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ashezbookz (32 KP) rated Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in Books
Jul 5, 2018
You know what, re-reading this with 8year old was eye opening, she was so excited and loved every second and her figuring out what was going on was just a joy to experience, we've now started book 2 together - but upped my rating to 4 instead of 3 because ... experiencing it into someone elses eyes was great
Whooops I forgot to update I read this - it was alright - I had seen the movie though and think that influenced me a bit.. wish I had read the book first - I think the next books will be better - only watched movie #2 once a long while ago and then I don't think I continued with them. It wasn't bad though and daughter now asked to listen to them since I have it on audible that's what we do during supper time - perhaps that's a bad habit - ah well..............
Whooops I forgot to update I read this - it was alright - I had seen the movie though and think that influenced me a bit.. wish I had read the book first - I think the next books will be better - only watched movie #2 once a long while ago and then I don't think I continued with them. It wasn't bad though and daughter now asked to listen to them since I have it on audible that's what we do during supper time - perhaps that's a bad habit - ah well..............
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Quilted Devotions: 24 Biblical Blocks in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Quilted Devotions: 24 Biblical blocks by Lisa Cogar
Genre: craft, quilting, art
Rating: 5
Lisa Cogar has assembled 24 beautiful quilt blocks, each representing parts of the Bible. Some are traditional and have been used over the years like Jacob’s Ladder, and others were created by Cogar such as Joseph’s Coat, Hosanna, and Crown of Thorns. Each block has a Bible verse with it. There is a world of possibilities—and stories—to explore within the pages.
This is an awesome quilting book. It’s designed for intermediate to experienced quilters. The patterns and graphs are very easy to follow, and the blocks are beautiful and inspiring.
Recommendation: Intermediate to experienced quilters.
~Haleyknitz
Genre: craft, quilting, art
Rating: 5
Lisa Cogar has assembled 24 beautiful quilt blocks, each representing parts of the Bible. Some are traditional and have been used over the years like Jacob’s Ladder, and others were created by Cogar such as Joseph’s Coat, Hosanna, and Crown of Thorns. Each block has a Bible verse with it. There is a world of possibilities—and stories—to explore within the pages.
This is an awesome quilting book. It’s designed for intermediate to experienced quilters. The patterns and graphs are very easy to follow, and the blocks are beautiful and inspiring.
Recommendation: Intermediate to experienced quilters.
~Haleyknitz
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Star Project Chiro, Volume 1 in Books
Jan 18, 2018
One of the more ridiculous manga that I have read. In retrospect, I probably shouldn't have requested it, but after a break up, what better to read than some bubbly manga to cheer you up? The only reason I gave it such a high rating was the art work, and even of that I have seen better.
The plot was thin and the characters psychotic. Any stereotypical elements that are found in most mangas can be found in this book. Except cross dressing....
I seriously don't know how this manga received such high ratings. Maybe it was because I was raised on Cowboy Bebop, Gundam Wing, and Blue Sub. No. 6 that I expect more out of mangas.
The plot was thin and the characters psychotic. Any stereotypical elements that are found in most mangas can be found in this book. Except cross dressing....
I seriously don't know how this manga received such high ratings. Maybe it was because I was raised on Cowboy Bebop, Gundam Wing, and Blue Sub. No. 6 that I expect more out of mangas.
Night Reader Reviews (683 KP) rated I'm Lost I'm Lost in Books
Jan 9, 2020
Im Lost Im Lost by Ruth Passmore is a little bit on the misleading side. The cover of this book depicts animals and a train. Potential readers should be aware that although the front cover depicts a train the book has absolutely nothing to do with them (a big disappointment to my two-year-old who loves trains). I know you should never judge a book by its cover by a childrens book may not be the best idea to practice that idea. At the same time, this is a counting book and aside from the numbers on the train cars, the front cover does not hint at this at all, although the back of the book dose.
Baby animals are lost and trying to find their way home in this short counting book. Readers start with a classical animal issue, a cat stuck in a tree. With the aid of very simple illustrations, readers are introduced to nine other animal species, ending with ten baby kangaroos.
What I liked best it that the idea behind this book is great. Counting is a fundamental skill that all children must learn and this book does so in a fun way. Children frequently have a fascination with animals and this book mixes animals with learning in a way children would not notice. The repetitive pattern is also nice for children. What I did not like is that some of the choices in animal types are questionable as they could be difficult for young children to read such as tortoises, hedgehogs, and kangaroos. Also on six out of ten pages, a specific number of animals is given but technically it is wrong. For example page, one says there is one cat stuck and a friend (witch according to the picture is also a cat) helps it, the same issue arises on multiple pages (page three has four fish on it not just the three that are lost). This is very confusing to young children.
Toddlers and their parents are the target readers for this book. Parents will enjoy reading this counting book to their young children. Young readers will enjoy the repetitive pattern of the story. The names of some animals may prove difficult to some young readers and they may need help if reading it on their own. I give this book a 1 out of 2 rating. Although a cute book, I would not necessarily recommend it as an educational book. While there is nothing wrong with the text, the illustrations could be confusing when it comes to counting.
https://nightreaderreviews.blogspot.com
Baby animals are lost and trying to find their way home in this short counting book. Readers start with a classical animal issue, a cat stuck in a tree. With the aid of very simple illustrations, readers are introduced to nine other animal species, ending with ten baby kangaroos.
What I liked best it that the idea behind this book is great. Counting is a fundamental skill that all children must learn and this book does so in a fun way. Children frequently have a fascination with animals and this book mixes animals with learning in a way children would not notice. The repetitive pattern is also nice for children. What I did not like is that some of the choices in animal types are questionable as they could be difficult for young children to read such as tortoises, hedgehogs, and kangaroos. Also on six out of ten pages, a specific number of animals is given but technically it is wrong. For example page, one says there is one cat stuck and a friend (witch according to the picture is also a cat) helps it, the same issue arises on multiple pages (page three has four fish on it not just the three that are lost). This is very confusing to young children.
Toddlers and their parents are the target readers for this book. Parents will enjoy reading this counting book to their young children. Young readers will enjoy the repetitive pattern of the story. The names of some animals may prove difficult to some young readers and they may need help if reading it on their own. I give this book a 1 out of 2 rating. Although a cute book, I would not necessarily recommend it as an educational book. While there is nothing wrong with the text, the illustrations could be confusing when it comes to counting.
https://nightreaderreviews.blogspot.com
Sam (74 KP) rated Silence Is Goldfish in Books
Mar 27, 2019
Honestly, I devoured this book. It wasn’t hard to read and was a nice quick book. I did sort of enjoy it because it was a lighthearted book and a nice little YA read for a change.
However, Tess, the protagonist isn’t the most likeable. Her whole narration seems just like she’s complaining about everything and anything. She’s selfish, and to be honest she’s the typical YA protagonist that I’ve been trying to avoid by not reading YA any more.
Fair enough it was an entertaining book. It had an average plot that was slightly lacking, but as it was a YA it was all easy to follow and easy to read without getting bored.
Another reason behind my low rating is that I just didn’t find any of the characters realistic at all. They were all YA stereotypes – The Quiet One, The Fat Ones, and The Pretty Ones – and its just become overused and is now almost a satire of what true YA actually is.
I wouldn’t say I regret buying this. I’m trying to read more YA, and it was a quick read, it’s just definitely not something I’ll want to read again and I’m not sure it’s something I’d recommend unless you’re a really big fan of YA.
However, Tess, the protagonist isn’t the most likeable. Her whole narration seems just like she’s complaining about everything and anything. She’s selfish, and to be honest she’s the typical YA protagonist that I’ve been trying to avoid by not reading YA any more.
Fair enough it was an entertaining book. It had an average plot that was slightly lacking, but as it was a YA it was all easy to follow and easy to read without getting bored.
Another reason behind my low rating is that I just didn’t find any of the characters realistic at all. They were all YA stereotypes – The Quiet One, The Fat Ones, and The Pretty Ones – and its just become overused and is now almost a satire of what true YA actually is.
I wouldn’t say I regret buying this. I’m trying to read more YA, and it was a quick read, it’s just definitely not something I’ll want to read again and I’m not sure it’s something I’d recommend unless you’re a really big fan of YA.
Moke J Dupman (12 KP) rated Humanarium (Book One in the Humanarium Series) in Books
Sep 9, 2018 (Updated Sep 9, 2018)
One of the best books I read this summer
Best book I’ve read in months! Humanarium by C. W. Tickner is an imaginative, well told story. I love the characters and the plot shows depth on many levels. The book is complete with heroes, bad guys, unfamiliar worlds, excitement, and just a dollop of romance. I also appreciate very much how Mr. Tickner incorporates unity among humans who are sometimes quite different from one another into the story. Some scenes were especially good, such as the return journey thru Drew’s tank. Movie worthy, indeed!
Parts of the story remind me of how humans often keep wild animals as pets for their personal enjoyment when they would be much better off left in their own environment. You’ll see why when you read it...no spoilers from me!
I’m left just intrigued enough to get me to want to read the next book. Going into more detail would give away too much, but there are some mysteries that I hope will be answered in books to follow. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to Mr. Tickner’s next release! All in all, I found Humanarium to be thoroughly fascinating and enjoyable and give it a rating of 4.7/5 ⭐️
Parts of the story remind me of how humans often keep wild animals as pets for their personal enjoyment when they would be much better off left in their own environment. You’ll see why when you read it...no spoilers from me!
I’m left just intrigued enough to get me to want to read the next book. Going into more detail would give away too much, but there are some mysteries that I hope will be answered in books to follow. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to Mr. Tickner’s next release! All in all, I found Humanarium to be thoroughly fascinating and enjoyable and give it a rating of 4.7/5 ⭐️
Jake (52 KP) rated Words of Radiance: Book Two of The Stormlight Archive in Books
Jul 25, 2019
No spoilers below.
4 stars: Super long, sometimes details about dumb stuff where I wish I had more details about other stuff
4 stars: sometimes hard to imagine some of the scenery.
4 stars: Interludes? what the heck?
5 stars: every 80-100 pages has some sweet art that helps you visualize things
5 stars: incredible world and intriguing story and characters
5 stars: good ups and downs - mix of excitement, sadness, awesomeness, character fails and character growth
1 star (kind of joking but not really): 3rd book isn't out yet!! Plus I have to buy some Arcanum Unbounded to read book 2.5? NO WAY. I'm saving up for the 3rd book haha
overall rating: 5 stars
I would like my wife to read these but the stories are just so dang LONG. I bet if all 3 books were released in an abridged format that I'd re-read them (and get her to read them for once) and it would be so fun to get down to the nitty gritty without going through 1000+ pages per book (although some people are in to that). In this case, I didn't mind it too much, as the writing is well done and the story is awesome. Kaladin is my bro!
4 stars: Super long, sometimes details about dumb stuff where I wish I had more details about other stuff
4 stars: sometimes hard to imagine some of the scenery.
4 stars: Interludes? what the heck?
5 stars: every 80-100 pages has some sweet art that helps you visualize things
5 stars: incredible world and intriguing story and characters
5 stars: good ups and downs - mix of excitement, sadness, awesomeness, character fails and character growth
1 star (kind of joking but not really): 3rd book isn't out yet!! Plus I have to buy some Arcanum Unbounded to read book 2.5? NO WAY. I'm saving up for the 3rd book haha
overall rating: 5 stars
I would like my wife to read these but the stories are just so dang LONG. I bet if all 3 books were released in an abridged format that I'd re-read them (and get her to read them for once) and it would be so fun to get down to the nitty gritty without going through 1000+ pages per book (although some people are in to that). In this case, I didn't mind it too much, as the writing is well done and the story is awesome. Kaladin is my bro!
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Return (Redemption, #3) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
This prodigal-son-returns-home story is one of my absolute favorites of Ms. Kingsbury's Baxter family books. Luke's character is the baby of the family, and she chiseled him so well in these stories. I was so excited years ago when I learned he had a book where his story was center. I loved revisiting him!
What would you feel like if everything you ever believed in was ripped away in one tragic instant? That's what Luke battles and I was so angry with him for so long in this book! I found myself on more than one occasion wanting to throw the book across the room. But, in trademark Kingsbury fashion, she weaved messages of hope, forgiveness, understanding and acceptance into her pages, and it wrapped me up instantly. Luke's story is a powerful one and I will forever love it.
This book should be able to get more than a simple 5 star rating. This book is emotional, utterly raw and absolutely breathtaking. The characters are now your family, the lessons are yours. All of it wrap up to make one unforgettable novel in a sweep-you-off-your-feet series. Ms. Kingsbury's shelf is graced with Luke's story and when someone asks me my favorites, his will always be one of the first to slip off the shelf. Well done, once again, on another amazing addition to this incredible family story.
*I purchased this book for my personal collection. Cafinated Reads was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
What would you feel like if everything you ever believed in was ripped away in one tragic instant? That's what Luke battles and I was so angry with him for so long in this book! I found myself on more than one occasion wanting to throw the book across the room. But, in trademark Kingsbury fashion, she weaved messages of hope, forgiveness, understanding and acceptance into her pages, and it wrapped me up instantly. Luke's story is a powerful one and I will forever love it.
This book should be able to get more than a simple 5 star rating. This book is emotional, utterly raw and absolutely breathtaking. The characters are now your family, the lessons are yours. All of it wrap up to make one unforgettable novel in a sweep-you-off-your-feet series. Ms. Kingsbury's shelf is graced with Luke's story and when someone asks me my favorites, his will always be one of the first to slip off the shelf. Well done, once again, on another amazing addition to this incredible family story.
*I purchased this book for my personal collection. Cafinated Reads was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
BookblogbyCari (345 KP) rated Bad Billionaire in Books
Oct 16, 2018
Book Review by Cari Mayhew. Rating 7/10.
This book offers an adult romance with a dramatic backstory!
After reading the darkly gothic book The Corset, I was ready for some nice light reading – something modern with a feel good factor – and that’s exactly what I got!
The story telling is split between 2 protagonists, Olivia and bad boy Devon Wilder. They are neighbours who have eyed each other from afar. Then one day Devon offers Olivia a lift home, and it all goes on from there. Devon is deliciously dangerous next to ordinary Olivia, he’s a loner with a tendency to get into trouble.
Early in the story Devon gets caught as a getaway driver and is sent to prison, and it’s towards the end of his sentence that he’s informed that he’s come into a large inheritance. And that makes him more interesting to the crowd that used to get him into trouble.
Despite there being 2 narrators, the book is most definitely aimed at straight women, as all the adult scenes are from Olivia’s stand point.
I found the characters and story believable.
It has its differences with 50 Shades of Grey – Devon is no gentleman for a start. The tension is there but the drama takes a different route.
I chose this book for its brevity, but the problem with its book is its brevity – I’m sure the author could have thrown a few more adult scenes in there, or maybe combined some of the story from the sequel in with this book.
Unlike most first books in a series, it doesn’t end in a cliff hanger; and it turns out the next book focuses on different characters. I may read the sequel one day, but I’m not in a rush.
Admittedly a lot of book is cliché, but I found it very likable. I would recommend it, but for the target audience only.
This book offers an adult romance with a dramatic backstory!
After reading the darkly gothic book The Corset, I was ready for some nice light reading – something modern with a feel good factor – and that’s exactly what I got!
The story telling is split between 2 protagonists, Olivia and bad boy Devon Wilder. They are neighbours who have eyed each other from afar. Then one day Devon offers Olivia a lift home, and it all goes on from there. Devon is deliciously dangerous next to ordinary Olivia, he’s a loner with a tendency to get into trouble.
Early in the story Devon gets caught as a getaway driver and is sent to prison, and it’s towards the end of his sentence that he’s informed that he’s come into a large inheritance. And that makes him more interesting to the crowd that used to get him into trouble.
Despite there being 2 narrators, the book is most definitely aimed at straight women, as all the adult scenes are from Olivia’s stand point.
I found the characters and story believable.
It has its differences with 50 Shades of Grey – Devon is no gentleman for a start. The tension is there but the drama takes a different route.
I chose this book for its brevity, but the problem with its book is its brevity – I’m sure the author could have thrown a few more adult scenes in there, or maybe combined some of the story from the sequel in with this book.
Unlike most first books in a series, it doesn’t end in a cliff hanger; and it turns out the next book focuses on different characters. I may read the sequel one day, but I’m not in a rush.
Admittedly a lot of book is cliché, but I found it very likable. I would recommend it, but for the target audience only.
ClareR (5726 KP) rated People Like Her in Books
Feb 2, 2021
I thought I’d made a mistake when I was approved to read this on NetGalley. I’d requested it based on the cover photo, the fact that I’d seen it popping up on Book Twitter, and the authors name appealed to me! I read the first two pages and still thought I’d made a mistake, and then I COULDN’T STOP READING!! This book is like literary crack!
Emmy, the main character, is one of those outwardly lovely people, who beneath that veneer doesn’t really seem to care about anybody else. I even wondered at one point if she particularly liked her children or husband. Her husband seems long-suffering, backed in to a corner, having to put up with his wife being an Influencer on Instagram and ruling their lives based on the photos she must take, the places she must go to, and the companies she must appease. After all, she’s the main breadwinner in the family. He hasn’t managed to finish his second book after the success of the first. And then there’s another voice in the story.
At first this stalker seems only mildly threatening (like there’s a rating!), but as the book progresses and the stalker tells us more of their story, she begins to become more menacing.
Now, I post book reviews on Instagram more as a personal record. The likes and feedback are a bonus, and I get especially giddy if one of my favourite reviewers or, god forbid, the author, comments on what I’ve written! But to have millions of followers and millions of pounds depending on my content - it’s something that sounds far too stressful! This world was utterly fascinating to me. And the last 30% or so of the book is just devastating (I’m warning you!). This is well worth a read: I’d most definitely recommend this book - and I’m so glad that I chose this book by it’s cover!
Many thanks to the publishers, Mantle, for giving me access to a copy of this book on NetGalley.
Emmy, the main character, is one of those outwardly lovely people, who beneath that veneer doesn’t really seem to care about anybody else. I even wondered at one point if she particularly liked her children or husband. Her husband seems long-suffering, backed in to a corner, having to put up with his wife being an Influencer on Instagram and ruling their lives based on the photos she must take, the places she must go to, and the companies she must appease. After all, she’s the main breadwinner in the family. He hasn’t managed to finish his second book after the success of the first. And then there’s another voice in the story.
At first this stalker seems only mildly threatening (like there’s a rating!), but as the book progresses and the stalker tells us more of their story, she begins to become more menacing.
Now, I post book reviews on Instagram more as a personal record. The likes and feedback are a bonus, and I get especially giddy if one of my favourite reviewers or, god forbid, the author, comments on what I’ve written! But to have millions of followers and millions of pounds depending on my content - it’s something that sounds far too stressful! This world was utterly fascinating to me. And the last 30% or so of the book is just devastating (I’m warning you!). This is well worth a read: I’d most definitely recommend this book - and I’m so glad that I chose this book by it’s cover!
Many thanks to the publishers, Mantle, for giving me access to a copy of this book on NetGalley.