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Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Destine Academy ( Destine Academy book 1) in Books
Mar 10, 2022
44 of 230
Kindle
Destine Academy ( Destine Academy book 1)
By Sara Snow
⭐️⭐️⭐️
On her 16th birthday, Caroline Destine's safe, happy existence is turned…UPSIDE DOWN into uncertainty, mystery, and magic...
Caroline returns home from school on her 16th birthday to find her mother and brother missing, with NO sign of a struggle and NO clues to their whereabouts.
Caroline's estranged aunt and next of kin, the mysterious Marguerite Destine, brings Caroline to stay with her in France at the prestigious school where Marguerite is Headmistress.
However, the students at Destine Academy aren't your typical gifted and talented academics...
Caroline finds herself surrounded by a world filled with four factions of magically talented individuals, each with their own special skills. There's the friendly witch Nadine Landry of the Magiques and the handsome and flirtatious Corbin of the Surnaturals with his preternatural strength and skills.
Even the sullen and unapproachable Magique Aldrick Vieux can't help but intrigue Caroline, who finds many more surprises in store for her in this fascinating world.
...and terrifying truths that throw everything she thought she ever knew into question.
But is she ready for this new knowledge, or for the potential dangers of this unfamiliar new reality?
A little bit of an odd start! Reads more like a novella than a book. This is the first book in a 9 book series and I’m thinking they are all very short! For a quick read it was ok very teeny but could hold some promise I was red to go a little lower on scoring but I’m hoped for upcoming books from this author.
Kindle
Destine Academy ( Destine Academy book 1)
By Sara Snow
⭐️⭐️⭐️
On her 16th birthday, Caroline Destine's safe, happy existence is turned…UPSIDE DOWN into uncertainty, mystery, and magic...
Caroline returns home from school on her 16th birthday to find her mother and brother missing, with NO sign of a struggle and NO clues to their whereabouts.
Caroline's estranged aunt and next of kin, the mysterious Marguerite Destine, brings Caroline to stay with her in France at the prestigious school where Marguerite is Headmistress.
However, the students at Destine Academy aren't your typical gifted and talented academics...
Caroline finds herself surrounded by a world filled with four factions of magically talented individuals, each with their own special skills. There's the friendly witch Nadine Landry of the Magiques and the handsome and flirtatious Corbin of the Surnaturals with his preternatural strength and skills.
Even the sullen and unapproachable Magique Aldrick Vieux can't help but intrigue Caroline, who finds many more surprises in store for her in this fascinating world.
...and terrifying truths that throw everything she thought she ever knew into question.
But is she ready for this new knowledge, or for the potential dangers of this unfamiliar new reality?
A little bit of an odd start! Reads more like a novella than a book. This is the first book in a 9 book series and I’m thinking they are all very short! For a quick read it was ok very teeny but could hold some promise I was red to go a little lower on scoring but I’m hoped for upcoming books from this author.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Last Girl To Die in Books
Aug 29, 2022
I have read one of Helen Field's books from the DI Callanach series (One For Sorrow) and it was absolutely brilliant so I thought I'd be on to a winner with The Last Girl to Die and whilst it's not as good as One For Sorrow, it's still a great read. This is a standalone so no worries about missing out on anything.
Sadie is a private investigator from Canada hired by Adriana's family to find her and it doesn't take her long to locate her body. She is a bit of a maverick and makes some questionable decisions which only serves to stir up the local constabulary and community in her quest to find out who the killer is. All is definitely not what it seems and soon Sadie has a list of suspects as long as her arm and at risk of becoming a target herself.
Helen Fields uses all manner of skills to immerse you into this story from myths, legends and folklore to her vivid descriptions of the Island of Mull, well fleshed our characters and a pace that moves along well and whilst I felt some of the situations Sadie put herself into as being a tad dubious, it did work with her character.
The Last Girl to Die is full of tension and unease which ramps up towards an ending I wasn't expecting at all ... I love it when that happens ... and I would recommend to others who enjoy dark mysteries that keep you guessing.
Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for enabling me to read The Last Girl to Die and share my thoughts.
Sadie is a private investigator from Canada hired by Adriana's family to find her and it doesn't take her long to locate her body. She is a bit of a maverick and makes some questionable decisions which only serves to stir up the local constabulary and community in her quest to find out who the killer is. All is definitely not what it seems and soon Sadie has a list of suspects as long as her arm and at risk of becoming a target herself.
Helen Fields uses all manner of skills to immerse you into this story from myths, legends and folklore to her vivid descriptions of the Island of Mull, well fleshed our characters and a pace that moves along well and whilst I felt some of the situations Sadie put herself into as being a tad dubious, it did work with her character.
The Last Girl to Die is full of tension and unease which ramps up towards an ending I wasn't expecting at all ... I love it when that happens ... and I would recommend to others who enjoy dark mysteries that keep you guessing.
Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for enabling me to read The Last Girl to Die and share my thoughts.
The Girl's Last Cry (Detective Lexi Bennett #2)
8.0
Rate It
Book
The girl lies on the dark ground, one arm flung out as if she is still looking for someone to help...
ClareR (5911 KP) rated The Mother Fault in Books
Aug 1, 2023
Dystopia is my catnip. I can’t resist it. But as I’ve said before, I have to be careful how much of it I read (overactive imagination alert!). And even more so with these dystopian novels that seem plausible and could actually happen sooner than you think!
The Mother Fault is one of these books. It’s set in the not too distant future in Australia - but a very different Australia. The country seems to be under the control of an organisation called BestLife. They even make sure that babies are implanted with a chip. The adults all have them, and life is made more difficult for those who opt out.
Mim’s husband goes missing whilst working in a mine in Indonesia. But instead of care and support, BestLife respond by asking for Mim’s and her children’s passports, offering to ‘take care’ of the children. It’s a barely veiled threat.
Mim responds by trying to drive away as far and as fast as she can. Everywhere she goes, she’s surveilled, and everyone she sees or visits is in danger.
The descriptions of an Australia ravaged by climate change are haunting. The decisions Mim makes can be questionable, but that just makes it more interesting!
It’s a really tense read, I continually felt that they would be caught, even when they were at sea (especially so really, because who would be there to witness whatever BestLife would do?!).
The part of the book that took place in the boat was so frustrating at times, and really helped to put the reader in Mim’s shoes.
This was a great read, and I’ve added another writer to my watch list!!
The Mother Fault is one of these books. It’s set in the not too distant future in Australia - but a very different Australia. The country seems to be under the control of an organisation called BestLife. They even make sure that babies are implanted with a chip. The adults all have them, and life is made more difficult for those who opt out.
Mim’s husband goes missing whilst working in a mine in Indonesia. But instead of care and support, BestLife respond by asking for Mim’s and her children’s passports, offering to ‘take care’ of the children. It’s a barely veiled threat.
Mim responds by trying to drive away as far and as fast as she can. Everywhere she goes, she’s surveilled, and everyone she sees or visits is in danger.
The descriptions of an Australia ravaged by climate change are haunting. The decisions Mim makes can be questionable, but that just makes it more interesting!
It’s a really tense read, I continually felt that they would be caught, even when they were at sea (especially so really, because who would be there to witness whatever BestLife would do?!).
The part of the book that took place in the boat was so frustrating at times, and really helped to put the reader in Mim’s shoes.
This was a great read, and I’ve added another writer to my watch list!!
Merissa (13068 KP) rated The Signs We Missed in Books
Aug 4, 2022 (Updated Aug 7, 2023)
Love is never easy, and it is sometimes dark and filled with pain.
THE SIGNS WE MISSED is a young adult, standalone story, that deals with some dark themes. It comes with trigger warnings so please take note of them.
Love is never easy, and it is sometimes dark and filled with pain, especially if you are experiencing something for the first time and are unsure of just what's happening. Cruelty can be through ignorance, not always deliberate. This is the position Sean finds himself in with Luke. He has feelings but doesn't know what to do with them.
Told mainly from the perspectives of Sean, Luke, and Shayne, the missing gaps are mostly filled in and you get a rounded story. To be honest, I wasn't exactly sure how Fly's story fitted in for most of it, nor if the destructive relationship between her and Shayne was sorted, but it was still an enjoyable read - if a dark storyline can be called as such.
This is not light and fluffy, to even think that would be to do it a disservice. Instead, it is a gripping book that deals with self-harm, bisexual awakenings, and eating disorders, to name just a few. If you can cope with those, then I definitely recommend you take a chance on this novel.
** 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!
Aug 1, 2022
Love is never easy, and it is sometimes dark and filled with pain, especially if you are experiencing something for the first time and are unsure of just what's happening. Cruelty can be through ignorance, not always deliberate. This is the position Sean finds himself in with Luke. He has feelings but doesn't know what to do with them.
Told mainly from the perspectives of Sean, Luke, and Shayne, the missing gaps are mostly filled in and you get a rounded story. To be honest, I wasn't exactly sure how Fly's story fitted in for most of it, nor if the destructive relationship between her and Shayne was sorted, but it was still an enjoyable read - if a dark storyline can be called as such.
This is not light and fluffy, to even think that would be to do it a disservice. Instead, it is a gripping book that deals with self-harm, bisexual awakenings, and eating disorders, to name just a few. If you can cope with those, then I definitely recommend you take a chance on this novel.
** 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!
Aug 1, 2022
Merissa (13068 KP) rated Malice (Mortisalian Saga #4) in Books
Feb 11, 2021 (Updated Aug 7, 2023)
MALICE is the final story in the Mortisalian Saga, and we continue where we left off. Cass is heavily pregnant, Damon is still a dream, Ras is still missing, Zander is gone, Alexa is a mess. I think that's us caught up!
As the final book in the saga, you REALLY need to read the others to understand just what the hell is going on. There is no easing into this world. You are there, right in the middle of everything, so just deal with it. Personally, I wouldn't have it any other way.
For a big part of this book, Cass' world is at war, so if you are expecting a gentle walk through the park, you are sorely mistaken. There is blood, pain, and violence, but all of it is written so beautifully. And yes, before anyone asks, my eyes were leaking again! I thought my heart was breaking but then I had to smile. This is the power over words that Ms. Stock has. Simply sublime.
A fast-paced story, I was worried I wouldn't get a 'proper' ending, but my fears were groundless. I got a happier ending than I was anticipating, which made it all the more perfect.
Such a fantastic series, I am sad at the thought of it ending but am so thrilled I have read it all. Definitely one to keep and re-read! Highly recommended!!!
* 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!
Feb 11, 2021
As the final book in the saga, you REALLY need to read the others to understand just what the hell is going on. There is no easing into this world. You are there, right in the middle of everything, so just deal with it. Personally, I wouldn't have it any other way.
For a big part of this book, Cass' world is at war, so if you are expecting a gentle walk through the park, you are sorely mistaken. There is blood, pain, and violence, but all of it is written so beautifully. And yes, before anyone asks, my eyes were leaking again! I thought my heart was breaking but then I had to smile. This is the power over words that Ms. Stock has. Simply sublime.
A fast-paced story, I was worried I wouldn't get a 'proper' ending, but my fears were groundless. I got a happier ending than I was anticipating, which made it all the more perfect.
Such a fantastic series, I am sad at the thought of it ending but am so thrilled I have read it all. Definitely one to keep and re-read! Highly recommended!!!
* 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!
Feb 11, 2021
Merissa (13068 KP) rated Keras (Guardians of Hades #7) in Books
Dec 8, 2020 (Updated Aug 8, 2023)
KERAS is the seventh book in the Guardians of Hades series and the final one of the brothers to get his story. This doesn't mean the series is at the end though, oh no. There is a missing sister, don't forget, and Thanatos is just the god to go look for her.
Keras has been the ultimate grouch in all the previous books, being especially hard on Marek whenever Enyo paid him a visit with information. He takes his title as Lord of Darkness very seriously. In his story though, you find out that he struggles on a daily basis with the very real darkness. He even takes (highly addictive) pills that he got from dear old dad to combat it.
Enyo has been a recurring character throughout the series and now we find out just what happened between Keras and her. I found her character to be slightly confusing as she is a goddess of war, but comes across as being almost wallflower-like in some regards and strong in others.
Between the two of them are a multitude of misunderstandings, some of which I didn't get myself. These get swept aside though once the action kicks in because, believe me, you don't have time to breathe once it does.
A full-on, climatic, steamy ending to the brothers. Now I can't wait for the sister! Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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 8, 2020
Keras has been the ultimate grouch in all the previous books, being especially hard on Marek whenever Enyo paid him a visit with information. He takes his title as Lord of Darkness very seriously. In his story though, you find out that he struggles on a daily basis with the very real darkness. He even takes (highly addictive) pills that he got from dear old dad to combat it.
Enyo has been a recurring character throughout the series and now we find out just what happened between Keras and her. I found her character to be slightly confusing as she is a goddess of war, but comes across as being almost wallflower-like in some regards and strong in others.
Between the two of them are a multitude of misunderstandings, some of which I didn't get myself. These get swept aside though once the action kicks in because, believe me, you don't have time to breathe once it does.
A full-on, climatic, steamy ending to the brothers. Now I can't wait for the sister! Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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 8, 2020
Merissa (13068 KP) rated Daylight Robbery (Aspen Falls #6) in Books
Oct 18, 2023
Daylight Robbery is the sixth and final book in the Aspen Falls series, and it is definitely the one that tops them all for me.
Chief Marks has been a stoic character throughout this series, and we finally get more information on just why and how he is the way he is. Not only that, but we get a sweet romance between him and Melina, the social worker who helps him love again.
Don't be fooled into thinking it is 'just' a sweet romance though. Oh no! We also get 'Jason Bourne' behaviour, which although it made me wince when I was writing it, made for an excellent addition to the story, really showcasing the 'skills' Leah has, and how prepared to do anything to get away from the police, and their brutality.
This is an amazing, heartfelt story, that I am happy to say does have a HEA, sadly unlike the majority of missing kids cases. Emotions run rife in this story, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The pacing is smooth and keeps you on your toes until you reach the ending. The characters are all believable, both the main characters and the supporting ones.
In my opinion, this is the best book of the series, and absolutely recommended by me!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 25, 2018
Chief Marks has been a stoic character throughout this series, and we finally get more information on just why and how he is the way he is. Not only that, but we get a sweet romance between him and Melina, the social worker who helps him love again.
Don't be fooled into thinking it is 'just' a sweet romance though. Oh no! We also get 'Jason Bourne' behaviour, which although it made me wince when I was writing it, made for an excellent addition to the story, really showcasing the 'skills' Leah has, and how prepared to do anything to get away from the police, and their brutality.
This is an amazing, heartfelt story, that I am happy to say does have a HEA, sadly unlike the majority of missing kids cases. Emotions run rife in this story, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The pacing is smooth and keeps you on your toes until you reach the ending. The characters are all believable, both the main characters and the supporting ones.
In my opinion, this is the best book of the series, and absolutely recommended by me!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 25, 2018
His Boy to Tease (Naughty or Nice Season Two)
8.0
Rate It
Book
Dear Santa, I lost my Christmas spirit some years back, but in February I met a boy with angel...
Contemporary MM Romance Daddy Kink
David McK (3576 KP) rated Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) in Movies
May 15, 2022
Marvel's first horror (themed) movie?
So, Benedict Cumberbatch's Doctor Strange?
He's now appeared in six MCU movies, including this one (which is only his second solo outing). In order, they are:
Doctor Strange (2016)
Thor: Ragnorak (2017)
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
As well as that, he's also appeared in perhaps the best episode of Marvels animated 'What If ...' series, titled 'What if ... Doctor Strange lost his heart instead of his hands?@
The reason I mention the latter?
Because, roughly halfway through this, Dr Strange falls through the Multiverse (first shown on the big screen in No Way Home): one of which looks very much like the animation style used in said series.
The films also relies heavily on the aftermath from TVs WandaVision (although a brief reprise of that is given by Wanda herself, with Vision barely getting a mention), in that Wanda is now desperate to find her missing children and has the Darkhold in her possession.
She also goes on to show why she is one of - if not the - most powerful beings in the MCU, which is where a lot of the horror elements in this story come into play. It is a Sam Raimi film, so if you've seen The Evil Dead (or even the original Spider-man trilogy, in particular Spider-Man 2), you know the type of thing: crazy camera angles, unsettling imagery, zombies, the damned ....
Oh, and it also definitely - finally! - opens up the MCU for the inclusion of the X-Men or The Fantastic Four.
He's now appeared in six MCU movies, including this one (which is only his second solo outing). In order, they are:
Doctor Strange (2016)
Thor: Ragnorak (2017)
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
As well as that, he's also appeared in perhaps the best episode of Marvels animated 'What If ...' series, titled 'What if ... Doctor Strange lost his heart instead of his hands?@
The reason I mention the latter?
Because, roughly halfway through this, Dr Strange falls through the Multiverse (first shown on the big screen in No Way Home): one of which looks very much like the animation style used in said series.
The films also relies heavily on the aftermath from TVs WandaVision (although a brief reprise of that is given by Wanda herself, with Vision barely getting a mention), in that Wanda is now desperate to find her missing children and has the Darkhold in her possession.
She also goes on to show why she is one of - if not the - most powerful beings in the MCU, which is where a lot of the horror elements in this story come into play. It is a Sam Raimi film, so if you've seen The Evil Dead (or even the original Spider-man trilogy, in particular Spider-Man 2), you know the type of thing: crazy camera angles, unsettling imagery, zombies, the damned ....
Oh, and it also definitely - finally! - opens up the MCU for the inclusion of the X-Men or The Fantastic Four.