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An atmosphere that draws you in (2 more)
Beautiful prose
Interconnected short stories
Fairy tales for grown ups
This collection of short stories is set on the island of Neverness. All of the stories are interconnected and characters reoccur as adults after they were in a story as children. We see how an experience in one story then becomes a cautionary tale or a fairytale in another. I loved the atmosphere in this book: menacing, dreamlike, happy, sad - like a fairytale really.
The language used was really very poetic. If you're attracted to this as a Fantasy reader, the language is weighted more on the 'Literary Fiction' side. I like both, and this didn't even occur to me until I read another review on Goodreads! There are plenty of Fantasy writers out there whose prose can be lyrical!
I also liked how the beginning and the end of the book were connected. Very clever, original writing, this is a short story collection that didn't feel to me as though they were short stories. Well worth a read!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this gorgeous book!
The language used was really very poetic. If you're attracted to this as a Fantasy reader, the language is weighted more on the 'Literary Fiction' side. I like both, and this didn't even occur to me until I read another review on Goodreads! There are plenty of Fantasy writers out there whose prose can be lyrical!
I also liked how the beginning and the end of the book were connected. Very clever, original writing, this is a short story collection that didn't feel to me as though they were short stories. Well worth a read!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this gorgeous book!
I very much enjoyed this novel. The story was so fresh and different than what I have been reading recently. Plus, it's a standalone!!
I enjoyed how Mead attempts to put words to gaining the ability of hearing after coming from a society that has been deaf for centuries. It explored how a person would be able to deal with suddenly being able to hear out of nowhere.
Though I enjoyed this novel, it was not my favorite of hers. There were moments, especially at the end, that I would have liked to see expanded and explained more. I felt like there wasn't enough build up to it for the ending she gave it. It was very reminiscent of a fairy tale where everything gets resolved very quickly.
I wished that more of the magical aspects that were introduced into the story were both introduced earlier and worked into the story more.
That being said, I loved the relationships between the characters, especially between the two sisters. Fei's relationship with Li Wei could have been built up and explained a bit more, thought.
Overall, I enjoyed it, but, like I said, it wasn't my favorite.
I enjoyed how Mead attempts to put words to gaining the ability of hearing after coming from a society that has been deaf for centuries. It explored how a person would be able to deal with suddenly being able to hear out of nowhere.
Though I enjoyed this novel, it was not my favorite of hers. There were moments, especially at the end, that I would have liked to see expanded and explained more. I felt like there wasn't enough build up to it for the ending she gave it. It was very reminiscent of a fairy tale where everything gets resolved very quickly.
I wished that more of the magical aspects that were introduced into the story were both introduced earlier and worked into the story more.
That being said, I loved the relationships between the characters, especially between the two sisters. Fei's relationship with Li Wei could have been built up and explained a bit more, thought.
Overall, I enjoyed it, but, like I said, it wasn't my favorite.
Deborah (162 KP) rated When Beauty Tamed the Beast (Fairy Tales, #2) in Books
Dec 21, 2018
Not so very long ago I reviewed the first of James' fairy tales series, A Kiss at Midnight, which I found OK, but not one to hang on to and read again, and I said that I always thought I should like her books more than I actually do. I have to say that it was almost as if someone was listening, as I liked this book a whole lot better. There is only a thematic connection with the other books; there don't appear to be any characters in common.
I liked this book as the two protagonists had personality and you could see what they would see in each other, which I found hard in the last book. The whole set up was maybe a bit far fetched, but it was quite an amusing tale - with a fair sprinkling of strong language. I smiled when the heroine had been reading Miss Butterworth & the Mad Baron - as I'm sure many readers of Julia Quinn will! A much more engaging and entertaining read, good protagonists and interesting supporting characters, giving enough interest but without detracting from the main plot.
I liked this book as the two protagonists had personality and you could see what they would see in each other, which I found hard in the last book. The whole set up was maybe a bit far fetched, but it was quite an amusing tale - with a fair sprinkling of strong language. I smiled when the heroine had been reading Miss Butterworth & the Mad Baron - as I'm sure many readers of Julia Quinn will! A much more engaging and entertaining read, good protagonists and interesting supporting characters, giving enough interest but without detracting from the main plot.
Rachel King (13 KP) rated A Midnight Dance (Fiery Tales, #1) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I love a good fairy tale re-telling, especially when it is retold specifically for adults, as this book is. Right from the beginning, the romance and chemistry between Sabine and Jules is steamy and passionate, and I had a hard time putting the book down at all. The Cinderella references are vague and somewhat after-the-fact. The glass slipper scene takes place at the beginning of the book when Sabine is young, and the stepmother and two stepdaughters look to Sabine as the head of the household, instead of placing her in the role of a servant. This book seems to take the original tale and turn it upside down, with Sabine forging her own destiny - with or without Prince Charming - and refusing to bend to misfortune.
Sabine's character is both headstrong and naive. A large part of her successes in the plot seem to be born out of pure luck, as she lacks any real skill at either deception or thievery. Jules strong attraction to her gives her the freedom to get as far as she does in her plans, even as she falls for him in return.
While the romance and eroticism takes center stage in the novel, there is a secondary element to the book that comes in subtly as Jules takes a more permanent role in Sabine's life. Jules is intent on a restoration of his honor and wealth, and the discover the truth about his father's accusations. Neither Jules nor Sabine suspect the guilty party until Sabine's life is in danger. Suspense and unpredictability pull me right to the end pages, and just enough is left hanging to lead into a sequel. I look forward to discovering what happens next!
Sabine's character is both headstrong and naive. A large part of her successes in the plot seem to be born out of pure luck, as she lacks any real skill at either deception or thievery. Jules strong attraction to her gives her the freedom to get as far as she does in her plans, even as she falls for him in return.
While the romance and eroticism takes center stage in the novel, there is a secondary element to the book that comes in subtly as Jules takes a more permanent role in Sabine's life. Jules is intent on a restoration of his honor and wealth, and the discover the truth about his father's accusations. Neither Jules nor Sabine suspect the guilty party until Sabine's life is in danger. Suspense and unpredictability pull me right to the end pages, and just enough is left hanging to lead into a sequel. I look forward to discovering what happens next!
Dana (24 KP) rated A Court of Thorns and Roses in Books
Mar 23, 2018
Contains spoilers, click to show
Oh my goodness.
I absolutely adored this book! I am a huge sucker for any kind of fairy tale retelling and this one did not disappoint!
Through about the first half of the book, I had this warm, floaty kind of feeling in my chest. The writing actually made me feel like I was in love (or what I assume it to feel like). The way the characters talked to each other and interacted just made me feel so good about this book.
Speaking of the characters, can I say well written? Because, wow! I felt really connected to the characters (especially Feyre's sassy-ness and care for her family). They were very well written and drawn out. I didn't feel like they were flattened or abused in any way, even when they were being beaten up on the pages. There was a great deal of respect that was shown to all of the characters in this book. I really enjoyed the strength that Maas gave to each of her characters. It was as if they had their own way to deal with their weaknesses and strengths. They felt so real! I think what helped with creating this reality was making some of the characters seem super awkward at times. I mean, everyone gets awkward, but the way it was done was to show how the characters really were, not necessarily how the narrator was seeing them.
The plot was amazingly paced. I didn't feel like I was waiting for something exciting to happen because it was always happening. Even down to the smallest of parts in this novel were exciting. But even then, it didn't feel too over the top in excitement. There was a great balance between pacing and excitement (I have said that word too many times in this review, but who cares!)
I didn't feel like there was much missing from this book except for more pages. I didn't want it to end!!
If I could, I would give this a higher rating than a 5 star because it was just that amazing!!
I recommend this to anyone who adores fairy tale retellings, fantasy, fairies, or just a damn good read. Honestly, if you haven't picked this book up, I really recommend that you do. I am kind of kicking myself for not picking up this book sooner!
******Also, spoiler-ish thing ahead:*******
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I just want to know, did anyone else guess that riddle when they first read it, because I did. I started yelling and cheering at the end part when she figured it out!!
I absolutely adored this book! I am a huge sucker for any kind of fairy tale retelling and this one did not disappoint!
Through about the first half of the book, I had this warm, floaty kind of feeling in my chest. The writing actually made me feel like I was in love (or what I assume it to feel like). The way the characters talked to each other and interacted just made me feel so good about this book.
Speaking of the characters, can I say well written? Because, wow! I felt really connected to the characters (especially Feyre's sassy-ness and care for her family). They were very well written and drawn out. I didn't feel like they were flattened or abused in any way, even when they were being beaten up on the pages. There was a great deal of respect that was shown to all of the characters in this book. I really enjoyed the strength that Maas gave to each of her characters. It was as if they had their own way to deal with their weaknesses and strengths. They felt so real! I think what helped with creating this reality was making some of the characters seem super awkward at times. I mean, everyone gets awkward, but the way it was done was to show how the characters really were, not necessarily how the narrator was seeing them.
The plot was amazingly paced. I didn't feel like I was waiting for something exciting to happen because it was always happening. Even down to the smallest of parts in this novel were exciting. But even then, it didn't feel too over the top in excitement. There was a great balance between pacing and excitement (I have said that word too many times in this review, but who cares!)
I didn't feel like there was much missing from this book except for more pages. I didn't want it to end!!
If I could, I would give this a higher rating than a 5 star because it was just that amazing!!
I recommend this to anyone who adores fairy tale retellings, fantasy, fairies, or just a damn good read. Honestly, if you haven't picked this book up, I really recommend that you do. I am kind of kicking myself for not picking up this book sooner!
******Also, spoiler-ish thing ahead:*******
*
*
*
*
*
*
I just want to know, did anyone else guess that riddle when they first read it, because I did. I started yelling and cheering at the end part when she figured it out!!
Georgina DeBurca (2 KP) rated Sin For Love (Fortune For Love #1) in Books
Jan 29, 2018
Received this book as a gift from a party.
Sticking to my usual rules - I'm not gonna give anything away.
So - let's start with writing style - good. It flicks between the heroine and heroes pov. Every time the pov changed - it was headed by a name. Made me feel a little thick that I needed to be told but I know some people do struggle reading pov swap books. So I'll overlook that. Written well. Not many errors.
Storyline - well laid out and the writer knew what journey she wanted to take us on. it was emotional and sensual. Almost like a dirty sexual modern day fairy tale where the guy gets the girl after trial by fire.
Sex scenes were well written, creative and steamy as hell. Will warn - public masturbation, and some girl on girl.
Did I like this story - well... Yes and no. Well written and well thought out, steamy. the only bit that put me off were the sins, but they were integral to the story line to be fair, so I can't grumble too much. Liked the back stories and how their lives were linked after an incident in both their pasts.
Definitely worth a read. <3
Sticking to my usual rules - I'm not gonna give anything away.
So - let's start with writing style - good. It flicks between the heroine and heroes pov. Every time the pov changed - it was headed by a name. Made me feel a little thick that I needed to be told but I know some people do struggle reading pov swap books. So I'll overlook that. Written well. Not many errors.
Storyline - well laid out and the writer knew what journey she wanted to take us on. it was emotional and sensual. Almost like a dirty sexual modern day fairy tale where the guy gets the girl after trial by fire.
Sex scenes were well written, creative and steamy as hell. Will warn - public masturbation, and some girl on girl.
Did I like this story - well... Yes and no. Well written and well thought out, steamy. the only bit that put me off were the sins, but they were integral to the story line to be fair, so I can't grumble too much. Liked the back stories and how their lives were linked after an incident in both their pasts.
Definitely worth a read. <3
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Dark Chocolate Demise (Cupcake Bakery Mystery, #7) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Fairy Tale Cupcakes are selling cupcakes at the end of the first annual Zombie walk in town, and Mel, Angie, and the rest of their staff are getting into the spirit of things. But the fun takes a dark turn when Mel finds a body stuffed into the coffin outside their cupcake truck – a body that hits very close to home. Who was the target and why?
This book is a little darker than others in the series based on the plot alone, but we are talking a shade darker – cozy fans will still love it. The mystery takes a back seat at times to the characters reactions to the murder, but that was the appropriate response to the plot and I was never board while reading it. The book reaches a logical and page turning climax, and it also features some of the funniest scenes in the series. I think this is best for people already fans of the series, but they will love it.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of the book in hopes that I would review it.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/02/book-review-dark-chocolate-demise-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This book is a little darker than others in the series based on the plot alone, but we are talking a shade darker – cozy fans will still love it. The mystery takes a back seat at times to the characters reactions to the murder, but that was the appropriate response to the plot and I was never board while reading it. The book reaches a logical and page turning climax, and it also features some of the funniest scenes in the series. I think this is best for people already fans of the series, but they will love it.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of the book in hopes that I would review it.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/02/book-review-dark-chocolate-demise-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Guards! Guards! Discworld Novel 8 in Books
Mar 19, 2018
A great introduction to the City Watch
You've got to hand it to Terry Pratchett, he knows how to write a good fantasy novel.
Guards! Guards! is yet another great Discworld novel, and the first to introduce Captain Vimes and the City Watch. Vimes himself is a loveable anti-hero who develops greatly over the course of the novel and the same too can be said for the other members of the Watch. Carrot the 'dwarf' provides a real introduction to the Watch and also a lot of the humour from his exploits, and I loved seeing a lot more of the Librarian.
The plot itself on the face of it is a fantasy fairy tale filled story of dragons, maidens and heroes. But with every Pratchett novel, beneath it lies dark wit and humour, and a slightly sad social commentary on human greed and corruption. There are a lot of references in this to other media, like The Hobbit, which really poke fun at the myths and lore used in the fantasy genre.
A great read with some very engaging characters. A little rambling at times, but fortunately the rest of the book makes up for it! Discworld books are the only books that can really make me laugh out loud.
Guards! Guards! is yet another great Discworld novel, and the first to introduce Captain Vimes and the City Watch. Vimes himself is a loveable anti-hero who develops greatly over the course of the novel and the same too can be said for the other members of the Watch. Carrot the 'dwarf' provides a real introduction to the Watch and also a lot of the humour from his exploits, and I loved seeing a lot more of the Librarian.
The plot itself on the face of it is a fantasy fairy tale filled story of dragons, maidens and heroes. But with every Pratchett novel, beneath it lies dark wit and humour, and a slightly sad social commentary on human greed and corruption. There are a lot of references in this to other media, like The Hobbit, which really poke fun at the myths and lore used in the fantasy genre.
A great read with some very engaging characters. A little rambling at times, but fortunately the rest of the book makes up for it! Discworld books are the only books that can really make me laugh out loud.
Erika (17789 KP) rated Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) in Movies
Jul 27, 2019 (Updated Jul 27, 2019)
This has been the only film I've seen in theaters this July (too many kids movies), and it was completely worth it.
The only gripe I have, to start out with, was the length. QT definitely took his time to develop the characters, and to enjoy the overall nostalgia of Hollywood in 1969. I'm not really a Brad Pitt (Cliff) fan, but his chemistry with Leo was a joy to watch, and highly amusing. I really loved Leo in this, aside from his persistent Calvin Candie accent.
I really enjoyed Moh's Bruce Lee, and the scene with Cliff was one of my favorites. Another of my favorites was the ultra-creepiness of the Spahn Ranch with the Manson family.
The entire movie, I was waiting for the signature violence, and while there was a little at Spahn Ranch, the end was amazing. The last scenes had me laughing so hard, I was crying, I loved it. QT really let us know how he feels about the Manson family.
Of course, this is a fairy-tale, so the end result was different than what happened in real life. I'm for sure going to try to catch this flick again tomorrow.
Also- RIP Luke Perry, he got very little screen time, but it was great screen time.
The only gripe I have, to start out with, was the length. QT definitely took his time to develop the characters, and to enjoy the overall nostalgia of Hollywood in 1969. I'm not really a Brad Pitt (Cliff) fan, but his chemistry with Leo was a joy to watch, and highly amusing. I really loved Leo in this, aside from his persistent Calvin Candie accent.
I really enjoyed Moh's Bruce Lee, and the scene with Cliff was one of my favorites. Another of my favorites was the ultra-creepiness of the Spahn Ranch with the Manson family.
The entire movie, I was waiting for the signature violence, and while there was a little at Spahn Ranch, the end was amazing. The last scenes had me laughing so hard, I was crying, I loved it. QT really let us know how he feels about the Manson family.
Of course, this is a fairy-tale, so the end result was different than what happened in real life. I'm for sure going to try to catch this flick again tomorrow.
Also- RIP Luke Perry, he got very little screen time, but it was great screen time.
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated The Secret Life of Lady Evangeline (Secrets, #1) in Books
Feb 23, 2021
This is my first time reading a book by Jan Davis Warren! The Secret Life of Lady Evangeline is the first book in her new Secrets series. From the very first pages this book was an adventure that I did not want to put down.
Lady Evangeline was a remarkably strong women that I wish I could be! She faced a lot of trials and came out with a deeper understanding of the world around her. All the characters in the book were developed at a consistent pace and were interesting. I am hoping that the other books in the series touch on some of the other characters mentioned in this book as Id love to know their stories!
Overall, this story kind of seemed like a cross between Robin Hood and a Princess fairy tale. I enjoyed the storyline. Most of it was not too farfetched, but rather real events brought to life before your eyes. Entertaining and captivating.
give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the attention-grabbing story, the character growth, and for making me anticipate reading more books from this author!
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Lady Evangeline was a remarkably strong women that I wish I could be! She faced a lot of trials and came out with a deeper understanding of the world around her. All the characters in the book were developed at a consistent pace and were interesting. I am hoping that the other books in the series touch on some of the other characters mentioned in this book as Id love to know their stories!
Overall, this story kind of seemed like a cross between Robin Hood and a Princess fairy tale. I enjoyed the storyline. Most of it was not too farfetched, but rather real events brought to life before your eyes. Entertaining and captivating.
give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the attention-grabbing story, the character growth, and for making me anticipate reading more books from this author!
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.