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graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Whistle for the Crows in Books
Feb 15, 2019
Whistle for the Crows was a very easy read that quickly took my attention and held it until I could not put the book down. Gothics are generally predictable, and although I don't think this one proved much differently, the characters and plot were interesting, plus I liked that it was a contemporary set in the sixties instead of further back.
Cathleen Lamb is the English protagonist who takes a job as a secretary and researcher to an elderly woman at an Irish castle. Six months previously she had lost her husband and infant daughter to a car accident, so she's looking for a change that will help ease the pain. Living in the castle with the woman's grown niece and nephews, all of whom are a strange and mysterious bunch who seem to be hiding the truth of the eldest son's death. Cathleen hears a strange cry one night and investigates, the beginning of the mystery she is soon drawn into. Without giving anything away, of course she finds herself in the midst of a love triangle with the two brothers, which was done in a way that was believable to the situation and didn't overwhelm the plot. The story was well-constructed and paced, so nothing felt unnecessary or out of place. I had great fun with the book, excepting the gypsy bashing that went on, and would recommend it to those who like Gothics and mysteries.
<i>3.5 to 4 stars</i>
Cathleen Lamb is the English protagonist who takes a job as a secretary and researcher to an elderly woman at an Irish castle. Six months previously she had lost her husband and infant daughter to a car accident, so she's looking for a change that will help ease the pain. Living in the castle with the woman's grown niece and nephews, all of whom are a strange and mysterious bunch who seem to be hiding the truth of the eldest son's death. Cathleen hears a strange cry one night and investigates, the beginning of the mystery she is soon drawn into. Without giving anything away, of course she finds herself in the midst of a love triangle with the two brothers, which was done in a way that was believable to the situation and didn't overwhelm the plot. The story was well-constructed and paced, so nothing felt unnecessary or out of place. I had great fun with the book, excepting the gypsy bashing that went on, and would recommend it to those who like Gothics and mysteries.
<i>3.5 to 4 stars</i>
Cori June (3033 KP) rated Handbook for Mortals (Handbook for Mortals #1) in Books
Dec 3, 2018
For a first book it's not too bad. I enjoyed the book it was a fast and easy read. Mac and Tad are my favorite characters because I could see real people in them. Zade, she is still trying to find her way in the world. there's not much magick until near the end of the book. Mostly it expands on the ' normal' life Zade wants. While there is a love triangle there isn't much interaction between Zade and Jackson. There are a few typos and a bit of redundancy in the book, and yes, some times it seems almost like product placement and name dropping in some parts. However, with the name dropping they are in Vegas and she is in the business it is kinda expected. the slight product placement.... meh i could be reading too much into it So, by now you're wondering why the three stars and not say two or the more popular one. What can I say it sucked me in. I liked that the chapters where named after Tarot cards. The interaction between characters wasn't forced and I was ok that she second guessed herself as it didn't get to be whiny. For all that she couldn't stand if someone didn't like her. It is good for a fast empty headed read. I also want to see how/if the author and characters grow in the sequel.
Merissa (13893 KP) rated The Shadow of Loss-XLED in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from YA Bound Book Tours in return for a fair and honest review.
This story tells the tale of a teenager who has been through so much in her short time - more than some people will have to deal with all their lives. It's not been easy and it actually starts with her in a mental institution so you really feel her emotions as the story starts.
She moves to a new town but still has the same emotions and guilt to deal with as before. You learn what she has gone through at a gentle pace - it is not all dumped on you at once. She slowly deals with things and both makes changes and allows change to happen.
The characters in this book will delight you, even during the not so nice parts. Evelyn has a support network around her, she just has to learn to trust in it and accept it. The relationship she has with Matt and Brody works so well and I'm really pleased it is not a love triangle! Perhaps Matt's story will come to light at some point too. I can always hope.
Well written with attention to detail and pacing that is steady throughout. If you are looking for a YA read that isn't of the 'norm' then I can definitely recommend you give The Shadow of Loss your attention.
This story tells the tale of a teenager who has been through so much in her short time - more than some people will have to deal with all their lives. It's not been easy and it actually starts with her in a mental institution so you really feel her emotions as the story starts.
She moves to a new town but still has the same emotions and guilt to deal with as before. You learn what she has gone through at a gentle pace - it is not all dumped on you at once. She slowly deals with things and both makes changes and allows change to happen.
The characters in this book will delight you, even during the not so nice parts. Evelyn has a support network around her, she just has to learn to trust in it and accept it. The relationship she has with Matt and Brody works so well and I'm really pleased it is not a love triangle! Perhaps Matt's story will come to light at some point too. I can always hope.
Well written with attention to detail and pacing that is steady throughout. If you are looking for a YA read that isn't of the 'norm' then I can definitely recommend you give The Shadow of Loss your attention.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Deception (Dark Matter #2) in Books
Jan 17, 2020
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Deception is the 2nd book in the Dark Matter series by Teri Terry. I was given the opportunity to review the 1st book, Contagion, and thoroughly enjoyed it. When offered the 2nd book, I jumped at the chance.
Deception starts where Contagion ends. Shay, believing she is the carrier of the epidemic, surrenders to the army. Kai is heartbroken and feels betrayed because Shay left. After discovering survivors like Shay are not carriers, he is desperate to find her.
I enjoyed the 1st book more than the 2nd. Because it is a YA book, there is the obligatory love triangle. Still, it is worth reading. We are introduced to other groups. They are survivors, those hunting the survivors, and those behind the epidemic. One of the people we learn more about is Dr. Alex Cross, Kai's hated stepfather and Callie's father.
The 3rd and final book in the trilogy, Evolution, is available for pre-order. Its release date is August 11, 2020. I am looking forward to seeing how the trilogy ends. Will Kai and Shay end up together? What will happen to Callie? Will she get her revenge?
View my review of Contagion at http://philomathinphila.com/2019/08/11/200-word-review-of-contagion-by-teri-terry/.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/16/20.
Deception is the 2nd book in the Dark Matter series by Teri Terry. I was given the opportunity to review the 1st book, Contagion, and thoroughly enjoyed it. When offered the 2nd book, I jumped at the chance.
Deception starts where Contagion ends. Shay, believing she is the carrier of the epidemic, surrenders to the army. Kai is heartbroken and feels betrayed because Shay left. After discovering survivors like Shay are not carriers, he is desperate to find her.
I enjoyed the 1st book more than the 2nd. Because it is a YA book, there is the obligatory love triangle. Still, it is worth reading. We are introduced to other groups. They are survivors, those hunting the survivors, and those behind the epidemic. One of the people we learn more about is Dr. Alex Cross, Kai's hated stepfather and Callie's father.
The 3rd and final book in the trilogy, Evolution, is available for pre-order. Its release date is August 11, 2020. I am looking forward to seeing how the trilogy ends. Will Kai and Shay end up together? What will happen to Callie? Will she get her revenge?
View my review of Contagion at http://philomathinphila.com/2019/08/11/200-word-review-of-contagion-by-teri-terry/.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/16/20.
Poser: A Mother's Life in Twenty-Three Yoga Poses
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Merissa (13893 KP) rated Daughter of the Sea in Books
Dec 21, 2021 (Updated Jul 9, 2023)
DAUGHTER OF THE SEA is a sweet romance with a mythological twist, set in North Yorkshire. Effie is widowed young and, on the same night as her husband dies, she finds a baby washed ashore. Her own son, Jack, is five-months-old, so Effie has milk available for both. She cares for -- and loves -- the little baby whilst continuing with her own life. All that changes when the dad shows up!
There is a hint of a love triangle in here, with both Lachlan and Walter vying for Effie's affection. Of course, you are pretty sure which way it will go, but the author keeps you guessing until the end.
The pacing is smooth and there are lots of details about how women lived, the whole way of life at that time, plus how Effie doesn't fit in or, really, know what she wants. The story is a slow-burn one in that it moves along quite slowly. However, that gives the reader time to fully immerse themselves in the past.
This was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 21, 2021
There is a hint of a love triangle in here, with both Lachlan and Walter vying for Effie's affection. Of course, you are pretty sure which way it will go, but the author keeps you guessing until the end.
The pacing is smooth and there are lots of details about how women lived, the whole way of life at that time, plus how Effie doesn't fit in or, really, know what she wants. The story is a slow-burn one in that it moves along quite slowly. However, that gives the reader time to fully immerse themselves in the past.
This was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 21, 2021
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2518 KP) rated A Peculiar Combination in Books
Aug 24, 2023 (Updated Aug 24, 2023)
A Winning Combination
Electra “Ellie” McDonnell and her uncle supplement their income as locksmiths with the occasional burglary. London in 1940 is ripe with opportunities, but after one late night robbery, they are caught and given a choice – jail or helping Major Ramsey. Ramsey needs someone to break into a safe to retrieve some sensitive documents. Ellie reluctantly agrees, but when she and Ramsey arrives, they are surprised by what they find. As things spiral out of control, can Ellie still help?
When I first heard about this series, I knew I had to give it a try. I’m so glad I did. Obviously, there is a lot of set up needed, but the book moves through it quickly, creating characters along the way. The characters are all sharp from the beginning but become more interesting as the book progresses. We also get Ellie’s history is small doses, which sets up some storylines I can’t wait to read more about. I saw a couple twists coming a few pages early, but every time something happened, I was more drawn into the story. I was expecting a strong romantic sub-plot, but I wasn’t expecting the beginning of a love triangle. The period came to life, and I appreciated that this really couldn’t have taken place at any other point in history. I’ll definitely be back for more, and if you enjoy historical mysteries, you’ll be glad you picked this one up as well.
When I first heard about this series, I knew I had to give it a try. I’m so glad I did. Obviously, there is a lot of set up needed, but the book moves through it quickly, creating characters along the way. The characters are all sharp from the beginning but become more interesting as the book progresses. We also get Ellie’s history is small doses, which sets up some storylines I can’t wait to read more about. I saw a couple twists coming a few pages early, but every time something happened, I was more drawn into the story. I was expecting a strong romantic sub-plot, but I wasn’t expecting the beginning of a love triangle. The period came to life, and I appreciated that this really couldn’t have taken place at any other point in history. I’ll definitely be back for more, and if you enjoy historical mysteries, you’ll be glad you picked this one up as well.
Somewhere Between Light and Time
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Have you ever met a stranger and felt that you already knew them? The story begins in the 1800s...
historical fiction magical realism bookbuzz