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ClareR (5996 KP) rated The Hemlock Cure in Books
Apr 6, 2023
The Hemlock Cure was a fascinating insight into the lives of ordinary people during the Black Death (Bubonic Plague) epidemic of 1665-1666. The plague is very much in the background of this story for most of it, though.
The real evil isn’t a disease, it’s being shut in with people who clearly do not have good intentions.
The village of Eyam is well known for the decision to shut itself off from the outside world when its inhabitants started to become ill and die. They understood that the only way to halt the spread of the disease was to isolate themselves - a selfless act.
This novel looks at some of the families and their relationships inside and outside of their family units. The local apothecary and his daughter Mae, are one such family. Mae is desperate to be her fathers apprentice, but this isn’t a time in history where it’s safe for a woman to be working with herbs. So Mae studies with the midwife and a local wise woman (who are both also skating on thin ice, truth be told).
The plague wasn’t a constant in London it appears, and we travel there with one of the main characters. The contrast between the country village and London was quite something to read. I could almost smell the difference off the page!!
I enjoyed the pacing of this book: in Eyam the time crawls, whilst in London everything is all hustle and bustle.
The slow reveal of the terrible secrets in Mae’s family are not so much shocking as terrifying. Wulfric, Mae’s father, is not a well man. It seems to be a race against time for Mae.
I would most definitely recommend this book to historical fiction fans - and if you like a mystery, you may well like this as well.
The real evil isn’t a disease, it’s being shut in with people who clearly do not have good intentions.
The village of Eyam is well known for the decision to shut itself off from the outside world when its inhabitants started to become ill and die. They understood that the only way to halt the spread of the disease was to isolate themselves - a selfless act.
This novel looks at some of the families and their relationships inside and outside of their family units. The local apothecary and his daughter Mae, are one such family. Mae is desperate to be her fathers apprentice, but this isn’t a time in history where it’s safe for a woman to be working with herbs. So Mae studies with the midwife and a local wise woman (who are both also skating on thin ice, truth be told).
The plague wasn’t a constant in London it appears, and we travel there with one of the main characters. The contrast between the country village and London was quite something to read. I could almost smell the difference off the page!!
I enjoyed the pacing of this book: in Eyam the time crawls, whilst in London everything is all hustle and bustle.
The slow reveal of the terrible secrets in Mae’s family are not so much shocking as terrifying. Wulfric, Mae’s father, is not a well man. It seems to be a race against time for Mae.
I would most definitely recommend this book to historical fiction fans - and if you like a mystery, you may well like this as well.
Merissa (13358 KP) rated Weave Them And Reap (Weavers Of The Ether #1) in Books
Jun 20, 2023
WEAVE THEM AND REAP is the first book in the Weavers of the Ether series and, I'm not 100% sure but it feels like it's a spin-off from a different series. Whether it is or not, I enjoyed this story of a renegade weaver finding her destiny and three mates at the same time!
There are other characters I'm hoping have stories told about - the princess in the Gate, Cam, Leif, Jet, and Wren, to name just some. But this story was about Echo, Finn, Brogan, and Soren. Four very different people who have a mate bond… if they accept it.
I'll be honest, Echo was a little annoying to start with. Her constantly happy mood, even when Jet was cussing her, was a bit much but I do know people who are like that, which made it all the more believable! Brogan was the one to hold everyone together, always chilled - until he's not. Finn was the lonely dragon who found everything he didn't know he was looking for. And Soren - oh, man - I've saved the best for last. Mr Ice who was slowly but surely melted. What a great group.
This is the first book by this author I have read and I was drawn in from the first page. The world intrigues me, as do the characters, and I look forward to reading more in this series and also by the author. The overall story arc has been left wide open, although, with the epilogue, we know Echo and her guys are certainly happy enough!
Thoroughly enjoyable and definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Jun 20, 2023
There are other characters I'm hoping have stories told about - the princess in the Gate, Cam, Leif, Jet, and Wren, to name just some. But this story was about Echo, Finn, Brogan, and Soren. Four very different people who have a mate bond… if they accept it.
I'll be honest, Echo was a little annoying to start with. Her constantly happy mood, even when Jet was cussing her, was a bit much but I do know people who are like that, which made it all the more believable! Brogan was the one to hold everyone together, always chilled - until he's not. Finn was the lonely dragon who found everything he didn't know he was looking for. And Soren - oh, man - I've saved the best for last. Mr Ice who was slowly but surely melted. What a great group.
This is the first book by this author I have read and I was drawn in from the first page. The world intrigues me, as do the characters, and I look forward to reading more in this series and also by the author. The overall story arc has been left wide open, although, with the epilogue, we know Echo and her guys are certainly happy enough!
Thoroughly enjoyable and definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Jun 20, 2023
Would You Rather? Book for Kids 8-12: 350 Challenging Questions, Silly Scenarios, and Hilarious Situations
8.0
Rate It
Book
Why settle for a boring day when you can sprinkle it with the magic of laughter? This fantastic...
Merissa (13358 KP) rated Warrior Hearts Academy: Dragon Rule in Books
May 18, 2025
DRAGON RULE is the third and final book in the Warrior Hearts Academy Dragon trilogy and brings a satisfying conclusion to Bree's story. I say Bree's because she is the one who brings and holds them all together. This MUST be read after the other two books as the story continues on from where it left off.
In other words, Bree is taken by Victor, Riggs is unable to shift, Caliel is still fighting a losing battle against the Ice Drake, and Tez is still someone who leaves a lot to be desired. Does this change?
Erm, yes. Just a little bit! The storyline is amazing and so intricate. I loved watching the pieces fall into place. And seeing Bree become stronger with every passing moment, while still retaining the core essence of who she was, was outstanding. I even warmed up to Tez! Now, how about that?!
If I had one niggle, it would be Nar and the informant. It was never actually confirmed for sure that it was one and the same, so will be playing on my mind.
I really hope this isn't the end of this world. There are open-ended moments that could be followed on (cough, cough, Mykhal) but this one concludes nicely. Now, I want to go back (in their time) and read all of the others from the beginning to get the full experience!
A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and ABSOLUTELY RECOMMENDED.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* 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!
May 18, 2025
In other words, Bree is taken by Victor, Riggs is unable to shift, Caliel is still fighting a losing battle against the Ice Drake, and Tez is still someone who leaves a lot to be desired. Does this change?
Erm, yes. Just a little bit! The storyline is amazing and so intricate. I loved watching the pieces fall into place. And seeing Bree become stronger with every passing moment, while still retaining the core essence of who she was, was outstanding. I even warmed up to Tez! Now, how about that?!
If I had one niggle, it would be Nar and the informant. It was never actually confirmed for sure that it was one and the same, so will be playing on my mind.
I really hope this isn't the end of this world. There are open-ended moments that could be followed on (cough, cough, Mykhal) but this one concludes nicely. Now, I want to go back (in their time) and read all of the others from the beginning to get the full experience!
A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and ABSOLUTELY RECOMMENDED.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* 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!
May 18, 2025
Shadow Fight Battle Warriors 2
Games and Entertainment
App
Shadow Fight Battle: Super Hero Warriors Legend - The popular VS fighting game on Apple Store. ...
Kitchen Angel - Recipe Organiser & Premium Cookbook
Food & Drink and Book
App
A premium recipe organizer & cookbook with 60 recipes 1. Record, collect, and share your favorite...
Tipico Sport - Wetten & Quoten
Sports and Entertainment
App
The Tipico Classic app is now called Tipico Sport! Do you want to place bets with your iPhone? Our...
Scott Tostik (389 KP) rated Raw (2017) in Movies
Jul 28, 2017
Great lead actress (1 more)
Weird twist
WTF did I just watch... In a good way :)
Contains spoilers, click to show
What can be said about french horror that the amazing film Martyrs couldn't say?
A whole mouthful as made apparent by this entry from the land of Eiffel.
It starts slow, which in horror can make the viewer lose interest and get bored. But by the end of the first act you find yourself strangely intrigued by the story of Justine.
Who knew the students in veterinary school could be so harsh on rookies of the program. They shower them in blood and make them eat raw meat. Justine, a strict vegetarian protests, but her older sister makes her eat it, beginning a whirlwind of activity from the prudish Justine that seems completely out of character.
She and her roommate, who is supposed to be a girl, but is a gay young man, engage in pleasantries when she first gets there and a solid connection between the two characters is made.
During a botched Brazilian wax, Justine kicks a pair of scissors from her sister's hand, accidentally removing her ring finger in the process. Sister passes out, Justine calls the paramedics who tell her to put it on ice and rush her into the ER.
But Justine has other plans, she begins smelling the finger, then sucking the blood from the severed end, before snacking on the removed digit feverishly as Alex wakes up and awkwardly stares at her with a look of disbelief.
I'm not going to reveal anymore of this film, to do so would be rude and ignorant to the reader.
This movie is something that needs to be viewed to fully appreciate. It's utterly amazing to watch Justine's transformation.
As an avid horror fanatic, I can only make a recommendation that this film be watched by you the viewer, and your own assumptions be made.
I can lead you to the water, but I can't make you drink. But take my advice... Drink!!! Guzzle!!!! CHUG IT TIL YOU CAN'T DRINK ANYMORE!!!!
A whole mouthful as made apparent by this entry from the land of Eiffel.
It starts slow, which in horror can make the viewer lose interest and get bored. But by the end of the first act you find yourself strangely intrigued by the story of Justine.
Who knew the students in veterinary school could be so harsh on rookies of the program. They shower them in blood and make them eat raw meat. Justine, a strict vegetarian protests, but her older sister makes her eat it, beginning a whirlwind of activity from the prudish Justine that seems completely out of character.
She and her roommate, who is supposed to be a girl, but is a gay young man, engage in pleasantries when she first gets there and a solid connection between the two characters is made.
During a botched Brazilian wax, Justine kicks a pair of scissors from her sister's hand, accidentally removing her ring finger in the process. Sister passes out, Justine calls the paramedics who tell her to put it on ice and rush her into the ER.
But Justine has other plans, she begins smelling the finger, then sucking the blood from the severed end, before snacking on the removed digit feverishly as Alex wakes up and awkwardly stares at her with a look of disbelief.
I'm not going to reveal anymore of this film, to do so would be rude and ignorant to the reader.
This movie is something that needs to be viewed to fully appreciate. It's utterly amazing to watch Justine's transformation.
As an avid horror fanatic, I can only make a recommendation that this film be watched by you the viewer, and your own assumptions be made.
I can lead you to the water, but I can't make you drink. But take my advice... Drink!!! Guzzle!!!! CHUG IT TIL YOU CAN'T DRINK ANYMORE!!!!
Merissa (13358 KP) rated Under the Boardwalk (The Landmarks Series #1) in Books
Aug 16, 2017
Under the Boardwalk (Landmarks #1) by Felice Stevens
Under the Boardwalk is the latest book by Felice Stevens, an author that I have long admired. It's starts with last summer, as our two main characters first lay eyes on each other and want more. The timing isn't right though, so a year goes by. Now we are at this summer.
Alexi is an American, with Russian ancestry. He works for his father at the local custard stand, and dreams of travelling the world. Cam is the busker that Alexi dreams about. He has travelled the world, and found that there was no place like home (sorry, couldn't resist!). These two finally connect, and BOOM!!! We're off.
I love Felice Stevens' way of writing. She wraps you up, and immerses you in the story. This is one of her 'sweeter' books, I would say, although there is some low-level angst in here. One thing I will always be grateful for, is the explanation given to Cam about what the difference is between ice-cream and custard. As someone who grew up in England, custard is a hot, sweet, liquid that goes on top of treacle tart, or jam roly-poly. Not in a cone! I was thankful when the explanation was given as I then understood what everyone was eating! ?
I don't think there were any editing or grammatical errors, but if there were, I missed them as I was so engrossed with the story. I love the epilogue, and love these two together. I am seriously hoping for more in this series, and also hope that we get to see a cameo from these two, just so I can find out if they're still okay.
Absolutely recommended by me, just be warned that you may lose time when you start reading this book!
* 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!
Alexi is an American, with Russian ancestry. He works for his father at the local custard stand, and dreams of travelling the world. Cam is the busker that Alexi dreams about. He has travelled the world, and found that there was no place like home (sorry, couldn't resist!). These two finally connect, and BOOM!!! We're off.
I love Felice Stevens' way of writing. She wraps you up, and immerses you in the story. This is one of her 'sweeter' books, I would say, although there is some low-level angst in here. One thing I will always be grateful for, is the explanation given to Cam about what the difference is between ice-cream and custard. As someone who grew up in England, custard is a hot, sweet, liquid that goes on top of treacle tart, or jam roly-poly. Not in a cone! I was thankful when the explanation was given as I then understood what everyone was eating! ?
I don't think there were any editing or grammatical errors, but if there were, I missed them as I was so engrossed with the story. I love the epilogue, and love these two together. I am seriously hoping for more in this series, and also hope that we get to see a cameo from these two, just so I can find out if they're still okay.
Absolutely recommended by me, just be warned that you may lose time when you start reading this book!
* 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!
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Fire and Heist in Books
Apr 2, 2019
I picked this up off the library shelf for the title; I took it home for the description. Were-dragon thieves? Awesome. It turns out it's not that simple. For one, the were-dragons have lost the ability to transform over the years - the last dragon to transform was Sir Francis Drake, and the book is set in modern times, so, at least a couple hundred years have passed. And humans know the were-dragons exist! I suppose without the ability to transform, they're little more than rich celebrities with parlor tricks. (Immune to fire to certain temperatures, ability to breathe fire.) What humans don't know is how much the wyverns tend to steal to enrich their hoards. And that some of them can do limited magic.
We open on Sky, sixteen, rattling around her mansion, dealing with her now dysfunctional family of three brothers and their father. Her mother went missing not very long ago, during a heist. The kids have been told she's gone, she's alive, she's not coming back, and to drop the matter. Were-dragon society almost exiled all of them for whatever their mother got into, so they're all on thin ice. Sky, of course, is having none of this. When she stumbles on a lead for where her mother went, she pursues it, and learns all kinds of secrets.
The book was okay, I suppose. I was a little appalled at were-dragon society, and that the dragons just - bow to the authority of the Council. Dragons should have more spine. The heist part was pretty cool, with Sky and her friends figuring out how to take apart every layer of security piece by piece.
I don't know. It was a fluffy book, but not a feel-good book, and I just wasn't that enthused.
You can read all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com
We open on Sky, sixteen, rattling around her mansion, dealing with her now dysfunctional family of three brothers and their father. Her mother went missing not very long ago, during a heist. The kids have been told she's gone, she's alive, she's not coming back, and to drop the matter. Were-dragon society almost exiled all of them for whatever their mother got into, so they're all on thin ice. Sky, of course, is having none of this. When she stumbles on a lead for where her mother went, she pursues it, and learns all kinds of secrets.
The book was okay, I suppose. I was a little appalled at were-dragon society, and that the dragons just - bow to the authority of the Council. Dragons should have more spine. The heist part was pretty cool, with Sky and her friends figuring out how to take apart every layer of security piece by piece.
I don't know. It was a fluffy book, but not a feel-good book, and I just wasn't that enthused.
You can read all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com