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Ross (3282 KP) rated Nightblade in Books
Sep 27, 2017
The book tells the parallel journeys of three young people growing up in the Three Kingdoms, a trio of countries at an uneasy truce. All three suffer awful hardships at a young age and are ripped from their families in different, though all unpleasant, circumstances and all three grow up and are trained in different facets of life in the kingdoms.
The book focuses mainly on Ryuu, a boy gifted with "the sense": the ability to heighten his senses and anticipate attacks (think Jedi meets Spidey-sense, Luke SkyParker if you will. Actually, both had an Uncle Ben didn't they?! Woah that's weird.) He is a driven young man who the reader develops a strong liking for. His interactions with the other young characters and how they come about are well written, with realistic emotions, behaviours and dialogue.
This is really the story of trying to do the right thing with what you have been given and how to take responsibility for the repercussions.
I have immediately continued with the next book in the trilogy, which says a lot for the quality of the writing and the story told.
The book is fairly low on magic, much more sword than sorcery. Something like a Japanese Joe Abercrombie is one way of thinking of it.
The book focuses mainly on Ryuu, a boy gifted with "the sense": the ability to heighten his senses and anticipate attacks (think Jedi meets Spidey-sense, Luke SkyParker if you will. Actually, both had an Uncle Ben didn't they?! Woah that's weird.) He is a driven young man who the reader develops a strong liking for. His interactions with the other young characters and how they come about are well written, with realistic emotions, behaviours and dialogue.
This is really the story of trying to do the right thing with what you have been given and how to take responsibility for the repercussions.
I have immediately continued with the next book in the trilogy, which says a lot for the quality of the writing and the story told.
The book is fairly low on magic, much more sword than sorcery. Something like a Japanese Joe Abercrombie is one way of thinking of it.
Liberty Boston (93 KP) rated Gotham High in Books
Mar 15, 2021
After three (?) months I've finally finished Gotham High and I have some thoughts.
1) Why the tweak to the death of Bruce's parents?
I mean, the Wayne's deaths are iconic why mess with it?
2) Why the role changes?
Uncle Alfred? What happened to the snarky English butler?
3) BARBIE GORDAN???
I think this explains itself and no, it never said this was just her nickname.
4) it feels like they dropped Alfred's husband in for the sake of look representation. I mean, he's only on a few pages and doesn't do much.
In all, this wasn't like what the trailer led me to think. It's not bad just really, really, really different and I'm not sure how to feel about that.
1) Why the tweak to the death of Bruce's parents?
I mean, the Wayne's deaths are iconic why mess with it?
2) Why the role changes?
Uncle Alfred? What happened to the snarky English butler?
3) BARBIE GORDAN???
I think this explains itself and no, it never said this was just her nickname.
4) it feels like they dropped Alfred's husband in for the sake of look representation. I mean, he's only on a few pages and doesn't do much.
In all, this wasn't like what the trailer led me to think. It's not bad just really, really, really different and I'm not sure how to feel about that.
Ross (3282 KP) rated Stranger Things - Season 3 in TV
Aug 15, 2019
I'm starting to tire of the concept I think
Series three follows the established formula, of happiness, weird things happen, everyone gets involved, Steve gets a kicking while the kids hide, Hopper and Joyce save the day.
While the series continues to be atmospheric and full of nice 80s references, I really think I am starting to tire of the show. The fact that it is supposed to be centred around the kids is strong, and yet they get involved in so little of the action that it is a let-down. Imagine if in the Goonies the gang got to One-eyed Willie's booby traps only for Chunk's uncle to appear to get them through it, while they complain about snogging in braces.
Hopefully series 4 will be more interesting and mix things up a little.
While the series continues to be atmospheric and full of nice 80s references, I really think I am starting to tire of the show. The fact that it is supposed to be centred around the kids is strong, and yet they get involved in so little of the action that it is a let-down. Imagine if in the Goonies the gang got to One-eyed Willie's booby traps only for Chunk's uncle to appear to get them through it, while they complain about snogging in braces.
Hopefully series 4 will be more interesting and mix things up a little.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Dec 27, 2022
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Gallant in Books
Oct 5, 2023
140 of 235
Book
Gallant
By V.E. Schwab
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sixteen- year-old Olivia Prior is missing three things: a mother, a father, and a voice. Her mother vanished all at once, and her father by degrees, and her voice was a thing she never had to start with. She grew up at Merilance School for Girls. Now, nearing the end of her time there, Olivia receives a letter from an uncle she's never met, her father's older brother, summoning her to his estate, a place called Gallant. But when she arrives, she discovers that the letter she received was several years old. Her uncle is dead. The estate is empty, save for the servants. Olivia is permitted to remain, but must follow two rules: don't go out after dusk, and always stay on the right side of a wall that runs along the estate's western edge. Beyond it is another realm, ancient and magical, which calls to Olivia through her blood…
At first I was unsure it took a few chapters for me to get comfortable with it but once I was I just didn’t want to put it down. I’m really liking the gothic horror feel at the minute and this was done so well. A 16 year old non verbal girl just looking for a home and family to call her own. Abandoned by her mother and brought up in an awful place to find she has a family with a dark history. Loved it!!!!
Book
Gallant
By V.E. Schwab
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sixteen- year-old Olivia Prior is missing three things: a mother, a father, and a voice. Her mother vanished all at once, and her father by degrees, and her voice was a thing she never had to start with. She grew up at Merilance School for Girls. Now, nearing the end of her time there, Olivia receives a letter from an uncle she's never met, her father's older brother, summoning her to his estate, a place called Gallant. But when she arrives, she discovers that the letter she received was several years old. Her uncle is dead. The estate is empty, save for the servants. Olivia is permitted to remain, but must follow two rules: don't go out after dusk, and always stay on the right side of a wall that runs along the estate's western edge. Beyond it is another realm, ancient and magical, which calls to Olivia through her blood…
At first I was unsure it took a few chapters for me to get comfortable with it but once I was I just didn’t want to put it down. I’m really liking the gothic horror feel at the minute and this was done so well. A 16 year old non verbal girl just looking for a home and family to call her own. Abandoned by her mother and brought up in an awful place to find she has a family with a dark history. Loved it!!!!
Isabel Smith (34 KP) rated Wicked River: a novel in Books
Jun 24, 2018
A true fight for survival...
My, oh my! What a breathtaking, multifaceted joyride of a novel! Containing elements of the horror, action, mystery, psychological suspense, adventure, coming-of-age, and even romance genres, Jenny Milchman’s latest novel Wicked River is a true genre-blending powerhouse.
The story is told from the point of view of three different individuals: the newlywed Natalie, her ambitious niece Mia, and a primitive outdoorsman named Kurt. Natalie and her husband, Doug, experience a honeymoon from hell when their exciting backcountry trek through the beautiful, vast Adirondack Park in New York morphs into a sinister fight for survival. When her aunt Natalie and new uncle Doug are gone longer than expected, Mia notices right away and suspects something is amiss. She’s young, but she’s got good instincts because her aunt and uncle are indeed in grave danger – they face the triple threat of being lost in the treacherous wilderness, running out of food and water, and being hunted by the madman named Kurt who lives amongst the woods. Blood is shed, allegiances are tested, and the body count is on the rise as multiple missing persons investigations and an epic search and rescue operation are launched.
There is a little something for everyone in Wicked River. I loved everything about it. Jenny Milchman has a knack for using the right metaphor at the right time to create such vivid imagery it feels as if the reader is alongside the characters in the picturesque yet hazardous Adirondack region. This is the first novel I’ve read by her, but she is now on my radar and I will have to catch up on her other works as well as keep a lookout for upcoming projects.
The story is told from the point of view of three different individuals: the newlywed Natalie, her ambitious niece Mia, and a primitive outdoorsman named Kurt. Natalie and her husband, Doug, experience a honeymoon from hell when their exciting backcountry trek through the beautiful, vast Adirondack Park in New York morphs into a sinister fight for survival. When her aunt Natalie and new uncle Doug are gone longer than expected, Mia notices right away and suspects something is amiss. She’s young, but she’s got good instincts because her aunt and uncle are indeed in grave danger – they face the triple threat of being lost in the treacherous wilderness, running out of food and water, and being hunted by the madman named Kurt who lives amongst the woods. Blood is shed, allegiances are tested, and the body count is on the rise as multiple missing persons investigations and an epic search and rescue operation are launched.
There is a little something for everyone in Wicked River. I loved everything about it. Jenny Milchman has a knack for using the right metaphor at the right time to create such vivid imagery it feels as if the reader is alongside the characters in the picturesque yet hazardous Adirondack region. This is the first novel I’ve read by her, but she is now on my radar and I will have to catch up on her other works as well as keep a lookout for upcoming projects.
Merissa (11800 KP) rated Flying Hard for Finn (Pet Play by the Lake) in Books
Apr 21, 2023
FLYING HARD FOR FINN is another in the Pet Play by the Lake series and introduced me to dove play. I've read about puppies, ponies, and bunnies, but never a bird. It started off differently than usual too, which I thought was brilliant.
Finn is the younger one in the couple. When the story starts, he is a handler without a pet because puppies and kittens just don't do it for him. That changes when he sees a dove. It changes even more so when he realises he knows who the dove is - his step-uncle of the past four years.
There is lots going on here and with a slight hint of taboo-but-not-really. Theo is a brilliant character but his ex, Isaac, is a douche through and through. Finn has more understanding and patience than most twenty-three-year-olds. Together, it works.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to more in this series. Definitely 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!
Apr 21, 2023
Finn is the younger one in the couple. When the story starts, he is a handler without a pet because puppies and kittens just don't do it for him. That changes when he sees a dove. It changes even more so when he realises he knows who the dove is - his step-uncle of the past four years.
There is lots going on here and with a slight hint of taboo-but-not-really. Theo is a brilliant character but his ex, Isaac, is a douche through and through. Finn has more understanding and patience than most twenty-three-year-olds. Together, it works.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to more in this series. Definitely 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!
Apr 21, 2023
ClareR (5603 KP) rated Shield of the Rising Sun (Path of Nemesis #3) in Books
Sep 8, 2020
This is the third book in a series of historical fiction novels set in the Roman era. Even though I haven’t read the first two books, I had no problem at all in understanding what was going on in the Shield of the Rising Sun. Although that now doesn’t stop me from wanting to read the first two books!
The story is told by three characters: Albinus, his son Faustus, and Faustus’ uncle, Calvus. The battle scenes, mainly from Albinus’ point of view, were gory (I like this - I know, probably a bit odd!) and the politics with all the infighting and back-stabbing was fascinating. How did anyone ever feel safe at this time? I’ll answer that: if they were clever, they NEVER felt safe!
This story shows the true reach of the Roman Empire - there are scenes in Britain, Germany and Egypt, as well as in Rome. It frankly amazed me how quickly Roman soldiers seemed to be able to travel - and mostly (if not solely) on foot!
The main characters were all three very likeable men, who had me rooting for them throughout - even though it was pretty obvious what would happen to one of them from the start )I’m giving nothing away here!).
I enjoy reading a lot of historical fiction, and it’s not often that I read books set in the Roman period. I don’t know why, there’s no reason I can think of, and this makes me realise that I really should read more! If, like me, you’re a fan of historical fiction, then you’ll enjoy the rich descriptions and history packed story within the pages of this book.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this book, and to Adam Lofthouse for joining in and commenting in the margins!
The story is told by three characters: Albinus, his son Faustus, and Faustus’ uncle, Calvus. The battle scenes, mainly from Albinus’ point of view, were gory (I like this - I know, probably a bit odd!) and the politics with all the infighting and back-stabbing was fascinating. How did anyone ever feel safe at this time? I’ll answer that: if they were clever, they NEVER felt safe!
This story shows the true reach of the Roman Empire - there are scenes in Britain, Germany and Egypt, as well as in Rome. It frankly amazed me how quickly Roman soldiers seemed to be able to travel - and mostly (if not solely) on foot!
The main characters were all three very likeable men, who had me rooting for them throughout - even though it was pretty obvious what would happen to one of them from the start )I’m giving nothing away here!).
I enjoy reading a lot of historical fiction, and it’s not often that I read books set in the Roman period. I don’t know why, there’s no reason I can think of, and this makes me realise that I really should read more! If, like me, you’re a fan of historical fiction, then you’ll enjoy the rich descriptions and history packed story within the pages of this book.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this book, and to Adam Lofthouse for joining in and commenting in the margins!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated Vinyl Resting Place in Books
Mar 16, 2023 (Updated Mar 16, 2023)
Vinyl May Not be Dead, but Somebody Is
Juni Jessup and her sisters have opened Sip and Spin Records, a combined record store and coffee shop, on the site of the one that their family used to own before records stopped selling. The night before their official opening, they are throwing a party, but things turn tragic afterward when Juni finds a dead body in their storage closet. When their uncle is arrested for the crime, Juni and her sisters don’t hesitate to put their shop up to get him released on bail. But then he vanishes. Can the three of them figure out what is really going on in time to save their shop?
I really enjoyed this debut. The plot takes off in a couple of different directions, and I enjoyed that creativity. I did feel it slowed down a little in the middle, but it picked up again for a fantastic climax. You can feel the history between Juni and her sisters, and I loved their relationships. There are other fun series regulars, and the suspects fit into the book perfectly. I also enjoyed the humor running through the book. The setting, a small town just outside of Austin, Texas, was charming as well. I can’t wait to revisit Juni and the rest of the characters again soon.
I really enjoyed this debut. The plot takes off in a couple of different directions, and I enjoyed that creativity. I did feel it slowed down a little in the middle, but it picked up again for a fantastic climax. You can feel the history between Juni and her sisters, and I loved their relationships. There are other fun series regulars, and the suspects fit into the book perfectly. I also enjoyed the humor running through the book. The setting, a small town just outside of Austin, Texas, was charming as well. I can’t wait to revisit Juni and the rest of the characters again soon.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Unhallowed Ground in Books
Jun 7, 2018
(This review can also be found on my blog <a href="http://themisadventuresofatwentysomething.blogspot.co.uk">The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl</a>).
When I read the synopsis for Unhallowed Ground by Daniel Mills, I must confess that I was more than intrigued. I love a good ghost story, so there was no way I was going to let this one pass me by. Although this book wasn't as ghosty (not a real word, haha) as I would've liked, it was still a nice read.
Unhallowed Ground by Daniel Mills is a short story told by the main character, Henry Feathering. Henry decides to visit his only surviving relative, his uncle, at Bittersweet Lodge. Upon arriving, he notices how dilapidated the building is. Henry falls in love with a woman named Clemency and decides that she will be his wife. Henry's uncle gives him a dire warning: do not move into the lodge with his bride for it will have horrible consequences. Ignoring his uncle's warning, Henry and Clemency move into Bittersweet Lodge. Soon Clemency is acting rather distant from Henry for some strange reason. Could there be a sinister force at work?
How spooky does the cover for Unhallowed Ground look!?! The cover of this book is definitely an attention grabber. I love the fact that it also fits in with the actual story.
The title definitely lets you know that this isn't going to be a warming story. Unhallowed Ground is a great title and fits in definitely with the story since a young girl was buried on unhallowed ground. (Don't worry, I haven't given away a spoiler as this is mentioned throughout the book).
The world building and setting are fantastic in this book. The story takes place in 1891, and the author does a great job of recreating the year. The description of the lodge seems spot on, and it paints a vivid picture in your mind.
The pacing of this book couldn't have been better. It is a short story, so it shouldn't take you more than 2 or 3 hours to read especially as Unhallowed Ground is a real page turner! I was constantly trying to guess what would happen next.
The dialogue of this book is old-fashioned as one would expect since it does take place in 1891. However, it is easy to understand, and there was no swearing.
The characters were great! Henry, Clemency, and Justice are the three main characters. They all come across as feeling like real people. My favourite character was Henry's uncle. I loved his eccentricity.
The only thing I didn't like was that I was expecting more of a ghost story which this wasn't really. I wanted a typical ghost story with apparitions, things moving by themselves, etc. I felt the synopsis was a bit misleading. I also wish that this story would've been a bit longer. Despite that, this was a good read.
I'd recommend Unhallowed Ground by Daniel Mills to everyone, especially fans of the horror genre, aged 16+.
Overall, I'd give Unhallowed Ground by Daniel Mills a 3.75 out of 5.
(Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for supplying me with a free ebook of this title in exchange for a fair and honest review).
When I read the synopsis for Unhallowed Ground by Daniel Mills, I must confess that I was more than intrigued. I love a good ghost story, so there was no way I was going to let this one pass me by. Although this book wasn't as ghosty (not a real word, haha) as I would've liked, it was still a nice read.
Unhallowed Ground by Daniel Mills is a short story told by the main character, Henry Feathering. Henry decides to visit his only surviving relative, his uncle, at Bittersweet Lodge. Upon arriving, he notices how dilapidated the building is. Henry falls in love with a woman named Clemency and decides that she will be his wife. Henry's uncle gives him a dire warning: do not move into the lodge with his bride for it will have horrible consequences. Ignoring his uncle's warning, Henry and Clemency move into Bittersweet Lodge. Soon Clemency is acting rather distant from Henry for some strange reason. Could there be a sinister force at work?
How spooky does the cover for Unhallowed Ground look!?! The cover of this book is definitely an attention grabber. I love the fact that it also fits in with the actual story.
The title definitely lets you know that this isn't going to be a warming story. Unhallowed Ground is a great title and fits in definitely with the story since a young girl was buried on unhallowed ground. (Don't worry, I haven't given away a spoiler as this is mentioned throughout the book).
The world building and setting are fantastic in this book. The story takes place in 1891, and the author does a great job of recreating the year. The description of the lodge seems spot on, and it paints a vivid picture in your mind.
The pacing of this book couldn't have been better. It is a short story, so it shouldn't take you more than 2 or 3 hours to read especially as Unhallowed Ground is a real page turner! I was constantly trying to guess what would happen next.
The dialogue of this book is old-fashioned as one would expect since it does take place in 1891. However, it is easy to understand, and there was no swearing.
The characters were great! Henry, Clemency, and Justice are the three main characters. They all come across as feeling like real people. My favourite character was Henry's uncle. I loved his eccentricity.
The only thing I didn't like was that I was expecting more of a ghost story which this wasn't really. I wanted a typical ghost story with apparitions, things moving by themselves, etc. I felt the synopsis was a bit misleading. I also wish that this story would've been a bit longer. Despite that, this was a good read.
I'd recommend Unhallowed Ground by Daniel Mills to everyone, especially fans of the horror genre, aged 16+.
Overall, I'd give Unhallowed Ground by Daniel Mills a 3.75 out of 5.
(Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for supplying me with a free ebook of this title in exchange for a fair and honest review).