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Cori June (3033 KP) rated Tempests and Slaughter: the Numair Chronicles Book 1 in Books
Nov 30, 2018
If you are a fan of the Tortall world you should live this book. Set before the Immortals Sonnet, we get to see what Numair's childhood was like as he grows up in Carthak and meets Ozorne and Valice. Unlike most of her books this is completely set in Numair' s aka Arran Draper' s p.o.v.
I would recommend to pre-teens and older however, suggest that parent's read first because male puberty is discussed. Also discussed is Bullying, slavery, death, learning mage craft, political intrigue, friendship, love, gods, war. and has a few graphic fighting and healing scenes. A fast-paced read that has world building to reacquaint people to known characters. it does have an abrupt ending but I'm also selfish in I didn't want the book to end.
I would recommend to pre-teens and older however, suggest that parent's read first because male puberty is discussed. Also discussed is Bullying, slavery, death, learning mage craft, political intrigue, friendship, love, gods, war. and has a few graphic fighting and healing scenes. A fast-paced read that has world building to reacquaint people to known characters. it does have an abrupt ending but I'm also selfish in I didn't want the book to end.
The Chocolate Lady (94 KP) rated Naming the Bones in Books
Oct 7, 2020
Louise Welsh knows how to intrigue her readers and, like any good mystery writer, gives them enough twists and turns to keep them interested to the last page. But instead of using a professional (like investigator or detective) to get to the bottom of this story, she puts the research in the hands of a Professor of Literature on sabbatical, trying to write the story of his favourite poet's brief life for a book. Using this as the basis of the story, the people in his life also get tangled into the strange circumstances of the poet's life and death. For people like myself, who don't care much for the mystery genre, Welsh proves once again that you don't need to be a fan to enjoy her works.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Their Little Secret in Books
Nov 7, 2021
Review of Audiobook
This is my first foray into the world of audiobooks and I am so pleased I chose one of Mark Billingham's books to introduce me to the world of audio because, once again, he and Tom Thorne did not disappoint.
I was engrossed from the start and this didn't let up until the end. I never thought I would be able to get into a book that I wasn't actually physically holding but there was no such problem with this and I took every opportunity to put my headphones in and get lost in this book of intrigue.
I am already familiar with many of the main characters so it was like putting on a pair of comfy slippers being back amongst some good friends that I have grown quite attached to over the years. The narration is done by Mark himself and whilst he changed the voices slightly, he didn't put on a female voice for those particular parts (thank goodness!) so it did make it a little more difficult to distinguish between them but this didn't last long and didn't detract from my listening experience.
The plot is complex and compelling - what is it about a suicide that has Thorne intrigued? How is a murder in Margate connected? What does this have to do with a conman? Where does Sarah and her son Jamie come into this? So many secrets, so many lies and so much intrigue.
I admit that I was worried I wouldn't enjoy an audio book quite as much as an actual book but Mr Billingham removed that doubt with this excellent story that I would definitely recommend to lovers of crime thrillers and I have to thank Hachette Audio via Secret Readers Project for my audio book in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
I was engrossed from the start and this didn't let up until the end. I never thought I would be able to get into a book that I wasn't actually physically holding but there was no such problem with this and I took every opportunity to put my headphones in and get lost in this book of intrigue.
I am already familiar with many of the main characters so it was like putting on a pair of comfy slippers being back amongst some good friends that I have grown quite attached to over the years. The narration is done by Mark himself and whilst he changed the voices slightly, he didn't put on a female voice for those particular parts (thank goodness!) so it did make it a little more difficult to distinguish between them but this didn't last long and didn't detract from my listening experience.
The plot is complex and compelling - what is it about a suicide that has Thorne intrigued? How is a murder in Margate connected? What does this have to do with a conman? Where does Sarah and her son Jamie come into this? So many secrets, so many lies and so much intrigue.
I admit that I was worried I wouldn't enjoy an audio book quite as much as an actual book but Mr Billingham removed that doubt with this excellent story that I would definitely recommend to lovers of crime thrillers and I have to thank Hachette Audio via Secret Readers Project for my audio book in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
KarenRC (6 KP) rated Watching You in Books
Jul 23, 2018
This story focuses around this small neighbourhood with lots of strong characters, each with their own storyline to deal with. It feels like a lot, but once I had got my head round them all, this book drew me right in and I was hooked. It starts off with a body in a kitchen, then goes back and does a brilliant job of revealing the story, very slowly, by going back to the beginning of the timeline and working back through. The intermittent police reports from the day after the murder is an excellent addition, as it adds to the slow reveal as you start to realise who the body isn’t! It was a bit of a slow start, but once it got going the suspense, intrigue and twists are coming thick and fast right up until the very last page!
Dianne Robbins (1738 KP) rated In the Wake of the Plague: The Black Death and the World It Made in Books
Sep 3, 2018
I cannot believe how boring this book is. I've always been fascinated by the Black Plague and the time period so I was rather excited to find this book. I wish I had looked through it before purchasing it as it has been a complete waste of time. It is the least engaging book I've ever read. Even Where's Waldo has more intrigue and adventure. I am halfway through it and I simply cannot remember anything that was written. None of the author's stories makes any sense. It's just pretentious drivel and as much as I hate to do it, I am going to throw the book away instead of finishing it and will NEVER buy anything from this author again. It's a sad state of affairs when an author cannot make one of the most interesting subjects come to life.
Rachel Maria Berney (114 KP) rated Interview with the Vampire (The Vampire Chronicles, #1) in Books
Dec 4, 2018 (Updated Dec 4, 2018)
A vampire story you can sink your teeth into
I credit Anne Rice with my love of vampire novels and series. It has become a lifelong reading habit.
If you love a good vampire book, you need to read the one written by the Queen Mother of all vampire series. It takes you through the centuries of Louis the vampires life, how he came to be, who his friends are, who he meets and what happens. It's a long, winding tale of intrigue, betrayal and love.
I love the rich history and the detailed characters, background and psychology. Rice is a great writer, creates a detailed world within out world, that you find yourself falling into and falling in love with.
Pick this up, you will be hooked and there's more books, so you won't be dissapointed.
If you love a good vampire book, you need to read the one written by the Queen Mother of all vampire series. It takes you through the centuries of Louis the vampires life, how he came to be, who his friends are, who he meets and what happens. It's a long, winding tale of intrigue, betrayal and love.
I love the rich history and the detailed characters, background and psychology. Rice is a great writer, creates a detailed world within out world, that you find yourself falling into and falling in love with.
Pick this up, you will be hooked and there's more books, so you won't be dissapointed.
ClareR (5608 KP) rated The Cruel Prince in Books
Jan 16, 2019
The second book is lined up and ready to go!
I really enjoyed this, contrary to a lot of reviews I've read. Perhaps it's because it was so hyped in the lead up to it being published, and I left it a year before I read it? I don't know: perhaps I'm easy to please? Stick in some fairies, magic and a bit of danger, and I'm happy. Entertain me, help me to escape from real life - we've all wanted to be a fairy or elf haven't we? Well, maybe that's just me then...
Anyway, I loved this story of human sisters abducted after their parents were murdered, and brought up in Faerie by the murderer. Lots of intrigue, fairy Princes, Kings and spies. And the ending was pretty unexpected too. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series!
Anyway, I loved this story of human sisters abducted after their parents were murdered, and brought up in Faerie by the murderer. Lots of intrigue, fairy Princes, Kings and spies. And the ending was pretty unexpected too. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series!
A.O. Scott recommended Spy (2015) in Movies (curated)
Cori June (3033 KP) rated Wyrd Sisters (Discworld, #6; Witches #2) in Books
Jul 18, 2021
If you're new to Discworld I probably wouldn't start with this book. It is good but there are better books to enter the insanity of the Disc on. If you have read some of the series but not the Witches story arcs, I would recommending you start with this one before Equal Rites.
This story is a bit quirky and has elements of Shakespeare within. We meet the three witches and see a different side to the Disc than just Ankh-Morpork. Within the book you will find: royal intrigue, Theater, ghosts, and a whole lot of misunderstandings and twists of fate, (or is it?).
The story does start out slow but once it starts to move it moves quickly. Highly recommend for those who have read more than a few of the books and most ages will like it.
This story is a bit quirky and has elements of Shakespeare within. We meet the three witches and see a different side to the Disc than just Ankh-Morpork. Within the book you will find: royal intrigue, Theater, ghosts, and a whole lot of misunderstandings and twists of fate, (or is it?).
The story does start out slow but once it starts to move it moves quickly. Highly recommend for those who have read more than a few of the books and most ages will like it.
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Return to Kadenburg (The Kadenburg Shifters #2) in Books
Apr 6, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
Welcome back to the world of the shifters of Kadenburg. This story continues to delight as you revisit old characters and welcome in new ones. The bears of Kadenburg come to realise that their 'little' problem with Breslin is actually larger than at first thought. The twists and turns that will take you through the story keep it fresh and exciting. There is a bit of everything in this book - humour, new romance, old romance, mystery, intrigue, and action. It really does have it all.
If you are a fan of shifter books then I can highly recommend this series. Just one thing though, beware the cliffhanger ending!
* 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. *
August 13, 2016
If you are a fan of shifter books then I can highly recommend this series. Just one thing though, beware the cliffhanger ending!
* 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. *
August 13, 2016