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ClareR (5879 KP) rated The Stranding in Books
Jul 27, 2022
I have serious feelings about this book, and I’ll start by saying that I would give this ALL the stars if I could.
Ruth tries to ignore the bad news going on in the world. She goes to work, moves in with her boyfriend, realises he’s not who she thought he was, has a short-lived affair, ends it with the boyfriend and decides to go travelling.
So Ruth is on a New Zealand beach with a complete stranger when the worst thing that could happen, does happen. They hide inside the carcass of a recently dead whale, and when they re-emerge onto the beach, everything is changed.
This is told in alternate chapters of before and after, and shows the stark difference between the two times. It also shows what’s really important in a life: the human drive to survive and love.
Honestly, I’m so desperate for other people to read this, that I don’t want to give too much away, so that you don’t lose that element of surprise and the joy tinged with sadness when you turn each page. It really did make me think about what’s important in my own life.
The Stranding was just an absolute pleasure to read.
Ruth tries to ignore the bad news going on in the world. She goes to work, moves in with her boyfriend, realises he’s not who she thought he was, has a short-lived affair, ends it with the boyfriend and decides to go travelling.
So Ruth is on a New Zealand beach with a complete stranger when the worst thing that could happen, does happen. They hide inside the carcass of a recently dead whale, and when they re-emerge onto the beach, everything is changed.
This is told in alternate chapters of before and after, and shows the stark difference between the two times. It also shows what’s really important in a life: the human drive to survive and love.
Honestly, I’m so desperate for other people to read this, that I don’t want to give too much away, so that you don’t lose that element of surprise and the joy tinged with sadness when you turn each page. It really did make me think about what’s important in my own life.
The Stranding was just an absolute pleasure to read.
Murder in Morningside Heights
9.0
Rate It
Book
In the latest from the bestselling author of Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue, former police sergeant...
ClareR (5879 KP) rated The Lamplighters in Books
Mar 14, 2022
The Lamplighters is a locked room (lighthouse!) mystery, which had me gripped up to the last page. How could three men go missing from a tower lighthouse, with no way off back to land. There’s no boat, no-one visited them - and what’s more, the lighthouse is locked from the inside when the investigation team arrive.
This is a mystery that affects their wives and partners even 20 years later. A writer contacts the three women and asks them to cooperate with him as he writes a book about the mystery. It seems that all three women held back secrets during the original investigation - but will the uncovering of these secrets make any difference?
The Lamplighters is told in flashbacks, alternating between the present day with the women, and the lead up to the disappearance with the men in the lighthouse. The lighthouse chapters in particular are seriously atmospheric, threatening, even. I had so many ideas as to what could have happened, my opinion changing constantly as more information was revealed. I didn’t guess the actual ending though, even after I’d described the basic storyline of the book to my husband, and he got it in one (note to self: do not discuss mystery books with the husband, AKA “Dr” Poirot…)
Highly recommended.
This is a mystery that affects their wives and partners even 20 years later. A writer contacts the three women and asks them to cooperate with him as he writes a book about the mystery. It seems that all three women held back secrets during the original investigation - but will the uncovering of these secrets make any difference?
The Lamplighters is told in flashbacks, alternating between the present day with the women, and the lead up to the disappearance with the men in the lighthouse. The lighthouse chapters in particular are seriously atmospheric, threatening, even. I had so many ideas as to what could have happened, my opinion changing constantly as more information was revealed. I didn’t guess the actual ending though, even after I’d described the basic storyline of the book to my husband, and he got it in one (note to self: do not discuss mystery books with the husband, AKA “Dr” Poirot…)
Highly recommended.
Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated Bakeries and Buffoonery (Magical Mystery Book Club #4) in Books
Jul 2, 2023
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
The snapdragon inn is the setting of a cozy mystery book club with a difference they get transported into the stories to find out whodunit!
This time they are trying to find out who hates cake so much, in the town of Frosting that they have caused chaos, mayhem, and murder. Can they do it before the next murder happens?
This is such a delightful series they really are a pleasure to read. Elizabeth does such an amazing job at pulling you into the story as if you are one of the characters and I must say I am rather fond of all the characters, I'm sad we've lost one but happy for her circumstances and hope we do find out how she gets on.
Although this is a series I personally think you could read it as a stand-alone, but it's much more fun reading the series as you get to find out more about everyone.
I highly recommend and give 5/5
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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. *
The snapdragon inn is the setting of a cozy mystery book club with a difference they get transported into the stories to find out whodunit!
This time they are trying to find out who hates cake so much, in the town of Frosting that they have caused chaos, mayhem, and murder. Can they do it before the next murder happens?
This is such a delightful series they really are a pleasure to read. Elizabeth does such an amazing job at pulling you into the story as if you are one of the characters and I must say I am rather fond of all the characters, I'm sad we've lost one but happy for her circumstances and hope we do find out how she gets on.
Although this is a series I personally think you could read it as a stand-alone, but it's much more fun reading the series as you get to find out more about everyone.
I highly recommend and give 5/5
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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. *
ClareR (5879 KP) rated Enlightenment in Books
Mar 29, 2025
I sank into Enlightenment, and I really didn’t want to resurface. The way Enlightenment is written could be described as Dickens-esque perhaps, but whatever it is, it’s rich in the type of description that I truly love about reading. I would lose myself for an hour or so (or more!) taking my time over the story of Thomas Hart, Grace Macauley, the Baptist church and a 19th century female astronomer.
My heart ached for these characters, especially for Thomas who felt that he couldn’t live an authentic, true life, because he would be rejected from his church. He’s a lovely man, who fills his time with the search for the astronomer, and his love for Grace Macauley.
Grace is a young girl, learning to live the life she wants to live and not that dictated by her father and her church. Faith plays a big role in this novel: both religious faith and the faith we have in others. Grace and Thomas have a disagreement and have to find their way back to one another. Despite the age difference, they are true friends.
I didn’t think I could find astronomy as interesting as I did, but the writing teamed with a ghostly astronomer and Thomas, certainly helped.
A beautiful book!
My heart ached for these characters, especially for Thomas who felt that he couldn’t live an authentic, true life, because he would be rejected from his church. He’s a lovely man, who fills his time with the search for the astronomer, and his love for Grace Macauley.
Grace is a young girl, learning to live the life she wants to live and not that dictated by her father and her church. Faith plays a big role in this novel: both religious faith and the faith we have in others. Grace and Thomas have a disagreement and have to find their way back to one another. Despite the age difference, they are true friends.
I didn’t think I could find astronomy as interesting as I did, but the writing teamed with a ghostly astronomer and Thomas, certainly helped.
A beautiful book!
Kevin Wilson (179 KP) rated Kindle Paperwhite E-reader in Tech
Jul 14, 2018
Looks like paper (3 more)
Supports many formats
Easy to use
Great battery
Great product, decent price
If you want to read ebooks then this is the perfect device. The battery lasts weeks, the brightness is perfect, the weight is just right.
The screen makes it feel like your reading on paper and you only have to touch the screen to change the page. You have the ability to change font and size to make it easier for yourself. The lighting and screen is great allowing to read in direct sunlight and in the dark.
It supports different formats like e-pub and also gives you access to the Amazon store to download from there. You can sort all your books into collection to make everything easy to find. Your also given access to Goodreads to help you find recommendations.
The only downside for me is the lack of colour because I would have loved to be able to read comics on here but I can use my phone for that so it's not too big of a deal. They have kept the screen and specs simple to let the battery last which is important.
The device is a good size. Big enough so your not struggling to read but small enough for it to be easy to take it out with you. I wish it came in different colours except black because it does seem to scratch or get dirty easy but since then I have gotten a case.
I'd say height wise it's about the same size as my hand but a tiny bit bigger width. Screen a little smaller due to the bezzells. (I think that's the right word and hopefully right spelling)
It charges fairly quickly using a typical android charger and the price is fairly decent too.
You can get 2 types. 1 with ads and 1 without. I got the type with and I have to say it doesn't make a difference. All it does is show ads on the screen when you put it in standby. Doing this allows amazon to sell it cheaper. You can remove the ads for a payment of £10 which is the price difference between the 2 devices anyway.
At time of writing it is currently £110 in uk with ads and WiFi only. I do not see the point of 3G when all you have to do is download the books at home. Free WiFi is all over now anyways. Ad-free is £120 but like I say the ads are not distracting so I'd say go for the cheaper.
Overall I highly recommend. Only reason for it not being a 10 is the not option for comics and the lack of colours.
The screen makes it feel like your reading on paper and you only have to touch the screen to change the page. You have the ability to change font and size to make it easier for yourself. The lighting and screen is great allowing to read in direct sunlight and in the dark.
It supports different formats like e-pub and also gives you access to the Amazon store to download from there. You can sort all your books into collection to make everything easy to find. Your also given access to Goodreads to help you find recommendations.
The only downside for me is the lack of colour because I would have loved to be able to read comics on here but I can use my phone for that so it's not too big of a deal. They have kept the screen and specs simple to let the battery last which is important.
The device is a good size. Big enough so your not struggling to read but small enough for it to be easy to take it out with you. I wish it came in different colours except black because it does seem to scratch or get dirty easy but since then I have gotten a case.
I'd say height wise it's about the same size as my hand but a tiny bit bigger width. Screen a little smaller due to the bezzells. (I think that's the right word and hopefully right spelling)
It charges fairly quickly using a typical android charger and the price is fairly decent too.
You can get 2 types. 1 with ads and 1 without. I got the type with and I have to say it doesn't make a difference. All it does is show ads on the screen when you put it in standby. Doing this allows amazon to sell it cheaper. You can remove the ads for a payment of £10 which is the price difference between the 2 devices anyway.
At time of writing it is currently £110 in uk with ads and WiFi only. I do not see the point of 3G when all you have to do is download the books at home. Free WiFi is all over now anyways. Ad-free is £120 but like I say the ads are not distracting so I'd say go for the cheaper.
Overall I highly recommend. Only reason for it not being a 10 is the not option for comics and the lack of colours.
Alice (12 KP) rated Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection in Books
Jul 3, 2018
<i>My thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review</i>
Arcanum Unbounded is an anthology of classic and epic proportions from a true Fantasy genius which was full to the brim of Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere universe. The book followed characters we all know and love and plenty of new characters to fall for – Dusk, I’m looking at you.
The book is divided up into “systems” with a neat little explanation as to the layout of each system; which is then related to a specific setting from the Cosmere – Elantris, Mistborn, Threnody, First of the Sun and a previously unnamed and unpublished Stormlight Archive novella.
Oodles of Cosmere.
I don’t want to go into too much detail about the individual shorts for those of you who have not read any the related systems books – (you have to!) – but each story gave a wonderful insight into the characters points of view and their unique history.
My favorites of this anthology would have to be The Emperor’s Soul, Sixth of the Dusk and Edgedancer. They each brought a little something special to this book – Emperor’s Soul took me right back to Elantris, the first ever Sanderson book I read and still my favorite to this day; Sixth of the Dusk had this overwhelming silence to it even when the characters involved were speaking (though this was few and far between in fairness) and this silence across the characters when Brandon’s characters usually talk so much was brilliantly done.
Edgedancer was a book in The Stormlight Archive system, though I’m slightly ashamed to admit I haven’t read all of The Stormlight Archive books yet, but I have them and this gave spoilers into The Words of Radiance (book 2 of the series so far) these spoilers are not really spoilers to me, maybe once I’ve read Radiance it will make a difference but my first read through made no spoilery difference to me.
Each individual short in the system was preceded by a little spoiler warning if there would be one, or a note stating where in the story arc it falls and was then followed by a sweet little Postscript from Brandon – each one tailor made for its preceding event; the best postscript was for The Hope of Elantris but I won’t give anything away, you had to read it.
Overall, Arcanum Unbounded is a perfect book to dive into Brandon Sanderson’s work as few of the stories in it actually need to be read before the main story – Mistborn: A Secret History, The Hope of Elantris, Edgedancer for definite. If you’re looking for a new fantasy author to sink your teeth into Brandon Sanderson is your man.
Arcanum Unbounded is an anthology of classic and epic proportions from a true Fantasy genius which was full to the brim of Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere universe. The book followed characters we all know and love and plenty of new characters to fall for – Dusk, I’m looking at you.
The book is divided up into “systems” with a neat little explanation as to the layout of each system; which is then related to a specific setting from the Cosmere – Elantris, Mistborn, Threnody, First of the Sun and a previously unnamed and unpublished Stormlight Archive novella.
Oodles of Cosmere.
I don’t want to go into too much detail about the individual shorts for those of you who have not read any the related systems books – (you have to!) – but each story gave a wonderful insight into the characters points of view and their unique history.
My favorites of this anthology would have to be The Emperor’s Soul, Sixth of the Dusk and Edgedancer. They each brought a little something special to this book – Emperor’s Soul took me right back to Elantris, the first ever Sanderson book I read and still my favorite to this day; Sixth of the Dusk had this overwhelming silence to it even when the characters involved were speaking (though this was few and far between in fairness) and this silence across the characters when Brandon’s characters usually talk so much was brilliantly done.
Edgedancer was a book in The Stormlight Archive system, though I’m slightly ashamed to admit I haven’t read all of The Stormlight Archive books yet, but I have them and this gave spoilers into The Words of Radiance (book 2 of the series so far) these spoilers are not really spoilers to me, maybe once I’ve read Radiance it will make a difference but my first read through made no spoilery difference to me.
Each individual short in the system was preceded by a little spoiler warning if there would be one, or a note stating where in the story arc it falls and was then followed by a sweet little Postscript from Brandon – each one tailor made for its preceding event; the best postscript was for The Hope of Elantris but I won’t give anything away, you had to read it.
Overall, Arcanum Unbounded is a perfect book to dive into Brandon Sanderson’s work as few of the stories in it actually need to be read before the main story – Mistborn: A Secret History, The Hope of Elantris, Edgedancer for definite. If you’re looking for a new fantasy author to sink your teeth into Brandon Sanderson is your man.
Night Reader Reviews (683 KP) rated The Mandore Rose in Books
Jan 9, 2020
The Mandore Rose by Cyril James Morris is set in the early 1950s yet, for the most part, it feels like it could be set in modern-day. It also has a prologue from the 1700s but it takes a while for the connection to be made. This book can easily be read in a day or two.
Just Riley is a young Romany girl who is ordered by her elder to take her caravan and run away. This is not because of anything she has done. She must run in order to protect herself from the man pretending to be her uncle after her mother died just so he can steal from her. Just Riley now has to survive on her own with her horse Pixe and her spirit guide, The Bangled Lady for companions. That is until an accident at the beach puts her in contact with Big Pierre and Rhys.
Rhys teaches her how to hunt for crabs and they quickly become friends. Big Pierre owns and works on a crabbing boat and gives Just Riley some work. When Pierre takes Riley with him one day she meets the Monks and Lady Caldey on their island. The Lady agrees to have an instrument repaired for Just Riley and the two feel a bond right away. After learning to trust one another Just Riley learns that they each have a ring identical to the other. It is with these rings and a little bit of luck that they start on an adventure that may lead them to the truth about who Just Riley really is.
What I liked most was how the main character is called Just Riley. At first, I found this to be annoying and awkward, but after the reason is explained I fund it to be cute, if not a little sad as well. What I did not like was that I wish the book would have explained the difference between Romany and Gypsey. This is because on multiple occasions people in the book confuse the two and Riley seems to be insulted by that. I feel like many people (myself included) do not know the difference and would benefit from the explanation.
People who enjoy historical mysteries would enjoy this book the most. This book is appropriate for just about all readers even those in middle school. It is not too heavily historical that it is not enjoyable. I give this book a 3 out of 4 ratings. While there is not anything wrong with this book I could not give it a perfect score. The book just was not compelling to read. While it is classified as a mystery it really doesn't have a quality that made me curious about what was happening.
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https://www.austinmacauley.com/book/mandore-rose
Just Riley is a young Romany girl who is ordered by her elder to take her caravan and run away. This is not because of anything she has done. She must run in order to protect herself from the man pretending to be her uncle after her mother died just so he can steal from her. Just Riley now has to survive on her own with her horse Pixe and her spirit guide, The Bangled Lady for companions. That is until an accident at the beach puts her in contact with Big Pierre and Rhys.
Rhys teaches her how to hunt for crabs and they quickly become friends. Big Pierre owns and works on a crabbing boat and gives Just Riley some work. When Pierre takes Riley with him one day she meets the Monks and Lady Caldey on their island. The Lady agrees to have an instrument repaired for Just Riley and the two feel a bond right away. After learning to trust one another Just Riley learns that they each have a ring identical to the other. It is with these rings and a little bit of luck that they start on an adventure that may lead them to the truth about who Just Riley really is.
What I liked most was how the main character is called Just Riley. At first, I found this to be annoying and awkward, but after the reason is explained I fund it to be cute, if not a little sad as well. What I did not like was that I wish the book would have explained the difference between Romany and Gypsey. This is because on multiple occasions people in the book confuse the two and Riley seems to be insulted by that. I feel like many people (myself included) do not know the difference and would benefit from the explanation.
People who enjoy historical mysteries would enjoy this book the most. This book is appropriate for just about all readers even those in middle school. It is not too heavily historical that it is not enjoyable. I give this book a 3 out of 4 ratings. While there is not anything wrong with this book I could not give it a perfect score. The book just was not compelling to read. While it is classified as a mystery it really doesn't have a quality that made me curious about what was happening.
https://nightreaderreviews.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/nightreaderreviews/
https://www.austinmacauley.com/book/mandore-rose
Turkey Crossing
Podcast
This is a podcast about education and my attempt to use classroom 2.0 tools in my classroom. I...
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Dark in TV
Dec 4, 2017 (Updated Dec 4, 2017)
Dark, gritty, utterly mind-bending
This German series has been compared to @Stranger Things , and in some ways there are similarities in terms of the sci-fi, supernatural element, but it is far darker.
Set around the premise of a missing boy, who seems to have vanished from thin air, there are multiple narratives surrounding the characters of this town called Wisden. The main protagonist is young teenager Jonas, whose father has committed suicide, all the while his friend's younger brother has gone missing in the midst of a spate of murders. The series will require some concentration because you'll quickly realise that it is far more complicated than you'll first perceive.
It really starts to get interesting by the third episode after skipping through the usual drama of a small town ie. Lies, affairs and secrets. Without revealing too much, you'll see by this point how it compares to Stranger Things. The biggest difference is that apart from Jonas, there are very few likable roles in this show - each are tormented in their own way.
The American dubbing can be a bit off-putting as it doesnt seem particularly suited to some characters - but it can be helpful if you just want to focus on the plot. Very good indeed, hoping a new season is in the pipeline.
Set around the premise of a missing boy, who seems to have vanished from thin air, there are multiple narratives surrounding the characters of this town called Wisden. The main protagonist is young teenager Jonas, whose father has committed suicide, all the while his friend's younger brother has gone missing in the midst of a spate of murders. The series will require some concentration because you'll quickly realise that it is far more complicated than you'll first perceive.
It really starts to get interesting by the third episode after skipping through the usual drama of a small town ie. Lies, affairs and secrets. Without revealing too much, you'll see by this point how it compares to Stranger Things. The biggest difference is that apart from Jonas, there are very few likable roles in this show - each are tormented in their own way.
The American dubbing can be a bit off-putting as it doesnt seem particularly suited to some characters - but it can be helpful if you just want to focus on the plot. Very good indeed, hoping a new season is in the pipeline.