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Lindsay (1717 KP) rated Starting From Scratch in Books
Aug 30, 2018
Eva Lapp is a young girl or woman. She takes a job that her cousin Olivia recommends. Her brother and his family show up at her parents home two days early. Her sister-in-law decides to send her on her way.
When she gets to Yodel’s Nursery she is in surprise for she thinks she goes to be working with plants. There a surprise when she finds out she is to manage the small cafe.
She seems to be getting suitor left and right, though she does not feel them. She thinks they are either too young or she does not know for sure.
Jake returns and Eva has a feeling for him. Are they true or is she just think she got feelings. Things get a little bumpy when someone breaks into the cafe or at least looks that way. Stephen seems to have a feeling for Eva but does Eva have a feeling for Stephen?
There is an adventure at every turn once you start reading. Some folks keep blaming Jake for the burned down fire? Did Jake do it? Eva also is having trouble with whether to stay Amish or to go English? Kate Lloyd writes a completing story and shows how Eva Lapp is snuggling with her problems. Can she overcome them? Will Jake and Eva turn towards God for help?
When she gets to Yodel’s Nursery she is in surprise for she thinks she goes to be working with plants. There a surprise when she finds out she is to manage the small cafe.
She seems to be getting suitor left and right, though she does not feel them. She thinks they are either too young or she does not know for sure.
Jake returns and Eva has a feeling for him. Are they true or is she just think she got feelings. Things get a little bumpy when someone breaks into the cafe or at least looks that way. Stephen seems to have a feeling for Eva but does Eva have a feeling for Stephen?
There is an adventure at every turn once you start reading. Some folks keep blaming Jake for the burned down fire? Did Jake do it? Eva also is having trouble with whether to stay Amish or to go English? Kate Lloyd writes a completing story and shows how Eva Lapp is snuggling with her problems. Can she overcome them? Will Jake and Eva turn towards God for help?
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Manhunt: Unabomber in TV
Sep 15, 2018
Good performances make it watchable
I was told i had to watch this by my brother, and more surprisingly my mum, but in all honesty I wasn't too impressed.
The performances in this are great and these are what kept me watching. Paul Bettany is very unnerving as Ted and even Sam Worthington, who I don't particularly rate as an actor, was actually quite good. Visually it looks good and the script, staging and directing are all well done and quite gritty and dark.
The problem with this series is that there's nothing to grip you & no surprises. Whilst I wasn't aware of the true story behind the Unabomber, the series starts off by telling you who he is and then relaying how he was caught across the 8 episodes. Even the trial at the end isn't particularly interesting. I can understand why they wanted to tell the story in a non linear manner, but for me this just didn't work. I didn't want to know who the unabomber was right at the start, as even though the investigation into how he's caught is vaguely interesting, there are no plot twists or turns to keep you hooked. It made for a very dull series and my hopes for a massive twist ending or something shocking were sadly dashed.
The performances in this are great and these are what kept me watching. Paul Bettany is very unnerving as Ted and even Sam Worthington, who I don't particularly rate as an actor, was actually quite good. Visually it looks good and the script, staging and directing are all well done and quite gritty and dark.
The problem with this series is that there's nothing to grip you & no surprises. Whilst I wasn't aware of the true story behind the Unabomber, the series starts off by telling you who he is and then relaying how he was caught across the 8 episodes. Even the trial at the end isn't particularly interesting. I can understand why they wanted to tell the story in a non linear manner, but for me this just didn't work. I didn't want to know who the unabomber was right at the start, as even though the investigation into how he's caught is vaguely interesting, there are no plot twists or turns to keep you hooked. It made for a very dull series and my hopes for a massive twist ending or something shocking were sadly dashed.
Micky Barnard (542 KP) rated The Hate u Give in Books
Sep 15, 2018
Everyone needs to read this
Wow, what a stunning and unforgettable read/listen. I have been through a number of emotions with this book and most of those emotions have been extreme. This is a book of intense situations with tension pulling at the seams of the characters and therefore, the reader.
The protagonist, Starr, is as real as characters come, a black girl originally from The Projects, sent to a white, privledged school to try and protect her and her brother somewhat from danger. Her family and friends are more than background characters in this book and their connections are complicated. Starr finds herself in a situation that is heart-rending and there it all begins. The beginning of my tears, the beginning of my anger, the beginning of empathy so overwhelming. The emotional pain that Star experiences is utterly palpable; you cannot but help feel it.
The storytelling was exceptional with the ability to move from the profound to the ordinary and back seamlessly.
I don’t have eloquent words but I can recommend this to all and everyone, whatever genre you might normally read. This is for everyone. My daughter now has a copy, I am shoving it under my husband’s nose.
I listened to this on audio and the narration was superb in every way, bringing emotions to life.
Read it.
The protagonist, Starr, is as real as characters come, a black girl originally from The Projects, sent to a white, privledged school to try and protect her and her brother somewhat from danger. Her family and friends are more than background characters in this book and their connections are complicated. Starr finds herself in a situation that is heart-rending and there it all begins. The beginning of my tears, the beginning of my anger, the beginning of empathy so overwhelming. The emotional pain that Star experiences is utterly palpable; you cannot but help feel it.
The storytelling was exceptional with the ability to move from the profound to the ordinary and back seamlessly.
I don’t have eloquent words but I can recommend this to all and everyone, whatever genre you might normally read. This is for everyone. My daughter now has a copy, I am shoving it under my husband’s nose.
I listened to this on audio and the narration was superb in every way, bringing emotions to life.
Read it.
Micky Barnard (542 KP) rated The Hate u Give in Books
Jan 28, 2019
Everyone needs to read this
Wow, what a stunning and unforgettable read/listen. I have been through a number of emotions with this book and most of those emotions have been extreme. This is a book of intense situations with tension pulling at the seams of the characters and therefore, the reader.
The protagonist, Starr, is as real as characters come, a black girl originally from The Projects, sent to a white, privledged school to try and protect her and her brother somewhat from danger. Her family and friends are more than background characters in this book and their connections are complicated. Starr finds herself in a situation that is heart-rending and there it all begins. The beginning of my tears, the beginning of my anger, the beginning of empathy so overwhelming. The emotional pain that Star experiences is utterly palpable; you cannot but help feel it.
The storytelling was exceptional with the ability to move from the profound to the ordinary and back seamlessly.
I don’t have eloquent words but I can recommend this to all and everyone, whatever genre you might normally read. This is for everyone. My daughter now has a copy, I am shoving it under my husband’s nose.
I listened to this on audio and the narration was superb in every way, bringing emotions to life.
Read it.
The protagonist, Starr, is as real as characters come, a black girl originally from The Projects, sent to a white, privledged school to try and protect her and her brother somewhat from danger. Her family and friends are more than background characters in this book and their connections are complicated. Starr finds herself in a situation that is heart-rending and there it all begins. The beginning of my tears, the beginning of my anger, the beginning of empathy so overwhelming. The emotional pain that Star experiences is utterly palpable; you cannot but help feel it.
The storytelling was exceptional with the ability to move from the profound to the ordinary and back seamlessly.
I don’t have eloquent words but I can recommend this to all and everyone, whatever genre you might normally read. This is for everyone. My daughter now has a copy, I am shoving it under my husband’s nose.
I listened to this on audio and the narration was superb in every way, bringing emotions to life.
Read it.
David McK (3369 KP) rated King's Man (The Outlaw Chronicles, #3) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
I first heard of/read Angus Donald about 2, maybe 3, years ago, when I read his novel <i>Outlaw</i> - a visceral retelling of the Robin Hood legend - and which proved to be one of the best 'new' books I read that year.
I also read the sequel to <i>Outlaw</i>, <i>Holy Warror</i> - in which Robin and his men travel to the Holy Land to fight in what would become known as the Third Crusade - but found it was not quite as good as its predecessor.
The third novel in the series - <i>King's Man</i> - is a return to form. Set back in England and, like the previous two novels, presented as the elderly Alan Dale retelling the story of his younger days, this novel takes the struggle between Richard the Lionheart and his brother Prince John for the throne as its bedrock. With Richard imprisoned on his return journey home from the Holy Land - a historical fact also used as the basis for the famous novel/film <i>Ivanhoe</i> - the throne of England is left vulnerable. Most of the Robin Hood legends acknowledge this fact; in most of them Robin remains loyal to King Richard, with this novel no exception. As a partial result, Robin is once again outlawed and once again takes up his old ways ...
Looking forward to the next installment!
I also read the sequel to <i>Outlaw</i>, <i>Holy Warror</i> - in which Robin and his men travel to the Holy Land to fight in what would become known as the Third Crusade - but found it was not quite as good as its predecessor.
The third novel in the series - <i>King's Man</i> - is a return to form. Set back in England and, like the previous two novels, presented as the elderly Alan Dale retelling the story of his younger days, this novel takes the struggle between Richard the Lionheart and his brother Prince John for the throne as its bedrock. With Richard imprisoned on his return journey home from the Holy Land - a historical fact also used as the basis for the famous novel/film <i>Ivanhoe</i> - the throne of England is left vulnerable. Most of the Robin Hood legends acknowledge this fact; in most of them Robin remains loyal to King Richard, with this novel no exception. As a partial result, Robin is once again outlawed and once again takes up his old ways ...
Looking forward to the next installment!
Deborah (162 KP) rated Traitor (John Shakespeare, #4) in Books
Dec 21, 2018
I think this is now the fourth title in Clements' series featuring John Shakespeare, (fictional) brother to the more well known playwright; I'm pretty sure I read the first book in the series, but although I think I quite enjoyed it at the time, I can't remember a thing about the plot. I suspect it will be something the same with this; it wasn't a bad read, but not sure how long the story will stay with me.
There are a number of similar style books in a similar period around at the moment, and they do all seem to have similar styles of cover! I admit that I prefer the Shardlake books (CJ Sansom) as they are a bit more thought and a bit less action, but that's all down to personal taste. This is more of a thriller than a detective story and as for the Traitor of the title - well, any number of people in the book commit acts of treachery, so I can't say I'm 100% convinced who exactly it is supposed to refer to!
I have to say that the character of Ivory was unconvincing; after nearly getting himself killed right at the the beginning of the book, he goes on to do more stupid things which show a distinct lack of self-preservation if nothing else! Entertaining, but not great.
There are a number of similar style books in a similar period around at the moment, and they do all seem to have similar styles of cover! I admit that I prefer the Shardlake books (CJ Sansom) as they are a bit more thought and a bit less action, but that's all down to personal taste. This is more of a thriller than a detective story and as for the Traitor of the title - well, any number of people in the book commit acts of treachery, so I can't say I'm 100% convinced who exactly it is supposed to refer to!
I have to say that the character of Ivory was unconvincing; after nearly getting himself killed right at the the beginning of the book, he goes on to do more stupid things which show a distinct lack of self-preservation if nothing else! Entertaining, but not great.
Anne (15117 KP) rated Warcross in Books
Nov 4, 2019
I’m not sure how to review this without spoilers everywhere!!!
This is not what I expected not completely anyway. I can see how you could start the story the way it started and end that way but it still caught me off guard the same.
Now I understand why some people recommend this if you like Ready Player One, but also say it’s completely different because it very much is.
This starts out as fun and games but turns into something much more than that and I can see a lot of parallels to real life here and some of it makes me a little nervous too.
I’m hoping this isn’t too spoilery of a thing to say but this to me was like a fun gamer story turned into big brother is watching you instead. What was once fun and games turns into real life and hidden dangers there with technology kind of idea.
It’s very intense, stressful and a suspenseful fast paced read once you get started.
I would say it’s worth at least checking it out and then you can decide if it’s worth finishing and your kind of story.
I’m still reeling a bit from having barely finished it, but I’m planning to check out the next book to see how the story continues to unfold.
This is not what I expected not completely anyway. I can see how you could start the story the way it started and end that way but it still caught me off guard the same.
Now I understand why some people recommend this if you like Ready Player One, but also say it’s completely different because it very much is.
This starts out as fun and games but turns into something much more than that and I can see a lot of parallels to real life here and some of it makes me a little nervous too.
I’m hoping this isn’t too spoilery of a thing to say but this to me was like a fun gamer story turned into big brother is watching you instead. What was once fun and games turns into real life and hidden dangers there with technology kind of idea.
It’s very intense, stressful and a suspenseful fast paced read once you get started.
I would say it’s worth at least checking it out and then you can decide if it’s worth finishing and your kind of story.
I’m still reeling a bit from having barely finished it, but I’m planning to check out the next book to see how the story continues to unfold.
Ross (3284 KP) rated Siege and Sacrifice in Books
Dec 12, 2019
A good conclusion
Contains spoilers, click to show
The final part of this trilogy starts with what should be an almighty conflict. The (somewhat damp squib of a) second book in the series ended with the much-feared monster being summoned into the body of the presumed-dead Anon, Sandis' brother. Sadly, this opening scene is short-lived as the heroes scarper and live to fight another day (though admittedly it was always going to be that way!).
That opening anti-climax out of the way, this book is a more intelligent and thoughtful one that the previous two. Finally we have some answers and insight into the world we are in, and where the ancient mystical race went, as well as where the summoned demons come from. While I didn't feel this was missing from the first two books, it is good to have some answers and extra world-building to get stuck into.
The first third of the book rattles along quite well, the humans trying to track down the host of the demon and hence stop its daily attacks. The middle third was a bit of a slog, with much less happening, quite heavy on the exposition and endless narrative descriptions. The final was much more pacey, though I was starting to tire of the book by then and skimmed some chapters.
All in all a good conclusion to an enjoyable series.
That opening anti-climax out of the way, this book is a more intelligent and thoughtful one that the previous two. Finally we have some answers and insight into the world we are in, and where the ancient mystical race went, as well as where the summoned demons come from. While I didn't feel this was missing from the first two books, it is good to have some answers and extra world-building to get stuck into.
The first third of the book rattles along quite well, the humans trying to track down the host of the demon and hence stop its daily attacks. The middle third was a bit of a slog, with much less happening, quite heavy on the exposition and endless narrative descriptions. The final was much more pacey, though I was starting to tire of the book by then and skimmed some chapters.
All in all a good conclusion to an enjoyable series.
A great debut!
I really enjoyed this reworking of Anna Karenina. I have to admit, 60 or so pages in, I wasn’t sure I was going to stick with it, but I’m glad I did. A majority of the characters in this story come from a privileged background, where money is not something that they or their families need to worry about, and they can have anything (materially) that they want. Anna K seems to live in a different city to the rest of her family, with her Newfoundland dogs and horses, and attends a private school there. She doesn’t hesitate when her brother asks her to come to his rescue and help sort out his love life. She drops everything and gets to work, trying to convince his girlfriend that he has made a huge mistake when he cheated on her. It works. Everyone loves Anna K, after all.
I’m not about to write a synopsis of the whole book, but these characters are really put through the wringer, keeping closely to the ethos of the original Russian author! It’s a really bittersweet ending too.
I should add that whilst it’s a YA book, it’s definitely for the more mature end of the age range. There’s a lot of alcohol, drugs and sex involved.
Many thanks to Readers First for my copy of this book.
I’m not about to write a synopsis of the whole book, but these characters are really put through the wringer, keeping closely to the ethos of the original Russian author! It’s a really bittersweet ending too.
I should add that whilst it’s a YA book, it’s definitely for the more mature end of the age range. There’s a lot of alcohol, drugs and sex involved.
Many thanks to Readers First for my copy of this book.
