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Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Road (The Spread #4) in Books
Nov 14, 2021
Well, once again, Iain has excelled with this the fourth in the series of The Spread.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting back into this gripping story and finding out what hazards are set to befall the survivors and who Iain is going to dispatch next and how! It wasn't long before I was hooked.
The Road is absolutely teeming with heart-in-the-mouth moments; the fungus isn't the only enemy as our survivors find out to their cost. The story moves on at pace and is full of tension and numerous scenes of peril that had me holding my breath at times. The characters, both good and bad, are excellent and no one feels like they have been just dropped in to fill the story.
I can't wait for book 5 to see what comes next but I am sure it won't be plain sailing or all sweetness and light but I guess I will just have to wait ... impatiently!!
My thanks must go to Iain for accepting me into his "street team" and for providing me with a copy in return for comments and an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting back into this gripping story and finding out what hazards are set to befall the survivors and who Iain is going to dispatch next and how! It wasn't long before I was hooked.
The Road is absolutely teeming with heart-in-the-mouth moments; the fungus isn't the only enemy as our survivors find out to their cost. The story moves on at pace and is full of tension and numerous scenes of peril that had me holding my breath at times. The characters, both good and bad, are excellent and no one feels like they have been just dropped in to fill the story.
I can't wait for book 5 to see what comes next but I am sure it won't be plain sailing or all sweetness and light but I guess I will just have to wait ... impatiently!!
My thanks must go to Iain for accepting me into his "street team" and for providing me with a copy in return for comments and an honest, unbiased and unedited review.

Otway93 (580 KP) rated Resident evil in TV
Jul 17, 2022
Fits with current canon (2 more)
Lead cast
Story
CGI (1 more)
Minor Characters
Expectations far exceeded!
I won't lie when I went into this series with very low expectations. Reading up on it beforehand it sounded like a dreadful idea, didn't fit with any current canon, and gave the impression it was going to be yet another reboot. How wrong I was!
The first thing you must know is that it is not a reboot, but is a new entry in the video game universe, taking place after Resident Evil: Village.
The lead cast all perform their parts perfectly, and if you're a real Resident Evil fan, the story will blow your mind.
The only things that really let it down are the quality of CGI, which I can say without any exaggeration, at points share the same quality with Sharknado.
The other thing that lets the show down is the acting for most minor characters. As I said, the lead cast were for the most part excellent, but at many points the terrible acting of a minor character will detract from an entire scene.
Overall though, a wonderfully pleasant surprise!
Enjoy!
The first thing you must know is that it is not a reboot, but is a new entry in the video game universe, taking place after Resident Evil: Village.
The lead cast all perform their parts perfectly, and if you're a real Resident Evil fan, the story will blow your mind.
The only things that really let it down are the quality of CGI, which I can say without any exaggeration, at points share the same quality with Sharknado.
The other thing that lets the show down is the acting for most minor characters. As I said, the lead cast were for the most part excellent, but at many points the terrible acting of a minor character will detract from an entire scene.
Overall though, a wonderfully pleasant surprise!
Enjoy!

Hazel (2934 KP) rated No Lawyers in Heaven [Audiobook] in Books
Aug 28, 2022
I read and listen a lot of crime books and I thought it would be interesting to listen to something a bit different and I wasn't disappointed.
This is a glimpse into the life of a criminal defence lawyer and whilst this might sound a bit heavy going, let me reassure you it is not. It's an interesting insight into side of the defence with lots of humour thrown in. The cases discussed might be familiar to some, especially if you're in the UK, and some of the alleged criminals defended by Mr Milner are 'household names'.
This is not a sensationalised or in depth look into the alleged crimes committed but rather an account of a man who clearly cares about the law and everyone's right to be represented regardless of their guilt or innocence.
Mr Milner made what could have a been a very dry subject come to life all helped by the excellent narration of Mark Elstob whose voice was absolutely perfect for this book and my thanks must go to W.F. Howes Ltd and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to No Lawyers in Heaven and share my thoughts.
This is a glimpse into the life of a criminal defence lawyer and whilst this might sound a bit heavy going, let me reassure you it is not. It's an interesting insight into side of the defence with lots of humour thrown in. The cases discussed might be familiar to some, especially if you're in the UK, and some of the alleged criminals defended by Mr Milner are 'household names'.
This is not a sensationalised or in depth look into the alleged crimes committed but rather an account of a man who clearly cares about the law and everyone's right to be represented regardless of their guilt or innocence.
Mr Milner made what could have a been a very dry subject come to life all helped by the excellent narration of Mark Elstob whose voice was absolutely perfect for this book and my thanks must go to W.F. Howes Ltd and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to No Lawyers in Heaven and share my thoughts.

Hazel (2934 KP) rated Standing Alone (Matt Standing #2) in Books
Jan 9, 2022
I am a huge fan of Mr Leather's Dan "Spider" Shepherd series and although I haven't read the first in this series (how the heck did I miss that!!!!), I was pretty sure I was in for a treat and I wasn't wrong.
Matt "Lastman" Standing is being blackmailed to do a job for "The Pool", a shady organisation; his mission is to hunt down and assassinate Ryan French, an ex-Navy Seal who hires himself out to the highest bidder. This is not going to be an easy mission and Matt finds himself in the depths of the wilderness in western America knee deep in cannabis and up to his neck in trouble within a very short period of time.
With excellent and strong characters, an immersive plot and full of action, this is a great story. I also learnt a heck of a lot about cannabis farming - not that it'll do me much good but it was interesting nonetheless.
I very much look forward to reading more in this series and my thanks must go to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Matt "Lastman" Standing is being blackmailed to do a job for "The Pool", a shady organisation; his mission is to hunt down and assassinate Ryan French, an ex-Navy Seal who hires himself out to the highest bidder. This is not going to be an easy mission and Matt finds himself in the depths of the wilderness in western America knee deep in cannabis and up to his neck in trouble within a very short period of time.
With excellent and strong characters, an immersive plot and full of action, this is a great story. I also learnt a heck of a lot about cannabis farming - not that it'll do me much good but it was interesting nonetheless.
I very much look forward to reading more in this series and my thanks must go to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.

Lindsay (1760 KP) rated Brothers and Sisters in Books
Mar 15, 2022
Are you looking for a warm-felt book for your child or children that shows the strong bond created between brothers and sisters? Well, this book “Brothers and Sisters” does just that. It shows it through the eyes of a little boy.
Your child can imagine themselves as the little boy with their siblings as Sisters having a bond with their brother and sister or just their sisters if that is what they have. Or just their brothers if that is all she has, or he has.
Parents will enjoy this book as it shows that siblings fight, but there is also that bond of love for every sibling as they get older. The picture is lovely. I enjoyed looking at the pictures and enjoying myself. I was able to see my cousins with their siblings being somewhat like this. I, at this point, did have some step-siblings and still cherish that.
This book is excellent for parents to have in the family home if they have quite a few children in their household. This book may help with what goes on with siblings, or you may have experience with siblings of your own.
Your child can imagine themselves as the little boy with their siblings as Sisters having a bond with their brother and sister or just their sisters if that is what they have. Or just their brothers if that is all she has, or he has.
Parents will enjoy this book as it shows that siblings fight, but there is also that bond of love for every sibling as they get older. The picture is lovely. I enjoyed looking at the pictures and enjoying myself. I was able to see my cousins with their siblings being somewhat like this. I, at this point, did have some step-siblings and still cherish that.
This book is excellent for parents to have in the family home if they have quite a few children in their household. This book may help with what goes on with siblings, or you may have experience with siblings of your own.

Chrissy Bush (42 KP) rated Zodiac Academy : The Awakening in Books
Sep 30, 2022
Twist ma and turns (1 more)
Paige Turner
Summary
Tory and Darcy just turned eighteen, freeing them from the foster system they have been on since their parents death when they were infants. However, being free isn’t always easy. Though the system was not easy or even allowed them to find real homes or families, the twins had each other. Now that we are being told they are from another secret world, the Fae World, and are royalty, they must learn about the parents, their world they never knew and a magic they never knew to gain their inheritance they only could have dreamt for. The only problem? Four Celestial Heirs who don’t want them to have their throne back.
This book as a page turned and left me wanting more. It the first in the series and I and already se to devoid book two. The writing style is interesting and can keep you on your toes but I feel the characters are easy to predict as times. But they are you log adults so that might by why in this case. It is still an excellent read.
Tory and Darcy just turned eighteen, freeing them from the foster system they have been on since their parents death when they were infants. However, being free isn’t always easy. Though the system was not easy or even allowed them to find real homes or families, the twins had each other. Now that we are being told they are from another secret world, the Fae World, and are royalty, they must learn about the parents, their world they never knew and a magic they never knew to gain their inheritance they only could have dreamt for. The only problem? Four Celestial Heirs who don’t want them to have their throne back.
This book as a page turned and left me wanting more. It the first in the series and I and already se to devoid book two. The writing style is interesting and can keep you on your toes but I feel the characters are easy to predict as times. But they are you log adults so that might by why in this case. It is still an excellent read.

Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Body on Scafell Pike (Lake District Murder Mysteries #1) in Books
Aug 20, 2023
I'm a sucker for books that are set in my neck of the woods so when I heard of a new series set in the beautiful Lake District, I wasn't going to pass up the chance and I'm pleased I didn't because this is a great start to a new series and one I am looking forward to getting my teeth into.
There is plenty of atmosphere in this book and the excellent descriptions of the Lakes countryside only add to this. I really liked the characters and am keen to find out more about DI Chambers' back story and watching the developing friendship between her and Margot and between Chambers and her small team.
The mystery of who the killer was kept me guessing and there were enough twists to keep me returning. I liked the different points of view which helped to give a rounded picture from Chambers', Margot's and the killers point of view.
Overall, a really successful start to a series and one I am looking forward to reading the next.
Thanks go to the author, Headline, Wildfire and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Body on Scafell Pike.
There is plenty of atmosphere in this book and the excellent descriptions of the Lakes countryside only add to this. I really liked the characters and am keen to find out more about DI Chambers' back story and watching the developing friendship between her and Margot and between Chambers and her small team.
The mystery of who the killer was kept me guessing and there were enough twists to keep me returning. I liked the different points of view which helped to give a rounded picture from Chambers', Margot's and the killers point of view.
Overall, a really successful start to a series and one I am looking forward to reading the next.
Thanks go to the author, Headline, Wildfire and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Body on Scafell Pike.

ClareR (5879 KP) rated Katastrophe in Books
Dec 6, 2022
I can’t even begin to describe the storyline of this gripping novel set in the final stages of the Second World War. There is so much going on at what must have been a very chaotic point in the war. Stalingrad has been lost to the Russians, Germany is in retreat, and Werner Nehman has been taken captive. The Russians have decided that he is to take a message to Goebbels.
Katastrophe has a dark, menacing atmosphere - logical, really. This is war.
There are a number of overlapping stories, but I never confused them or the characters - that’s a mark of a good book, I always think.
It’s an excellent blend of fact and fiction, and the huge amounts of research that must have gone into this, results in a book that is both fascinating and hard to read (the torture scenes are pretty gruesome).
Despite the horrors of war, I thoroughly enjoyed this - and it was only after reading it that I discovered it was the seventh in a series. I’d better add them to the teetering tbr, then!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this. Another book I would have otherwise missed out on!
Katastrophe has a dark, menacing atmosphere - logical, really. This is war.
There are a number of overlapping stories, but I never confused them or the characters - that’s a mark of a good book, I always think.
It’s an excellent blend of fact and fiction, and the huge amounts of research that must have gone into this, results in a book that is both fascinating and hard to read (the torture scenes are pretty gruesome).
Despite the horrors of war, I thoroughly enjoyed this - and it was only after reading it that I discovered it was the seventh in a series. I’d better add them to the teetering tbr, then!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this. Another book I would have otherwise missed out on!

Merissa (12914 KP) rated Hunted By Treaty (Qui Treaty Collection #3) in Books
Jun 6, 2023
Raiss Tyrone is on the run on a planet. You would think that that would be a big enough place to hide in, but guards are chasing after him. Due to the unexpected help of a half-breed, he manages to escape. During their travels, he finds out more about Crendea, including how it was for her to grow up, not trusted by either the K'lahn or the humans. Both characters are strong, and both complement each other. They didn't realise what was missing until they found it in the other.
This is very fast-paced as it all takes place within a day. However, both main characters admit to this, acknowledging that it shouldn't be as real as it is. Somehow, this makes the insta-love much more believable.
An excellent continuation of the Qui Treaty Collection, with a storyline that is sure to delight. Definitely 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!
Apr 19, 2016
This is very fast-paced as it all takes place within a day. However, both main characters admit to this, acknowledging that it shouldn't be as real as it is. Somehow, this makes the insta-love much more believable.
An excellent continuation of the Qui Treaty Collection, with a storyline that is sure to delight. Definitely 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!
Apr 19, 2016
I like reading the odd court room drama but find they can be a little dry and lacking in excitement sometimes but The Trial isn't one of those books and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
In Rob Rinder's debut novel, he has created a veritable smorgasbord of excellent characters, a totally engrossing story with twists and turns and all written at a good pace. I particularly liked the chapters given over to conversations and messages between Adam and his mother, who is determined to marry him off to a good Jewish girl, which adds humour to the story.
Although a work of fiction, it is clear that Mr Rinder has put a lot of his own experiences into the book which added a level of authenticity and realism without it being dry and boring and I, for one, hope there is more to come as I want to know how Adam develops as a barrister and to make sure he is eating enough and/or whether he finds a nice Jewish girl!!!!
Many thanks to Random House UK, Cornerstone and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Trial.
In Rob Rinder's debut novel, he has created a veritable smorgasbord of excellent characters, a totally engrossing story with twists and turns and all written at a good pace. I particularly liked the chapters given over to conversations and messages between Adam and his mother, who is determined to marry him off to a good Jewish girl, which adds humour to the story.
Although a work of fiction, it is clear that Mr Rinder has put a lot of his own experiences into the book which added a level of authenticity and realism without it being dry and boring and I, for one, hope there is more to come as I want to know how Adam develops as a barrister and to make sure he is eating enough and/or whether he finds a nice Jewish girl!!!!
Many thanks to Random House UK, Cornerstone and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Trial.