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Zac Posen recommended The Price of Illusion in Books (curated)
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2061 KP) rated Evil for Evil in Books
Jun 7, 2021 (Updated Jun 7, 2021)
Billy’s Trip to Ireland Isn’t What He Expected
Billy Boyle has been asked to find fifty stolen Browning Automatic Rifles. He’s less than thrilled, however, because it appears that the thieves are the IRA, and Billy and his family have always supported the IRA in their quest to unite Ireland. Still, if the IRA is planning to give the guns to the Germans, he knows he needs to find them. His investigation makes him question what he has always thought about the people of Ireland. But as the bodies pile up, can Billy find the guns before it is too late?
I’m really torn with this series. On the one hand, I enjoy the history we get as we delve into another aspect of World War II. It really makes the World War part come into focus. The mystery is good, with plenty of twists and action without being too over the top. Billy is a fantastic main character who matures a little here once again. We don’t see much of the supporting characters, but the new characters are strong and help pull us into the story. Unfortunately, I feel like the story and characters are drowning in too much detail. It might be me since these books take me longer to read than I am used to. But I can’t help but think a little editing would make me enjoy these books more because there are definitely parts I do enjoy.
I’m really torn with this series. On the one hand, I enjoy the history we get as we delve into another aspect of World War II. It really makes the World War part come into focus. The mystery is good, with plenty of twists and action without being too over the top. Billy is a fantastic main character who matures a little here once again. We don’t see much of the supporting characters, but the new characters are strong and help pull us into the story. Unfortunately, I feel like the story and characters are drowning in too much detail. It might be me since these books take me longer to read than I am used to. But I can’t help but think a little editing would make me enjoy these books more because there are definitely parts I do enjoy.
Danielle Harris (16 KP) rated Irish Affair (The Claddagh Series) in Books
Oct 17, 2018
This will definitely be in my top favorite book of the year. Amanda blew me away with this story. It's cute, funny and this brings the scorching heat waves!
Amelia has had a troubled past by men. She makes a decision to leave New York to visit Ireland. Something happens and her plans turn for the worst, until a sexy Rory comes along.
I'm so excited to see more from these characters. The chemistry is out this world hot
Amelia has had a troubled past by men. She makes a decision to leave New York to visit Ireland. Something happens and her plans turn for the worst, until a sexy Rory comes along.
I'm so excited to see more from these characters. The chemistry is out this world hot
Andrew Grant recommended In the Woods (Dublin Murder Squad #1) in Books (curated)
Uptown Oracle (24 KP) rated The House of Mountfathom in Books
Jun 30, 2017
Family, Adventure and Magic
Family, adventure and magic. A perfect combination for this middle grade book. The House of Mountfathom is set in Ireland during times of unrest. The Driochta, always peacekeepers, must choose a side to survive.
My favourite aspect was how alive the house felt as it was so full of magic. The House of Mountfathom seemed like another member of the family almost like it had a mind of it's own. There was so much time given to explaining the house, magic and family though, that it reduced the actual plot to the second half of the book.
The House of Mountfathom has a strong focus on family. The Mountfathom family are the protagonists of the book. The Order of Driochta are another kind of family. There's no romance subplot which was a big plus point for me.
Another thing was that the house was in Ireland. I cant think off the top of my head another book I've read based in Ireland. The introduction of both historical aspects and folklore was great. There's also a distinct discussion about class systems. The 'big houses' aka the upper class in Ireland are in trouble, including the Mountfathom house, even though they're trying to keep the peace.
A problem I had was the format seemed odd, I assume it would be best in a printed book. My kindle seemed to push everything together and it was difficult to discern between chapters. The illustrations would have also worked much better within a book. Since this was an e-ARC though, I wouldn't take that into account.
Another problem is the book doesn't seem quite finished. Understandable as Nigel McDowell passed away in February. Although the ambiguous ending does give something towards the mysterious aspect of the book as a whole.
I really enjoyed how McDowell described the hows of magic. The first part of the book follows Luke as he grows up and learns magic. The five principles are distinct in how Luke learns them. I would compare The House of Mountfathom to Lemony Snicket and Neil Gaiman's Coraline. It was a bit dark and creepy in places. Full of intrigue and magic.
My favourite aspect was how alive the house felt as it was so full of magic. The House of Mountfathom seemed like another member of the family almost like it had a mind of it's own. There was so much time given to explaining the house, magic and family though, that it reduced the actual plot to the second half of the book.
The House of Mountfathom has a strong focus on family. The Mountfathom family are the protagonists of the book. The Order of Driochta are another kind of family. There's no romance subplot which was a big plus point for me.
Another thing was that the house was in Ireland. I cant think off the top of my head another book I've read based in Ireland. The introduction of both historical aspects and folklore was great. There's also a distinct discussion about class systems. The 'big houses' aka the upper class in Ireland are in trouble, including the Mountfathom house, even though they're trying to keep the peace.
A problem I had was the format seemed odd, I assume it would be best in a printed book. My kindle seemed to push everything together and it was difficult to discern between chapters. The illustrations would have also worked much better within a book. Since this was an e-ARC though, I wouldn't take that into account.
Another problem is the book doesn't seem quite finished. Understandable as Nigel McDowell passed away in February. Although the ambiguous ending does give something towards the mysterious aspect of the book as a whole.
I really enjoyed how McDowell described the hows of magic. The first part of the book follows Luke as he grows up and learns magic. The five principles are distinct in how Luke learns them. I would compare The House of Mountfathom to Lemony Snicket and Neil Gaiman's Coraline. It was a bit dark and creepy in places. Full of intrigue and magic.
Emma (15 KP) rated Black 47 (2018) in Movies
Oct 11, 2018
A dark part of history mixed with a fictional revenge story
I had heard this movie was being made and I think the themes in it are very important. Many British people don't know about this dark part of their history and how intertwined their history is with Ireland. The revenge aspect of the film may be fiction, but the setting and historical aspects were very accurate.
I'd urge you to go and see this movie, but be prepared; it is very bleak.
I'd urge you to go and see this movie, but be prepared; it is very bleak.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated The King's Deception (Cotton Malone, #8) in Books
Jan 15, 2018
As usual Steve Berry does not disappoint!! Cotton Malone is one of my very favorite fictional characters & just like the man who thought him up, he never lets the reader down either.
This installment deals with Henry VIII & a supposed secret he passed on while on his deathbed, a secret that if proven true could decimate the English monarchy as we know it. Along with plunging them back into a bloody battle over Northern Ireland. Elizabeth I a man? How could you not be intrigued!?
This installment deals with Henry VIII & a supposed secret he passed on while on his deathbed, a secret that if proven true could decimate the English monarchy as we know it. Along with plunging them back into a bloody battle over Northern Ireland. Elizabeth I a man? How could you not be intrigued!?
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2061 KP) rated In Dublin's Fair City (Molly Murphy Mysteries, #6) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Irish immigrant Molly Murphy returns to Ireland on a job to find a missing relative. Unfortunately, she gets involved with a murder on board the boat taking her back to her native country. I normally love this historical series, but this one was up to par. The mystery was sacrificed in favor of the historical plot, which was good enough to redeem the book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/03/book-review-in-dublins-fair-city-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/03/book-review-in-dublins-fair-city-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
The Chocolate Lady (94 KP) rated Carnegie's Maid in Books
Oct 5, 2020
Pretending to be someone you’re not can be a problem, but in Clara Kelly’s case, it was a matter of survival. Through a case of mistaken identity, Clara accidentally lands the post of Lady’s Maid to the wealthy Carnegie family. For the sake of her family back in Ireland, Clara must play the part or lose everything. You can more about this historical fiction story by the author of “The Other Einstein,” in my review here. https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2017/12/29/cinderella-or-pygmalion/
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2061 KP) rated Crowned and Dangerous (Her Royal Spyness, #10) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Lady Georgie and Darcy’s elopement is put on hold when Darcy gets the news that his father has been arrested for murder. He races off to Ireland to see how he can help, and it isn’t long before Georgie follows him to help clear her future father-in-law. The evidence all seems to point to Darcy’s father. Can Georgie figure out anything that will help clear him?
The book gets off to a slow start as Georgie once again has to figure out where she will live. The time is put to good use since it gives us updates on many of the series regulars. Once Georgie arrives in Ireland, things really pick up, and we are treated to a fantastic puzzle with plenty of twists and surprises. Several of the series regulars get some much needed development here, and I hope it lasts. Meanwhile, there is a fantastic new character I hope we see pop up again in future books.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/08/book-review-crownded-and-dangerous-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
The book gets off to a slow start as Georgie once again has to figure out where she will live. The time is put to good use since it gives us updates on many of the series regulars. Once Georgie arrives in Ireland, things really pick up, and we are treated to a fantastic puzzle with plenty of twists and surprises. Several of the series regulars get some much needed development here, and I hope it lasts. Meanwhile, there is a fantastic new character I hope we see pop up again in future books.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/08/book-review-crownded-and-dangerous-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.