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BookInspector (124 KP) rated Zenka in Books
Sep 24, 2020
More reviews can be found at https://bbookinspector.wordpress.com
Even though the name of this book is Zenka, she is not the main character in this book. The main character in this novel was Nicholas, a very good-hearted nurse, who works with old people and is a coward. He is scared of any conflict and does everything to please people. Jack is a mob boss with principles, and when he finds out that he has a son, Zenka and him, decide to make Nicholas a “real man”, and that is where all the fun begins. I really liked, that A. Brodie chose to tell this story through Nicholas’s and Trevor’s (Jack’s Lawyer) perspectives, it has a fresh and different approach to the characters and I really enjoyed how the story was told. I really liked, that there was a wide variety of characters and that the mob gang was not very cruel, they had class in what they did. My favourite of all was Nicholas, first of all, I love his name, secondly, I really enjoyed his journey to “manhood” in this novel.
The beginning went a little bit slow for me, but when I was about halfway through, I could not put it down. The turns and twists in this novel left me very surprised and pleasantly baffled. I really enjoyed A. Brodie’s sense of humour, and I was laughing out loud while reading this novel.
The writing style of this book was very creative, I liked that Zenka’s thoughts were written through the letters to her friend Olga, using a different accent. That accent, as well as the slang used, made this book more lively and believable. I am grateful, that author gave a slang explanation page at the beginning, for me it was really helpful. The chapters were a decent length and it did not drag to me. I really really enjoyed the ending, it rounded up the whole story very nicely and at the same time gave a tight slap of surprise. Great way to finish the story! So to conclude, it is a very funny comedy with a dash of romance, crime and Christmas spirit, filled with very statuesque, charming and charismatic characters, which won’t leave u bored. I do strongly recommend to read this book, and like always, don’t forget to Enjoy!
Even though the name of this book is Zenka, she is not the main character in this book. The main character in this novel was Nicholas, a very good-hearted nurse, who works with old people and is a coward. He is scared of any conflict and does everything to please people. Jack is a mob boss with principles, and when he finds out that he has a son, Zenka and him, decide to make Nicholas a “real man”, and that is where all the fun begins. I really liked, that A. Brodie chose to tell this story through Nicholas’s and Trevor’s (Jack’s Lawyer) perspectives, it has a fresh and different approach to the characters and I really enjoyed how the story was told. I really liked, that there was a wide variety of characters and that the mob gang was not very cruel, they had class in what they did. My favourite of all was Nicholas, first of all, I love his name, secondly, I really enjoyed his journey to “manhood” in this novel.
The beginning went a little bit slow for me, but when I was about halfway through, I could not put it down. The turns and twists in this novel left me very surprised and pleasantly baffled. I really enjoyed A. Brodie’s sense of humour, and I was laughing out loud while reading this novel.
The writing style of this book was very creative, I liked that Zenka’s thoughts were written through the letters to her friend Olga, using a different accent. That accent, as well as the slang used, made this book more lively and believable. I am grateful, that author gave a slang explanation page at the beginning, for me it was really helpful. The chapters were a decent length and it did not drag to me. I really really enjoyed the ending, it rounded up the whole story very nicely and at the same time gave a tight slap of surprise. Great way to finish the story! So to conclude, it is a very funny comedy with a dash of romance, crime and Christmas spirit, filled with very statuesque, charming and charismatic characters, which won’t leave u bored. I do strongly recommend to read this book, and like always, don’t forget to Enjoy!
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated The Student in Books
Mar 15, 2018
Wow, well this really wasnt what I was expecting. I thought this was going to be a little mysterious but it wasnt in the slightest. It was just hardcore, gritty Australian crime.
This one is seriously dark and graphic. Im not really into the gritty sex, gritty crime kind of books, so a lot of this one wasnt really my cup of tea. We follow around a student drug dealer whose friend, and supplier, has gone missing. What ensues is a long journey of some seriously gruesome discoveries. While, of course, this book has a plot, its one of those books that also feels like it has no plot. It concludes itself, but it doesnt really finish.
I enjoyed the way it was written. The snappy sentences and the minimal descriptions, it felt right for this book. It definitely wasnt the best written book in the world, but it did what it needed to do and it did it quite well.
As for characters, theres no one to like in this book and I think thats intentional. I mean, dont me wrong, I did empathise with Nate in some parts but he wasnt a likeable guy.
In the end, this one just kind of depressed me and was reminiscent of Sarah by JT LeRoy in its brutal darkness. I think maybe the synopsis needs to be changed because it definitely sounds like a completely different novel to the one I just finished.
This one is seriously dark and graphic. Im not really into the gritty sex, gritty crime kind of books, so a lot of this one wasnt really my cup of tea. We follow around a student drug dealer whose friend, and supplier, has gone missing. What ensues is a long journey of some seriously gruesome discoveries. While, of course, this book has a plot, its one of those books that also feels like it has no plot. It concludes itself, but it doesnt really finish.
I enjoyed the way it was written. The snappy sentences and the minimal descriptions, it felt right for this book. It definitely wasnt the best written book in the world, but it did what it needed to do and it did it quite well.
As for characters, theres no one to like in this book and I think thats intentional. I mean, dont me wrong, I did empathise with Nate in some parts but he wasnt a likeable guy.
In the end, this one just kind of depressed me and was reminiscent of Sarah by JT LeRoy in its brutal darkness. I think maybe the synopsis needs to be changed because it definitely sounds like a completely different novel to the one I just finished.
The Vanishing Season
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Sarah (126 KP) rated The Staircase in TV
Aug 10, 2018
A Compelling Watch
All are punish'd.
The final words of The Staircase, taken from the last scene of Romeo & Juliet, seem particularly fitting for the series.
This series is centred on the untimely death of Kathleen Peterson, wife of author Michael Peterson.
For fans of true crime documentaries such as Making a Murderer, Evil Genius and Wild, Wild Country, this may seem something of a "slow burn"; however, from the initial report of Kathleen apparently tumbling down the stairs, we are quickly taken on a journey which spans several decades, two continents and which reveals lies and betrayal the likes of which seem more fitting of a crime thriller novel than a real life crime drama.
As with pretty much of these true crime series', we are left with a lot of unanswered questions; what makes The Staircase different is that it actually takes from the initial 911 call right up to the closure of the case.
What this start to finish coverage of the matter does give is a stark indication of the sheer length of time (and amount of money) that justice can take - if, indeed, one considers that justice was in fact served in this matter - and the toll that can take.
The level of coverage - of coaching of the witness pre-Trial, interviews with the Judge following the conclusion, and pretty much everything in between - allows us great insight into the US judicial process, as well as a close look at the Defendant himself and his family.
While each and every viewer will undoubtedly form their own opinion as to the guilt or otherwise of Michael Peterson - even though we aren't privy to all of the evidence, investigations, etc of the prosecution team - this series is certainly serves as an insight into the criminal justice process in the United States and how it can affect entire families.
My only criticism would be that the last few episodes seem to have been really dragged out - including lots of long, lingering shots of Michael Peterson, perhaps to reinforce how he had aged and suffered over the course of the series. In my opinion, it really could have been reduced by several episodes which would have actually made the whole thing flow better.
As regards guilt, one line towards the end of the series really stood out to as being the most honest thing said by anyone: "is there ever anyone in this family who isn't performing?"
The final words of The Staircase, taken from the last scene of Romeo & Juliet, seem particularly fitting for the series.
This series is centred on the untimely death of Kathleen Peterson, wife of author Michael Peterson.
For fans of true crime documentaries such as Making a Murderer, Evil Genius and Wild, Wild Country, this may seem something of a "slow burn"; however, from the initial report of Kathleen apparently tumbling down the stairs, we are quickly taken on a journey which spans several decades, two continents and which reveals lies and betrayal the likes of which seem more fitting of a crime thriller novel than a real life crime drama.
As with pretty much of these true crime series', we are left with a lot of unanswered questions; what makes The Staircase different is that it actually takes from the initial 911 call right up to the closure of the case.
What this start to finish coverage of the matter does give is a stark indication of the sheer length of time (and amount of money) that justice can take - if, indeed, one considers that justice was in fact served in this matter - and the toll that can take.
The level of coverage - of coaching of the witness pre-Trial, interviews with the Judge following the conclusion, and pretty much everything in between - allows us great insight into the US judicial process, as well as a close look at the Defendant himself and his family.
While each and every viewer will undoubtedly form their own opinion as to the guilt or otherwise of Michael Peterson - even though we aren't privy to all of the evidence, investigations, etc of the prosecution team - this series is certainly serves as an insight into the criminal justice process in the United States and how it can affect entire families.
My only criticism would be that the last few episodes seem to have been really dragged out - including lots of long, lingering shots of Michael Peterson, perhaps to reinforce how he had aged and suffered over the course of the series. In my opinion, it really could have been reduced by several episodes which would have actually made the whole thing flow better.
As regards guilt, one line towards the end of the series really stood out to as being the most honest thing said by anyone: "is there ever anyone in this family who isn't performing?"
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated The Better Part of Darkness (Charlie Madigan, #1) in Books
Apr 27, 2018
THE BETTER PART OF DARKNESS by Kelly Gay
Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Crime Thriller, Romance
Rating: 5/5
My Summary: Charlie isn’t your average detective/police officer—she works for the new futuristic law enforcement department called ITF. The world has changed since the other dimensions have been discovered. Aliens (who hate being called aliens) now live on earth with humans, and some humans possess supernatural powers. Charlie and her Siren-partner, Hank, have been working on a disastrous case—trying to track down the source and destroy a new drug that is putting people all over Atlanta in comas. But after they begin digging deeper, they discover a whole new level of their assignment: one that puts Charlie, her ex-husband, her daughter whom she loves more than anyone or anything in the whole world, everyone in Atlanta, and the rest of the world, at stake… and only Charlie Madigan can save them.
The Better Part of Darkness is a fast-paces riveting debut novel that holds you by the neck until the last page. I’ve never enjoyed science fiction so much in my life.
This book had the perfect combination of sci-fi, crime, thriller, and romance to make it an addicting read to lover of any genre. The writing makes it wonderfully plausible and incredibly witty, and the characters were the kinds that you cheered for.
Charlie was my kind of girl—totally kick-butt in every way, shape, and form. She was tough as nails, rock-hard, dedicated to her job, but she had her soft spots for those that she held closest to her.
I will be sitting on the edge of my seat for the sequel of this book, titled “The Darkest Edge of Dawn.” 5 stars and two thumbs up to you, Kelly Gay: you just made my bookshelf.
Content: This book is not for the easily offended. There was language and sexual aspects of the book that make it an adult novel, though there were no sex scenes.
Recommendation: Ages 17+ to anyone who wants to read a really exceptional book.
**Thank you to Sarah from pocketbooks for supplying my review copy!**
~Haleyknitz
Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Crime Thriller, Romance
Rating: 5/5
My Summary: Charlie isn’t your average detective/police officer—she works for the new futuristic law enforcement department called ITF. The world has changed since the other dimensions have been discovered. Aliens (who hate being called aliens) now live on earth with humans, and some humans possess supernatural powers. Charlie and her Siren-partner, Hank, have been working on a disastrous case—trying to track down the source and destroy a new drug that is putting people all over Atlanta in comas. But after they begin digging deeper, they discover a whole new level of their assignment: one that puts Charlie, her ex-husband, her daughter whom she loves more than anyone or anything in the whole world, everyone in Atlanta, and the rest of the world, at stake… and only Charlie Madigan can save them.
The Better Part of Darkness is a fast-paces riveting debut novel that holds you by the neck until the last page. I’ve never enjoyed science fiction so much in my life.
This book had the perfect combination of sci-fi, crime, thriller, and romance to make it an addicting read to lover of any genre. The writing makes it wonderfully plausible and incredibly witty, and the characters were the kinds that you cheered for.
Charlie was my kind of girl—totally kick-butt in every way, shape, and form. She was tough as nails, rock-hard, dedicated to her job, but she had her soft spots for those that she held closest to her.
I will be sitting on the edge of my seat for the sequel of this book, titled “The Darkest Edge of Dawn.” 5 stars and two thumbs up to you, Kelly Gay: you just made my bookshelf.
Content: This book is not for the easily offended. There was language and sexual aspects of the book that make it an adult novel, though there were no sex scenes.
Recommendation: Ages 17+ to anyone who wants to read a really exceptional book.
**Thank you to Sarah from pocketbooks for supplying my review copy!**
~Haleyknitz
BookInspector (124 KP) rated The Other Twin in Books
Sep 24, 2020
More reviews at https://bbookinspector.wordpress.com
I had a chance to read many great reviews about this book, so I was very excited to receive it from publisher. After reading it, I noticed, that even though this book is not very long, it carries a very important message, and I am very glad the author shared it with the world.
The main character in this book was Poppy, a sister of a girl who killed herself by jumping from the bridge. She has to come back to Brighton, and is trying to figure out ,why India jumped from that bridge. I really enjoyed, that this story was sister’s investigation and no detectives were participating. I found this novel really realistic and believable, just a sister trying to find out the truth. Nevertheless, all characters in this book where very realistic, just like ordinary people you would meet in the street, with their flaws and strengths. I found the characters really well thought through and interesting. They had really mysterious personalities, and I loved the way Poppy was trying to figure everything out.
The narrative of this book was very smartly created, jumping between two different stories, the one of Poppy’s investigation and the other one, mysterious one, which kept me guessing and very intrigued, and I will admit, that outcome really surprised me. I really enjoyed the way L.V. Hay described Brighton in this book, I loved the details and the described spirit of this great place. Even though it is a crime novel, I admired the way L.V. Hay incorporated her message, by showing what struggles some LGBT communities people are facing. I would love to talk more about it, but it would spoil the reading experience.
The writing style of this book is easy to read and those lovely short chapters makes this book a quick and pleasant read for those naughty rainy summer days. Every chapter opened up a new clue and made this book really fast paced read. There were plenty of turns and twists and very unexpected climax. So, to conclude, I would strongly recommend this intense crime thriller, full of difficult family relations, unforgotten love and surprising outcome.
Was given this book by publisher for honest review.
I had a chance to read many great reviews about this book, so I was very excited to receive it from publisher. After reading it, I noticed, that even though this book is not very long, it carries a very important message, and I am very glad the author shared it with the world.
The main character in this book was Poppy, a sister of a girl who killed herself by jumping from the bridge. She has to come back to Brighton, and is trying to figure out ,why India jumped from that bridge. I really enjoyed, that this story was sister’s investigation and no detectives were participating. I found this novel really realistic and believable, just a sister trying to find out the truth. Nevertheless, all characters in this book where very realistic, just like ordinary people you would meet in the street, with their flaws and strengths. I found the characters really well thought through and interesting. They had really mysterious personalities, and I loved the way Poppy was trying to figure everything out.
The narrative of this book was very smartly created, jumping between two different stories, the one of Poppy’s investigation and the other one, mysterious one, which kept me guessing and very intrigued, and I will admit, that outcome really surprised me. I really enjoyed the way L.V. Hay described Brighton in this book, I loved the details and the described spirit of this great place. Even though it is a crime novel, I admired the way L.V. Hay incorporated her message, by showing what struggles some LGBT communities people are facing. I would love to talk more about it, but it would spoil the reading experience.
The writing style of this book is easy to read and those lovely short chapters makes this book a quick and pleasant read for those naughty rainy summer days. Every chapter opened up a new clue and made this book really fast paced read. There were plenty of turns and twists and very unexpected climax. So, to conclude, I would strongly recommend this intense crime thriller, full of difficult family relations, unforgotten love and surprising outcome.
Was given this book by publisher for honest review.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Career of Evil in Books
Apr 27, 2018
This is the third book of the Cormoran Strike series by JK Rowling, writing under the name Robert Galbraith. I jumped at the chance to review this story, as I enjoyed the other two so much. The second one left me with a slight surprise at the end, I was eager to continue the adventure. It surpassed my hopes, and I believe that so far, this is the best in the series. Galbraith seems to really be getting the hang of this crime novel thing. :-)
One of the great things I love about the series is the distinct way Galbraith slowly reveals the story, one bit at a time, one interview at a time, one little mistake the bad guy made at a time. And then Strike gets it, but you still don’t, so you’re sitting there like “What? What did I miss, what did he realize? what is it? WHAT IS IT!?” and it drives you crazy until Strike outlines it for you. I love that.
The relationship between Strike and Robin continues to grow, and the engagement between Robin and Matthew continues to deteriorate. More true emotions and motives are revealed, and some of Robins mysterious past is disclosed.
The audio book was narrated by Robert Glenister. He was excellent as always. He has the best voices and accents and
Just as the second novel, this one also ends in a way that demands the next book to hurry up and be published. I’m really excited about the growth of this series and I can’t wait for the next one!
One of the great things I love about the series is the distinct way Galbraith slowly reveals the story, one bit at a time, one interview at a time, one little mistake the bad guy made at a time. And then Strike gets it, but you still don’t, so you’re sitting there like “What? What did I miss, what did he realize? what is it? WHAT IS IT!?” and it drives you crazy until Strike outlines it for you. I love that.
The relationship between Strike and Robin continues to grow, and the engagement between Robin and Matthew continues to deteriorate. More true emotions and motives are revealed, and some of Robins mysterious past is disclosed.
The audio book was narrated by Robert Glenister. He was excellent as always. He has the best voices and accents and
Just as the second novel, this one also ends in a way that demands the next book to hurry up and be published. I’m really excited about the growth of this series and I can’t wait for the next one!