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Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Forgotten Kingdom (The Lost Queen Trilogy #2) in Books
Sep 25, 2020
Better than book 1
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.
The Forgotten Kingdom by Signe Pike is the 2nd novel in The Lost Queen Trilogy. To give a fair review, I read the first book, The Lost Queen.
This novel is told by 3 points of view, unlike the 1st novel, which had two. We continue to follow Langoureth and Lailoken and are introduced to Langoureth's daughter, Angharad.
The Forgotten Kingdom opens with Languoreth still locked in her chamber, awaiting news of her husband and son who have ridden to wage war with her brother, the love of her life, and the rest of the Dragon Warriors. While you could start reading the trilogy with this part, Pike beautifully sets up the world, allies, and enemies in book one. Reading it would give a clear understanding of the actions in book two.
Rarely does it happen, but I enjoyed this sequel more than book one. Pike's writing is detailed but not overly done. She built a vibrant world that is as magical as the characters within.
Unlike book one, the story could end after book 2, but with the introduction of Arthur to Merlin, who would want it to stop? Goodreads does not list a release date for book three.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 9/24/20.
The Forgotten Kingdom by Signe Pike is the 2nd novel in The Lost Queen Trilogy. To give a fair review, I read the first book, The Lost Queen.
This novel is told by 3 points of view, unlike the 1st novel, which had two. We continue to follow Langoureth and Lailoken and are introduced to Langoureth's daughter, Angharad.
The Forgotten Kingdom opens with Languoreth still locked in her chamber, awaiting news of her husband and son who have ridden to wage war with her brother, the love of her life, and the rest of the Dragon Warriors. While you could start reading the trilogy with this part, Pike beautifully sets up the world, allies, and enemies in book one. Reading it would give a clear understanding of the actions in book two.
Rarely does it happen, but I enjoyed this sequel more than book one. Pike's writing is detailed but not overly done. She built a vibrant world that is as magical as the characters within.
Unlike book one, the story could end after book 2, but with the introduction of Arthur to Merlin, who would want it to stop? Goodreads does not list a release date for book three.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 9/24/20.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Intended ( A Culling of Blood and Magic 2) in Books
Apr 21, 2024
74 of 220
Kindle
The Intended ( A Culling of Blood and Magic 2)
By K.M. Rives
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emery may have survived the Culling, but now she’s on the run.
Forced to find her way in a world of magic behind the wards of New Orleans, Emery struggles to accept her newfound identity as a witch and a mother. Her coven is demanding that she choose between the magic she’s always wanted and the child she already loves. Will Emery find the strength to fight for what matters most?
Devastated by the loss of trust in his mate and seeking revenge, Augustine throws himself into the hunt for a murderer within his kingdom. Emery remains his primary suspect, even though there is a side of him that longs for the woman who has captured his heart.
War is brewing in the supernatural world, and a long forgotten prophecy is at play. Can Augustine and Emery overcome the secrets that have torn them apart, and reconcile their past before the future catches up with them?
This was a very emotional read for me in a few places and very close to my own heart without all the magic and vampires! I enjoyed it and it certainly was fast paced. There were a few bits that I could have just skipped but they didn’t take away from how I was enjoying the book.
Please check any trigger warnings as there is a death that is hard to handle for some.
Kindle
The Intended ( A Culling of Blood and Magic 2)
By K.M. Rives
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emery may have survived the Culling, but now she’s on the run.
Forced to find her way in a world of magic behind the wards of New Orleans, Emery struggles to accept her newfound identity as a witch and a mother. Her coven is demanding that she choose between the magic she’s always wanted and the child she already loves. Will Emery find the strength to fight for what matters most?
Devastated by the loss of trust in his mate and seeking revenge, Augustine throws himself into the hunt for a murderer within his kingdom. Emery remains his primary suspect, even though there is a side of him that longs for the woman who has captured his heart.
War is brewing in the supernatural world, and a long forgotten prophecy is at play. Can Augustine and Emery overcome the secrets that have torn them apart, and reconcile their past before the future catches up with them?
This was a very emotional read for me in a few places and very close to my own heart without all the magic and vampires! I enjoyed it and it certainly was fast paced. There were a few bits that I could have just skipped but they didn’t take away from how I was enjoying the book.
Please check any trigger warnings as there is a death that is hard to handle for some.
Ashley Valencia (5 KP) rated Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) in Movies
Mar 31, 2019
This film was just a mess. There are so many characters thrown in that it's hard to care about any of them. They aren't given enough time to be fully fleshed out or even memorable. I don't remember the names of even half of them. And while we see Grindelwald commit a few crimes, in the end his motivation is to stop police brutality and prevent World War 2 from even happening. If he's painted as anything in this film I would maybe say he was more of an anti hero than a villain and that's not what he was supposed to be. Don't even get me started on his non relationship with Dumbledore. JK Rowling wants all of the credit for having a gay character without doing any of the work. I find it to be annoying. In the trailer, Dumbledore is shown in front of the Mirror of Erised, that shows him Grindelwald. So I had some hope that their relationship would at least be mentioned in the film. Nope. Not even a little. They had a gay character in the same way the live action of Beauty and the Beast did - in that they didn't. Unless you squint.
Lindsay (1705 KP) rated The Missing Planets in Books
Jan 25, 2020
In Book 2, “The Missing Planets”, We land inside a planet called Terato. We meet a new young man named Ek to all his friends and family. Though is full name is Eklam.
This story continues a story plot of a different kind of war but one that affects all the planets in the Solaris world. If you recall the first book is called “The Belikovat Events” well, it mentioned and referenced throughout the book. This is when it connects the two books.
Does Terato have a history of invaders of their own in their history of life? This one likes to attack planets and destroy life and create extinction? They seem to want to help make sure that Earth or to them Eorthe. The planet they so want to warn and need the help of is called “Eorthe-Lanartan”.
This story is well written. I enjoyed the way it is different. It a way to connect the first book to the second. Though it mostly takes place on Terato and with the help of Korvo. Though Korvo does not much he seems to help Ek with what going on and also helps with guiding him and his planet, He does not overstep. He lets Ek lead his teams and make decisions.
This story continues a story plot of a different kind of war but one that affects all the planets in the Solaris world. If you recall the first book is called “The Belikovat Events” well, it mentioned and referenced throughout the book. This is when it connects the two books.
Does Terato have a history of invaders of their own in their history of life? This one likes to attack planets and destroy life and create extinction? They seem to want to help make sure that Earth or to them Eorthe. The planet they so want to warn and need the help of is called “Eorthe-Lanartan”.
This story is well written. I enjoyed the way it is different. It a way to connect the first book to the second. Though it mostly takes place on Terato and with the help of Korvo. Though Korvo does not much he seems to help Ek with what going on and also helps with guiding him and his planet, He does not overstep. He lets Ek lead his teams and make decisions.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Surviving the Holocaust and Stalin: The Amazing Story of the Seiler Family in Books
Jan 29, 2023
This is a compelling story of one family's experiences of being a Hungarian Jew before, during and after World War 2.
No matter how many of these types of books I read, it never ceases to shock me how 'human beings' can develop an insidious culture against others just because they are different be it religion, race or whatever. What I didn't realise was how, even after the Russians liberated the death and labour camps created by the Nazi regime, the persecution of Jews continued for those living behind the 'Iron Curtain'.
This book has opened my eyes to the continued injustice and oppression that was inflicted upon the Jewish people by the Stalin regime despite the horrors they had been subjected to by the Nazis but what it also did was show the resilience, bravery and hope the Seiler family demonstrated despite the tragedies and hardships they encountered and experienced.
This is a must-read for people who are interested in European history and to ensure that the voices of those who went through one of the darkest periods of the twentieth century are not forgotten and I must thank Pen & Sword and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this book.
No matter how many of these types of books I read, it never ceases to shock me how 'human beings' can develop an insidious culture against others just because they are different be it religion, race or whatever. What I didn't realise was how, even after the Russians liberated the death and labour camps created by the Nazi regime, the persecution of Jews continued for those living behind the 'Iron Curtain'.
This book has opened my eyes to the continued injustice and oppression that was inflicted upon the Jewish people by the Stalin regime despite the horrors they had been subjected to by the Nazis but what it also did was show the resilience, bravery and hope the Seiler family demonstrated despite the tragedies and hardships they encountered and experienced.
This is a must-read for people who are interested in European history and to ensure that the voices of those who went through one of the darkest periods of the twentieth century are not forgotten and I must thank Pen & Sword and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this book.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Soulless ( The Privileged of Pembroke high book 2) in Books
Dec 9, 2021
205 of 250
Kindle
Soulless (The Privileged of Pembroke High boo 2)
By Ivy Fox
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Nothing is ever as it seems.
In a world where lies and deceit rule, my carefully hidden secrets weren’t an exception.
The privileged hide behind masks that only elitism and power can provide.
Yet, I’m still learning just how vile and ruthless you need to become to play their twisted game.
In my naiveté, I thought my heart would always be safe in their hands.
But I was wrong.
So very wrong.
And now I have to live with the tangled mess my actions have created.
There are no winners in the war of treachery and hate.
But if you’re soulless enough, you might just survive.
Soulless is the second book in The Privileged of Pembroke High series which ends in a cliffhanger.
I love Ivy Fox and this didn’t disappoint! There are some possible trigger warnings in this book, I thought it was handled well. I enjoyed getting to know more about the boys situation also get to know Rome too he’s become my favourite! Highly recommend for those reverse harem with some spice.
Kindle
Soulless (The Privileged of Pembroke High boo 2)
By Ivy Fox
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Nothing is ever as it seems.
In a world where lies and deceit rule, my carefully hidden secrets weren’t an exception.
The privileged hide behind masks that only elitism and power can provide.
Yet, I’m still learning just how vile and ruthless you need to become to play their twisted game.
In my naiveté, I thought my heart would always be safe in their hands.
But I was wrong.
So very wrong.
And now I have to live with the tangled mess my actions have created.
There are no winners in the war of treachery and hate.
But if you’re soulless enough, you might just survive.
Soulless is the second book in The Privileged of Pembroke High series which ends in a cliffhanger.
I love Ivy Fox and this didn’t disappoint! There are some possible trigger warnings in this book, I thought it was handled well. I enjoyed getting to know more about the boys situation also get to know Rome too he’s become my favourite! Highly recommend for those reverse harem with some spice.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Hidden Village (Wartime Holland Book 1) [Audiobook] in Books
Jan 16, 2022
![The Hidden Village (Wartime Holland Book 1) [Audiobook]](/uploads/profile_image/0c0/c99b7ae5-3878-4d10-b5f0-d71634e510c0.jpg?m=1642341418)
This is an engaging and compelling story of what life was like in a small village in Holland during World War II. It is a fictional story but is based on real events.
There is a palpable sense of tension throughout; you really get a sense of the fear amongst a village population trying to keep their fellow human beings, who just happen to be Jewish and the odd downed airman, safe from the clutches of the Nazis whilst putting their own lives and the lives of their families at significant risk.
The story is told through the eyes of various villages of different ages and of Dutch and Jewish perspectives. This really helps to provide a full picture of what life was like for each of the individuals at this horrendous time; the bravery of them all astounds me. Amongst all this, is a look into "normal" life and the trials and tribulations of trying to survive in occupied and war-torn Holland.
The story moves on at a fairly good pace. I listened to the audio version of this book and realised that I was on tenterhooks all the time knowing that something could happen at any moment but not knowing what. I must applaud the narrator; there are quite a few characters, male and female, young and old, but she did a great job.
If I have one gripe it's that I felt it ended rather suddenly and, I feel, left some things unfinished - maybe there is a Book 2 to come? If so, I would be interested in reading/listening to find out more.
My thanks must go to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
There is a palpable sense of tension throughout; you really get a sense of the fear amongst a village population trying to keep their fellow human beings, who just happen to be Jewish and the odd downed airman, safe from the clutches of the Nazis whilst putting their own lives and the lives of their families at significant risk.
The story is told through the eyes of various villages of different ages and of Dutch and Jewish perspectives. This really helps to provide a full picture of what life was like for each of the individuals at this horrendous time; the bravery of them all astounds me. Amongst all this, is a look into "normal" life and the trials and tribulations of trying to survive in occupied and war-torn Holland.
The story moves on at a fairly good pace. I listened to the audio version of this book and realised that I was on tenterhooks all the time knowing that something could happen at any moment but not knowing what. I must applaud the narrator; there are quite a few characters, male and female, young and old, but she did a great job.
If I have one gripe it's that I felt it ended rather suddenly and, I feel, left some things unfinished - maybe there is a Book 2 to come? If so, I would be interested in reading/listening to find out more.
My thanks must go to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Where Treetops Glisten In White Christmas, It a story about Abigail Turner who is a college student during War World 2. She has a part time job at a Candy Shop. She loss her boyfriend due to the war. Those when she waiting for the bus after class, she almost get run over by her bus and a young man saves her before things get worse.A young man get on the bus with her and he decides to sit next to her. He reads a letter he received. He does not know what do about the letter. Abigail offers to help him by saying he should stop by her place to talk to her father. As keeps going it get better and better. There a mystery in the story. There are twist and turns though out the book.In I’ll Be Home for Christmas, is a story about Pete Turner, Abigail's brother. He is home from the war for a month or so. He run into a little girl that was looking into the window and praying. He takes her home and runs into her widow mother.
Will Pete be able to redeem himself and help the little girl? The little girl thinks she found her new daddy. Will it all out you will have to read to find out. Abigail and her boyfriend Jackson discussion their wedding plans. You see Abigail and Jackson get married during this story as well. You meet Merry during this story as well for a bit of time. There a more twist and turns though this story as well.
In Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, We learn about Merry life. We see her working in the Army as well. She is an Army nurse and is working in Europe. She and her friends are trying to help wounded soldiers from the front line.
Merry boyfriend had run away at the beginning the is doing his duty by trying to save children. Merry does not know he is near by. Soon she see him for the first time in a long time. Though he is hiding out, Will things work out for Merry? You will need to read to find out.
Will Pete be able to redeem himself and help the little girl? The little girl thinks she found her new daddy. Will it all out you will have to read to find out. Abigail and her boyfriend Jackson discussion their wedding plans. You see Abigail and Jackson get married during this story as well. You meet Merry during this story as well for a bit of time. There a more twist and turns though this story as well.
In Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, We learn about Merry life. We see her working in the Army as well. She is an Army nurse and is working in Europe. She and her friends are trying to help wounded soldiers from the front line.
Merry boyfriend had run away at the beginning the is doing his duty by trying to save children. Merry does not know he is near by. Soon she see him for the first time in a long time. Though he is hiding out, Will things work out for Merry? You will need to read to find out.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated The Mark of Athena in Books
Jan 15, 2018
Book Three in the Heroes of Olympus series did not disappoint! I have to admit that out of all Rick Riordan's series this has been my least favorite, but I really enjoyed this installment. It is literally a cliffhanger...if that cliff is hanging over Tartarus & is under a parking lot in Rome that is!
All the characters have matured nicely and I have to say that was a pleasant surprise. Percy & Annabeth's relationship has followed the same line. But despite all the characters in the book, I have to say my favorite is Leo Valdez; the brainiac of the demigods. He was very funny in this book & easy to like. His personality was developed a lot more throughout this story so the reader gets to know him on another level.
As for the plot, a war breaks out between the Greek & Roman camps thanks to some nasty spirits taking over Leo. Despite this, the 7 demigods & Coach Hedge, the satyr, must embark on a mission to unite the 2 camps & prevent Gaea & her giants from destroying the world. Needless to say, it isn't easy & they run amok of quite a few gods & monsters on the way.
I am really looking forward to seeing how Riordan wraps up this series!! I have a sinking feeling that it may be the end of Percy Jackson though...
All the characters have matured nicely and I have to say that was a pleasant surprise. Percy & Annabeth's relationship has followed the same line. But despite all the characters in the book, I have to say my favorite is Leo Valdez; the brainiac of the demigods. He was very funny in this book & easy to like. His personality was developed a lot more throughout this story so the reader gets to know him on another level.
As for the plot, a war breaks out between the Greek & Roman camps thanks to some nasty spirits taking over Leo. Despite this, the 7 demigods & Coach Hedge, the satyr, must embark on a mission to unite the 2 camps & prevent Gaea & her giants from destroying the world. Needless to say, it isn't easy & they run amok of quite a few gods & monsters on the way.
I am really looking forward to seeing how Riordan wraps up this series!! I have a sinking feeling that it may be the end of Percy Jackson though...
postapocalypticplayground (27 KP) rated Cinder in Books
Jan 9, 2018
Cinder is a cyborg, looked down on by society and that's by the one's who can even bring themselves to look at her. A gifted mechanic, she spends her days as a ward of her widowed stepmother in a market booth, mending communications systems and other devices - ipads of the future. The Lunar Chronicles are set in a future where the world has come out of it's 4th world war, the planet is battle scared and it's people are battling Letumosis; a plague with no cure. On an otherwise seemingly normal day, 2 things happen in Cinder's life that will start her down a dangerous path. Firstly a visit from a disguised Prince Kai, searching her out to fix his broken droid and secondly another market worker being struck with the plague. Rather than sit out the quarantine, Cinder makes off from the market with the prince's android in tow, a decision which has far reaching consequences for those that Cinder then comes into contact with. A series of events then start unravelling everything that Cinder has ever known about herself and what she thought her future held, can she make it to the ball on time and get to the charming prince?
The Lunar Chronicles is a series that I have had my eye on for ages, so on a whim I picked it up from the bookshop and I am so glad I did. Far from a traditional reimagining of the Cinderella tale, this does have a few nods to the source material, some glaring and others more subtle, but is very much it's own unique story. I could not put it down, it was an light and easy read for me, a ton of content but non of it weighty or overly complicated, which many parts of the story could have been. It's a world full of strong characters and in this instance I felt a pang of sympathy for the "wicked" stepmother, although it's clear that the big bad in this incarnation is the Lunar Queen Levana rather than Cinders adopted family.
I was hoping that Cinders story would be wrapped up in this episode but it becomes clear that hers will be an overarching story in how these books play out, so I'm off to get Scarlett (book 2) as soon as i'm able. This is a perfectly paced story with lots of twists and foundations being laid for future books in the series, characters that you will love and hate and heart stopping moments that will keep you turning page after page.
The Lunar Chronicles is a series that I have had my eye on for ages, so on a whim I picked it up from the bookshop and I am so glad I did. Far from a traditional reimagining of the Cinderella tale, this does have a few nods to the source material, some glaring and others more subtle, but is very much it's own unique story. I could not put it down, it was an light and easy read for me, a ton of content but non of it weighty or overly complicated, which many parts of the story could have been. It's a world full of strong characters and in this instance I felt a pang of sympathy for the "wicked" stepmother, although it's clear that the big bad in this incarnation is the Lunar Queen Levana rather than Cinders adopted family.
I was hoping that Cinders story would be wrapped up in this episode but it becomes clear that hers will be an overarching story in how these books play out, so I'm off to get Scarlett (book 2) as soon as i'm able. This is a perfectly paced story with lots of twists and foundations being laid for future books in the series, characters that you will love and hate and heart stopping moments that will keep you turning page after page.