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Sarah (7798 KP) rated I am Pilgrim in Books

Apr 27, 2018  
I am Pilgrim
I am Pilgrim
Terry Hayes | 2014 | Fiction & Poetry
9
9.8 (8 Ratings)
Book Rating
Gripping and thrilling
This book is an entirely unexpected revelation. I've seen the good reviews but just assumed it was yet another run of the mill crime/murder mystery thriller (I may have skim read the synopsis), but I couldn't have been more wrong.

It starts off fairly slowly, but a part of the way in I was hooked. Its a gripping and truly thrilling tale of espionage, terrorism and with a little bit of murder mystery thrown in too. Its well written for the most part and Scott/Brodie/Pilgrim is an interesting and likeable main character. The story itself is so detailed and descriptive, you can't doubt any of it and once it gets going, it really progresses at a very quick pace. The fact that it has links to 9/11 too was also very well done and quite emotional.

My only criticisms are some of the actions of Pilgrim are a little dumb or unbelievable at times, especially considering he's meant to be one of the best. But other than that, this is a fantastic, albeit maybe slightly too long, thriller that really keeps you hooked.
  
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Hazel (1853 KP) rated Clockwork Dollhouse in Books

Oct 19, 2018 (Updated Oct 19, 2018)  
Clockwork Dollhouse
Clockwork Dollhouse
Jordan Elizabeth Mierek | 2018 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Thriller, Young Adult (YA)
7
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Short but gripping
A very short novella, Clockwork Dollhouse by Jordan Elizabeth is a haunting steampunk tale of revenge. Set in a previous century, Governor Robert Pendleton is shocked to discover an intruder in a set of rooms that have not been entered for years. He is even more shocked to discover the intruder is his niece, Ainsley, the daughter of his sister, Jane.

When Jane was young, unable to walk due to a disfigured foot, she took delight in creating mechanical dolls, representing her family. Ever since Ainsley, now an orphan, appeared at the castle, the dolls have taken on a life of their own, acting out events to suggest Robert had murdered his parents and sister. Unnerved, Robert wonders who is moving the dolls; is it Ainsley or have the mechanical figures come to life. Could it even be Jane's ghost?

In under thirty pages, Jordan Elizabeth engages readers with a gripping tale of secrets and deceit. The steampunk genre adds an extra element of thrill, making Clockwork Dollhouse an apt short story to be published at this time of year. Although short, it proves the author's skill and wide imagination.
  
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Tarkin (14 KP) rated Surprise Me in Books

Oct 27, 2018  
Surprise Me
Surprise Me
Sophie Kinsella | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry
9
7.6 (7 Ratings)
Book Rating
Funny (2 more)
Relatable
Gripping
Took a while to get into the swing of it. (0 more)
Slow acceleration, but gripping once you get into it.
So started this book full of optimism, after all, I have loved every Sophie kinsella book I've read so far so why wouldn't I like this one? Took a while to get going, and I was starting to get bored and lose faith ,until about half way through when the plot and pace finally started to pick up. As soon as it got into the swing of it, I couldn't put the book down! Started reading while waiting for my hair dye to work, next thing I know 3 hours have gone by and I should have washed the dye out hours ago! (Its ok, it was non chemical dye, I'm good!) The ending of the book was also not a disappointment. Finished it feeling maybe a little wiser and much better about my own relationship, after relating to some of the thoughts of the main character. Anyway, this book kinda hits home once you've finished it, so if you do get bored, stick with it and you won't be able to put it down!!
  
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Sarah (7798 KP) rated Verity in Books

Aug 30, 2020  
Verity
Verity
Colleen Hoover | 2018 | Romance
8
8.5 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Gripping
I'd seen a lot of good reviews about this book and was intrigued to find out why so many people though it was so disturbing and horrific. I think people have over exaggerated some of the darker aspects of this book, but it was still a gripping read.

This is a very well written book. I was hooked from the first chapter and really struggled to put it down. I'm not entirely Lowen is the most endearing of protagonists but she's bearable enough. Verity was by far the most interesting of the characters through Lowen reading her manuscript, and it was that I wanted to read more of. The twist and ending were something I surprisingly didn't predict and actually quite liked due to the rather ambiguous nature of it. I do think people may have overexaggerated how dark and disturbing this book. Yes it's dark and has more than your normal amount of sexual references and descriptions, but it isn't particularly disgusting or out there. Some people may just need to get out more! Overall though this is a rather thrilling and entertaining read and one I'd definitely recommend.
  
There's Someone In Your House
There's Someone In Your House
Stephanie Perkins | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
9
6.7 (7 Ratings)
Book Rating
Gripping, difficult to put down (1 more)
The suspense and tension was really well built
I wish it had been a little bit longer, the ending felt a little rushed (0 more)
I had a lot of fun reading this book. This has been compared to Scream a lot, and I can see why. There are similarities, but not so many that you know whats going to happen. I found it really difficult to put down.

* I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher for review via Netgalley. This has not influenced my review.