a constant uneasiness and sense of menace sitting there waiting to creep up on you and whilst the reveal was a surprise, I did have a bit of an inkling so not the shock that I was expecting.
What I thought made this audiobook was the narrator; she kept my attention with her dulcet tones and whilst she used the same voice for all characters, there wasn't a second where I didn't know who was speaking.
Would I have enjoyed this book more if it was a physical one? Well after reading other reviews, it looks like possibly not so I would definitely recommend the audio version if you enjoy character-driven, mysteries told by an excellent narrator.
Thank you to HarperCollins UK Audio and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited copy.
The two main characters of Emily and Suzie have quite sad stories to tell but for very different reasons. The start of the book is told from Suzie's perspective and whilst it does start a little slow and you are wondering where this is going, once Emily's perspective comes in and it begins to switch between perspectives, it starts to get interesting and intriguing. I admit that I didn't particularly warm to Suzie at first but she grew on me as the story developed and I got to know her better.
There is minimal violence, no blood or gore just a constant uneasiness and sense of menace sitting there waiting to creep up on you and whilst the reveal was a surprise, I did have a bit of an inkling so not the shock that I was expecting.
What I thought made this audiobook was the narrator; she kept my attention with her dulcet tones and whilst she used the same voice for all characters, there wasn't a second where I didn't know who was speaking.
Would I have enjoyed this book more if it was a physical one? Well after reading other reviews, it looks like possibly not so I would definitely recommend the audio version if you enjoy character-driven, mysteries told by an excellent narrator.
Thank you to HarperCollins UK Audio and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited copy.
ClareR (6256 KP) rated 73 Dove Street in Books
Sep 12, 2023
73 Dove Street is set in the 1950’s, and begins with Edie Budd arriving at a boarding house with nothing but a suitcase. It’s clear that something has happened to her - she’s constantly alert and frightened. Edie’s story is told in a series of flashbacks starting five years before.
Two other women live at number 73: landlady Phyllis, and fellow resident Tommie. When Edie arrives, Phyllis has just finished burning the mattress of a former resident who she’d caught with her husband, along with her husbands remaining belongings.
Tommie is best described as a whirlwind. She works for a Mrs Vee, and she enjoys her nights out. But as with Edie and Phyllis, there’s a lot going on in Tommie’s life.
This is a slow burn, a character driven novel, and has exactly what I enjoy most in a book. I love learning about characters lives, especially lives that are so different from my own. The 1950’s were a time of great change (again!): men back from war, women having to adjust back to traditional roles. These things were incorporated into the stories of Edie, Tommie and Phyllis. The women are drawn together by their secrets, lies and fears, and all three end up making life-changing decisions.
The feel of this book was perfect. I was taken back to the 1950’s with its pea-souper fogs, bars with dancing and super slim skirts (or even the full ones with petticoats!).
73 Dove Street is a very emotional book at times - you’ll need your hanky - and funny too. Overall, a really great read. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Two other women live at number 73: landlady Phyllis, and fellow resident Tommie. When Edie arrives, Phyllis has just finished burning the mattress of a former resident who she’d caught with her husband, along with her husbands remaining belongings.
Tommie is best described as a whirlwind. She works for a Mrs Vee, and she enjoys her nights out. But as with Edie and Phyllis, there’s a lot going on in Tommie’s life.
This is a slow burn, a character driven novel, and has exactly what I enjoy most in a book. I love learning about characters lives, especially lives that are so different from my own. The 1950’s were a time of great change (again!): men back from war, women having to adjust back to traditional roles. These things were incorporated into the stories of Edie, Tommie and Phyllis. The women are drawn together by their secrets, lies and fears, and all three end up making life-changing decisions.
The feel of this book was perfect. I was taken back to the 1950’s with its pea-souper fogs, bars with dancing and super slim skirts (or even the full ones with petticoats!).
73 Dove Street is a very emotional book at times - you’ll need your hanky - and funny too. Overall, a really great read. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Warlord of Britannia (Warlord #2)
6.0
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Book
The enthralling new drama in the epic story of the barbarian king who led the tribes of Britannia...
Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated Jar City in Books
Jan 15, 2018
What made this book enjoyable was how such an intricate web was spun throughout the novel giving the reader enough interest to keep reading. I was not sure what to expect from this book. Although I’ve heard good things about it I didn’t think I would be so engrossed and be flying through the pages to find out what will happen next.
I’m still not sure what to think of Erlandur as a character. Like most protagonists in series like these they usually have an underlying personal issue (whether it be health, or family for example) which he does have, but his personality I can’t really quite make out. He doesn’t seem to have much of one except he cares for his daughter and her well being even though they are estranged. He does have some sense of humor and wit but overall he appears to be driven by his work and hard working to solve the crime (we all need police like these don’t we?.)
I’m liking how his relationship with his daughter is turning out. It’s nice to see them slowly step away from their estrangement and it shows they do truly care for each other even though it’s done through yelling (most families are like that though, aren’t they?) It shows a lot of tough love, and I’m hoping the best for Eva Lind in the next books (I hope she appears as I’m slowly starting to like her more.)
What I enjoyed the most of this book was the plot like I mentioned earlier. It went from point A to point B but in such a dramatic motion it certainly kept you reading to find out what was going to happen next. The mood of the story also, was excellent. It was dark, dreary, melancholy, and although not suspenseful like the majority of the crime novels, it didn’t have to be. It made the setting suitable for the plot and made it more enjoyable.
One little thing I do have to add though, is the side story with the bride. I’m not sure why that was mentioned as it had little to do with the main story and it seemed like a filler. It wasn’t necessary as the plot itself was fine without it. I also enjoyed the ending of the book. It was sad, but you came to the realization it had to come to an ending like this.
As this is book #3 in its native language, it’s considered book #1 in its’ English translation. It seems all right and nothing seems to be lacking. Perhaps a bit of backstory might have helped but it was comprehensible to read. Greatly recommended! It’s a great break from the usual detective novels we have out there.
I’m still not sure what to think of Erlandur as a character. Like most protagonists in series like these they usually have an underlying personal issue (whether it be health, or family for example) which he does have, but his personality I can’t really quite make out. He doesn’t seem to have much of one except he cares for his daughter and her well being even though they are estranged. He does have some sense of humor and wit but overall he appears to be driven by his work and hard working to solve the crime (we all need police like these don’t we?.)
I’m liking how his relationship with his daughter is turning out. It’s nice to see them slowly step away from their estrangement and it shows they do truly care for each other even though it’s done through yelling (most families are like that though, aren’t they?) It shows a lot of tough love, and I’m hoping the best for Eva Lind in the next books (I hope she appears as I’m slowly starting to like her more.)
What I enjoyed the most of this book was the plot like I mentioned earlier. It went from point A to point B but in such a dramatic motion it certainly kept you reading to find out what was going to happen next. The mood of the story also, was excellent. It was dark, dreary, melancholy, and although not suspenseful like the majority of the crime novels, it didn’t have to be. It made the setting suitable for the plot and made it more enjoyable.
One little thing I do have to add though, is the side story with the bride. I’m not sure why that was mentioned as it had little to do with the main story and it seemed like a filler. It wasn’t necessary as the plot itself was fine without it. I also enjoyed the ending of the book. It was sad, but you came to the realization it had to come to an ending like this.
As this is book #3 in its native language, it’s considered book #1 in its’ English translation. It seems all right and nothing seems to be lacking. Perhaps a bit of backstory might have helped but it was comprehensible to read. Greatly recommended! It’s a great break from the usual detective novels we have out there.
LilyLovesIndie (123 KP) rated Hunted (The Gates Legacy, #1) in Books
Nov 5, 2018
Harrow Gates - vampire, diseased, hunted. Jordan - bereaved, determined, out for revenge. Pritchard Tack - entrepreneur, protector of the infected, searching for a cure. Altogether, they make a wonderful lead for a fantastic start to a series I know I will be watching closely for the foreseeable future!
My copy started with a glossary, which was a superb tease and left me rushing forward to find out what on earth could lead to all these ideas and words. Sure enough, within the first 5% I was completely hooked and didn't want to put my kindle down. I was totally drawn into the characters, drama and mystery, highlighting just how high the quality of writing was in this story. The way the perspective switches between the different characters is done with skill and is very clear to follow. This feeds into the mystery created by the glossary and the writing in general as you're ripped away from that character just as the next piece of information is about to be revealed! This makes it highly compulsive reading, with the 'one more chapter' syndrome being a real possibility when reading this book.
The characters are also fabulous, and we pick them apart just as carefully as the plot, slowly learning what makes each of them tick. Harrow, Tack and Jordan are wonderful to read, they engage you, pull you into your complicated life and leave you wanting to know more of them and their lives. Demetrius is a very odd character, driven by very different desires to the others, yet he is equally engaging to read about. It takes real skill to be able to pull a reader so completely into so many characters, and so I really must shower praise on Font for managing to do this.
The story is, at risk of repeating myself, fantastic. It thoroughly draws you in, instilling in you a need to keep reading and has you thinking about what is going to happen next. The momentum is excellently paced, particularly towards the end because even though you're expecting something big to happen, you're still shocked and hit just as hard as if it were a huge surprise! The deaths (not spoiling it though haha!) are quick and fast and really tug on your emotions, leaving you reeling as the end of the story arrives. I've got to warn you though, as these are the exact words a friend said to me, 'don't get too attached to anyone - you never know who is going to be next!' - and boy was she right! That said, I loved it, and I'm a convert to this series.
*This book was first reviewed on Lily Loves Indie as part of a blog tour, for which an ARC was received in return for an honest review*
My copy started with a glossary, which was a superb tease and left me rushing forward to find out what on earth could lead to all these ideas and words. Sure enough, within the first 5% I was completely hooked and didn't want to put my kindle down. I was totally drawn into the characters, drama and mystery, highlighting just how high the quality of writing was in this story. The way the perspective switches between the different characters is done with skill and is very clear to follow. This feeds into the mystery created by the glossary and the writing in general as you're ripped away from that character just as the next piece of information is about to be revealed! This makes it highly compulsive reading, with the 'one more chapter' syndrome being a real possibility when reading this book.
The characters are also fabulous, and we pick them apart just as carefully as the plot, slowly learning what makes each of them tick. Harrow, Tack and Jordan are wonderful to read, they engage you, pull you into your complicated life and leave you wanting to know more of them and their lives. Demetrius is a very odd character, driven by very different desires to the others, yet he is equally engaging to read about. It takes real skill to be able to pull a reader so completely into so many characters, and so I really must shower praise on Font for managing to do this.
The story is, at risk of repeating myself, fantastic. It thoroughly draws you in, instilling in you a need to keep reading and has you thinking about what is going to happen next. The momentum is excellently paced, particularly towards the end because even though you're expecting something big to happen, you're still shocked and hit just as hard as if it were a huge surprise! The deaths (not spoiling it though haha!) are quick and fast and really tug on your emotions, leaving you reeling as the end of the story arrives. I've got to warn you though, as these are the exact words a friend said to me, 'don't get too attached to anyone - you never know who is going to be next!' - and boy was she right! That said, I loved it, and I'm a convert to this series.
*This book was first reviewed on Lily Loves Indie as part of a blog tour, for which an ARC was received in return for an honest review*