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Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Vacation in Books

Jul 22, 2020 (Updated Jul 22, 2020)  
The Vacation
The Vacation
T. M. Logan | 2020 | Mystery, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.

T. M. Logan will probably never realize it, but he changed my life. Tim's first novel, Lies, was the first book I was given to review. You can guess that he has a special place in my heart, but I will still provide an honest review.

The Vacation, his third book, introduces us to Kate and her 3 BFFs. After college, they drifted apart but made time for the yearly vacation. That is until kids and life get in the way. After several years, they are getting the gang back together to celebrate their 40th birthdays, and they are inviting their husbands and kids too. Kate is looking forward to it until she realizes one of them is having an affair with her husband.

If that were the full story, I would not have enjoyed it. However, secrets come out. Secrets from, the past, the couples, and from friends. Is anyone who Kate thought they were?

I had difficulty getting into the book, but once the rest of the story opened up, I was hooked. I tried to think of what I would cut from the beginning but found nothing. It is necessary to set up the events that follow.

This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 7/21/20.
  
Fuelled by Dragons Fire (Return of the Dragonborn #2)
Fuelled by Dragons Fire (Return of the Dragonborn #2)
N.M. Howell | 2017 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
29 of 250
Kindle
Fuelled by Dragon Fire ( Return of the Dragonborn book 2)
By N.M. Howell

Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments

 The dragons have returned. The world still wants them dead.The ancient dragonborn people have returned to Shaeyara, and with them came the dragons. But the celebration of their return is short lived as they soon discover they are not welcome. The world is at war.After living underground for eight months, Andie and her followers have had enough. It is time to return to the surface to find her people, and together they must stop the lies and prove to the world who the true monsters are: The University that has had the world in its clutches for centuries.The only problem is those who survived from the University have already convinced the world of their evil and will stop at nothing to have them destroyed. But with the peace of their world at stake, Andie and the dragonborn must band together to reunite the war-ravaged world before it's too late.Only, with a traitor in their midst, the task is proving more difficult than Andie could have ever


We continue with Andie be friends finding their escape route ending up on a ship. Dealing with traitors and finding out it hurts more when. It’s a friend! Then to finding acceptance for her race and their dragons, well at least do now! This is a good story with very different characters.
  
40x40

ClareR (6129 KP) rated Sistersong in Books

Aug 9, 2021  
Sistersong
Sistersong
Lucy Holland | 2021 | Fiction & Poetry, LGBTQ+, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Sistersong is a stunning story, steeped in the mythology of Ancient Britain. It’s set in Dumnonia (a real place - I googled it. It was in SW England where Cornwall, Devon and some of West Somerset are now), at a time of great change and fear. Christianity is making itself known, and the Saxons are a very real threat. King Cador has lost his magical connection to his Land, due to the threats and sermons of a priest called Gildas. With this loss comes the danger of the Dumnonians being unable to protect themselves effectively, and the land not providing food for them.

Cadors three daughters do still have that magical connection. The story is told from their perspective. The eldest, Riva, has been badly burnt in the past, and whilst she can heal others, she can’t heal herself.

Keyne, although born female, has never felt female and longs to be recognised as a man.

Sinne, the youngest, lives for love and flirtation.

 When an emissary from another kingdom arrives, he drives a wedge between Riva and Sinne. They see their chance at escape from the Hold. Whilst this is happening, Keyne trains with Myrdin, in the hope that he’ll be recognised as next in line to the throne.

I loved this book - it has all of my favourite elements in a story: mythology, history, magic, lies, deceit, the love of family and siblings, along with the themes of duty and identity. It really packs a punch. The world building is fantastic, and thoroughly immersive. Highly recommended!
  
The Forever Home
The Forever Home
Sue Watson | 2021
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.

Sue Watson, the author of "First Date" and "Our Little Lies," which I have previously reviewed, induces a "happily" married couple in her latest novel, The Forever Home.

Carly and Mark have the perfect family. The perfect marriage. The perfect house. She is a stay-at-home mom who helped her husband become the television DYI celebrity that he is today. After 25 years of marriage, everything is perfect, or so Carly thought. Mark fell in love with someone. Someone that is not Carly. After this revelation, the cracks in their marriage and house begin to show. Carly is determined to stay in the house she grew up in. Someone is determined that she does not. Or is someone? Is Carly imagining it? Is someone trying to force her out of her forever home?

Sue Watson offers a quick page-turner that shows everything is not always as it seems. She builds Carly's world well and invokes a range of emotions - happiness, sadness, anger, etc. She delves into marriage, family, and friendship and how people interact during family events. Watson is clever at character development and forcing her characters out of the cozy comfort zones.

Wason's books just keep getting better and better.

This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila