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Ross (3284 KP) rated Emperor of Thorns in Books
Sep 13, 2017
The conclusion of the first of Mark Lawrence's trilogies, the Broken Empire, sees Jorg once again travel across the empire, and is once again split into 2 timelines.
Again, the pace at which events of the past are revealed and their implications for the present timeline emerge is just right, allowing enough to be worked out in advance by the eager reader.
I didn't much like the present timeline story, it really was just a long dragged out roadtrip and didn't add much to the overall plot. Luckily enough focus was given to Jorg's adventures through the radioactive fallout zones and Afrique that this didn't detract from enjoyment too much.
Once more, the introduction of elements of the distant past (our future) was a risk worth taking for the author, as it helps explain so much of the mysterious yet familiar world we are travelling through.
The ending felt slightly rushed for me and the final encounter should really have been given much more attention, but I was happy enough with the conclusion and intend to revisit this world for the Red Queen's War trilogy in due course.
Again, the pace at which events of the past are revealed and their implications for the present timeline emerge is just right, allowing enough to be worked out in advance by the eager reader.
I didn't much like the present timeline story, it really was just a long dragged out roadtrip and didn't add much to the overall plot. Luckily enough focus was given to Jorg's adventures through the radioactive fallout zones and Afrique that this didn't detract from enjoyment too much.
Once more, the introduction of elements of the distant past (our future) was a risk worth taking for the author, as it helps explain so much of the mysterious yet familiar world we are travelling through.
The ending felt slightly rushed for me and the final encounter should really have been given much more attention, but I was happy enough with the conclusion and intend to revisit this world for the Red Queen's War trilogy in due course.
When Twilight Breaks
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Munich, 1938. Evelyn Brand is an American foreign correspondent as determined to prove her worth in...
Romance World War 2 Germany Nazi Adult Fiction Christian Fiction
Until Leaves Fall in Paris
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As the Nazis march toward Paris in 1940, American ballerina Lucie Girard buys her favorite...
Christian Fiction Romance HIstorical Fiction Historical Romance Nazi Germany
Merissa (13585 KP) rated Think of Me Demon (War of the Myth #2) in Books
Mar 30, 2018
Think of Me Demon (War of the Myth #2) by Miranda Grant
Think of Me Demon is the second book in the War of the Myth series, and the focus of this one is very different. Instead of being in the 'normal' world, we spend most of it in a demon stronghold, where Galvanor is being held against his will. His lifemate is a drazic demon, but it doesn't look like a happy ever after as she needs to kill him if she wants to live.
I LOVED this story! So very different from book one and yet with similarities too, in a good way. The story is enthralling, Galvanor's history is heartbreaking, and Matakyli is the perfect foil for him. I was pleased to see the other team members show up at the end, and Elizabeth's cameo too. It ties it all in very nicely with book one, and definitely leaves you wanting book three.
With excellent descriptions and world-building, this story held my attention from beginning to end. If I did half stars (which I don't) it would be a 4.5 star read. A definite improvement upon book one - which was still an amazing read. Miranda Grant's skill in weaving a story is improving in leaps and bounds, and leaves me looking forward to Jack and Charlie's story in book three. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I LOVED this story! So very different from book one and yet with similarities too, in a good way. The story is enthralling, Galvanor's history is heartbreaking, and Matakyli is the perfect foil for him. I was pleased to see the other team members show up at the end, and Elizabeth's cameo too. It ties it all in very nicely with book one, and definitely leaves you wanting book three.
With excellent descriptions and world-building, this story held my attention from beginning to end. If I did half stars (which I don't) it would be a 4.5 star read. A definite improvement upon book one - which was still an amazing read. Miranda Grant's skill in weaving a story is improving in leaps and bounds, and leaves me looking forward to Jack and Charlie's story in book three. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Cocoa Beach (A Certain Age #2)
8.0
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Burdened by a dark family secret, Virginia Fortescue flees her oppressive home in New York City for...
Hazel (1853 KP) rated He Walks Among Us: Encounters with Christ in a Broken World in Books
Dec 17, 2018
<b>Synopsis</b>
Richard Stearns is the president of World Vision United States who, along with his wife Reneé, regularly visits the poorer countries of our world to see the ways the charity is helping to change people's lives. <i>He Walks Among Us</i> is a compilation of short thoughts and observations (two-to-three pages, including photographs) they have both had while conducting their work. As they alternate the writing, we are given opinions and experiences that we may be able to relate to our own. As Richard is the president of the organisation, he can give an insight into the way World Vision works, however, he can also express his opinions as a father, grandfather and believer in Christ. Reneé is also a World Vision worker, but due to her nature, gives a more maternal impression of the scenes she witnesses.
The individuals written about in this book come from all over the world. Most are located in Africa, but there are also similar stories in Asia, South and North America, and even Eastern Europe. The terrors these people have faced are shocking (AIDs, war, sexual abuse, natural disasters etc), but each family has been aided in some way by World Vision and their donors.
The purpose of <i>He Walks Among Us</i> is not to promote World Vision, but to encourage us to let God and Jesus into our lives. Richard and Reneé assume their readers are Christians, however, they realise that being a Christian does not equate to fully accepting God's plans. The victims of war, rape, and poverty mentioned have also been touched by Jesus. Many did not know him before World Vision came into their lives, but they have now been transformed through the power of his love - although their situation may not have significantly improved.
The actual stories used to illustrate the work of World Vision are only brief mentions, providing the bare bones of the situations. What Richard and Reneé have focused on is linking these lives, their lives and our lives to passages from the Bible. Either taken literally or metaphorically, the pair manage to relate everything to the actions and fates of a number of key Biblical characters. This emphasises that Our Lord is walking among us, giving life, peace, hope and steadfast faith.
<b>Ideas</b>
Giving someone new hope or purpose in their life can be related to Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Whether people are literally dying, or on the edge of hopelessness and despair, improving their situation can turn their lives around.
The donors and workers at World Vision are like the Good Samaritan in Jesus' parable. We do not know these people, know their religion or circumstances, yet we send money and aid. To do nothing would make us the Priest or Levite in the story.
David was only a young boy when he had to face Goliath, yet, against all odds, he defeated him. The children mentioned in this book are similar to David. They each have their metaphorical Goliath's: poverty, illness, loss of parents, war, hunger etc, but with God working through us, these can be overcome.
<b>Noteworthy Bible Verses</b>
Each chapter of the book begins with a Bible verse, and often more are included within the text. Here are a few that really relate to the work of World Vision and the ways in which we can involve ourselves:
Philippians 4:12-13
Luke 21:3-4
Luke 6:20-21
Psalm 23:4
<b>Statistics</b>
23 million people in sub-Sahara Africa are suffering from HIV.
In Soviet-controlled Georgia, churches were banned. Some villages are only just seeing their first church in over 400 years.
20 thousand children under the age of 5 die every day.
Every 4 seconds a child under 5 dies.
Over 2 billion people in the world are living on $2 or less a day.
1 billion people have no access to clean drinking water.
41% of the population in Niger have no clean water.
<b>Citations</b>
Helen Keller: "So much has been given to me, I have no time to ponder over that which is denied."
Oswald Chambers: "The great hindrance in spiritual life is that we will look for big things to do. Jesus took a towel ... and began to wash the disciples' feet."
Mother Theresa: "I am a pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world."
C.S. Lewis: "Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less."
<b>Other Mentions</b>
Hymn - Frances R. Havergal, <i>Take my Life and let it be.</i>
Film - <i>Pushing the Elephant</i>
Richard Stearns is the president of World Vision United States who, along with his wife Reneé, regularly visits the poorer countries of our world to see the ways the charity is helping to change people's lives. <i>He Walks Among Us</i> is a compilation of short thoughts and observations (two-to-three pages, including photographs) they have both had while conducting their work. As they alternate the writing, we are given opinions and experiences that we may be able to relate to our own. As Richard is the president of the organisation, he can give an insight into the way World Vision works, however, he can also express his opinions as a father, grandfather and believer in Christ. Reneé is also a World Vision worker, but due to her nature, gives a more maternal impression of the scenes she witnesses.
The individuals written about in this book come from all over the world. Most are located in Africa, but there are also similar stories in Asia, South and North America, and even Eastern Europe. The terrors these people have faced are shocking (AIDs, war, sexual abuse, natural disasters etc), but each family has been aided in some way by World Vision and their donors.
The purpose of <i>He Walks Among Us</i> is not to promote World Vision, but to encourage us to let God and Jesus into our lives. Richard and Reneé assume their readers are Christians, however, they realise that being a Christian does not equate to fully accepting God's plans. The victims of war, rape, and poverty mentioned have also been touched by Jesus. Many did not know him before World Vision came into their lives, but they have now been transformed through the power of his love - although their situation may not have significantly improved.
The actual stories used to illustrate the work of World Vision are only brief mentions, providing the bare bones of the situations. What Richard and Reneé have focused on is linking these lives, their lives and our lives to passages from the Bible. Either taken literally or metaphorically, the pair manage to relate everything to the actions and fates of a number of key Biblical characters. This emphasises that Our Lord is walking among us, giving life, peace, hope and steadfast faith.
<b>Ideas</b>
Giving someone new hope or purpose in their life can be related to Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Whether people are literally dying, or on the edge of hopelessness and despair, improving their situation can turn their lives around.
The donors and workers at World Vision are like the Good Samaritan in Jesus' parable. We do not know these people, know their religion or circumstances, yet we send money and aid. To do nothing would make us the Priest or Levite in the story.
David was only a young boy when he had to face Goliath, yet, against all odds, he defeated him. The children mentioned in this book are similar to David. They each have their metaphorical Goliath's: poverty, illness, loss of parents, war, hunger etc, but with God working through us, these can be overcome.
<b>Noteworthy Bible Verses</b>
Each chapter of the book begins with a Bible verse, and often more are included within the text. Here are a few that really relate to the work of World Vision and the ways in which we can involve ourselves:
Philippians 4:12-13
Luke 21:3-4
Luke 6:20-21
Psalm 23:4
<b>Statistics</b>
23 million people in sub-Sahara Africa are suffering from HIV.
In Soviet-controlled Georgia, churches were banned. Some villages are only just seeing their first church in over 400 years.
20 thousand children under the age of 5 die every day.
Every 4 seconds a child under 5 dies.
Over 2 billion people in the world are living on $2 or less a day.
1 billion people have no access to clean drinking water.
41% of the population in Niger have no clean water.
<b>Citations</b>
Helen Keller: "So much has been given to me, I have no time to ponder over that which is denied."
Oswald Chambers: "The great hindrance in spiritual life is that we will look for big things to do. Jesus took a towel ... and began to wash the disciples' feet."
Mother Theresa: "I am a pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world."
C.S. Lewis: "Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less."
<b>Other Mentions</b>
Hymn - Frances R. Havergal, <i>Take my Life and let it be.</i>
Film - <i>Pushing the Elephant</i>
Twilight Struggle
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The #1 rated strategy board game gets its first expansion! Twilight Struggle: Turn Zero is a new...
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Baahubali: The Game (Official)
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Andrew Sinclair (25 KP) rated War Cry in Books
Nov 24, 2019
This is a fascinating story that follows the lives of two characters who finally meet about 3 quarters of the way through the book. Despite their circumstances they can't resist each other hurting close friends in the process. Meanwhile World War 2 is brewing and both are caught up in the action on opposing sides. At this point the story becomes a kind of global Romeo and Juliet where they must endeavour to keep their relationship secret as there are those who would seek to tear it apart. When you follow their journey as a reader and get to know both characters you can't help but route for them even though some of their actions make you question their morality. This gives it a true sense of realism as the heroes of the book don't always do the right thing. It's an engrossing read and I can't wait to read the sequel which I have already bought.
Birds of Prey: Vol 2
Chuck Dixon and Greg Land
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An exciting new team of glamourous, crime-fighting, female detectives. Meet Oracle-the computer...