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Rachel King (13 KP) rated Saving Max in Books
Feb 11, 2019
Though I was not familiar with this author when I recieved this book, upon reading it I could easily tell that Heugten was well-educated, especially since I actually came across a few words I did not know the meaning of - and I consider myself fairly well-read. Words like eidolon and glistered (both from the same sentence) made me a little intimidated by the book, but I stuck with it anyways. The prose of the text is written excellently and I thoroughly appreciated the book for this alone.
I was originally drawn to the book because it focuses on a mother's fight for the life and freedom of her son - which I can relate to in some ways. The sub-plots quickly intersect when the mother, Danielle, has to rely on her career as a lawyer to fight for her son while working with another lawyer, who happens to be the man she has a one-night stand with after turning to what she terms as "liquid courage." Some scenes in the plot were quite horrific, especially at the end of the book, but they were necessary to the plot. The psychiatric facility of Maitland where the plot centers at is intended to be the foremost facility of its kind in the country, but I found many of its practices either abysmal or downright terrifying. I found it very satisfying when Max began to take a more active role in his own court case, showing to me that he is indeed in charge of his own faculties (mostly) and not responsible for what he is being accused of. The big revelation that Danielle discovers is incredibly shocking and grotesque and reveals a psychosis I never knew even existed, much less the depths of depravity that it takes a person to. I have no doubt that such individuals exist in real life, though I believe that such people are beyond what psychologists or psychiatrists can fix. These kinds of people either need God or corporal punishment, but that is another soap box for another day.
I found the progression of the plot unpredictable, which is a good thing, but the ending not completely fulfilling, since the author obviously opted to leave one loose thread for a possible sequel. While I normally like book series, in this case I would have much preferred a more rewarding ending.
I was originally drawn to the book because it focuses on a mother's fight for the life and freedom of her son - which I can relate to in some ways. The sub-plots quickly intersect when the mother, Danielle, has to rely on her career as a lawyer to fight for her son while working with another lawyer, who happens to be the man she has a one-night stand with after turning to what she terms as "liquid courage." Some scenes in the plot were quite horrific, especially at the end of the book, but they were necessary to the plot. The psychiatric facility of Maitland where the plot centers at is intended to be the foremost facility of its kind in the country, but I found many of its practices either abysmal or downright terrifying. I found it very satisfying when Max began to take a more active role in his own court case, showing to me that he is indeed in charge of his own faculties (mostly) and not responsible for what he is being accused of. The big revelation that Danielle discovers is incredibly shocking and grotesque and reveals a psychosis I never knew even existed, much less the depths of depravity that it takes a person to. I have no doubt that such individuals exist in real life, though I believe that such people are beyond what psychologists or psychiatrists can fix. These kinds of people either need God or corporal punishment, but that is another soap box for another day.
I found the progression of the plot unpredictable, which is a good thing, but the ending not completely fulfilling, since the author obviously opted to leave one loose thread for a possible sequel. While I normally like book series, in this case I would have much preferred a more rewarding ending.
Kyera (8 KP) rated Queen Song (Red Queen, #0.1) in Books
Feb 1, 2018
Queen Song is a short novella detailing Coriane's life. It begins prior to her introduction to the Prince and shows a simpler life. Her elder cousin Jessamine wants her to be a proper lady and help restore the power/glory of their failing house. Coriane Jacos just wants to tinker and build things. It was nice to see that similarity to her future son, even though they never really knew one another.
You also get a taste of a second (future) queen in the young Elara, Maven's mother. She is just as pleasant as a young adult as she is in the series, which is to say she's a terror. Elara is manipulative and her power is incredibly strong. <spoiler> We even find out that it was, in fact, Elara that drove Coriane to end her life. Coriane even suspected that Elara was in her mind, but was unable to prove it. She thought she was able to sing well enough to find out if it was true, but Elara was able to resist her. The Queen even got help from someone who could suppress powers, to no avail. Elara drove her mad. </spoiler>
You also get a taste of a second (future) queen in the young Elara, Maven's mother. She is just as pleasant as a young adult as she is in the series, which is to say she's a terror. Elara is manipulative and her power is incredibly strong. <spoiler> We even find out that it was, in fact, Elara that drove Coriane to end her life. Coriane even suspected that Elara was in her mind, but was unable to prove it. She thought she was able to sing well enough to find out if it was true, but Elara was able to resist her. The Queen even got help from someone who could suppress powers, to no avail. Elara drove her mad. </spoiler>
Aphrodite in Phoenicia Rogerson’s book is a woman wronged. Is it common knowledge that Aphrodite isn’t your run of the mill goddess? I won’t say why, but she’s a bit special in this, and it sets her apart from the other gods and goddesses on Mount Olympus. Whatever she lacks in powers, she makes up with her ability to talk men into doing what she wants by using her femininity and cunning.
And I don’t blame her for one minute.
She comes across as an incredibly likeable character, while the other gods, and in particular Zeus, really are not.
Aphrodite is written in such an approachable way, and I particularly enjoyed the humour. Her relationships with other gods and Titans, her role in fate, and her frequent return to it long after it had been passed on to others, were fascinating. Aphrodite’s relationships with Zeus, Hephaestus, Ares and her son Eros gave a human slant to her life, which was messy, complicated and full of mistakes she couldn’t avoid making.
I’ve never watched any of the Real Housewives programmes, but I imagine that a series from Mount Olympus would feature A LOT of Aphrodite!
And I don’t blame her for one minute.
She comes across as an incredibly likeable character, while the other gods, and in particular Zeus, really are not.
Aphrodite is written in such an approachable way, and I particularly enjoyed the humour. Her relationships with other gods and Titans, her role in fate, and her frequent return to it long after it had been passed on to others, were fascinating. Aphrodite’s relationships with Zeus, Hephaestus, Ares and her son Eros gave a human slant to her life, which was messy, complicated and full of mistakes she couldn’t avoid making.
I’ve never watched any of the Real Housewives programmes, but I imagine that a series from Mount Olympus would feature A LOT of Aphrodite!
Framley Parsonage: The Chronicles of Barsetshire
Francis O'Gorman, Anthony Trollope and Katherine Mullin
Book
'The fact is, Mark, that you and I cannot conceive the depth of fraud in such a man as that.' The...
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Legacy of Honor (The Stratton Legacy, #1) in Books
Feb 23, 2021
This book Legacy of Honor was fantastic. I read it in one sitting because I could not put it down. Renae Brumbaugh Green did a great job with the lay out and characters in this book. It is the first book in her Stratton Legacy Series, and boy am I looking forward to reading more books from her!
Emma Monroe was a strong female character that was easy to like, she showed good growth through the book, and I loved her caring nature. She shows the true light of Christ to those around her even during her own sorrows. The other main character Riley Stratton was a good example of the prodigal son. I also enjoyed the banter between Riley and Emma as well as the sweet edition of Skye.
The plot was very engaging and had ups and downs that kept me interested and eager to see what would happen next. What I really enjoyed though was Renae Brumbaugh Green’s consistent pointing towards God being the answer to our problems and that we need a personal relationship with Him. It was realistic and a great addition that was weaved seamlessly into the story.
Overall, I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the smile worthy movements, the well written characters plots, and for pointing us all back to Jesus.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Emma Monroe was a strong female character that was easy to like, she showed good growth through the book, and I loved her caring nature. She shows the true light of Christ to those around her even during her own sorrows. The other main character Riley Stratton was a good example of the prodigal son. I also enjoyed the banter between Riley and Emma as well as the sweet edition of Skye.
The plot was very engaging and had ups and downs that kept me interested and eager to see what would happen next. What I really enjoyed though was Renae Brumbaugh Green’s consistent pointing towards God being the answer to our problems and that we need a personal relationship with Him. It was realistic and a great addition that was weaved seamlessly into the story.
Overall, I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the smile worthy movements, the well written characters plots, and for pointing us all back to Jesus.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Merissa (13950 KP) rated Son of Anger (The Ormstunga Saga #1) in Books
Dec 12, 2022
Bloody and violent in places, with the Gods at work.
SON OF ANGER is the first book in The Ormstunga Saga and we start off with Ulf training with his uncle. His life quickly changes when a stranger appears and destroys everything he touches, including Ulf and his family.
I love reading stories of the Vikings, simply because their faith and relationship with the Gods seem so realistic. They don't hold them on high (as such) but rather, deal with them in an everyday manner, knowing themselves to be pawns in the game the Gods play. Signs of the Gods are all around them, giving them the feeling of being blessed or ignored. Ulf has sworn a vow of vengeance to Odin and sees the signs of that wherever he turns.
This is a bloody and violent story in parts - as you would expect. But you also get a book of camaraderie, of brotherhood, of the Gods. The time flew by as I read this, with never a dull moment. The ending was all I could wish for and left me with a longing for book two.
A brilliant start to a new series that I can't wait to read. Absolutely recommended.
** 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!
I love reading stories of the Vikings, simply because their faith and relationship with the Gods seem so realistic. They don't hold them on high (as such) but rather, deal with them in an everyday manner, knowing themselves to be pawns in the game the Gods play. Signs of the Gods are all around them, giving them the feeling of being blessed or ignored. Ulf has sworn a vow of vengeance to Odin and sees the signs of that wherever he turns.
This is a bloody and violent story in parts - as you would expect. But you also get a book of camaraderie, of brotherhood, of the Gods. The time flew by as I read this, with never a dull moment. The ending was all I could wish for and left me with a longing for book two.
A brilliant start to a new series that I can't wait to read. Absolutely recommended.
** 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!
Wolfwater (Travelers #3)
10.0
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When leaving those you love is the only way to get them back. After a spat with his new wife,...
Merissa (13950 KP) rated Dragon Warrior (Dragon Clan #2) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
This is the second book in the Dragon Clan series and I recommend you read the first book, simply because it is so enjoyable and you might miss out on a brilliant story if you don't.
This tells the tale of Harith, Huroth's son. He has been betrothed since a young age to a human princess, Ayelet. However, things aren't going too well although both of them feel that they must 'do their duty'. On a flight home, Harith makes a decision that is costly and ends up in Nyssa's care. She is also a dragon but doesn't tell him that due to her own private history.
This is a wonderful telling and the more I hear about the dragon clans, the more I admire Huroth! He is a wise and capable leader of the dragons and with Orwenna by his side, they make an awesome pair. Harith and Nyssa are a force to be reckoned with and I am looking forward to reading more snippets about them in the books to come (hopefully!).
This book has pretty much everything in it - love, romance, action, danger and even sadness so be prepared. Definitely recommended!
* 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!
Jul 1, 2015
This tells the tale of Harith, Huroth's son. He has been betrothed since a young age to a human princess, Ayelet. However, things aren't going too well although both of them feel that they must 'do their duty'. On a flight home, Harith makes a decision that is costly and ends up in Nyssa's care. She is also a dragon but doesn't tell him that due to her own private history.
This is a wonderful telling and the more I hear about the dragon clans, the more I admire Huroth! He is a wise and capable leader of the dragons and with Orwenna by his side, they make an awesome pair. Harith and Nyssa are a force to be reckoned with and I am looking forward to reading more snippets about them in the books to come (hopefully!).
This book has pretty much everything in it - love, romance, action, danger and even sadness so be prepared. Definitely recommended!
* 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!
Jul 1, 2015
Dark (Blood Moon, Texas Shifters #1)
7.0
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Hayden Crowe fronts an all-girls band down in Austin, Texas. Between tending bar so her sister can...
Paranormal Romance Shifters
Murder by Munchhausen Trilogy Set
7.5
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A Cyber Crime Thriller Series: Notorious serial killers digitally resurrected to live & hunt again...
Science Fiction sci-fi scifi sci fi thriller police procedural