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Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated The Grownup in Books
Mar 15, 2018
<b><i>I would rather be a librarian, but I worry about the job security. Books may be temporary; dicks are forever.</b></i>
This is no Gone Girl, nothing even remotely as good as Gone Girl, but, because it's so short, it was better at keeping my attention, so I wasn't so fussed about the kinda crappy ending.
This was a funny novel. Flynn is really good at inputting humour into moments of a book that could be taken more seriously, and that's what I loved so much about this book, the humour. The story was good... well the beginning and middle were, and then the end lacked any oomf, but it was our funny narrator who made this book something worth reading.
The plot for this was cliche as cliche can be, but I think that was intentional, because our narrator made fun of how cliche everything sounded. It was there to add some comedy value. The ending, as I said, was disappointing, only because it goes exactly as you would expect it to. I was hoping Flynn was going to pull another "oh-my-god" twist out after the initial twist, but alas.
Worth a read if you can get it cheap, but don't expect anything too amazing... that sounds weird to say after rating it 4 stars, but I did actually like this and it did hold my attention... it's just... I don't know, I can't explain it.
This is no Gone Girl, nothing even remotely as good as Gone Girl, but, because it's so short, it was better at keeping my attention, so I wasn't so fussed about the kinda crappy ending.
This was a funny novel. Flynn is really good at inputting humour into moments of a book that could be taken more seriously, and that's what I loved so much about this book, the humour. The story was good... well the beginning and middle were, and then the end lacked any oomf, but it was our funny narrator who made this book something worth reading.
The plot for this was cliche as cliche can be, but I think that was intentional, because our narrator made fun of how cliche everything sounded. It was there to add some comedy value. The ending, as I said, was disappointing, only because it goes exactly as you would expect it to. I was hoping Flynn was going to pull another "oh-my-god" twist out after the initial twist, but alas.
Worth a read if you can get it cheap, but don't expect anything too amazing... that sounds weird to say after rating it 4 stars, but I did actually like this and it did hold my attention... it's just... I don't know, I can't explain it.
AT (1676 KP) rated A Simple Favor in Books
Jan 3, 2019 (Updated Jan 3, 2019)
I received this book from one of the Smashbomb giveaways in exchange for my review. I didn't think I'd like it very much because the movie trailer looked kind of stupid, but it was still exciting to see the package in the mail! (I haven't seen the movie yet, and don't know if I will.) I began the book not expecting much, but was pleasantly surprised. It read very smoothly, and had just enough tension at the beginning to keep me coming back. I enjoyed the story for quite awhile. Then the plot found its way into a weird twist. Not that I didn't expect some sort of twist. I just didn't expect the one character to be...like she was. For the rest of the novel, I wasn't sure how strange the plot was going to get. The story was tolerable for the most part and I was going to give it a higher rating, but I am not a fan of the ending. While I wasn't surprised by it, I wished that it would have ended in a different manner. Therefore, I'm a bit torn over my review. I didn't hate the story, itself, for a fictional escape, but the ending sunk the whole thing for me. I'd say that it's a decent beach read, if you're looking for something with a little suspense and mystery. I wouldn't recommend it to any deep-thinking book clubs, though.
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated Wolf Blood in Books
Jan 31, 2019
Wolf Blood is a fresh, new take on the apocalypse–free of zombies and nuclear fallout. It’s a welcome breath of fresh air in a market that’s already overly saturated with the same tropes, and for that Steve Morris deserves props. That’s not to say that there aren’t issues with Wolf Blood. There are several, actually. It does, however, mean that this is a title worth taking the time to read if you’re sick of the same washed up material.
Professor Wiseman and his three students, Samuel, Leann, and Adam, have tucked themselves away in the Carpathians after a poorly received publication foretelling of a werewolf apocalypse is met with widespread mockery and criticism. His reputation ruined, the Professor and his students continue their research in quiet solitude–until things go wrong. All three students become infected, soon returning to London to bring back the superiority of wolves.
Let’s be honest, this idea is pretty interesting and in execution, Morris does a pretty decent job. I didn’t find any outwardly obvious plot holes, and that’s a plus too. The book is fast-paced, making for an easy and quick read. It isn’t bogged down with too much exposition, either. In fact, it might not have enough in some cases. Fortunately, it doesn’t detract too much from what’s going on.
Also, characters. There are too many characters whose purpose isn’t revealed in this book. Granted it’s the first of a series and they probably have a reason to exist later on down the road, but ultimately I feel it would have been better if those characters were introduced later. Instead we end up with a handful of people we don’t care about, and not enough time to develop feelings for those we do meet.
Morris’s werewolves are an important topic of discussion too. They are somewhere in-between the romanticized version and the truly monstrous. As a fan of gore and horror, I was hoping for purely the latter–especially since it is an apocalypse book. While there is some sappiness to this crew of mangy mutts, much of their desires lean toward the more primal nature of a wolf.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this; I devoured it in just over twenty-four hours and, considering all that’s going on in my life, that’s a good thing. Rating wise, I’m stuck between three and four. Considering how much fun I had reading it, I’ve decided to lean toward the higher rating. This is definitely a fun book.
I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Professor Wiseman and his three students, Samuel, Leann, and Adam, have tucked themselves away in the Carpathians after a poorly received publication foretelling of a werewolf apocalypse is met with widespread mockery and criticism. His reputation ruined, the Professor and his students continue their research in quiet solitude–until things go wrong. All three students become infected, soon returning to London to bring back the superiority of wolves.
Let’s be honest, this idea is pretty interesting and in execution, Morris does a pretty decent job. I didn’t find any outwardly obvious plot holes, and that’s a plus too. The book is fast-paced, making for an easy and quick read. It isn’t bogged down with too much exposition, either. In fact, it might not have enough in some cases. Fortunately, it doesn’t detract too much from what’s going on.
Also, characters. There are too many characters whose purpose isn’t revealed in this book. Granted it’s the first of a series and they probably have a reason to exist later on down the road, but ultimately I feel it would have been better if those characters were introduced later. Instead we end up with a handful of people we don’t care about, and not enough time to develop feelings for those we do meet.
Morris’s werewolves are an important topic of discussion too. They are somewhere in-between the romanticized version and the truly monstrous. As a fan of gore and horror, I was hoping for purely the latter–especially since it is an apocalypse book. While there is some sappiness to this crew of mangy mutts, much of their desires lean toward the more primal nature of a wolf.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this; I devoured it in just over twenty-four hours and, considering all that’s going on in my life, that’s a good thing. Rating wise, I’m stuck between three and four. Considering how much fun I had reading it, I’ve decided to lean toward the higher rating. This is definitely a fun book.
I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Kara Skinner (332 KP) rated Second Time Around in Books
Sep 10, 2019
Genre: Contemporary, LGBTQ
Word Count: 8,140
Average Goodreads Rating: 2.67/5 stars
My Rating: 3/5 stars
Second Time Around is a story about mistaken identities. Jamie meets the man of his dreams, Matthew, at a party celebrating the opening of his new bakery. Better yet, Matthew seems to be into him. There’s just one problem: there’s a good chance Matthew is heterosexual and thinks Jamie is a girl.
You can read this book for free on Smashwords
Misunderstanding and mistaken identities can make for good stories. And Second Time Around isn’t an exception. The plot kept me intrigued throughout the whole story.
Jamie and his roommate John are both fantastic characters. I love John’s open-mindedness and his loyalty to his friend, and I love how Jamie is able to open up his own bakery and be himself instead of conforming to society’s rules.
I really wish I saw more of Matthew.
Unfortunately, I can’t get a read on his character because he’s barely in the story. You don’t actually see Matthew meeting Jamie at the party, it’s just talked about later.
Don’t get me wrong, Matthew seems all right. Aside from waiting two freaking weeks to talk to Jamie about the incident at the bakery. What the hell, dude? Yeah, you might have just met Jamie, and you need to talk to your brother about some things, but two weeks to check on somebody after that is excessive.
But that’s my only complaint about Matthew.
I really wish this story was longer and we got to see more of everyone, especially what happens to Matthew and Jamie, and what happens when Jamie meets Matthew’s brother. If it was longer, I might have gotten more attached to the characters and felt more about them. However, as is, it’s not a bad read, especially if you need a mood booster. So I only took off two stars for the length of the book and Matthew’s dick move.
Word Count: 8,140
Average Goodreads Rating: 2.67/5 stars
My Rating: 3/5 stars
Second Time Around is a story about mistaken identities. Jamie meets the man of his dreams, Matthew, at a party celebrating the opening of his new bakery. Better yet, Matthew seems to be into him. There’s just one problem: there’s a good chance Matthew is heterosexual and thinks Jamie is a girl.
You can read this book for free on Smashwords
Misunderstanding and mistaken identities can make for good stories. And Second Time Around isn’t an exception. The plot kept me intrigued throughout the whole story.
Jamie and his roommate John are both fantastic characters. I love John’s open-mindedness and his loyalty to his friend, and I love how Jamie is able to open up his own bakery and be himself instead of conforming to society’s rules.
I really wish I saw more of Matthew.
Unfortunately, I can’t get a read on his character because he’s barely in the story. You don’t actually see Matthew meeting Jamie at the party, it’s just talked about later.
Don’t get me wrong, Matthew seems all right. Aside from waiting two freaking weeks to talk to Jamie about the incident at the bakery. What the hell, dude? Yeah, you might have just met Jamie, and you need to talk to your brother about some things, but two weeks to check on somebody after that is excessive.
But that’s my only complaint about Matthew.
I really wish this story was longer and we got to see more of everyone, especially what happens to Matthew and Jamie, and what happens when Jamie meets Matthew’s brother. If it was longer, I might have gotten more attached to the characters and felt more about them. However, as is, it’s not a bad read, especially if you need a mood booster. So I only took off two stars for the length of the book and Matthew’s dick move.
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated How to Hang a Witch (How to Hang a Witch, #1) in Books
May 16, 2018
In order to combat my reading slump, I’ve been binge listening to a lot of audio books. Yesterday, I finished How to Hang a Witch by Adriana Mather. I didn’t see the term historical fiction used to describe it, however I feel that it’s a suiting genre considering what the author reveals to us in the afterward.
How to Hang a Witch is read by Mather as well, and I find her voice to be quite suiting for the main character. Then again, the main character seems to be an version of herself that is relevant to the story. With characters that are primarily in high school, it works quite well. I will admit, and this has affected my rating a bit, that it takes some time to get used to Mather’s voice.
<a href="http://theghastlygrimoire.com/2017/11/26/book-review-how-to-hang-a-witch-1-by-adriana-mathers/"; target="_new">Read more at <i>The Ghastly Grimoire</i>.</a>
How to Hang a Witch is read by Mather as well, and I find her voice to be quite suiting for the main character. Then again, the main character seems to be an version of herself that is relevant to the story. With characters that are primarily in high school, it works quite well. I will admit, and this has affected my rating a bit, that it takes some time to get used to Mather’s voice.
<a href="http://theghastlygrimoire.com/2017/11/26/book-review-how-to-hang-a-witch-1-by-adriana-mathers/"; target="_new">Read more at <i>The Ghastly Grimoire</i>.</a>
Joyce Soots Stewart (0 KP) rated The Breakdown in Books
Apr 21, 2018
A brilliantly entertaining psychological thriller
A brilliantly entertaining psychological thriller, I loved , loved , loved this book and got great enjoyment out of reading it !! It is An easy five star rating and of course would whole heartedly recommend that you read it. Well worth the money ! I am keeping my copy and it is going on my shelf of amazing books ! The author delivers a brilliantly crafted intense psychological thriller grabbing you from the first page to the last. Gripping, riveting, and maddening, the author takes readers on a twisty, dark and scary journey. A page-turner which will keep you on the edge of your seat turning into the night. Emotional and addictive and would make a great lifetime movie. Left me wanting more. I would love to see more of Cass and maybe her end up with Janes husband.
Lindsay (1717 KP) rated The Abduction of Nelly Don in Books
Feb 15, 2018 (Updated Apr 9, 2019)
What a story this turned out to be. You see how a woman had to work and get up in the world. Though most of this deal on kidnapping, You see what it like in 1930's. It more crime and Mystery of who is creating all the mayhem.
A Senator wanted to help a close friend and son. Though when he could not help them. He get another chance. Will he do everything to find Nelly Don? You learn and get twist and surprises around every corner.
As you read, you are wondering who is it is? You will want to know why? It get you to want read until you get to last page. Though for me It only held my interest. Though it a great. I say it an 4 to a 4.5 rating.
If you are a reader of crime and / or mystery. This may be a book for you.
A Senator wanted to help a close friend and son. Though when he could not help them. He get another chance. Will he do everything to find Nelly Don? You learn and get twist and surprises around every corner.
As you read, you are wondering who is it is? You will want to know why? It get you to want read until you get to last page. Though for me It only held my interest. Though it a great. I say it an 4 to a 4.5 rating.
If you are a reader of crime and / or mystery. This may be a book for you.
Roxanne (13 KP) rated Stupid Poems 11 in Books
Nov 14, 2018
<i>I received an ARC ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review</i>
_____ <b>5 Star Rating</b> _____
I thought this collection of poetry was fantastic as it gave me proper belly laughs.
This author really knows how to write great poetry...
<img src="http://static.rcgroups.net/forums/attachments/2/1/4/7/7/1/a3234523-52-animated-laughing.gif?d=1273492044"; width="300" height="280"/>
It was weird, random, hilarious and I honestly could not fault the rhyming; that is some skill!
If I was really hunting for anything negative I would say that it could do with a bit more editing as I did notice a few mistakes, not enough to knock off any points though.
If you would like something random to read I would recommend picking this one up as it is a short, easy to read book that once you start you just have to finish it.
_____ <b>5 Star Rating</b> _____
I thought this collection of poetry was fantastic as it gave me proper belly laughs.
This author really knows how to write great poetry...
<img src="http://static.rcgroups.net/forums/attachments/2/1/4/7/7/1/a3234523-52-animated-laughing.gif?d=1273492044"; width="300" height="280"/>
It was weird, random, hilarious and I honestly could not fault the rhyming; that is some skill!
If I was really hunting for anything negative I would say that it could do with a bit more editing as I did notice a few mistakes, not enough to knock off any points though.
If you would like something random to read I would recommend picking this one up as it is a short, easy to read book that once you start you just have to finish it.
Becs (244 KP) rated A Room Away From the Wolves in Books
Jan 4, 2019
So many things being represented!
Like LGBTQ+, abuse, assualt, depression, etc. (1 more)
Ghosts + love + death + dark back story = recipe for the best book ever!
A wicked ghost story that will satisfy every need!
I absolutely loved this novel!! I couldn't get enough of it and didn't want it to end. There's LGBTQ+ representation, romance, death, mystery, family drama, talk of suicide and domestic violence. I mean A Room Away From the Wolves has it all!
The only reason why this novel isn't sitting at a 5-star rating is that it was a little confusing in the beginning. I didn't quite understand the story-line and plot and the characters seemed to be lacking. But once I actually delved deeper into the novel, I got my answers and everything became clear yet again.
Want to read more? Head over to my blog: bookingwayreads.wordpress.com
The only reason why this novel isn't sitting at a 5-star rating is that it was a little confusing in the beginning. I didn't quite understand the story-line and plot and the characters seemed to be lacking. But once I actually delved deeper into the novel, I got my answers and everything became clear yet again.
Want to read more? Head over to my blog: bookingwayreads.wordpress.com
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