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Kaysee Hood (83 KP) rated Tower Of Dawn in Books
Nov 3, 2017
Badass Women (2 more)
Big Birds
Acceptance
Vlag Ladies (2 more)
Giant Spiders
Spies
Uncovered Secrets
With the sixth book in the Throne of Glass series we come find there is more to the Vlag than what was originally thought to be. Chaol and Nesryn both discover pieces of the puzzle as well as parts of themselves through the healer, Yrene Towers, and Prince Sartaq in an attempt to raise an army to move North and to have his back healed.
Once more Mass had me caught up in the pages of her book and it was kind of bizarre to be captured by a ToG novel, yet the focus is on the Hand of the King and the newly appointed Captain of the Guard rather than Aelin, which I was glad for. I don't believe if EoS and ToD were combined as planned it could not have conveyed important plot points, character growth, and development of new characters and plots as well as being two separate books. In ToD we're able to see Chaol progress not only with his injury, but within himself as he deals with the horrors from QoS. We're able to read through how Yrene is unwillingly to work with Chaol to how she realizes it is within herself. Nesryn is able to find herself, her actual self she was not able to express in Adarlan., Even the royal family here makes progress, tiny steps to better themselves. Combined that with what is found about the Vlag as well as a certain few people and Tower of Dawn is another successful ToG book.
So if you're a fan of the others then go find a copy. If you've been wanting to read the series then it is a good time to start as the end is getting closer.
Once more Mass had me caught up in the pages of her book and it was kind of bizarre to be captured by a ToG novel, yet the focus is on the Hand of the King and the newly appointed Captain of the Guard rather than Aelin, which I was glad for. I don't believe if EoS and ToD were combined as planned it could not have conveyed important plot points, character growth, and development of new characters and plots as well as being two separate books. In ToD we're able to see Chaol progress not only with his injury, but within himself as he deals with the horrors from QoS. We're able to read through how Yrene is unwillingly to work with Chaol to how she realizes it is within herself. Nesryn is able to find herself, her actual self she was not able to express in Adarlan., Even the royal family here makes progress, tiny steps to better themselves. Combined that with what is found about the Vlag as well as a certain few people and Tower of Dawn is another successful ToG book.
So if you're a fan of the others then go find a copy. If you've been wanting to read the series then it is a good time to start as the end is getting closer.
Amy Christmas (171 KP) rated My Sister, the Serial Killer in Books
Feb 4, 2019
Short and sweet (1 more)
Characters are well built and easy to connect with
The ending (1 more)
Lack of retribution
Infuriatingly good
Contains spoilers, click to show
I loved this book, in fact I read it in one sitting I just couldn't let the anger it infused in me settle.
Korede is our main character, she's a nurse and her sister is a narcissistic selfish serial killer. The book opens with Korede cleaning up one of her Ayoolas messes.
At first you might be mistaken thinking that Ayoola is just nïave, you'd be wrong. We come to learn that she knows exactly what she's doing and it is killing Korede, the big sister that will forever love her little sister, even if it pains the reader.
Korede is fine with her sisters killing it's seems though the last one unsettled something within her,raising a question that must be answered; should she tell the police?
Most with siblings might say no because they're family, this is at first the stance Korede takes. However when Ayoola, possibly trying to make up for inconveniencing her sister via a dead body visits her at work and settles her eyes on Tade.
I loved Tade to begin with. Slowly you learn he's just as much of an arsehole as the next berating Korede for being mean to her sister, even when Korede warns him she's dangerous.
While all of this is going on Korede confides all her secrets to a coma patient it calms her, but when he wakes up who knows what he's remembered.
In the end the question of whether to turn Ayoola in or not returns, and this is where the story went downhill for me, as Korede herself allows Ayoola to manipulate her, only to bring home a new man the next day.
Will I read it again?
Maybe, who's to know?
Korede is our main character, she's a nurse and her sister is a narcissistic selfish serial killer. The book opens with Korede cleaning up one of her Ayoolas messes.
At first you might be mistaken thinking that Ayoola is just nïave, you'd be wrong. We come to learn that she knows exactly what she's doing and it is killing Korede, the big sister that will forever love her little sister, even if it pains the reader.
Korede is fine with her sisters killing it's seems though the last one unsettled something within her,raising a question that must be answered; should she tell the police?
Most with siblings might say no because they're family, this is at first the stance Korede takes. However when Ayoola, possibly trying to make up for inconveniencing her sister via a dead body visits her at work and settles her eyes on Tade.
I loved Tade to begin with. Slowly you learn he's just as much of an arsehole as the next berating Korede for being mean to her sister, even when Korede warns him she's dangerous.
While all of this is going on Korede confides all her secrets to a coma patient it calms her, but when he wakes up who knows what he's remembered.
In the end the question of whether to turn Ayoola in or not returns, and this is where the story went downhill for me, as Korede herself allows Ayoola to manipulate her, only to bring home a new man the next day.
Will I read it again?
Maybe, who's to know?
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Patti's Luck (Sleepover Friends, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
My rating is based on how much I would have liked this as a ten-year-old. For some reason, I never read any books in the Sleepover Friends' series, even though it's a kind of a cousin-once-removed to the Baby-Sitter's Club series. So when I saw this and another one at a recent library book sale, I figured, why not?
This book has a little of everything most girls like: sleepovers (duh), junk food and baking, talk of boys, games, makeovers with purple hair gel, movies, the paranormal, school fairs, field trips, new friends, and who knows what I've forgotten! Plus, a moment when Stephanie's father cross-dresses as fortune teller at the school fair. That gave me some thoughts about secrets in that family. Maybe that's why they moved from "The City." There's some moments of suspended belief, the biggest is when Patti and Lauren chase after a car (homework was put on the bumper and apparently it stuck real good :P), Lauren (the narrator) loses track of Patti, gets back to school and tells their teacher that Patti's lost. The teacher, being told of a new student unaware of the area being lost, says not to worry(!), that someone will point her back to the school. What?! All I'm thinking is good thing this isn't the real world! Abduction, anybody? There's also a lot of baking these fifth-graders do, they talk surprisingly well, probably better than I do, and have heaps of common sense, but hey, it's a harmless kids' book that I would have gobbled up when I was that age. Overall, it's a cute book that I think even girls today would enjoy.
This book has a little of everything most girls like: sleepovers (duh), junk food and baking, talk of boys, games, makeovers with purple hair gel, movies, the paranormal, school fairs, field trips, new friends, and who knows what I've forgotten! Plus, a moment when Stephanie's father cross-dresses as fortune teller at the school fair. That gave me some thoughts about secrets in that family. Maybe that's why they moved from "The City." There's some moments of suspended belief, the biggest is when Patti and Lauren chase after a car (homework was put on the bumper and apparently it stuck real good :P), Lauren (the narrator) loses track of Patti, gets back to school and tells their teacher that Patti's lost. The teacher, being told of a new student unaware of the area being lost, says not to worry(!), that someone will point her back to the school. What?! All I'm thinking is good thing this isn't the real world! Abduction, anybody? There's also a lot of baking these fifth-graders do, they talk surprisingly well, probably better than I do, and have heaps of common sense, but hey, it's a harmless kids' book that I would have gobbled up when I was that age. Overall, it's a cute book that I think even girls today would enjoy.
Lindsay (1774 KP) rated The High Court in Books
Mar 14, 2019
We are welcome back to MO Prep and it students right before the start of a new term. Zeus and his siblings and friend Metis are all visiting Crete. They are there to visit and get introduced to his adoptive family. I loved this book and story behind it.
Things get tense when they run into his former professors. There seem to be heated conversation with Zeus and Metis. We also find out who Metis parents are? Chris Ledbetter doe a wonderful job with his characters.
We seem to see the confrontation once again with Zeus and Titans students or at least some of them. What will happen at Othrys Hall? They seem to start their new term and find new member to join MO Prep. Once they do, they go about their day. Once in the afternoon they seem to get attacked by something of a Giants Creatures on their war game practice. What are they? Who sent them?
If you want to know how it starts, I would suggest reading “The Sky Throne” by Chris Ledbetter. This one continues it. If you want to know how Zeus ends up with his struggles with toxin that Zenus has and is deal with during this book. Read the first book which I mentioned above.
I also really think there something going on with how the professors of the lower and upper academy are treating the MO Prep students. I can not wait for the next installment of this story. I am left wondering what Kronos means and why he got sentence he got? There are surprises and secrets spilled. What happens to Hyperion? There are two trials that goes on.
Things get tense when they run into his former professors. There seem to be heated conversation with Zeus and Metis. We also find out who Metis parents are? Chris Ledbetter doe a wonderful job with his characters.
We seem to see the confrontation once again with Zeus and Titans students or at least some of them. What will happen at Othrys Hall? They seem to start their new term and find new member to join MO Prep. Once they do, they go about their day. Once in the afternoon they seem to get attacked by something of a Giants Creatures on their war game practice. What are they? Who sent them?
If you want to know how it starts, I would suggest reading “The Sky Throne” by Chris Ledbetter. This one continues it. If you want to know how Zeus ends up with his struggles with toxin that Zenus has and is deal with during this book. Read the first book which I mentioned above.
I also really think there something going on with how the professors of the lower and upper academy are treating the MO Prep students. I can not wait for the next installment of this story. I am left wondering what Kronos means and why he got sentence he got? There are surprises and secrets spilled. What happens to Hyperion? There are two trials that goes on.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 KP) rated A Dream of Death in Books
Apr 11, 2019
Don’t Miss This Debut
Kate Hamilton has returned to the Isle of Glenroth off the coast of Scotland, something she swore she would never do after the death of her husband three years ago. She’s come in response to a plea for help from her sister-in-law, Elenor, but Elenor won’t say more until after the Tartan Ball she is hosting for island residence the night Kate arrives. Elenor makes a couple of shocking announcements during the ball and then turns up murdered the next morning. Kate sees parallels to a 200-year-old crime from the island’s past that has recently been brought to back to prominence thanks to a bestselling novel. The police dismiss the similarity as a coincidence, but is Kate on to something?
I was hesitant to pick up this book because of all the books already on my to be read mountain range, but I’m glad I did. This book has a lot going on with a possible ghost, an old house, and the mystery from the past that might be leading to the murder in the present all coming into play. Coupled with the dreary weather, and I got a Gothic feel as I read this book. That atmosphere is enhanced by characters who are all strong, giving us plenty of suspects with motives and secrets all their own. With everything going on, the pace never lags, and I was frustrated every time I had to put the book down. Even though Kate isn’t at home for this book, we still got a glimpse of her family, and I hope we get to see more of them in future books. Kate owns an antique shop, and her knowledge of antiques came into play here in an interesting way. This is a strong debut that needs to be on your to be read list.
I was hesitant to pick up this book because of all the books already on my to be read mountain range, but I’m glad I did. This book has a lot going on with a possible ghost, an old house, and the mystery from the past that might be leading to the murder in the present all coming into play. Coupled with the dreary weather, and I got a Gothic feel as I read this book. That atmosphere is enhanced by characters who are all strong, giving us plenty of suspects with motives and secrets all their own. With everything going on, the pace never lags, and I was frustrated every time I had to put the book down. Even though Kate isn’t at home for this book, we still got a glimpse of her family, and I hope we get to see more of them in future books. Kate owns an antique shop, and her knowledge of antiques came into play here in an interesting way. This is a strong debut that needs to be on your to be read list.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated All the Broken People in Books
May 22, 2019
Alice Bennett knows what it means to suffer. After burying her abusive childhood and reinventing herself, Alice is living a life she never imagined could be hers. She's married to a perfect Southern gentleman. She has a challenging job she loves--writing for a woman's magazine. But when her past comes back with a vengeance, Alice finds herself on the outs with her husband, her perfect life crumbling around her feet.
Desperate to get things back to where they were, Alice travels to the mountains of North Georgia to care for her mother-in-law who was injured in a bad fall. Her motives aren't purely altruistic; she's hoping to get back into her husband's good graces. When she arrives, Alice discovers that the fall was no accident. Alice must battle her own inner demons as she uncovers the not-so-perfect truth of her husband's past. Ugly family secrets and devious attacks from an unknown assailant threaten to kill more than just Alice's dreams.
A dark journey into the Georgia mountains where kudzu covers the landscape and a grudge can last generations.All the Broken People will leave you questioning who the good guys really are or whether they exist at all.
This is an absolutely great suspenseful thriller, a roller coaster ride of a book! I couldn't put it down! The characters were well written, the intricate plot was fascinating. Just a wonderful book!
There is plenty of suspense and surprises.
The conclusion was something I didn’t see coming which is always fun.
The author has a real sense of how to build the tension to bring out the best pieces of the plot.
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this early copy!
Desperate to get things back to where they were, Alice travels to the mountains of North Georgia to care for her mother-in-law who was injured in a bad fall. Her motives aren't purely altruistic; she's hoping to get back into her husband's good graces. When she arrives, Alice discovers that the fall was no accident. Alice must battle her own inner demons as she uncovers the not-so-perfect truth of her husband's past. Ugly family secrets and devious attacks from an unknown assailant threaten to kill more than just Alice's dreams.
A dark journey into the Georgia mountains where kudzu covers the landscape and a grudge can last generations.All the Broken People will leave you questioning who the good guys really are or whether they exist at all.
This is an absolutely great suspenseful thriller, a roller coaster ride of a book! I couldn't put it down! The characters were well written, the intricate plot was fascinating. Just a wonderful book!
There is plenty of suspense and surprises.
The conclusion was something I didn’t see coming which is always fun.
The author has a real sense of how to build the tension to bring out the best pieces of the plot.
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this early copy!
Kyera (8 KP) rated Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda in Books
Jan 31, 2018
I had read a few chapters earlier in the day before I jumped in bed to read – fast forward a few hours and it was way past my normal bedtime... and the book was done. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda was a cute contemporary book that once you pick it up, you won’t want to put it down.
Simon and his friends are typical, relatable high school students that deal with relationships, family dynamics and the difficulty of navigating adolescence. The students at the school have a tumblr in which they can gossip or post secrets. It was there that Simon stumbles across a post that he relates to and decides to contact the author. Throughout the novel, Simon is corresponding the other boy in his school although neither know the other’s identity. It was nice to experience them getting to know one another before they’ve ever even met.
I read the Upside of Unrequited prior to reading Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, so I had a reverse experience with the character cameos. We hear a little from Abby through her conversations with Molly, so it was nice to see her as an important character in Simon’s tale. One funny scene in Upside was when Molly and Abby were skyping while Simon was over. He asked her a very important question, which House did Abby belong to. It wasn’t important to the plot, but after reading this book and getting to know Simon I loved it even more.
Despite life’s ups and downs, the conclusion to this novel was the happy end that you can expect from a YA contemporary. I would highly recommend it to young adult/teen fans of contemporary books that are set in high school and have diverse characters.
Simon and his friends are typical, relatable high school students that deal with relationships, family dynamics and the difficulty of navigating adolescence. The students at the school have a tumblr in which they can gossip or post secrets. It was there that Simon stumbles across a post that he relates to and decides to contact the author. Throughout the novel, Simon is corresponding the other boy in his school although neither know the other’s identity. It was nice to experience them getting to know one another before they’ve ever even met.
I read the Upside of Unrequited prior to reading Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, so I had a reverse experience with the character cameos. We hear a little from Abby through her conversations with Molly, so it was nice to see her as an important character in Simon’s tale. One funny scene in Upside was when Molly and Abby were skyping while Simon was over. He asked her a very important question, which House did Abby belong to. It wasn’t important to the plot, but after reading this book and getting to know Simon I loved it even more.
Despite life’s ups and downs, the conclusion to this novel was the happy end that you can expect from a YA contemporary. I would highly recommend it to young adult/teen fans of contemporary books that are set in high school and have diverse characters.
Kyera (8 KP) rated This Adventure Ends in Books
Feb 1, 2018
This Adventure Ends started off by speaking to my little sarcastic, witty heart and introducing us to a funny, female character. Its crazy, but yes girls can be funny. The humorous person in your novel does not have to be a guy. It is your classic high school story where a new girl moves to town and makes friends but of course, the friends all have drama and secrets.
Sloane is also a singer and loves to read, so basically, this is starting to sound like my life. I joke, sort of, but she is a relatively normal, relatable high school girl. It really made me miss taking voice lessons even though theyre not expressly featured in the book. A lot of the events are more just telling the reader that it happened, than showing them what happened.
Im sure most readers can relate to this line in the book:
He looks at me for a moment and then says, Maybe Ill just watch the movie.
Those are fighting words, I say.
It just speaks to how relatable the author makes the book, from fanfics and fandom to high school sports and friends. This book gives you feels and might even cause a tear of joy. All of the effort that Sloane goes through, the love that Vera and Gabe have for their mother, just comes together in one poignant moment and its beautiful.
The friendships are authentic, from their ups and downs to the simple fun they have together. The characters are likable and relatable and although theres some typical, adorable teen romantic cuteness, it fits in the story and I approve.
Recommended to teen/young adult readers who enjoy cheery contemporary novels about family, friendship and high school.
Sloane is also a singer and loves to read, so basically, this is starting to sound like my life. I joke, sort of, but she is a relatively normal, relatable high school girl. It really made me miss taking voice lessons even though theyre not expressly featured in the book. A lot of the events are more just telling the reader that it happened, than showing them what happened.
Im sure most readers can relate to this line in the book:
He looks at me for a moment and then says, Maybe Ill just watch the movie.
Those are fighting words, I say.
It just speaks to how relatable the author makes the book, from fanfics and fandom to high school sports and friends. This book gives you feels and might even cause a tear of joy. All of the effort that Sloane goes through, the love that Vera and Gabe have for their mother, just comes together in one poignant moment and its beautiful.
The friendships are authentic, from their ups and downs to the simple fun they have together. The characters are likable and relatable and although theres some typical, adorable teen romantic cuteness, it fits in the story and I approve.
Recommended to teen/young adult readers who enjoy cheery contemporary novels about family, friendship and high school.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated The Sleepwalker in Books
Feb 21, 2018
I went into this book blind. I had seen the cover and heard of the author, but hadn't read any of his books and didn't know what this one was about until after I started listening. Annalee Ahlberg, a woman who has issues with sleepwalking, goes missing. She leaves behind two daughters and a husband who must come to terms with her disappearance. Told from the point of view of her eldest daughter, Lianna, the listener gets to go along for the ride as the search continues and the police try to decide if Annalee met with foul play, or possibly harmed herself in her sleep. The truth ends up being neither, and is nothing I saw coming until right before it was spelled out for me.
The Sleepwalker is equal parts mystery novel and family drama. Everyone has their secrets, and Lianna isn't sure who she can trust. I wish it would have moved along a little more quickly, but overall it was a good story. I will look for more by Chris Bohjalian.
The narration was not so great. The main narrator was soft-spoken, and her voice fit the mood of the story very well, but she paused in odd places and put emphasis on what felt like the wrong word in many sentences. This was jarring and distracting. There were also brief passages at the beginning of each chapter read by a 2nd voice, which I found very irritating. In all fairness, these passages were apparently journal entries, and the 2nd voice did help to distinguish them from the rest of the story. I do think I might have enjoyed the book a little more if there had been different narrators, however.
The Sleepwalker is equal parts mystery novel and family drama. Everyone has their secrets, and Lianna isn't sure who she can trust. I wish it would have moved along a little more quickly, but overall it was a good story. I will look for more by Chris Bohjalian.
The narration was not so great. The main narrator was soft-spoken, and her voice fit the mood of the story very well, but she paused in odd places and put emphasis on what felt like the wrong word in many sentences. This was jarring and distracting. There were also brief passages at the beginning of each chapter read by a 2nd voice, which I found very irritating. In all fairness, these passages were apparently journal entries, and the 2nd voice did help to distinguish them from the rest of the story. I do think I might have enjoyed the book a little more if there had been different narrators, however.
Necole (36 KP) rated The Other Woman in Books
Sep 2, 2018
#BewareOfPammie #TheOtherWoman
#BewareOfPammie #TheOtherWoman
Domestic Suspense Thriller you won't want to put down. The cover alone is captivating then opening the book and reading the Prologue, holy wow can we say it makes you want to read it right away!!!!!
PROLOGUE
"She looks beautiful in her wedding dress. It fits her perfectly and is exactly what I'd imagined she'd go for: elegant, understated, and unique --- just like her. My heart breaks that her day will never come, but she doesn't need to know that yet.
I think about the guests who won't attend, the picture frames with no photographs, the first dance that will be silent, the cake that won't get eaten, and I feel my resolve weakening. I pull myself up. This is not a time for doubt.
There is still so much work to do, so much more pain to inflict, but I will not be deterred. I failed once before, but this time, I'll get it right. There's too much at stake to get it wrong."
Just wow!!! And which character is this coming from? Adam the fiancé? Pammie (Adam's mom and future mother-in-law)? James? (the jealous at times brother of Adam) Someone else in Emily's circle????
This book is about a romance that happened very quickly between Adam and Emily, a devious mother named Pammie, a brother who seems to want Emily for himself … Do you really know the family you will become in-laws with and will Emily find out too late who they really are? What secrets will be revealed? Get ready for an entertaining, twisted thriller you will not want to put down until the very end with lots of manipulation, guesses, and questions.. oh scratching your head moments like WTF …
Domestic Suspense Thriller you won't want to put down. The cover alone is captivating then opening the book and reading the Prologue, holy wow can we say it makes you want to read it right away!!!!!
PROLOGUE
"She looks beautiful in her wedding dress. It fits her perfectly and is exactly what I'd imagined she'd go for: elegant, understated, and unique --- just like her. My heart breaks that her day will never come, but she doesn't need to know that yet.
I think about the guests who won't attend, the picture frames with no photographs, the first dance that will be silent, the cake that won't get eaten, and I feel my resolve weakening. I pull myself up. This is not a time for doubt.
There is still so much work to do, so much more pain to inflict, but I will not be deterred. I failed once before, but this time, I'll get it right. There's too much at stake to get it wrong."
Just wow!!! And which character is this coming from? Adam the fiancé? Pammie (Adam's mom and future mother-in-law)? James? (the jealous at times brother of Adam) Someone else in Emily's circle????
This book is about a romance that happened very quickly between Adam and Emily, a devious mother named Pammie, a brother who seems to want Emily for himself … Do you really know the family you will become in-laws with and will Emily find out too late who they really are? What secrets will be revealed? Get ready for an entertaining, twisted thriller you will not want to put down until the very end with lots of manipulation, guesses, and questions.. oh scratching your head moments like WTF …