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David McK (3854 KP) rated Quantum Leap: Too Close for Comfort in Books
Sep 22, 2024 (Updated Sep 22, 2024)
"Theorising that one could time travel within his own lifetime, Doctor Sam Beckett stepped into the Quantum Leap accelerator and vanished... He woke to find himself trapped in the past, facing mirror images that were not his own, and driven by an unknown force to change history for the better. His only guide on this journey is Al, an observer from his own time, who appears in the form of a hologram that only Sam can see and hear. And so Doctor Beckett finds himself leaping from life to life, striving to put right what once went wrong, and hoping each time that his next leap will be the leap home…”
That's the intro from the original, 1990s, show (as opposed to the more modern 2020 reincarnation).
Why am I posting the above?
Because this novel itself is from the 90s, long before Dr Raymond Song or any of the newer bunch, and so focuses on the original Leaper Sam, and his hologrammatic observer Al.
It was also obviously written whilst the show was still on air (or, at the very least, not long after it ended), and very much could have been a episode of that original show, which was far more episodic in nature than the newer version.
Here, Sam finds himself in the body of a college graduate in what-I-believe-to-be the early 1990s, leasing a room from a college professor who is very much into the whole Men movement of the era, so much so that said professor does not even realize when his family life is falling down around him.
Being the early 1990s, this is far too close to the timeline from which Sam leaps (1999), with Al Calvacci also involved here both as Sam's hologram, and as an actual person who Sam encounters as a member of Dr Wales encounter group. Hence the title 'Too Close for Comfort', which can be construed in multiple different ways!
That's the intro from the original, 1990s, show (as opposed to the more modern 2020 reincarnation).
Why am I posting the above?
Because this novel itself is from the 90s, long before Dr Raymond Song or any of the newer bunch, and so focuses on the original Leaper Sam, and his hologrammatic observer Al.
It was also obviously written whilst the show was still on air (or, at the very least, not long after it ended), and very much could have been a episode of that original show, which was far more episodic in nature than the newer version.
Here, Sam finds himself in the body of a college graduate in what-I-believe-to-be the early 1990s, leasing a room from a college professor who is very much into the whole Men movement of the era, so much so that said professor does not even realize when his family life is falling down around him.
Being the early 1990s, this is far too close to the timeline from which Sam leaps (1999), with Al Calvacci also involved here both as Sam's hologram, and as an actual person who Sam encounters as a member of Dr Wales encounter group. Hence the title 'Too Close for Comfort', which can be construed in multiple different ways!
Merissa (14106 KP) rated Wired For Magic in Books
Apr 8, 2026
WIRED FOR MAGIC is an intriguing mix of hackers and magic. Rowan, a former model turned photographer, inherited magic from her mother, who unfortunately died before she could teach Rowan how to use it. Griff, Rowan's brother, is sceptical of the whole 'magic' thing, but does everything in his power to protect her from her stalker, Jarrod. He has been stalking Rowan for years, using his immense wealth and power, leading her to be forever on guard and on the run.
Those are the pure bones of the story, but there is so much more to it. I will admit, when I read that Celtic magic was involved, my mind immediately went to Ireland, which is where the majority of authors mean when they say 'Celtic'. Imagine my wonder and delight when it turned out to be Wales!!! The descriptions of Pentre Ifan were absolutely spot on, and the warmth of the Welsh personality was perfectly described and enacted, especially by Bron and Huw.
There is a slight romance element to the story, but it is secondary at best. Huw is definitely there as a supporting character, never taking the spotlight from Rowan.
The character arcs of all the main characters were brilliantly written, and the pacing was perfect. I was swept away in Rowan's struggles and determination. I loved sassy Aunt Maya and her outlook on life. Because I'm greedy, I would love to see more of this world, maybe from some of the secondary characters' points of view - Cat, I'm looking at you. And you too, Griff!
Anyway, I was completely absorbed by this story, from the first paragraph to the last. Definitely one of the best I've read, and I don't say that lightly. 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!
Apr 8, 2026
Those are the pure bones of the story, but there is so much more to it. I will admit, when I read that Celtic magic was involved, my mind immediately went to Ireland, which is where the majority of authors mean when they say 'Celtic'. Imagine my wonder and delight when it turned out to be Wales!!! The descriptions of Pentre Ifan were absolutely spot on, and the warmth of the Welsh personality was perfectly described and enacted, especially by Bron and Huw.
There is a slight romance element to the story, but it is secondary at best. Huw is definitely there as a supporting character, never taking the spotlight from Rowan.
The character arcs of all the main characters were brilliantly written, and the pacing was perfect. I was swept away in Rowan's struggles and determination. I loved sassy Aunt Maya and her outlook on life. Because I'm greedy, I would love to see more of this world, maybe from some of the secondary characters' points of view - Cat, I'm looking at you. And you too, Griff!
Anyway, I was completely absorbed by this story, from the first paragraph to the last. Definitely one of the best I've read, and I don't say that lightly. 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!
Apr 8, 2026
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Merissa (14106 KP) rated Princes and Kings (A Rose in a Thorn Bush #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2021 (Updated Jul 9, 2023)
PRINCES AND KINGS is the first book in A Rose in a Thorn Bush series, and we start with Llywelyn the Great's funeral and his two sons, Dafydd and Gruffudd. Gruffudd's son, Owain, doesn't think his uncle will make a good king and has no hesitation in confronting him. This means that when King Henry of England gives him a choice, Dafydd makes Owain part of the bargain to get him out of his hair. Gruffudd and Owain are sent to the Tower of London as hostages of war, the treaty dependent upon their safekeeping. All is well until Gruffudd can't cope with being a prisoner any longer and tries to escape, dying in the process. The treaty is broken and war is inevitable.
As a long-term lover of Wales and all things Welsh, I couldn't wait to read this story. Told as third-person and with a multitude of perspectives, it gives a rounded view of the events leading up to and including, the defeat of the English by the younger Llywelyn. You also get the see the bond between brothers, even with their vastly different experiences.
Whilst I enjoyed this story, I found it slightly disconcerting when the character's emotions changed so quickly. One of them went from being distraught at the thought of the loss of her husband to thinking that she'd lost him years ago anyway. And another went from intensely disliking a wife, to having a normal conversation with her in the blink of an eye. And then there is having a funny feeling about someone where nothing else is mentioned or happens.
That being said, I did enjoy this book and think it is a really good interesting start to a series that involves a bloody and brilliant time in Welsh history.
** 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!
Dec 7, 2021
As a long-term lover of Wales and all things Welsh, I couldn't wait to read this story. Told as third-person and with a multitude of perspectives, it gives a rounded view of the events leading up to and including, the defeat of the English by the younger Llywelyn. You also get the see the bond between brothers, even with their vastly different experiences.
Whilst I enjoyed this story, I found it slightly disconcerting when the character's emotions changed so quickly. One of them went from being distraught at the thought of the loss of her husband to thinking that she'd lost him years ago anyway. And another went from intensely disliking a wife, to having a normal conversation with her in the blink of an eye. And then there is having a funny feeling about someone where nothing else is mentioned or happens.
That being said, I did enjoy this book and think it is a really good interesting start to a series that involves a bloody and brilliant time in Welsh history.
** 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!
Dec 7, 2021