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My Life In The United States Navy
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I turned 17, the fall of my senior year and had enough credits to graduate early. I chose to join...
memoir military bookbuzz
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Lost Children (DCI Matilda Darke #9) in Books
Sep 11, 2022
I have run out of superlatives to say how good this series is so I will just say ... wow, Mr Wood you have done it again and written an absolute corker.
At the very start of the book, Mr Wood gives a clear warning that this novel deals with child abuse and historical child abuse. I went into it wondering whether it was going to be too much to read about such abhorrent behaviour but whilst it was difficult, I feel Mr Wood did it with honesty but without over-doing it.
DCI Matilda Darke and her team are called to the truly horrific murder of a prominent property developer in his home. It, quite literally, sickens many of those attending the scene but this appears to be personal rather than your run-of-the-mill murder and as the Team start to investigate and delve deeper into the life of the victim, it becomes clear that someone doesn't want them to but what transpires, no one saw coming.
This is a fast paced, gripping, tense and quite emotional book. Yes, it's dark, gritty and, at times, a difficult read but it is done with care and compassion and that same care and compassion drives the determination from DCI Darke and her team to bring those responsible for heinous crimes against children to justice regardless of who the perpetrators are and the consequences to their own careers and futures.
Mr Wood has created the characters of DCI Darke and her team with such strength that you really get attached to them and the more books in the series you read, the stronger that attachment gets. I know they aren't real people but the strength of their development makes them feel like they are.
What this books reminds us of is that child abuse has happened and continues to happen; unfortunately, all too often those disgusting people who do this get away with it but we must remember that the perpetrators are just as likely to be "respectable" people in power as they are to be the 'dirty old men' we are warned about as children as this book highlights.
I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending this book and the rest of the series to others who enjoy cracking good crime novels that don't shy away from difficult subjects and I must thank HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Lost Children.
I can't wait to read number 10!
At the very start of the book, Mr Wood gives a clear warning that this novel deals with child abuse and historical child abuse. I went into it wondering whether it was going to be too much to read about such abhorrent behaviour but whilst it was difficult, I feel Mr Wood did it with honesty but without over-doing it.
DCI Matilda Darke and her team are called to the truly horrific murder of a prominent property developer in his home. It, quite literally, sickens many of those attending the scene but this appears to be personal rather than your run-of-the-mill murder and as the Team start to investigate and delve deeper into the life of the victim, it becomes clear that someone doesn't want them to but what transpires, no one saw coming.
This is a fast paced, gripping, tense and quite emotional book. Yes, it's dark, gritty and, at times, a difficult read but it is done with care and compassion and that same care and compassion drives the determination from DCI Darke and her team to bring those responsible for heinous crimes against children to justice regardless of who the perpetrators are and the consequences to their own careers and futures.
Mr Wood has created the characters of DCI Darke and her team with such strength that you really get attached to them and the more books in the series you read, the stronger that attachment gets. I know they aren't real people but the strength of their development makes them feel like they are.
What this books reminds us of is that child abuse has happened and continues to happen; unfortunately, all too often those disgusting people who do this get away with it but we must remember that the perpetrators are just as likely to be "respectable" people in power as they are to be the 'dirty old men' we are warned about as children as this book highlights.
I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending this book and the rest of the series to others who enjoy cracking good crime novels that don't shy away from difficult subjects and I must thank HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Lost Children.
I can't wait to read number 10!
KittyMiku (138 KP) rated The Precious Quest: An Epic Journey of Love, Identity and Power in Books
May 23, 2019
Contains spoilers, click to show
This book had me enthralled in the world from page one. The details made it easy to envision how the scenery looked and how the atmosphere was. It felt almost as if you were there among the Horde. Being one who adores nature, I did find the dying planet depressing and was easily able to understand why the need to pillage and raid other towns and people to provide supplies understandable. After all, I would probably think the same way in that situation. I was amazed by the details in this story, not of just the surroundings and scenes, but of also the people, thoughts of the Queen (Laywrern), and how she interacted with those around her. It is clear to see; her people come before her own wants and needs.
I enjoyed reading about the back story on Laywern and a few characters from her past. I found it helped gain insight on her disposition and how she dealt with situations. I found myself relating to her in some ways because of how her father and her people were towards her because she was a half-breed. This made it easier to fully understand why she was always guarding her emotions from those around her. Her doubt in her beliefs had me questioning some of the things she said and did however. Though she looks to be honored by the Goddess she worships, when she experiences the flush, which would allow her to bear a child with whom the flush chooses, she decided to choose another. One who wasn't destined to be her partner. I found this troubling and hoping that the Goddess would understand. However, I did feel bad for Nethaz, who was her chosen mate, when she didn't accept him. He had known he was chosen and yet she went on to try with another. I couldn't help but feel for him. We have all been there at one point or another.
This story seems to be about finding out what happened to the souls in the Hall, but also about Laywern figuring out who she is. I was sad it was so short, considering, I would have loved to read more, but it does appear to be the first book in a series. Having been released earlier this year (January 2019), I find myself hoping the next one to come out soon. I can honestly say I have never read anything by Cowtan before, but look forward to more of her works. It has been a while since I have read a fantasy with such attention to detail, that I may be a new fan of the author's.
The world she created, though gloomy as it may be, was extraordinary. I wouldn't want to live there, but it is a product of a great imagination. It is abundantly clear, Cowtan had taken the time to create a world to fit her design and story. In such a world, it is clear to see why it is easy for people to lose hope or faith. I just can't praise Cowtan enough for the details and wonderful world creation.
This is a book I would recommend to those who love fantasy books. However short it is, I find it was a gripping tail that leaves you wanting more. Not just in the continuance of the story, but in the knowledge of the characters as well. I would rate this book 5 star out of 5 stars. I definitely think this was an amazing story and love the Author's writing style.
I enjoyed reading about the back story on Laywern and a few characters from her past. I found it helped gain insight on her disposition and how she dealt with situations. I found myself relating to her in some ways because of how her father and her people were towards her because she was a half-breed. This made it easier to fully understand why she was always guarding her emotions from those around her. Her doubt in her beliefs had me questioning some of the things she said and did however. Though she looks to be honored by the Goddess she worships, when she experiences the flush, which would allow her to bear a child with whom the flush chooses, she decided to choose another. One who wasn't destined to be her partner. I found this troubling and hoping that the Goddess would understand. However, I did feel bad for Nethaz, who was her chosen mate, when she didn't accept him. He had known he was chosen and yet she went on to try with another. I couldn't help but feel for him. We have all been there at one point or another.
This story seems to be about finding out what happened to the souls in the Hall, but also about Laywern figuring out who she is. I was sad it was so short, considering, I would have loved to read more, but it does appear to be the first book in a series. Having been released earlier this year (January 2019), I find myself hoping the next one to come out soon. I can honestly say I have never read anything by Cowtan before, but look forward to more of her works. It has been a while since I have read a fantasy with such attention to detail, that I may be a new fan of the author's.
The world she created, though gloomy as it may be, was extraordinary. I wouldn't want to live there, but it is a product of a great imagination. It is abundantly clear, Cowtan had taken the time to create a world to fit her design and story. In such a world, it is clear to see why it is easy for people to lose hope or faith. I just can't praise Cowtan enough for the details and wonderful world creation.
This is a book I would recommend to those who love fantasy books. However short it is, I find it was a gripping tail that leaves you wanting more. Not just in the continuance of the story, but in the knowledge of the characters as well. I would rate this book 5 star out of 5 stars. I definitely think this was an amazing story and love the Author's writing style.
KittyMiku (138 KP) rated Guitar Freak in Books
May 23, 2019
Contains spoilers, click to show
This book had me enthralled in the world from page one. The details made it easy to envision how the scenery looked and how the atmosphere was. It felt almost as if you were there among the Horde. Being one who adores nature, I did find the dying planet depressing and was easily able to understand why the need to pillage and raid other towns and people to provide supplies understandable. After all, I would probably think the same way in that situation. I was amazed by the details in this story, not of just the surroundings and scenes, but of also the people, thoughts of the Queen (Laywrern), and how she interacted with those around her. It is clear to see; her people come before her own wants and needs.
I enjoyed reading about the back story on Laywern and a few characters from her past. I found it helped gain insight on her disposition and how she dealt with situations. I found myself relating to her in some ways because of how her father and her people were towards her because she was a half-breed. This made it easier to fully understand why she was always guarding her emotions from those around her. Her doubt in her beliefs had me questioning some of the things she said and did however. Though she looks to be honored by the Goddess she worships, when she experiences the flush, which would allow her to bear a child with whom the flush chooses, she decided to choose another. One who wasn't destined to be her partner. I found this troubling and hoping that the Goddess would understand. However, I did feel bad for Nethaz, who was her chosen mate, when she didn't accept him. He had known he was chosen and yet she went on to try with another. I couldn't help but feel for him. We have all been there at one point or another.
This story seems to be about finding out what happened to the souls in the Hall, but also about Laywern figuring out who she is. I was sad it was so short, considering, I would have loved to read more, but it does appear to be the first book in a series. Having been released earlier this year (January 2019), I find myself hoping the next one to come out soon. I can honestly say I have never read anything by Cowtan before, but look forward to more of her works. It has been a while since I have read a fantasy with such attention to detail, that I may be a new fan of the author's.
The world she created, though gloomy as it may be, was extraordinary. I wouldn't want to live there, but it is a product of a great imagination. It is abundantly clear, Cowtan had taken the time to create a world to fit her design and story. In such a world, it is clear to see why it is easy for people to lose hope or faith. I just can't praise Cowtan enough for the details and wonderful world creation.
This is a book I would recommend to those who love fantasy books. However short it is, I find it was a gripping tail that leaves you wanting more. Not just in the continuance of the story, but in the knowledge of the characters as well. I would rate this book 5 star out of 5 stars. I definitely think this was an amazing story and love the Author's writing style.
I enjoyed reading about the back story on Laywern and a few characters from her past. I found it helped gain insight on her disposition and how she dealt with situations. I found myself relating to her in some ways because of how her father and her people were towards her because she was a half-breed. This made it easier to fully understand why she was always guarding her emotions from those around her. Her doubt in her beliefs had me questioning some of the things she said and did however. Though she looks to be honored by the Goddess she worships, when she experiences the flush, which would allow her to bear a child with whom the flush chooses, she decided to choose another. One who wasn't destined to be her partner. I found this troubling and hoping that the Goddess would understand. However, I did feel bad for Nethaz, who was her chosen mate, when she didn't accept him. He had known he was chosen and yet she went on to try with another. I couldn't help but feel for him. We have all been there at one point or another.
This story seems to be about finding out what happened to the souls in the Hall, but also about Laywern figuring out who she is. I was sad it was so short, considering, I would have loved to read more, but it does appear to be the first book in a series. Having been released earlier this year (January 2019), I find myself hoping the next one to come out soon. I can honestly say I have never read anything by Cowtan before, but look forward to more of her works. It has been a while since I have read a fantasy with such attention to detail, that I may be a new fan of the author's.
The world she created, though gloomy as it may be, was extraordinary. I wouldn't want to live there, but it is a product of a great imagination. It is abundantly clear, Cowtan had taken the time to create a world to fit her design and story. In such a world, it is clear to see why it is easy for people to lose hope or faith. I just can't praise Cowtan enough for the details and wonderful world creation.
This is a book I would recommend to those who love fantasy books. However short it is, I find it was a gripping tail that leaves you wanting more. Not just in the continuance of the story, but in the knowledge of the characters as well. I would rate this book 5 star out of 5 stars. I definitely think this was an amazing story and love the Author's writing style.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Her Vampire Husband (Wicked Games, #3) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I really shouldnt have had such high hopes for this novel. I mean the entire premise of the book is about a werewold princess who marries an elder vampire in hopes that their people would stop killing each other. Really? An entire novel about that? Honey, that is the subplot in half of the other paranormal romance novels I read. What made Hauf think she could she could write an entire novel about a simple idea and expect to impress me?
First off, there is nothing more annoying than a female protagonists who hides her problems behind a mask of fake strength and apathy. Seriously, they are only hurting themselves, making a relationship with anyone impossible. And just ends up annoying the hell out of me. How about they actually go take care of their problem? Nope, thats too simple. Seriously, writers, you need to stop creating these types of characters.
I thought that because of them being enemies and of different races, it would actually make this book interesting. How wrong I was. The main couple lacked chemistry even as they were playfully bantering and ogling each others body. I felt that they were just two sexually frustrated people forced to live with each other instead of two people thrown together who eventually fall in love. In fact, it was one of those novels where one page, they were at odds, and the next they were in love.
Oh disappointment, how you leave a bitter taste in my mouth.
First off, there is nothing more annoying than a female protagonists who hides her problems behind a mask of fake strength and apathy. Seriously, they are only hurting themselves, making a relationship with anyone impossible. And just ends up annoying the hell out of me. How about they actually go take care of their problem? Nope, thats too simple. Seriously, writers, you need to stop creating these types of characters.
I thought that because of them being enemies and of different races, it would actually make this book interesting. How wrong I was. The main couple lacked chemistry even as they were playfully bantering and ogling each others body. I felt that they were just two sexually frustrated people forced to live with each other instead of two people thrown together who eventually fall in love. In fact, it was one of those novels where one page, they were at odds, and the next they were in love.
Oh disappointment, how you leave a bitter taste in my mouth.
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