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Hazel (1853 KP) rated Unremembered (Unremembered, #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
<i>Unremembered</i> is the first in a young adult, science-fiction trilogy by American author, Jessica Brody. Set in current day California, <i>Unremembered</i> is told from the point of view of a sixteen-year-old girl, Seraphina, who has no memories of anything prior to the first page of the book.
Whilst it may be imagined that a first person narrative of someone who does not know anything may hinder the telling of the story, it actually connects the audience with the main character. As readers we also have no knowledge of what happened before the first page of the story. We learn everything as Seraphina does, the only difference being that we are aware of what certain items are – particularly technological ones – as well as being able to communicate and understand other people, not just through words but also with sarcasm and body language.
What we learn at the start is that there has been a plane crash into the Pacific Ocean with only one survivor, an unidentifiable girl with serious amnesia. Further on it transpires that there was never any record of her being on the plane in the first place. This is where all the question and mysteries begin. Temporarily given the name Violet, she is placed with a foster family, the Carson family, whose thirteen-year-old son Cody is intimidated by her flawless beauty. He begins to connect with her more after it emerges that she is a mathematical genius. So yet another question arises, how comes she can remembered how to solve complicated equations yet cannot even remember who she is?
There are also mysteries surrounding a peculiar tattoo on her wrist; a boy named Lyzender who keeps appearing, claiming to know who Violet, or should we say Sera, is; her uncanny ability to speak fluently in a range of languages; and the number 1609. What is the significance of this number? Not only is it the year Sera believes it is after recovering from the crash, it is also engraved onto a locket she was wearing along with the initials “S + Z”.
<i>Unremembered</i> is a fast paced novel whose mysteries get solved at the same time as more questions develop. It shows us how people with no experience of the modern world would struggle to understand the things we take for granted. It also poses the question of what it truly makes a human human.
I definitely recommend this novel and believe that it is something young adult girls would certainly enjoy. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the trilogy to find out what happens to Seraphina next.
Whilst it may be imagined that a first person narrative of someone who does not know anything may hinder the telling of the story, it actually connects the audience with the main character. As readers we also have no knowledge of what happened before the first page of the story. We learn everything as Seraphina does, the only difference being that we are aware of what certain items are – particularly technological ones – as well as being able to communicate and understand other people, not just through words but also with sarcasm and body language.
What we learn at the start is that there has been a plane crash into the Pacific Ocean with only one survivor, an unidentifiable girl with serious amnesia. Further on it transpires that there was never any record of her being on the plane in the first place. This is where all the question and mysteries begin. Temporarily given the name Violet, she is placed with a foster family, the Carson family, whose thirteen-year-old son Cody is intimidated by her flawless beauty. He begins to connect with her more after it emerges that she is a mathematical genius. So yet another question arises, how comes she can remembered how to solve complicated equations yet cannot even remember who she is?
There are also mysteries surrounding a peculiar tattoo on her wrist; a boy named Lyzender who keeps appearing, claiming to know who Violet, or should we say Sera, is; her uncanny ability to speak fluently in a range of languages; and the number 1609. What is the significance of this number? Not only is it the year Sera believes it is after recovering from the crash, it is also engraved onto a locket she was wearing along with the initials “S + Z”.
<i>Unremembered</i> is a fast paced novel whose mysteries get solved at the same time as more questions develop. It shows us how people with no experience of the modern world would struggle to understand the things we take for granted. It also poses the question of what it truly makes a human human.
I definitely recommend this novel and believe that it is something young adult girls would certainly enjoy. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the trilogy to find out what happens to Seraphina next.
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Abandon (Abandon, #1) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
Though I have been familiar with the name of Meg Cabot for awhile, this is the first book by her that I have actually read. I am a sucker for Greek mythology, and a retelling of Hades and Persephone has great potential. With a great cover and an even better premise to the book, I had pretty high hopes for the plot itself.
The way the book begins throws me -- told through the eyes of Pierce Oliviera, which is not that great of a name for a girl (instead of Persephone?), the author refrains from giving away hardly anything about Pierce's circumstances, what happened to her, what motivates her, etc. While it can be considered good writing to hold back on the major revelations as long as possible to build the suspense and draw in the reader, for me it was rather frustrating to read almost the entire book before Pierce finally realized who and what John Hayden is(also a crummy name for a death deity). Much of the actual events of the book are Pierce's memories, and what happens in real time is the culmination of these memories.
While I disliked the way that Meg Cabot chose to string all of these separate events together, I do like what the actual events create when put together. A girl who has a Near-Death Experience, or NDE, meets for the second time the man who runs her personal Underworld, instantly making her his consort thanks to a rare diamond necklace, though she does not yet know it. Her ability to skirt death makes her a target for the bad guys in the book, the Furies (not the same as the Furies of Greek mythology), who blame John for their lot in life after death. In addition, Pierce also has a host of quirks that alternately set her up for disaster or save her life, such as her addiction to soda and her paranoia that tassels are Evil.
While Pierce has a vast array of personality and behavioral problems that make the act of living difficult for her, I do think that this book fits well in the Young Adult category. Pierce does not have everything figured out, does not always know how to handle herself, and does not even recognize when she is in love. She is protective of her feelings, can be just as detached as the next person from those around her, and has to work at not being too self-absorbed. Sometimes an imperfect heroine makes for a better book. I look forward to the next installment in the trilogy, Underworld.
The way the book begins throws me -- told through the eyes of Pierce Oliviera, which is not that great of a name for a girl (instead of Persephone?), the author refrains from giving away hardly anything about Pierce's circumstances, what happened to her, what motivates her, etc. While it can be considered good writing to hold back on the major revelations as long as possible to build the suspense and draw in the reader, for me it was rather frustrating to read almost the entire book before Pierce finally realized who and what John Hayden is(also a crummy name for a death deity). Much of the actual events of the book are Pierce's memories, and what happens in real time is the culmination of these memories.
While I disliked the way that Meg Cabot chose to string all of these separate events together, I do like what the actual events create when put together. A girl who has a Near-Death Experience, or NDE, meets for the second time the man who runs her personal Underworld, instantly making her his consort thanks to a rare diamond necklace, though she does not yet know it. Her ability to skirt death makes her a target for the bad guys in the book, the Furies (not the same as the Furies of Greek mythology), who blame John for their lot in life after death. In addition, Pierce also has a host of quirks that alternately set her up for disaster or save her life, such as her addiction to soda and her paranoia that tassels are Evil.
While Pierce has a vast array of personality and behavioral problems that make the act of living difficult for her, I do think that this book fits well in the Young Adult category. Pierce does not have everything figured out, does not always know how to handle herself, and does not even recognize when she is in love. She is protective of her feelings, can be just as detached as the next person from those around her, and has to work at not being too self-absorbed. Sometimes an imperfect heroine makes for a better book. I look forward to the next installment in the trilogy, Underworld.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Body Movers (Body Movers, #1) in Books
Nov 7, 2019
Carlotta and Wesley are brother and sister. Carlotta has been Wesley's guardian ever since their parents disappeared. Wesley has always been mischievous, but this time he's outdone himself. When he is arrested and put on probation for hacking into the city's computer system, Carlotta thinks Wesley may finally change his ways. Part of his probation requires him to find a job. While it's not the most glamorous, body moving pays well. But when his job brings him to the home of Carlotta's ex-boyfriend, things really start to go wrong. Carlotta is even under suspicion for the murder. Will Carlotta be able to clear her name?
I have had this book on my TBR for a very long time. I wasn't really sure what to expect, but I really enjoyed this story. I don't think that I could ever be a part of a body moving service. I get queasy when I have to clean up my own kids vomit.
Carlotta and Wesley have lived in town all of their lives. They still live in the home they last lived in when their parents disappeared. Carlotta works for Nordstrom and tries her best to take care of Wesley, but he is reaching the age, where he should be able to take care of himself.
Ex-boyfriends, jealous wives, cigar smoking players, death, and a love interest. This book has it all and I can't wait to see what happens next with Carlotta and Wesley.
I have had this book on my TBR for a very long time. I wasn't really sure what to expect, but I really enjoyed this story. I don't think that I could ever be a part of a body moving service. I get queasy when I have to clean up my own kids vomit.
Carlotta and Wesley have lived in town all of their lives. They still live in the home they last lived in when their parents disappeared. Carlotta works for Nordstrom and tries her best to take care of Wesley, but he is reaching the age, where he should be able to take care of himself.
Ex-boyfriends, jealous wives, cigar smoking players, death, and a love interest. This book has it all and I can't wait to see what happens next with Carlotta and Wesley.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2482 KP) rated Pony Up in Books
Jul 10, 2021
Settling into Married Life with Danger
This book opens at Joe Rodriguez’s wedding reception over in Ireland, but it isn’t too long before he and his young wife, Bridgid, are back in Phoenix and settling into wedded bliss. Well, they would be if it weren’t for Charlie Stegener. He is still trying to cause trouble for Joe in particular and the entire Phoenix police in general despite the fact that his wife has dropped out of the mayor’s race. Meanwhile, someone has followed Joe and Bridgid back from Ireland intent on ruining their lives. Can Joe stay one step ahead of both of these problems?
This book follows the previous book in the series very closely. In fact, some of the storylines I thought were wrapped up come back into play. The result feels more like a TV show than a novel, however, with the dueling plots. The characters are wonderful, and fans of the series will be excited to see what happens next to them. Well, mostly. There are a couple of scenes that were excessive, and I have to wonder what one character did to the author to get the treatment they got here. The ending, while wrapping up the plot, did seem a bit abrupt. I did enjoy the book because I like the characters and got caught up in the events, but I’ve enjoyed other books from this author more.
This book follows the previous book in the series very closely. In fact, some of the storylines I thought were wrapped up come back into play. The result feels more like a TV show than a novel, however, with the dueling plots. The characters are wonderful, and fans of the series will be excited to see what happens next to them. Well, mostly. There are a couple of scenes that were excessive, and I have to wonder what one character did to the author to get the treatment they got here. The ending, while wrapping up the plot, did seem a bit abrupt. I did enjoy the book because I like the characters and got caught up in the events, but I’ve enjoyed other books from this author more.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2482 KP) rated Oh Danny Girl in Books
Jan 17, 2023 (Updated Jan 17, 2023)
Life Unraveling Can Be Dangerous
When Danny O’Brien goes to court that morning, she’s not expecting anything too difficult in the uncontested divorce she is there to handle. That’s before a gun is found in her briefcase – a gun connected to the high-profile cop killer case where her husband is the defense attorney. Then her husband is murdered in a hotel room with a woman. As Danny realizes the legal peril she is in, she tries to make sense of all that is happening around her. Will she figure things out before it is too late?
This was a great thrill ride from the very beginning, and I had a hard time putting the book down. The characters are great, and help pull us into the story. The chapter breaks also signal that we are switching to another character’s point of view, and this technique is used perfectly to help us understand them better and to fully see what is unfolding. I did think a couple of character moments happened too soon, and a couple of times the chapter breaks were used for false suspense (to keep us from learning something the character had just learned), but these were minor issues for me. Most of the twists surprised me and kept me hooked until I reached the satisfying end. I can’t wait to see what happens to these characters next.
This was a great thrill ride from the very beginning, and I had a hard time putting the book down. The characters are great, and help pull us into the story. The chapter breaks also signal that we are switching to another character’s point of view, and this technique is used perfectly to help us understand them better and to fully see what is unfolding. I did think a couple of character moments happened too soon, and a couple of times the chapter breaks were used for false suspense (to keep us from learning something the character had just learned), but these were minor issues for me. Most of the twists surprised me and kept me hooked until I reached the satisfying end. I can’t wait to see what happens to these characters next.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2482 KP) rated Knot What You Think in Books
Jan 12, 2022
Discovering a Dead Body is Complicated
Martha Rose is looking forward to a typical Tuesday quilting session with her friends until Jazz, the latest member of the group, shows up. As Jazz describes his morning, everyone begins to worry about the friend he was trying to see earlier in the morning. When they go to investigate, they find the body of Dolleen Doyle on her kitchen floor. Dolleen is the second wife of a man currently in jail for running a Ponzi scheme. With the police looking at Jazz as their prime suspect, Martha begins to investigate. Can she find the real killer?
Those familiar with the series will know what to expect here, and they won’t be disappointed. The plot is complex with several twists before Martha pieces the clues together. I do wish we hadn’t had the scenes with the psychic, but that’s a minor complaint. I enjoy the characters since they are different for a cozy series, and I appreciate how their lives are evolving as the series progresses. The suspects are just as sharp and interesting. While the Los Angeles setting is unusual for a cozy, as a native, I enjoy it, and the book still feels cozy. There’s a nice dose of humor as well, and I can’t wait to see how what happens next to Martha after the way this book ended. If you are looking for a fun cozy series, this is definitely one to check out.
Those familiar with the series will know what to expect here, and they won’t be disappointed. The plot is complex with several twists before Martha pieces the clues together. I do wish we hadn’t had the scenes with the psychic, but that’s a minor complaint. I enjoy the characters since they are different for a cozy series, and I appreciate how their lives are evolving as the series progresses. The suspects are just as sharp and interesting. While the Los Angeles setting is unusual for a cozy, as a native, I enjoy it, and the book still feels cozy. There’s a nice dose of humor as well, and I can’t wait to see how what happens next to Martha after the way this book ended. If you are looking for a fun cozy series, this is definitely one to check out.
Merissa (13770 KP) rated Omegas in Power (Omegas in Power #1) in Books
Jun 1, 2021 (Updated Jul 18, 2023)
OMEGAS IN POWER is the first book in the series of the same name, and we meet Grayson and Zack, an omega and alpha who don't look as they should, who don't act as they should, and have a whole host of problems down to something out of their control.
I loved how these two were, right from the start. Originally, I thought Grayson was going to be some hard-nosed businessman who was softened by Zack, but I quickly realised there was so much more to him than that. Finding out who they both were made this book exceptional. Yes, there is instant attraction, and yes, there is the instant proposal (which does make sense when you read it), but still, these two figure out just who they are and what they're doing. Add Lucian into the mix, and it's just the perfect mix for me.
With a great storyline, perfect pacing, a fantastic pair of main characters plus amazing supporting characters, this book really did tick all of my boxes. I thoroughly enjoyed every word and I can't wait to see what happens next. Absolutely 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 1, 2021
I loved how these two were, right from the start. Originally, I thought Grayson was going to be some hard-nosed businessman who was softened by Zack, but I quickly realised there was so much more to him than that. Finding out who they both were made this book exceptional. Yes, there is instant attraction, and yes, there is the instant proposal (which does make sense when you read it), but still, these two figure out just who they are and what they're doing. Add Lucian into the mix, and it's just the perfect mix for me.
With a great storyline, perfect pacing, a fantastic pair of main characters plus amazing supporting characters, this book really did tick all of my boxes. I thoroughly enjoyed every word and I can't wait to see what happens next. Absolutely 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 1, 2021
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2482 KP) rated The Right Sort of Man in Books
Sep 29, 2023 (Updated Sep 29, 2023)
Match Made for Murder
Its 1946 London, and people are looking to get back to normal after the end of World War II. Miss Iris Sparks and Mrs. Gwendolyn Bainbridge and formed an unlikely partnership in a marriage bureau, both of them looking for something new in their lives. They’ve been opened a few months and are beginning to see some successes, but all that is threatened when one of their clients is murdered and the man they’d matched her with is arrested for the crime. With their personal and professional reputations on the line, they set about trying to prove he is innocent. Can they do it?
When I first heard about this series, I was drawn to the time in history and the premise. I truly appreciated how that time in history is brought to life. I did find the book hard to get into, but once I did, I was hooked. The mystery is good, with some surprises along the way to the suspenseful climax. The characters grow on you, and the sub-plots both of the leads get make them into fully developed characters. What I wasn’t expecting was the humor, which had me laughing as I read. This is more a traditional mystery due to some of the content, but it is still mild. I will definitely be back to see what happens to these characters next.
When I first heard about this series, I was drawn to the time in history and the premise. I truly appreciated how that time in history is brought to life. I did find the book hard to get into, but once I did, I was hooked. The mystery is good, with some surprises along the way to the suspenseful climax. The characters grow on you, and the sub-plots both of the leads get make them into fully developed characters. What I wasn’t expecting was the humor, which had me laughing as I read. This is more a traditional mystery due to some of the content, but it is still mild. I will definitely be back to see what happens to these characters next.
Merissa (13770 KP) rated Hunted (Blood Moon, Texas Shifters #5) in Books
Sep 29, 2023
HUNTED is the fifth book in the Blood Moon, Texas Shifters series and we have River and Ellie's story. I would recommend you read this in order as it does have an overall story arc that might be confusing if you don't know how it got to this stage.
River and Ellie have a history together, and it's not always a good one! River had to take Ellie's memories, even though she was his mate, leaving her with crippling anxiety. It's for this reason that Hayden refuses to speak to River and threatens him at every opportunity.
River and Ellie have moved past that - although I'm not exactly sure when. Maybe it was in the past books, but it's been a while since I read those, so I'm not sure. Their relationship did throw me a little in the beginning. Especially the 'projection' sex, when it wasn't always clear that's that what it was.
The overall story arc moves along at a fast pace, with new and old characters helping it along the way. It will be interesting to see what happens in August and Rowan's story, which is up next.
A great addition to the series but definitely recommended to read as a series.
** 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!
Sep 29, 2023
River and Ellie have a history together, and it's not always a good one! River had to take Ellie's memories, even though she was his mate, leaving her with crippling anxiety. It's for this reason that Hayden refuses to speak to River and threatens him at every opportunity.
River and Ellie have moved past that - although I'm not exactly sure when. Maybe it was in the past books, but it's been a while since I read those, so I'm not sure. Their relationship did throw me a little in the beginning. Especially the 'projection' sex, when it wasn't always clear that's that what it was.
The overall story arc moves along at a fast pace, with new and old characters helping it along the way. It will be interesting to see what happens in August and Rowan's story, which is up next.
A great addition to the series but definitely recommended to read as a series.
** 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!
Sep 29, 2023
Brecoles Nine (16 KP) rated God of War in Video Games
Mar 12, 2019
God of War- BOY!
Contains spoilers, click to show
Hello! So, God of War on the PS4. Techically God of War 4. The game started off by throwing you into this emotional journey by burying the wife of Kratos.
The emotional music that was lined up with the journey of gathering something as simple as wood, was by far the best part of the beginning.
Then a stranger comes and you being Kratos, you say to yourself, "Yeah, I can take him, look at this skinny little man thinking he stands a chance against me, the mighty KRATOS-" Then he catches you by surprise, he is so much more powerful than you imagined and now you're in this brilliantl, beautiful fight to the death. It was crazy. The whole game was filled with emotion and raw power. The emotional growth of the bond between Father and Son was a beautiful thing to watch.
This is a super late review, so there isn't much to say about it other than it was an incredible game that added onto an already incredible series. The end of the game left us with wanting more and more. By the end of it I found myself wanting to send an email to Santa Monica Studios, begging for an early copy of the next game or maybe a script just to know what happens. The cliffhanger it left us with was amazing and wonderful.
The combat was smooth and I found myself throwing the axe for no apparent reason but to see how far I could throw it and travel away from it, just to call it back and watch as the axe returns to Kratos' hand in real time. The amount of detail they put into this game is incredible and I'm sure that it will be quite a wait until the next one. In my honest opinion about God of War, I would personally give the game a solid 10/10. Thank you so much for reading!
The emotional music that was lined up with the journey of gathering something as simple as wood, was by far the best part of the beginning.
Then a stranger comes and you being Kratos, you say to yourself, "Yeah, I can take him, look at this skinny little man thinking he stands a chance against me, the mighty KRATOS-" Then he catches you by surprise, he is so much more powerful than you imagined and now you're in this brilliantl, beautiful fight to the death. It was crazy. The whole game was filled with emotion and raw power. The emotional growth of the bond between Father and Son was a beautiful thing to watch.
This is a super late review, so there isn't much to say about it other than it was an incredible game that added onto an already incredible series. The end of the game left us with wanting more and more. By the end of it I found myself wanting to send an email to Santa Monica Studios, begging for an early copy of the next game or maybe a script just to know what happens. The cliffhanger it left us with was amazing and wonderful.
The combat was smooth and I found myself throwing the axe for no apparent reason but to see how far I could throw it and travel away from it, just to call it back and watch as the axe returns to Kratos' hand in real time. The amount of detail they put into this game is incredible and I'm sure that it will be quite a wait until the next one. In my honest opinion about God of War, I would personally give the game a solid 10/10. Thank you so much for reading!