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Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated Seducing the Sorcerer in Books
Oct 4, 2021
Fenn is a homeless drunk that has no job is wondering around trying to find his next meal when he stumbles on a farm and asks if they need any jobs doing that is when his life takes a strange turn of events.
The style this book has been written is very detailed and interesting. It is so poetic and beautiful in some places and in others its a bit cut to the core say how it is and no more. I suppose its like the 2 main characters Fenn and Morgrim have actually written it.
I loved the story of the relationship growing between Fenn and Morgrim it certainly isn't for the faint hearted. It's rather steamy when it comes to the sex scenes in my opinion. Not a lot of violence but there doesn't need to be.
I love the way that both the main characters learn from each other, fenn is prepared to learn and listen about magic and where it comes from, Worple horses and their history, Morgrim learns how to trust, feel and let somebody in also how to be himself which when you find that someone you have a connection with is fantastic
I would really like to read more of this style and will definitely recommend it for reading
The style this book has been written is very detailed and interesting. It is so poetic and beautiful in some places and in others its a bit cut to the core say how it is and no more. I suppose its like the 2 main characters Fenn and Morgrim have actually written it.
I loved the story of the relationship growing between Fenn and Morgrim it certainly isn't for the faint hearted. It's rather steamy when it comes to the sex scenes in my opinion. Not a lot of violence but there doesn't need to be.
I love the way that both the main characters learn from each other, fenn is prepared to learn and listen about magic and where it comes from, Worple horses and their history, Morgrim learns how to trust, feel and let somebody in also how to be himself which when you find that someone you have a connection with is fantastic
I would really like to read more of this style and will definitely recommend it for reading
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated The Lessons We Learn in Books
May 21, 2022 (Updated May 21, 2022)
Betty Must Clear Her Friend
As winter reluctantly gives way to spring in March of 1943, Lee Tillotson’s father goes missing. Betty Ahern is surprised that her friend isn’t more concerned, but Lee keeps pointing out how much better his family’s life is without Mr. Tillotson around since the man had become a drunk. That comes back to haunt Lee when his father’s body turns up in the Buffalo River. The police are looking at Lee as a suspect, and Lee is clearly hiding something, even from Betty. Can Betty figure out what is going on?
Since Lee’s family situation has been a subplot in the first two books in this series, this book is able to jump right into the action. The result is a story that never waned. I was hooked from the first page and never wanted to put the book down. I enjoyed getting to see more of the supporting characters in this book, and the development that came with their expanded page time. Likewise, I enjoyed seeing some of the relationship growth from the previous book stick around. I hope it continues in future books. The writing helps pull us into the story, and the historical details are fantastic, as well. This is the strongest book in the series to date, and I can’t wait to visit Betty again.
Since Lee’s family situation has been a subplot in the first two books in this series, this book is able to jump right into the action. The result is a story that never waned. I was hooked from the first page and never wanted to put the book down. I enjoyed getting to see more of the supporting characters in this book, and the development that came with their expanded page time. Likewise, I enjoyed seeing some of the relationship growth from the previous book stick around. I hope it continues in future books. The writing helps pull us into the story, and the historical details are fantastic, as well. This is the strongest book in the series to date, and I can’t wait to visit Betty again.
Eilidh G Clark (177 KP) rated Serious Sweet: Longlisted for the Man Booker Prize in Books
May 13, 2017
This novel is a work of art, l I would expect nothing less from a Man Booker contender.
‘The trouble was, that Margaret Thatcher got her drunk.’
A.L. Kennedy is an award-winning novelist, short story writer, and comedian. Her most recent novel, Serious Sweet, 2016, was long listed for this year’s Man Booker prize. Prior to reading the novel, I read some reviews and was fascinated by their diversity, comments ranging from disappointing to outright marvellous. This told me that I was about to embark on a work of art, after all I would expect nothing less from a Man Booker contender.
The novel is set in the heart of contemporary London and follows its two main characters, John Sigurdsson and Meg Williams through a single day. John is a fickle character, who at 59-year of age, has recently divorced is adulterous wife, and his professional life is hanging in the balance. Working as a senior civil servant in Westminster, he is attempting to uncover some pretty immoral activity. John has a talent for letter writing, this, he finds, is a romantic way to connect to women, whilst otherwise remaining inconspicuous. This is how he meets Meg.
Meg Williams is a 45-year-old bankrupt accountant, now working in an animal shelter because, ‘people who’ve been damaged by people go and work with salvaged animals because the animals have also been damaged by people’ (128). Meg is a victim of sexual abuse from a previous partner, something that we only learn in smatterings throughout the novel. A struggling alcoholic, Meg is on the wagon then off the wagon and blames her more recent fall on Margaret Thatcher, ‘The trouble was that Margaret Thatcher got her drunk.’
While the novel itself can be read as a political satire, and political corruption is plentiful in the narrative, I feel it is simply a back-story. The real story is the unfolding of the human consciousness and the power of the mind. Kennedy shows the reader the power of will through the thoughts of each character, stripping them back to their rawest and purest selves, and showing real courage and hope.
When John and Meg eventually meet at the end of the novel, it is not without some supercharged emotional turmoil. Connecting initially through letter writing, however, allowed the characters to open up their inner thoughts and feelings and gave a platform to be open and honest without the restrictions of reality. This, I believe, is where hope is born in the story.
Watching these two characters evolve was a real delight for me and I feel that Kennedy did the novel justice. You can almost feel each character battle with their own heads while their consciousness’ begins to intertwine. And let us not forget those beautifully written vignettes between chapters. Kennedy has written a wonderful novel, and Serious Sweet, I believe was worthy of its Man Booker place.
A.L. Kennedy is an award-winning novelist, short story writer, and comedian. Her most recent novel, Serious Sweet, 2016, was long listed for this year’s Man Booker prize. Prior to reading the novel, I read some reviews and was fascinated by their diversity, comments ranging from disappointing to outright marvellous. This told me that I was about to embark on a work of art, after all I would expect nothing less from a Man Booker contender.
The novel is set in the heart of contemporary London and follows its two main characters, John Sigurdsson and Meg Williams through a single day. John is a fickle character, who at 59-year of age, has recently divorced is adulterous wife, and his professional life is hanging in the balance. Working as a senior civil servant in Westminster, he is attempting to uncover some pretty immoral activity. John has a talent for letter writing, this, he finds, is a romantic way to connect to women, whilst otherwise remaining inconspicuous. This is how he meets Meg.
Meg Williams is a 45-year-old bankrupt accountant, now working in an animal shelter because, ‘people who’ve been damaged by people go and work with salvaged animals because the animals have also been damaged by people’ (128). Meg is a victim of sexual abuse from a previous partner, something that we only learn in smatterings throughout the novel. A struggling alcoholic, Meg is on the wagon then off the wagon and blames her more recent fall on Margaret Thatcher, ‘The trouble was that Margaret Thatcher got her drunk.’
While the novel itself can be read as a political satire, and political corruption is plentiful in the narrative, I feel it is simply a back-story. The real story is the unfolding of the human consciousness and the power of the mind. Kennedy shows the reader the power of will through the thoughts of each character, stripping them back to their rawest and purest selves, and showing real courage and hope.
When John and Meg eventually meet at the end of the novel, it is not without some supercharged emotional turmoil. Connecting initially through letter writing, however, allowed the characters to open up their inner thoughts and feelings and gave a platform to be open and honest without the restrictions of reality. This, I believe, is where hope is born in the story.
Watching these two characters evolve was a real delight for me and I feel that Kennedy did the novel justice. You can almost feel each character battle with their own heads while their consciousness’ begins to intertwine. And let us not forget those beautifully written vignettes between chapters. Kennedy has written a wonderful novel, and Serious Sweet, I believe was worthy of its Man Booker place.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated A Side of Murder in Books
Feb 26, 2021
Murder Mars a Return to Cape Cod
Samantha Barnes, Sam to her friends, grew up in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, but left to go to culinary school and become a famous chef. Thanks to an inheritance and a new job writing about food in the area for a local paper, she is back. Her first assignment is to review a new restaurant in town, but the good food is quickly forgotten when she finds a dead body floating in the water next to the restaurant. The police think it was an accident. After all, the victim was a known drunk, so she could have easily fallen in and drown. Sam thinks something more sinister is happening. Can she prove it?
There is a good mystery here, and I enjoyed seeing how Sam figured everything out. Unfortunately, there is just as much set up, introducing us to the people in Sam’s life and filling us in on her past. The result was a pace that was uneven. I did still enjoy it since I liked Sam and the supporting characters. We saw hints of the depths to the characters that I’m sure we’ll see more of in future books in the series. I was bothered by a cliché that several of the characters fell into, however, especially since it doesn’t fit one of the characters at all. The book ends with recipes for a suggested four-course casual dinner with friends. Overall, I enjoyed this virtual vacation debut.
There is a good mystery here, and I enjoyed seeing how Sam figured everything out. Unfortunately, there is just as much set up, introducing us to the people in Sam’s life and filling us in on her past. The result was a pace that was uneven. I did still enjoy it since I liked Sam and the supporting characters. We saw hints of the depths to the characters that I’m sure we’ll see more of in future books in the series. I was bothered by a cliché that several of the characters fell into, however, especially since it doesn’t fit one of the characters at all. The book ends with recipes for a suggested four-course casual dinner with friends. Overall, I enjoyed this virtual vacation debut.
LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated The Hangover Part II (2011) in Movies
Sep 29, 2020 (Updated Oct 1, 2020)
Better than I remembered from the theater, but it's impossible not to notice that the pitch for this was just "the first movie... but worse!" The original will forever be one of my favorite comedies with an ingenious main plot device that I truthfully don't mind them at all reusing (an investigative 'search for clues' procedural wrapped into the raunchy comedy framing device of trying to figure what four drunk fucks did the night before) but I think they went too much 'crime movie' and not enough 'comedy movie' with this one. Has some laugh-out-loud moments but as everyone has already said they're few and far between, then the last 45 minutes of this devolves into everyone screaming and asking each other expository questions for the rest of the runtime. Though one thing I don't think even this franchise's supporters give these enough credit for is the acting. Ed Helms, Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, and Ken Jeong are phenomenal both comedically and dramatically here and find a very reasonable balance between the two. Not to mention each of their respective performances is definable from one another and heavily idiosyncratic. But then you have crap like Bryan Callen in brownface, a monkey hanging out with them for half the movie, and Mike Tyson shows up and raps at the end. So you win some, you lose some I guess. Pretty lovingly depraved at least.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated A Perfect Bind in Books
Sep 29, 2021
The Body Behind the Library
Someone is breaking into the secret bookroom that librarian Tru Beckett has set up in the basement of the library and is disturbing the books at night when the building is supposed to be closed. Tru’s only lead is the theory that it is a poltergeist, but she suspects that someone all too human is involved. Then, one morning, the body of Owen Maynard, the town drunk, is found behind the library. Tru’s worried that the attacks on her secret room might be a key to solving the murder, so she jumps in to figure out what is going on so she can keep her secret. Will she solve the crime? Or will her secret be revealed?
I enjoyed the first book in the series because of the unique premise, and this book didn’t disappoint. Once again, the secret bookroom provides a great motive for Tru to get involved in solving a crime, and the plot weaves in some fun, surprising directions. I had the killer figured out before it was revealed, but I think I figured it out about the same time Tru did, so I was proud of myself. A couple of characters annoyed me, but for the most part I loved the cast, and I enjoyed seeing depth to them as the book went along. I smiled and laughed my way through the book, especially at the romantic sub-plots. This book is perfectly delightful.
I enjoyed the first book in the series because of the unique premise, and this book didn’t disappoint. Once again, the secret bookroom provides a great motive for Tru to get involved in solving a crime, and the plot weaves in some fun, surprising directions. I had the killer figured out before it was revealed, but I think I figured it out about the same time Tru did, so I was proud of myself. A couple of characters annoyed me, but for the most part I loved the cast, and I enjoyed seeing depth to them as the book went along. I smiled and laughed my way through the book, especially at the romantic sub-plots. This book is perfectly delightful.
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Beautiful Facade in Books
Feb 2, 2021 (Updated Aug 7, 2023)
BEAUTIFUL FACADE is the debut novel from Kathryn S Rose and she pulls no punches (literally) with the subjects she covers in this novel - drink, drugs, sexual assault, and domestic violence.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable novel, told from the first perspective of the main female character. It was pretty clear from the start that Winter wouldn't end up with Liam, and their picture-perfect life wasn't as good as she imagined. I did enjoy the question mark over who was with him and was glad I was wrong. I won't say more as I don't want to ruin it!
The scene-setting was very well done, with a bunch of flawed characters as the supporting cast. If I had to say anything negative about this book, it would be the copious amount of alcohol that was drunk for the majority of the story, plus the number of texts and missed calls Winter had. If I had that many from one person in that amount of time, I'd be worried about their mental health!
On the whole, this was a great, smoothly-paced story that held my attention from beginning to end, that I have no hesitation in recommending.
* 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!
Feb 2, 2021
This was a thoroughly enjoyable novel, told from the first perspective of the main female character. It was pretty clear from the start that Winter wouldn't end up with Liam, and their picture-perfect life wasn't as good as she imagined. I did enjoy the question mark over who was with him and was glad I was wrong. I won't say more as I don't want to ruin it!
The scene-setting was very well done, with a bunch of flawed characters as the supporting cast. If I had to say anything negative about this book, it would be the copious amount of alcohol that was drunk for the majority of the story, plus the number of texts and missed calls Winter had. If I had that many from one person in that amount of time, I'd be worried about their mental health!
On the whole, this was a great, smoothly-paced story that held my attention from beginning to end, that I have no hesitation in recommending.
* 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!
Feb 2, 2021
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated Fair Game in Books
Aug 31, 2023 (Updated Aug 31, 2023)
Murder is Never Fair Game
Zoe Chambers is spending the week at the county fair, showing her horse and working in the ambulance. However, it’s not the relaxing week she’d hoped for as she keeps seeing people from her past in 4H, people she’d rather forget. Meanwhile, Pete Adams is investigating the mysterious death of a woman who vanished after a drunken night out. Except her friends all insist she wouldn’t have gotten drunk. So what is really going on?
Fans of the series know to expect plenty of twists, and that’s what we get here. Even though I knew something that was coming later on, I was pulled into the story and enjoyed watching everything unfold. Zoe and Pete continued to shine as our co-leads, with us spending equal time in their third person points of view. I was also happy to see Pete behaving in a way I could support in their relationship here. The rest of the cast are all strong, and that included some supporting characters I was happy to see again. These are a little darker than the cozies I typically read, but as long as you know that, you’ll be fine. As I was reading this book, I realized how much I love the sense of community these books have. If you are looking for a fast-moving plot with characters you’ll love, this is the book, and series, for you.
Fans of the series know to expect plenty of twists, and that’s what we get here. Even though I knew something that was coming later on, I was pulled into the story and enjoyed watching everything unfold. Zoe and Pete continued to shine as our co-leads, with us spending equal time in their third person points of view. I was also happy to see Pete behaving in a way I could support in their relationship here. The rest of the cast are all strong, and that included some supporting characters I was happy to see again. These are a little darker than the cozies I typically read, but as long as you know that, you’ll be fine. As I was reading this book, I realized how much I love the sense of community these books have. If you are looking for a fast-moving plot with characters you’ll love, this is the book, and series, for you.
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Mandatory Repairs (Collier's Creek) in Books
Sep 29, 2023
MANDATORY REPAIRS is part of the multi-author Collier's Creek series. In this story, we meet Max and Nash. Nash lives and works on Twisted Pines Ranch. Max is the half-brother of the owner of Twisted Pines. They first meet when Max is drunk (beer, lack of food, and high altitude!) and doesn't remember Nash at all. Nash likes Max until he finds out who he is.
Although I enjoyed this story, it felt jerky and uneven with its pace. I would also have liked more character development. I mean, Nash doesn't like Max once he finds out who he is. But what are the exact reasons, because what we get told is rubbish. And then, Robin (the half-sister) tells him to apologise. He goes to the bar, and then they're in bed! This happens on a couple of occasions.
Saying that, I did love the scene in the bookshop, and also when Max is trying to get out of a sticky situation. He kept his head and did what he could, instead of whimpering and playing the poor princess.
I enjoyed this addition to the series and look forward to reading stories set in Collier's Creek.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 29, 2023
Although I enjoyed this story, it felt jerky and uneven with its pace. I would also have liked more character development. I mean, Nash doesn't like Max once he finds out who he is. But what are the exact reasons, because what we get told is rubbish. And then, Robin (the half-sister) tells him to apologise. He goes to the bar, and then they're in bed! This happens on a couple of occasions.
Saying that, I did love the scene in the bookshop, and also when Max is trying to get out of a sticky situation. He kept his head and did what he could, instead of whimpering and playing the poor princess.
I enjoyed this addition to the series and look forward to reading stories set in Collier's Creek.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 29, 2023
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Camelot Burning (Metal & Lace, #1) in Books
Jan 23, 2020
I don't know much about Arthurian Lore it's probably one of the only story I've never read in it's original form aside from the original Grimm Brothers' Fairy Tales (but those are horrifying, so I'm not even going to bother). I somehow doubt that Magic Tree House who made Morgan LeFay a harmless fly or Wizard101's Avalonian world even counts, except for maybe the latter being used as visual aid. :p
But personally that's sort of the thrill in reading a retelling without reading the original one: no judging or comparing it's a mostly complete blank slate.
Camelot Burning follows Vivienne, a lady-in-waiting and Merlin's Apprentice, who wants a way out of Camelot's way of life. She even has a plan hatched at least until Morgan Le Fay enters the picture and she has to stay to build a weapon that could ultimately save Camelot.
Merlin is actually a fun character am I weird to say that I found him drunk yet wise? It's not an easy combo since most drunk people act... well, not wise at all. While I'm not exactly warm and fuzzy with the other characters yet, Merlin is a winner.
There's a very interesting way with magic Rose introduces. Usually when it comes to magic, the price is something minor or huge, depending on whatever is asked very similar to karma (or fate or etc.). Here though... it's the ultimate price if you use magic too much: *cues ominous music* your soul. That's like selling your soul to the devil! Unless you're a creepy villain who wants to take over the world, that's not usually the ultimate price. Minor = minor payback. Major = major payback. No ifs buts or wait, what's after that? o_O
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dV7rlbVhpPk/UyjGVWubEkI/AAAAAAAACyA/ngeF1DAiEmk/s1600/tumblr_m5x9n1xf3D1rqfhi2o1_500.gif"; height="143" width="200">
Behind the Blog Tidbit: Camelot Burning was one of those novels who got a neutral rating (rawly speaking). I would have rounded up to a 4.5 rather than a 4, but I chose not to for a few reasons:
~ Too predictable It could just be me, but I guessed that <spoiler>Vivienne was the coordinates to Avalon and Morgan Le Fay was acting innocent as a distraction.</spoiler>
~ Too much technicalities I felt like I was reading a foreign language, and that was not the words used in magic. It all felt really confusing.
~ It said The End.
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lsFMKEdcrBc/UyjG4_6Sj3I/AAAAAAAACyM/Q0tKlJ9xOLw/s1600/th.jpg"; height="155" width="200">
That last bullet didn't play a major impact. It's just a minor peeve, especially when it's the first novel in the series.
I fully enjoyed reading Kathryn Rose's debut novel. Camelot Burning takes a refreshing and unique spin on Arthurian lore, or more accurately Arthurian + Fantasy + Steampunk.
-----------------
Advance Review Copy provided by Flux for review
Original Review posted at <a href="http://bookwyrming-thoughts.blogspot.com/2014/05/arc-review-camelot-burning-by-kathryn-rose.html">Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
<a href="http://bookwyrming-thoughts.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gi5Rk5yLloA/UtliaUbdL3I/AAAAAAAACbE/J27z92_qrYU/s1600/Official+Banner.png"; /></a>
But personally that's sort of the thrill in reading a retelling without reading the original one: no judging or comparing it's a mostly complete blank slate.
Camelot Burning follows Vivienne, a lady-in-waiting and Merlin's Apprentice, who wants a way out of Camelot's way of life. She even has a plan hatched at least until Morgan Le Fay enters the picture and she has to stay to build a weapon that could ultimately save Camelot.
Merlin is actually a fun character am I weird to say that I found him drunk yet wise? It's not an easy combo since most drunk people act... well, not wise at all. While I'm not exactly warm and fuzzy with the other characters yet, Merlin is a winner.
There's a very interesting way with magic Rose introduces. Usually when it comes to magic, the price is something minor or huge, depending on whatever is asked very similar to karma (or fate or etc.). Here though... it's the ultimate price if you use magic too much: *cues ominous music* your soul. That's like selling your soul to the devil! Unless you're a creepy villain who wants to take over the world, that's not usually the ultimate price. Minor = minor payback. Major = major payback. No ifs buts or wait, what's after that? o_O
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dV7rlbVhpPk/UyjGVWubEkI/AAAAAAAACyA/ngeF1DAiEmk/s1600/tumblr_m5x9n1xf3D1rqfhi2o1_500.gif"; height="143" width="200">
Behind the Blog Tidbit: Camelot Burning was one of those novels who got a neutral rating (rawly speaking). I would have rounded up to a 4.5 rather than a 4, but I chose not to for a few reasons:
~ Too predictable It could just be me, but I guessed that <spoiler>Vivienne was the coordinates to Avalon and Morgan Le Fay was acting innocent as a distraction.</spoiler>
~ Too much technicalities I felt like I was reading a foreign language, and that was not the words used in magic. It all felt really confusing.
~ It said The End.
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lsFMKEdcrBc/UyjG4_6Sj3I/AAAAAAAACyM/Q0tKlJ9xOLw/s1600/th.jpg"; height="155" width="200">
That last bullet didn't play a major impact. It's just a minor peeve, especially when it's the first novel in the series.
I fully enjoyed reading Kathryn Rose's debut novel. Camelot Burning takes a refreshing and unique spin on Arthurian lore, or more accurately Arthurian + Fantasy + Steampunk.
-----------------
Advance Review Copy provided by Flux for review
Original Review posted at <a href="http://bookwyrming-thoughts.blogspot.com/2014/05/arc-review-camelot-burning-by-kathryn-rose.html">Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
<a href="http://bookwyrming-thoughts.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gi5Rk5yLloA/UtliaUbdL3I/AAAAAAAACbE/J27z92_qrYU/s1600/Official+Banner.png"; /></a>