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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Nov 21, 2022
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Stable Boy of Auschwitz [Audiobook] in Books
Mar 26, 2023
![The Stable Boy of Auschwitz [Audiobook]](/uploads/profile_image/894/4eea604c-e06f-47b8-99c8-008ccb3ac894.jpg?m=1679836550)
I have read a few books about the Holocaust during World War II but I have never listened to one before and, let me tell you, I found this audiobook just as powerful and heart-wrenching listening to William Hope's excellent narration.
Each book I have read about the Holocaust and World War II has provided another piece of history I was not fully aware of and The Stable Boy of Auschwitz is no different. It charts the remarkable life of Henry Oster before, during and after the war.
It is, as you can imagine, a very difficult book to read/listen to but it is also very powerful and inspirational and shows one boy's exceptional journey of survival from freedom, to the ghetto, to Auschwitz, on the forced marches, to Buchenwald and, finally, freedom again and is a story that should be shared as all survivors accounts should be.
I must thank Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of The Stable Boy of Auschwitz and for continuing to ensure that these stories continue to be published so they are not forgotten.
Each book I have read about the Holocaust and World War II has provided another piece of history I was not fully aware of and The Stable Boy of Auschwitz is no different. It charts the remarkable life of Henry Oster before, during and after the war.
It is, as you can imagine, a very difficult book to read/listen to but it is also very powerful and inspirational and shows one boy's exceptional journey of survival from freedom, to the ghetto, to Auschwitz, on the forced marches, to Buchenwald and, finally, freedom again and is a story that should be shared as all survivors accounts should be.
I must thank Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of The Stable Boy of Auschwitz and for continuing to ensure that these stories continue to be published so they are not forgotten.
Merissa (13919 KP) rated Pulse and Prejudice (The Confession of Mr. Darcy, Vampire #1) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
As a long-term lover of the classics, Pride & Prejudice in particular, I wondered what I would get with this book. Would I love it or loathe it? Would it stay true to the original or go completely farcical?
What I got was a book that thrilled me with the story just as much as the original did. The language is true to form, the behaviour, the attitudes, it's all there. Only now add in the spice of an even more haughty and sultry Mr Darcy as he tries to contend with his vampiric nature.
Trust me when I say that this paranormal addition actually added something for me, it certainly didn't take anything away from the story. I devoured this book, only putting it down when I absolutely had to. If you like Paranormal and also the British Classics, then I really can't recommend this highly enough. It combines the two with excellent narrative, skill and aplomb. Highly 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!
Jul 18, 2015
What I got was a book that thrilled me with the story just as much as the original did. The language is true to form, the behaviour, the attitudes, it's all there. Only now add in the spice of an even more haughty and sultry Mr Darcy as he tries to contend with his vampiric nature.
Trust me when I say that this paranormal addition actually added something for me, it certainly didn't take anything away from the story. I devoured this book, only putting it down when I absolutely had to. If you like Paranormal and also the British Classics, then I really can't recommend this highly enough. It combines the two with excellent narrative, skill and aplomb. Highly 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!
Jul 18, 2015
Merissa (13919 KP) rated Home (Songbird, #4) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
Rachel has everything that she could ask for but she doesn't realise it as she's too busy chasing a dream based on her mother's last words. We travel with her to the City of Angels where she finds out that there is a dark side that she never even anticipated.
I really enjoyed this book and the two main characters, but I did have to remind myself that Rachel was making decisions based on an 18-year-old's perspective. She was very young and very naive and part of me actually wanted her to stay that way but another part of me was wanting to shake some sense into her.
I loved the appearances of Jody, Leo and Angel. It was a perfect cameo for them and I really hope to see more of all of them.
This story is well-written and with a fast-flowing plot. Another excellent book in the Songbird series. Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 4, 2015
I really enjoyed this book and the two main characters, but I did have to remind myself that Rachel was making decisions based on an 18-year-old's perspective. She was very young and very naive and part of me actually wanted her to stay that way but another part of me was wanting to shake some sense into her.
I loved the appearances of Jody, Leo and Angel. It was a perfect cameo for them and I really hope to see more of all of them.
This story is well-written and with a fast-flowing plot. Another excellent book in the Songbird series. Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 4, 2015
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2524 KP) rated A Dangerous Breed in Books
Dec 10, 2021
Learning About the Past – Danger in the Present
A trip with his friend Hollis to get medical help for an injured man puts reformed thief and former Army Ranger Van Shaw in the sights of a dangerous man. Suddenly, Van is being extorted to break into a biotech firm and steal an unspecified item. Meanwhile, Van might be on the trail of his father for the first time in his life. If he finds him, does he want to know this man after all?
Normally, I enjoy these books and all the twists and turns they give us. This one left me unsatisfied. While the stories do reach logical and suspenseful conclusions, I can’t help feeling there should have been more. Neither story was developed enough for a full novel, but took time away from each other. Of course, the characters, new and returning, were excellent as always. While I was expecting more language and violence than the books I normally read, there was one particularly distasteful scene. This book is disappointing since I usually enjoy the series. This one is for fans only.
Normally, I enjoy these books and all the twists and turns they give us. This one left me unsatisfied. While the stories do reach logical and suspenseful conclusions, I can’t help feeling there should have been more. Neither story was developed enough for a full novel, but took time away from each other. Of course, the characters, new and returning, were excellent as always. While I was expecting more language and violence than the books I normally read, there was one particularly distasteful scene. This book is disappointing since I usually enjoy the series. This one is for fans only.
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
![No Lawyers in Heaven [Audiobook]](/uploads/profile_image/dc1/86ac7f50-b2e0-4dc5-8fd7-a2e789f59dc1.jpg?m=1661693426)
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 (1807 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.