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Kalil (Men of S.O.C, #1)
Kalil (Men of S.O.C, #1)
S. Reynolds | 2014 | Mystery, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is a slow burner with a build-up towards the main part of the story. There are parts of this story that aren't nice to read about but you do have to read all parts to fully understand the mindset of the serial killer. Trust me, you will feel really sorry for those girls, even knowing that it's not real and there is nothing you could do anyway.

This is very well written and put together and will leave you wanting more. The love build-up is slow and steady, although the lust is instantaneous, which makes a nice change in this era of insta-love.

For a book on the darker side of romance suspense but with added dashes of humour and deep friendships then definitely give this one a go! Recommended.
 
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
 
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 26, 2016
  
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Merissa (13329 KP) rated The Sandman (Reveler #7) in Books

May 8, 2021 (Updated Apr 12, 2023)  
The Sandman (Reveler #7)
The Sandman (Reveler #7)
Erin Kellison | 2015 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
As with most of this series, The Sandman continues where Delirium finished. It is difficult to write a review without giving any of the story away so you'll just have to trust me when I say that this series is getting darker. Maisie and Steve have big roles to play but so do most of the others characters. They all get their fair share of 'story time' in this book. One thing I will say while giving away no spoilers, is be prepared to have your heartstrings pulled!

The action and excitement is pretty much non-stop and doublespeak is rife. Just who can be trusted, who can't, who is human, who isn't is all up in the air and you won't know as you read along. Absolutely excellent wordsmithing.

As with all in this series, highly recommended!


* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
 
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 14, 2015
  
40x40

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2426 KP) rated Murder on Madison Square in Books

Jun 14, 2023 (Updated Jun 14, 2023)  
Murder on Madison Square
Murder on Madison Square
Victoria Thompson | 2022 | Mystery
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Death by Early Electric Automobile
When Frank Malloy learns of an auto show happen in Madison Square, he is excited to go. While there, he meets Alvin Bing, who is there trying to introduce his electric cars. When one of those electric cars runs over Mr. Bing the next day, his widow hires Frank to find out what happened. With the help of the usual characters, can Frank solve the case?

Yes, the core cast of characters are all here, and I loved spending time with them again. The plot is one of the darker ones in the series, so the character’s interactions helped lighten things. As always, the plot kept me turning pages, even when I figured out a key plot point early. And yes, someone had developed electric cars as early as 1900, when this book is set. I found that part of the history presented here fascinating. While this isn’t the strongest entry in the series, fans will still enjoy visiting favorite characters.
  
That Inevitable Victorian Thing
That Inevitable Victorian Thing
E.K. Johnston | 2017 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A fun escape (0 more)
A little TOO lighthearted (0 more)
A fun alternate history romp
Representation, people! This book features a bisexual, intersex young woman. (I say woman, because she is female-presenting and uses female pronouns.) It also features a not-quite-love-triangle that turns into something more like polyamory. (Sorry, that's a bit of a spoiler, but you can see it coming from a mile away, and the cover description heavily implies the same.)

It's not realistic in the least - everything falls together nicely and it's a bit of a "princess saves the day by virtue of being a princess" kind of plot. But the twist on the history is a very pleasant one - and making the British Empire an Empire that values diversity and the melding of cultures and not looking down on anyone because they're different is a really nice change of pace. It's a WONDERFUL bit of escapist fantasy given today's world, I have to say.

I'd actually really like to see the darker side of this same world explored. One of the main plot points in the book is that there is a computer database of genetics. Everyone in the British Empire, when they turn 18, is encouraged to have their DNA sequenced and entered into the computer to find good genetic matches. They then have the opportunity to chat with those matches and eventually meet them. It's accepted custom, and you're definitely viewed as odd if you choose NOT to do it, though Helena's parents were a love match and never had their DNA matched through the computer. Helena's love interest is a boy she grew up with, she really only ran her DNA through the computer for kicks. So it's not mandatory - except for royals. But that this computer and database exists leaves room for a darker side. What about genetic modification? Forced marriages for certain genetic outcomes? That has to be happening somewhere. That Inevitable Victorian Thing really only looked at the fun, light-hearted, good uses of this technology. I'd love to see the other side.

Oh - while the book definitely has a Victorian flavor, it's definitely set in modern day, or perhaps a little past. It's not Victorian era.

Fun little book. A good escape from a racist, homophobic world to a more diverse, accepting one. But a little TOO fluffy bunny for my personal tastes.

You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com