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The Burning Room (Harry Bosch, #17; Harry Bosch Universe, #26)
The Burning Room (Harry Bosch, #17; Harry Bosch Universe, #26)
Michael Connelly | 2014 | Crime, Fiction & Poetry, Thriller
8
8.8 (6 Ratings)
Book Rating
Bosch Has a New Case He’s Burning to Solve
As this book opens, Harry Bosch is still working in the cold case unit of the LAPD with a year left until his second retirement. He and his new partner have caught a cold case with a fresh corpse. The victim, Orlando Merced, was hit with a stray bullet ten years before. His shooting was never solved, and he has finally died due to complications from his injury. Bosch is hoping that the bullet, which wasn’t able to be removed before now, will be the break they need to solve the crime. However, Bosch still finds himself dealing with a lack of clues or evidence. Will he get lucky and find a new lead? Meanwhile, there is a second case in this book involving a crime from twenty years before that involved Bosch’s new partner, Detective Lucia Soto. Will they be able to solve it as well?

With two storylines, there was plenty of keep the story moving forward. I enjoyed seeing Bosch’s relationship with his new partner, which wasn’t a cliché from previous entries in the series. Unfortunately, there were still plenty of recycled things I did see coming. Don’t get me wrong, I still got caught up in the story, and old fans will still want to read it. But hopefully, we can get some fresh complications moving forward. Both stories were wrapped up well, and that left me feeling satisfied when the book ended. Even with some familiar plot points, fans will still enjoy this book.
  
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Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated David Copperfield in Books

Oct 10, 2017 (Updated Oct 11, 2017)  
David Copperfield
David Copperfield
Charles Dickens | 2012 | Fiction & Poetry
7
6.6 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
How trauma can be overcome through determination
David Copperfield is written in the perspective of him narrating his experiences as a child, in which his stepfather and sister treat him cruelly, eventually sending him away to a boarding school. Similar to Cinderella, his mother dies leaving him neglected by his family, hence he begins his search for his father’s sister, Miss Betsey Trotwood.

His life consists of moving from one place to another, literally walking the length of England, much like Oliver Twist, attempting to find a place in the world. Dickens', as in his other works, explores how hardships can force a child to become independent and successful. It's terribly sad once again, so you'll need something lighthearted afterwards.
  
Eruption (Supervolcano, #1)
Eruption (Supervolcano, #1)
Harry Turtledove | 2011 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I got really excited when I saw this book! I love reading about disasters and post apocalyptic and the concept of a super volcano under Yellowstone is something that fascinates me. [Supervolcano: Eruption] by [Harry Turtledove] lived up to all my expectations. The characters were well developed and very believable. The intertwining stories kept the plot moving.

Usually I have stayed away from [Harry Turtledove] since stuff with aliens is not my thing and that is what I thought about when I saw his books but in the first installment of [Supervolcano] I was happy to not see one alien! [Turtledove] does have a good story telling style and perhaps I may give some of his alternative history a shot.
  
In the beginning [Forty Days at Kamas] it was a little difficult to follow. I understood that this was the United States in the future and a totalitarian government was in place that was persecuting people. The question was why? I don't think that was ever fully cleared up but the plot and the characters were strong enough to keep the story moving.

I think the confusion may have been intentional so the reader could feel what the characters were feeling. The parallel story lines of the characters worked well.

I bought this book since I had received [The Star Chamber Brotherhood] as by [Preston Fleming] and wanted to read the whole trilogy. I recommend it for a deeper read. It definitely is not a light read.
  
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Everyone was jumping on the bandwagon when the movie was released & nothing makes me avoid a book like a slew of people reading it because of a movie. But I have to say I really enjoyed reading it. I guess I was expecting some big, weepy, woe is me tale. Sure, there were parts that were along that vein but as a whole it was much more about power, taking control of your life, & moving forward. There is no way in hell this girl could do the hike Cheryl undertakes. She is one brave woman & I was relieved that she was eventually able to see that about herself too.
  
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Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Sarah's Key in Books

Jan 15, 2018  
Sarah's Key
Sarah's Key
Tatiana de Rosnay | 2006 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry
10
7.4 (7 Ratings)
Book Rating
The first wors that pops into my head as I sit here trying to think of what to write is moving. I don't know what else to say about this book. I love reading anything about the Holocaust (The Book Theif being another favorite.) I wasn't sure about this one just from reading the back cover. I'm thrilled however that I didn't let that deter me from reading this book.
There are so many twists and turns. The past is firmly and solidly entwined with the present. I love that this book was able to teach me more about occupied France during WWII. Most books focus on Poland or Germany. I like that this book captivated without being too familiar.
  
Clank!: A Deck-Building Adventure
Clank!: A Deck-Building Adventure
2016 | Adventure, Fantasy
I love deck-builders & this was one of the first I played. Although very unique, as far as they go, I didn't find myself enjoying it. I hated moving around the map. Fast-forward to a couple of months ago & I tried it again. After the game, one of the other guys playing whispered to me "Did you like that game?" And I immediately said no. He didn't like it either. I had forgotten my first game, as it was so long ago. But the second game refreshed my memory. I'm giving the game 4/10 as I like the artwork & design of the game. I like the unique game-play of the game. But I don't like actually playing it.
  
Oliver and the Seawigs
Oliver and the Seawigs
Sarah McIntyre, Philip Reeve | 2014 | Children
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Oliver's parents are retiring from exploring, and Oliver is looking forward to living a life in one location and making friends. However, they haven't even spent one night in their new home when his parents set off to explore some islands before they and the islands disappear.

This is a transitional book from easy readers to chapter books, and it's a lot of fun. The illustrations are great, the story is fast moving, and the characters are fun and creative. In other words, it's perfect for the target 2-5 grade audience.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/07/book-review-oliver-and-seawigs-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
After a merger at her law firm, Odelia finds herself with a new boss who seems to have it in for her. While trying to get her job from rival paralegal Mark Baker, Odelia gets saddled with her new boss' niece. But searching for the little girl's parents start turning up dead bodies, and Odelia suddenly finds herself in way over her head. I love this series (hence the reason I got my name in this book), and this was another great mix of humor, strong characters, and fast moving plot. If you don't read this series, fix that today.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-hide-and-snoop-by-sue-ann.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.