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Debbiereadsbook (1416 KP) rated Mirror Image in Books
Feb 13, 2024
Not really for me.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is a short story collection, with tales of reaping what you sow. Of being held accountable for your actions, whether recent or a long time ago.
I think what I struggled the most with was this: the whole book is 85 pages, and there are 24 stories in this collection. So they are VERY short, some only a page or two. And I wanted to get my teeth into them a little more, but couldn't.
Each story is well written, from various points of view. Some are aacrier than others but I read them all. I didn't find myself with a favourite, though. I didn't see any spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading.
It really was just the SHORTNESS of all the stories, that I struggled with. I was just getting into them, and boof! All finished.
What I wanted to know, was where did the mirror come from? How did it come to be in everyone's presence?
I am curious to read something else by this author. Something longer and deeper. I tried to read another short collection some time ago, but didn't get very far with that one and it was only coming to write this review that I clicked it was the same author. So reading a longer book, will tell me one of two things: I like this author, but only their longer work; or this author is not for me. Time will tell.
I did finish the collection, and was suitably cringed at some of them, so:
3 good, but maybe not for me, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is a short story collection, with tales of reaping what you sow. Of being held accountable for your actions, whether recent or a long time ago.
I think what I struggled the most with was this: the whole book is 85 pages, and there are 24 stories in this collection. So they are VERY short, some only a page or two. And I wanted to get my teeth into them a little more, but couldn't.
Each story is well written, from various points of view. Some are aacrier than others but I read them all. I didn't find myself with a favourite, though. I didn't see any spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading.
It really was just the SHORTNESS of all the stories, that I struggled with. I was just getting into them, and boof! All finished.
What I wanted to know, was where did the mirror come from? How did it come to be in everyone's presence?
I am curious to read something else by this author. Something longer and deeper. I tried to read another short collection some time ago, but didn't get very far with that one and it was only coming to write this review that I clicked it was the same author. So reading a longer book, will tell me one of two things: I like this author, but only their longer work; or this author is not for me. Time will tell.
I did finish the collection, and was suitably cringed at some of them, so:
3 good, but maybe not for me, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere

RavenclawPrincess913 (253 KP) rated The Grace Year in Books
Jul 24, 2019
Title: The Grace Year ARC
Author: Kim Liggett
Read Dates: June 25th- July 3rd 2019
Why did I choose to read this book?
I chose to read this book because it was sent to me as an arc
Did I like it? I love it it's a very emotional story
Five things I liked about this book (Spoiler Warning skip to one character I disliked if you don't want spoiler's):
1. I love how the main character isn't like all the other girls.
2. I love how Michael saved her. I knew he was the one that veiled her from the beginning.
3. I love the love story between her and Ryker. I love how she ends up having his baby and she ends up being the one she dreams about.
4. I love how she helps the other Grace Year girls and the Grace Year girls in the years to come.
5. I love how she didn't judge Gertie like the others and ended up being friends with her in the end.
One character I disliked: Michael's father
Do I recommend this book? Yes, it's a very wonderful book. It's very emotional and has an unexpected turn of events and ending.
What is one similar book I think you'd like if you also love this book? Hunger Games or Divergent or Maze Runner
Questions for you:
1. Have you read this book? How'd you like it?
2. Who was your favorite character?
3. What's your favorite book and author?
Author: Kim Liggett
Read Dates: June 25th- July 3rd 2019
Why did I choose to read this book?
I chose to read this book because it was sent to me as an arc
Did I like it? I love it it's a very emotional story
Five things I liked about this book (Spoiler Warning skip to one character I disliked if you don't want spoiler's):
1. I love how the main character isn't like all the other girls.
2. I love how Michael saved her. I knew he was the one that veiled her from the beginning.
3. I love the love story between her and Ryker. I love how she ends up having his baby and she ends up being the one she dreams about.
4. I love how she helps the other Grace Year girls and the Grace Year girls in the years to come.
5. I love how she didn't judge Gertie like the others and ended up being friends with her in the end.
One character I disliked: Michael's father
Do I recommend this book? Yes, it's a very wonderful book. It's very emotional and has an unexpected turn of events and ending.
What is one similar book I think you'd like if you also love this book? Hunger Games or Divergent or Maze Runner
Questions for you:
1. Have you read this book? How'd you like it?
2. Who was your favorite character?
3. What's your favorite book and author?

Debbiereadsbook (1416 KP) rated A Murder of Convenience in Books
Apr 1, 2025
I liked that we heard from everyone!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, i was gifted my copy of this book.
When Lydia is found dead in a locked room, Ellen becomes the prime suspect. Lydia is, after all, her husband's mistress. Sir Hugh is sent to investigate. He might be the only one to save her from the hangman's noose.
For the most part, I really did enjoy this. It's a step out my comfort zone, and I do like to step out from time to time. This one, though, was a tad too far. Let me tell you why.
There are hints, and clues along the way as to whodunnit. many clues. MANY MANY hints. So many, that I started to get mighty confused with it all and I could not see the bigger picture, nor who might have committed this crime. I'm still not 100% certain who actually did it, or why! It doe tell you, in the book, but I was so flummoxed by it all, I lost the plot, literally.
What I did like, though, was got to hear from all the major parties. I liked the level of drama (murder suspect notwithstanding!)
I liked the way it was written, and how the story was delivered, apart from the overwhelming amount of things to process. And that was the ony reason I gave it . .
4 solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere.
When Lydia is found dead in a locked room, Ellen becomes the prime suspect. Lydia is, after all, her husband's mistress. Sir Hugh is sent to investigate. He might be the only one to save her from the hangman's noose.
For the most part, I really did enjoy this. It's a step out my comfort zone, and I do like to step out from time to time. This one, though, was a tad too far. Let me tell you why.
There are hints, and clues along the way as to whodunnit. many clues. MANY MANY hints. So many, that I started to get mighty confused with it all and I could not see the bigger picture, nor who might have committed this crime. I'm still not 100% certain who actually did it, or why! It doe tell you, in the book, but I was so flummoxed by it all, I lost the plot, literally.
What I did like, though, was got to hear from all the major parties. I liked the level of drama (murder suspect notwithstanding!)
I liked the way it was written, and how the story was delivered, apart from the overwhelming amount of things to process. And that was the ony reason I gave it . .
4 solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere.

Debbiereadsbook (1416 KP) rated Markov (Tangled Tentacles #4) in Books
Oct 6, 2022
thoroughly enjoying this series!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book for in the Tangled Tentacles series, and you really do need to read the other three, Alexi, Victor and Todd, before you read this one. There is an on-going story arc that is not really fully recapped here.
The first three books were fab, great and I really loved and enjoyed them. While I did enjoy this one, though, I found it missing. . . .something!
When I sat down to write this, I knew something was off, and I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but now I'm here, I have had a bit of a light bulb moment and I will come back to it in a mo!
We knew Markov had issues with Cassius, and that they were mates and Cassius had rejected him, so poor Cassius was not seen in a good light up to this point. But when we find out just WHY Cassius did what he did, you fully understand. Markov does too, and that's the most important thing. Once Markov knows the full story, he lets Cassius in, and it really was wonderful to read, them getting to be open with their feelings for each other. How THAT all resolved itself was amazing though.
We find out more about the missing shifters and what's been happening to them. Markov got first-hand experience of that. It does something, though, to his kraken and the result is both amusing and powerful, and both Markov AND Cassius benefit from that.
The other brothers all take part, and we get a lead into what is the final book . . .maybe. . . in this series. Given what happens here, at the bottom of the Mariana Trench, makes me wonder! It's clear from previous books that Kelvin, the last brother, and the F-B-freaking-I-guy who has got him all a-fluster will get together, but I wonder why they didn't get that message before now!
Back to what I felt was missing, and it really did just hit me as I started to type! Markov is a kraken and Cassius is a Hammerhead shark. They do get their smexy times in the sea, but what I really missed, and I've no idea WHY I felt it should be here, but, book feelings, people, was there was no time in the pool at the bottom of the Thalassa building and I missed that! There were no beautiful descriptions of singing from the kraken either. Oh, don't get me, he gets himself HEARD loud and clear, in more ways than one, but in the other books, pool time involves kraken singing and I don't get that here.
Still a very good read, and I am thoroughly enjoying watching these brothers fall one by one. Can't wait for Kelvin and what's gonna happen there!
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book for in the Tangled Tentacles series, and you really do need to read the other three, Alexi, Victor and Todd, before you read this one. There is an on-going story arc that is not really fully recapped here.
The first three books were fab, great and I really loved and enjoyed them. While I did enjoy this one, though, I found it missing. . . .something!
When I sat down to write this, I knew something was off, and I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but now I'm here, I have had a bit of a light bulb moment and I will come back to it in a mo!
We knew Markov had issues with Cassius, and that they were mates and Cassius had rejected him, so poor Cassius was not seen in a good light up to this point. But when we find out just WHY Cassius did what he did, you fully understand. Markov does too, and that's the most important thing. Once Markov knows the full story, he lets Cassius in, and it really was wonderful to read, them getting to be open with their feelings for each other. How THAT all resolved itself was amazing though.
We find out more about the missing shifters and what's been happening to them. Markov got first-hand experience of that. It does something, though, to his kraken and the result is both amusing and powerful, and both Markov AND Cassius benefit from that.
The other brothers all take part, and we get a lead into what is the final book . . .maybe. . . in this series. Given what happens here, at the bottom of the Mariana Trench, makes me wonder! It's clear from previous books that Kelvin, the last brother, and the F-B-freaking-I-guy who has got him all a-fluster will get together, but I wonder why they didn't get that message before now!
Back to what I felt was missing, and it really did just hit me as I started to type! Markov is a kraken and Cassius is a Hammerhead shark. They do get their smexy times in the sea, but what I really missed, and I've no idea WHY I felt it should be here, but, book feelings, people, was there was no time in the pool at the bottom of the Thalassa building and I missed that! There were no beautiful descriptions of singing from the kraken either. Oh, don't get me, he gets himself HEARD loud and clear, in more ways than one, but in the other books, pool time involves kraken singing and I don't get that here.
Still a very good read, and I am thoroughly enjoying watching these brothers fall one by one. Can't wait for Kelvin and what's gonna happen there!
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere

Scott Tostik (389 KP) rated Rites of Spring (2012) in Movies
Dec 29, 2019
Kind of like... Well... A pile of shit, actually
Well... Once again I delved into the world of the WalMart bargain bin and came out with another masterpiece of shite. Thankfully you only pay 2-5 bucks for these... So Im only out the price of a pack of ZigZag's.. No biggie.
Rip-offs come and go... Most of the time I can sniff them out from the poster or cover art.
This film was misleading by art standards. And I had no idea what to expect.
Bad people rob a bank... Bad people need a place to hide... Bad people pick an old slaughterhouse type place not realizing that they have landed in the middle of feeding time for some ancient evil who keeps a farmers crops plentiful and his cows full of... Well... Cow stuff...
This year he caught a wiff of the bad folks and went asshole hunting... What follows is your basic JEEPERS CREEPERS type shit that left me unsatisfied and... Well, not wanting more.
To quote the paperboy in Better Off Dead...
"I want my 2 dollars!!!!"
Try it if you must... But, be warned... It will tear your anticipation apart....
Lol... See what i did there :)
Rip-offs come and go... Most of the time I can sniff them out from the poster or cover art.
This film was misleading by art standards. And I had no idea what to expect.
Bad people rob a bank... Bad people need a place to hide... Bad people pick an old slaughterhouse type place not realizing that they have landed in the middle of feeding time for some ancient evil who keeps a farmers crops plentiful and his cows full of... Well... Cow stuff...
This year he caught a wiff of the bad folks and went asshole hunting... What follows is your basic JEEPERS CREEPERS type shit that left me unsatisfied and... Well, not wanting more.
To quote the paperboy in Better Off Dead...
"I want my 2 dollars!!!!"
Try it if you must... But, be warned... It will tear your anticipation apart....
Lol... See what i did there :)

Debbiereadsbook (1416 KP) rated Kelvin (Tangled Tentacles #5) in Books
Jan 15, 2023
A fitting end!
Independent reviewer for Archeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 5 in the Tangled Tentacles series, and you really MUST read the other books before this one. There is an on-going story arc that is not fully recapped here. And you know, cos I said so!
And what a way to finish out the series! We get to the bottom of Andromeda, and just how long that's been going on.
We catch up with the other brothers, and I loved that.
But mostly, this is about Magnus and Kelvin finding each other, and finding Magnus' sister. I loved that Magnus and Kelvin talk about the baby situation, beforehand. The other brothers just jump straight in and worry at their peril!
Oh I loved the birthing scene and the surprises that brings.
We are introduced to new characters, and that epilogue! Oh, that's a cliff hanger I did not see coming!
So, while we have all 5 Thalassa brothers mated and happy, with or without children (yet) we are left hanging as to what comes next! Who, is not in question, just the WHAT! And I can't bloody wait!
5 full and shiny stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 5 in the Tangled Tentacles series, and you really MUST read the other books before this one. There is an on-going story arc that is not fully recapped here. And you know, cos I said so!
And what a way to finish out the series! We get to the bottom of Andromeda, and just how long that's been going on.
We catch up with the other brothers, and I loved that.
But mostly, this is about Magnus and Kelvin finding each other, and finding Magnus' sister. I loved that Magnus and Kelvin talk about the baby situation, beforehand. The other brothers just jump straight in and worry at their peril!
Oh I loved the birthing scene and the surprises that brings.
We are introduced to new characters, and that epilogue! Oh, that's a cliff hanger I did not see coming!
So, while we have all 5 Thalassa brothers mated and happy, with or without children (yet) we are left hanging as to what comes next! Who, is not in question, just the WHAT! And I can't bloody wait!
5 full and shiny stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere

Clare Parrott (294 KP) rated Hard to Hold (Black Ops Heros #1) in Books
Nov 9, 2017 (Updated Nov 9, 2017)
The action starts from the very first page when Anna nearly comes to a sticky end with a lorry, laying in the hospital her next of kin (according to her passport, that she hadn't changed) Nick, her ex husband comes strolling back into her life, it's a love hate relationship and Anna hasn't seen him in 5 years.
This book made me want to bang their heads together, they're always bitching and snipping at each other. Always trying to get one over on the other and whatever Anna seems to do trouble always follows
"I'm not exactly predisposed to granting you any favours right now, Anna. I can't believe some of the situations you get yourself into. Jesus, what are you? A gravitational force for trouble!"
It's infuriating, and I just wished they'd shut up and get on with it. Saying that, I did enjoy it, I thought it was well written and I would read other titles by this author.
This book made me want to bang their heads together, they're always bitching and snipping at each other. Always trying to get one over on the other and whatever Anna seems to do trouble always follows
"I'm not exactly predisposed to granting you any favours right now, Anna. I can't believe some of the situations you get yourself into. Jesus, what are you? A gravitational force for trouble!"
It's infuriating, and I just wished they'd shut up and get on with it. Saying that, I did enjoy it, I thought it was well written and I would read other titles by this author.

Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Iron House in Books
Jan 15, 2018
First off I have to admit that I wasn't at all sure whether or not to read this book. I read Hart's The Lost Child. I thought it was just okay, but not exactly my thing. A friend won Iron House on Goodreads & offered me the book when she'd finished it. I can now say that I am VERY glad she did!
This book was much more satisfying than The Lost Child! The characters were very well developed & seemed to me to be much deeper & less predictable. The plot was still very dark which seems to be a Hart trademark, but the story was engrossing. It tore at your heart, but managed to gross you out & keep you on the edge of you seat at the same time. All the hallmarks of a great book in my eyes.
I don't know what the future will bring, but for me I sure hope John Hart continues writing in the style of Iron House. It was a winner!!!
This book was much more satisfying than The Lost Child! The characters were very well developed & seemed to me to be much deeper & less predictable. The plot was still very dark which seems to be a Hart trademark, but the story was engrossing. It tore at your heart, but managed to gross you out & keep you on the edge of you seat at the same time. All the hallmarks of a great book in my eyes.
I don't know what the future will bring, but for me I sure hope John Hart continues writing in the style of Iron House. It was a winner!!!

Christine Allard (22 KP) rated The Secret History in Books
Jan 26, 2018
Coming of age, why dunnit, college, and flawed characters
Contains spoilers, click to show
This book has been one of my all-time favorites for years, and one of the few I re-read about every year or two.
A clique of "gifted misfits" find one another and form a clique at a liberal arts school (think Middlebury) on the East Coast. One is dead very early on. The rest of the book unfolds with. their incredibly intertwined, co-dependant, and complex relationships as you slowly learn what happened, why it did, and what's going to go down after.
A clique of "gifted misfits" find one another and form a clique at a liberal arts school (think Middlebury) on the East Coast. One is dead very early on. The rest of the book unfolds with. their incredibly intertwined, co-dependant, and complex relationships as you slowly learn what happened, why it did, and what's going to go down after.